IBM B-Series, Maintenance Information

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3570 Media and Cartridge
The 3570 Tape Subsystem uses a serpentine longitudinal recording technology called interleaved
-longitudinal recording in a self enclosed tape cartridge. See Figure 37.
Figure 37. 3570 Fast Access Cartridge Data Tape
The automatic cartridge loader in the subsystem opens the cartridge door
2
and allows the cartridge to
enter the tape path.
The cartridge remains closed during storage and handling to help protect the tape and tape path from
external contaminants.
Each tape cartridge includes a file-protect selector, item
1
that, when placed in the upward position as
indicated, prevents data from being written on or erased from the tape by a tape device.
Each data cartridge is identified by a factory-applied volume/serial (volser) number and a bar code. The
volser and bar code appear on a label (see item
3
in Figure 37) along the edges of both the data and
cleaning cartridges. Label, item
3
also has a small space in which the operator may write a note. An
optional Bar Code Reader feature is available to read the bar code labels.
Note: Do not write on, mark over, or otherwise obscure either of the bar codes on a cartridge; doing so
may cause the system to malfunction.
Another label is placed on the cartridge along the bottom of the plastic face (see item
4
in Figure 37). It
is marked IBM Magstar MP Fast Access Linear Tape (or IBM Magstar MP Cleaning Cartridge in the case
of a cleaning cartridge).
User-supplied labels should not be affixed to the cartridge because they may interfere with the proper
handling of the cartridge in either the drive or the library transport mechanism.
Label, item
5
is located on the end of the cartridge, opposite the cartridge door, and contains a bar code
identical to the one located on the top label.
If a cartridge label needs to be replaced, a kit containing enough labels for 10 cartridges can be ordered.
See “Replacing Cartridge Labels” on page PROC-29 for more information.
No labels are permitted on the back aluminum surface, narrow top or bottom surfaces, nor the flip-up door
end of the cartridge.
INTRO-30
IBM 3570 MI