Group 1: Case and Reel Inspection
When Do I Perform a Visual Inspection?
How Do I Perform a Visual Inspection?
• Best practices: Each time a tape is loaded or changed.
• When a tape cartridge is dropped or subject to a hard physical shock.
• When a shipment of tapes show any signs of shipping damage.
• If the DLT, DLT VS or SDLT drive becomes inoperable after loading a tape.
• If a drive error occurs, inspect the current and previous cartridge used in that drive.
• Go through all inspection steps in Group 1, 2 and 3 (see below).
• If issues are found in Group 1 only and no issues found in
Groups 2 or 3 then use cartridge with caution.
• Monitor software log for media degradation.
• Consider copying the data onto a new cartridge and
retiring the old cartridge.
• If any issues are found in Group 2 or 3 then retire the media
and use a different cartridge.
Case
Inspect the case for cracks,
chips, or signs of damage.
Cartridge Hub
Confirm that the spring-loaded
hub on the bottom of the cartridge
is centered. Press the hub. It should
spring back if operating properly.
Operation of the reel locks may
release the hub and re-center.
Visual
Inspection
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DLTtape Media Care Guide
Visual Inspection
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