Actidata actiLib Autoloader 4U, User'S And Service Manual

Page: 50 / 103

actiLib Library 4U
– User and Service Guide
Page 50 of 103
7.9 Tape cartridges
Before you begin using the Library, an understanding of the media type, use, maintenance, and
how to properly label and write-protect your tape cartridges will help you to prolong the life of
your tape cartridges as well as the tape Library.
7.9.1 actiLib Library 4U cartridge type
The cartridge types supported depends on the drive types installed. The Library will support any
type of data cartridge and cleaning cartridge the drive will support.
INFORMATION
Some tape drives includes 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 be appended to maximize the full capacity of the
tape cartridge, but the user will be unable to erase or
overwrite data on the cartridge
7.9.2 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 separate from strong magnetic fields.
Before you use the Library to ensure the longest possible life for your data cartridges, follow
these guidelines:

Use only the data cartridges that are designated for your model of Library

Clean the tape drive when the Clean Drive LED is illuminated. Be sure to use only
Ultrium Universal cleaning cartridges.

Do not drop a cartridge. Excessive shock can damage the internal contents of the
cartridge, or the cartridge case itself, making that 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).

If the data cartridge has been exposed to temperatures outside the ranges specified
above, stabilize the cartridge at room temperature for the same amount of time it was
exposed to extreme temperatures or 24 hours, whichever is less.

Do not place data cartridges near sources of electromagnetic energy or 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 unusable.

Place identification labels only in the designated area on the cartridge.