Q24/Q48 Tape Library Installation and Operations Manual
Table 3 Backward compatibility (tape cartridges)
Some tape drives include support for both rewriteable and WORM data cartridges. Write-Once, Read-
Many (WORM) data cartridges provide an enhanced level of data security against accidental or
malicious alteration of data on the tape cartridge. The WORM data cartridge can have new data
appended to the maximum full capacity of the tape cartridge, but the user will be unable to erase or
overwrite any data previously recorded to the cartridge.
2.15.2 Using and maintaining tape cartridges
Do not degauss Ultrium LTO data cartridges! These data
cartridges are pre-recorded with a magnetic servo signal. This
signal is required in order to use the cartridge with Ultrium LTO
tape drives.
Keep Ultrium LTO cartridges separated from strong magnetic
fields such as computer monitors, electric motors, speakers, or
X-ray equipment.
Exposure to electromagnetic energy or magnetic fields can
destroy data and the embedded servo code written on the media
by the cartridge manufacturer, which can render the cartridge
To ensure the longest possible life for your data cartridges follow these guidelines before using the
library:
• Use only the data cartridges that are designated for your model of the library
• Clean the tape drive when the <Clean Drive> LED is illuminated. Be sure to use only Ultrium
universal cleaning cartridges.
• Do not drop an LTO data cartridge. Excessive shock can damage the internal contents of the tape
cartridge, or the tape cartridge case itself, making that tape cartridge unusable.
• Do not expose your data cartridges to direct sunlight or sources of heat, including portable heaters
and heating ducts.
• The operating temperature range for your data cartridges is 10 to 35º C. The storage temperature
range is -40 to +60º C in a dust-free environment in which relative humidity is always between 20
percent and 80 percent (non-condensing).
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