HP SW TL881 DLT Mini-Lib/1 Compaq StorageWorks TL881/TL891 Family MiniLibrary - Page 68

Operation 2-35 execute, with resulting errors or hangs, failure to unload, and apparent need to swap out the drive are a few such conditions. NOTE: DLT tape cartridges should be stored vertically, in their original translucent plastic boxes, until you want to reuse them and after they have been removed from tape drives. When tapes are stored in an environment different from that of the tape drive, ensure that they are acclimatized, by moving them to a location in close proximity to the drive before attempting to use them. Ideally, tapes should be allowed to acclimate for a time equal to the duration of their storage away from the drive, or 24 hours, whichever is less. Reports have verified that sticking occurs almost immediately with older, used tapes which have been stored at 68°F (20°C) and 75% humidity, when those tapes are used in a drive kept at a higher temperature and lower humidity. High tape humidity causes sticking from hydrolysis, a degradation of the tape which can be reversed by storing the tape for a while in a dry environment. Test conditions (cool, damp tapes and warm, dry drives) have produced stiction at will, but other conditions can also cause it. Remember to acclimatize tapes before use. Long-term storage specifications are more stringent than those for shorter periods. Cartridges intended for long-term archiving shall be stored in room conditions of 73°F +/-9 (23°C +/-5) at 50% +/-10% relative humidity.