IBM TotalStorage Ultrium T800, Operator'S Manual

Page: 68 / 148

Data Cartridge
The different generations of IBM TotalStorageUltrium data cartridges can be
identified by color:
v the Ultrium 3 Data Cartridge is slate blue
v the Ultrium 2 Data Cartridge is purple
v
the Ultrium 1 Data Cartridge is black
All three generations contain 1/2-inch, dual-coat, metal-particle tape.
You can order tape cartridges with the bar code labels included, or you can order
custom labels. To obtain tape cartridges and bar code labels, see “Ordering Media
Supplies” on page 69.
The native data capacity of Ultrium data cartridges is as follows:
v
The Ultrium 3 cartridge has a native data capacity of 400 GB (800 GB at 2:1
compression).
v
The Ultrium 2 cartridge has a native data capacity of 200 GB (400 GB at 2:1
compression).
v The Ultrium 1 cartridge has a native data capacity of 100 GB (200 GB at 2:1
compression).
When processing tape in the cartridges, Ultrium Tape Drives use a linear,
serpentine recording format. The Ultrium 3 drive reads and writes data on 704
tracks, sixteen tracks at a time. The Ultrium 2 drive reads and writes data on 512
tracks, eight tracks at a time. The Ultrium 1 drive reads and writes data on 384
tracks, eight tracks at a time. The first set of tracks (sixteen for Ultrium 3; eight for
Ultrium 2 and 1) is written from near the beginning of the tape to near the end of
the tape. The head then repositions to the next set of tracks for the return pass.
This process continues until all tracks are written and the cartridge is full, or until
all data is written.
The cartridge door
2
protects the tape from contamination when the cartridge is
out of the drive. Behind the door, the tape is attached to a leader pin
3
. When
the cartridge is inserted into the drive, a threading mechanism pulls the pin (and
tape) out of the cartridge, across the drive head, and onto a non-removable take-up
reel. The head can then read or write data from or to the tape.
The write-protect switch
4
prevents data from being written to the tape
cartridge. For more information, see “Write-Protect Switch” on page 55.
The label area
5
provides a location to place a label. For more information, see
“Bar Code Label” on page 53.
The insertion guide
6
is a large, notched area that prevents the cartridge from
being inserted incorrectly.
Both generations of the LTO Ultrium Data Cartridge have a nominal cartridge life
of 5000 load and unload cycles.
Capacity Scaling
To control the capacity of the cartridge (for example, to obtain a faster seek time)
issue the SCSI command SET CAPACITY. For information about this command,
refer to the IBM TotalStorage Ultrium Tape Drive SCSI Reference .
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IBM TotalStorage Ultrium Tape Drive