IBM 59P6746 User Guide - Page 24

Recommendations for data cartridge usage, Data cartridge erasure, Storage and shipping environments

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Recommendations for data cartridge usage The following list describes recommended guidelines that will help to protect your data and prolong the life of your tape cartridges and the tape drive: v Remove the tape cartridge from the drive when the drive is not in use. v Back up and then discard any tape cartridge that repeatedly produces error messages (the error information is in the System Error Log). v On the data cartridge, do not open the door that covers the tape. The door protects the tape from dirt, dust, and damage. v Do not touch the tape. Any substance transferred to the tape by touching could cause loss of data. v To avoid problems with loading and unloading, use only one label on a cartridge. Multiple or poorly placed labels can clog the drive load mechanism. v Do not use poor-quality tape cartridges. They can cause excessive read or write errors, and may damage the tape drive. v Discard any tape cartridges that are dropped, as the impact may damage the tape's internal mechanism. v Make sure the environment is kept clean and constant. Do not operate in a dusty environment and always maintain a constant environment. A consistent storage and operating environment reduces media exposure to climatic stress. Attention: Use only the recommended cleaning cartridge to clean the tape drive. Use of other than recommended cleaning cartridges can damage your drive and may void the warranty. v Printers and copiers can produce paper and toner dust. Locate the tape unit away from these items. High traffic areas near hallways and doors can also produce excess dust and dirt. v All important information should be recorded on the tape label. Information, such as the model and number of the system or tape drive, the date, the density, any error statistics, and a log number should be included. The operating environment and compression mode should also be noted. Data cartridge erasure Most bulk eraser devices do not have the capability to erase the data cartridge. To properly erase a VXA data cartridge with a bulk eraser device, the erasure coercivity rating must be a minimum of 3900 Oersted. Storage and shipping environments Before using a tape cartridge, let it acclimate to the operating environment by placing the cartridge in the operating environment for as long as it has been away from the environment or for 24 hours, whichever is less. (To determine the appropriate operating environment, see "Tape cartridge conditions" on page B-2.) Acclimation is necessary for any data cartridge exposed to a different humidity environment or to temperature changes of 11°C (20°F) or more. Retrieval of archived data should be performed on a tape unit that is clean and fully operational. Try to make the recovery environment the same as the operating environment. Allow tapes at least 24 hours to acclimate to environment of the tape unit. A-2 VXA-2 Internal Tape Drive: User's Guide

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Recommendations for data cartridge usage
The following list describes recommended guidelines that will help to protect your
data and prolong the life of your tape cartridges and the tape drive:
v
Remove the tape cartridge from the drive when the drive is not in use.
v
Back up and then discard any tape cartridge that repeatedly produces error
messages (the error information is in the System Error Log).
v
On the data cartridge, do not open the door that covers the tape. The door
protects the tape from dirt, dust, and damage.
v
Do not touch the tape. Any substance transferred to the tape by touching could
cause loss of data.
v
To avoid problems with loading and unloading, use only one label on a
cartridge. Multiple or poorly placed labels can clog the drive load mechanism.
v
Do not use poor-quality tape cartridges. They can cause excessive read or write
errors, and may damage the tape drive.
v
Discard any tape cartridges that are dropped, as the impact may damage the
tape’s internal mechanism.
v
Make sure the environment is kept clean and constant. Do not operate in a
dusty environment and always maintain a constant environment. A consistent
storage and operating environment reduces media exposure to climatic stress.
Attention:
Use only the recommended cleaning cartridge to clean the tape drive.
Use of other than recommended cleaning cartridges can damage your drive and
may void the warranty.
v
Printers and copiers can produce paper and toner dust. Locate the tape unit
away from these items. High traffic areas near hallways and doors can also
produce excess dust and dirt.
v
All important information should be recorded on the tape label. Information,
such as the model and number of the system or tape drive, the date, the density,
any error statistics, and a log number should be included. The operating
environment and compression mode should also be noted.
Data cartridge erasure
Most bulk eraser devices do not have the capability to erase the data cartridge. To
properly erase a VXA data cartridge with a bulk eraser device, the erasure
coercivity rating must be a minimum of 3900 Oersted.
Storage and shipping environments
Before using a tape cartridge, let it acclimate to the operating environment by
placing the cartridge in the operating environment for as long as it has been away
from the environment or for 24 hours, whichever is less. (To determine the
appropriate operating environment, see “Tape cartridge conditions” on page B-2.)
Acclimation is necessary for any data cartridge exposed to a different humidity
environment or to temperature changes of 11°C (20°F) or more.
Retrieval of archived data should be performed on a tape unit that is clean and
fully operational. Try to make the recovery environment the same as the operating
environment. Allow tapes at least 24 hours to acclimate to environment of the tape
unit.
A-2
VXA-2 Internal Tape Drive: User’s Guide