6-4
Preventative Maintenance
500300 Rev. U
Figure 6-4 Cleaning the Tape Cleaner
4.
Run the Write/Read test described in Section 4.5.8 to verify data reliability. If
the tape drive does not pass this test after cleaning the head and tape path,
call Qualstar Customer Service for assistance.
5.
Reset the Head Clean odometer as described in Section 4-2.
TexPads
®
are individually sealed pads pre-moistened with 91% isopropyl alcohol and
are ideal for head and tape path cleaning. You can order them from Qualstar, or
directly from The Texwipe Company by calling (800) 284-5577.
6.4
Using 1-mil Tape
1-mil tape was originally designed for low-speed data logging applications. Due to
their thinner Mylar substrate, they do not meet the ANSI specifications for
thickness; however, 1-mil tape is electrically and magnetically equivalent to the
ANSI standard 1.5-mil tape.
Because of the thinner material, 1-mil tape conforms differently to the read/write
heads. As a result, the critical read/write surface of the head wears at an increased
rate and forms a profile that is different from that made by 1.5-mil tape. The
thinner tape is also more susceptible to breakage and deformation.
All Qualstar reel-to-reel tape drives will handle 1-mil tapes without deforming or
breaking them. This includes high-speed rewind as well as autoloading, in those
drives that support those features. Qualstar supports the use of 1-mil tape within
the context of the following guidelines:
1.
For the reasons previously explained, you can expect reduced head life
expectancy when using 1-mil tapes.
2.
Standard 1.5-mil tape cannot conform to the head wear pattern caused by the
frequent use of 1-mil tape, resulting in a greater distance between the tape and
the head gaps and a consequent reduction in signal strength. This can lead to
