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DLTtape™ Cartridge Inspection Procedure
Overview
A tape backup solution is only as good as the tape you use in it. Even the world’s best tape drive can be
compromised by a bad tape cartridge. Respect the media as you would your data.
As with any removable media peripheral, the DLT™ tape drive is susceptible to being rendered unusable if a
broken or damaged tape is loaded into the drive. The DLTtape™ cartridge is manufactured to extremely high
standards and under normal circumstances the tape will provide many years of quality, reliable service. A
DLTtape™ cartridge is a precision, complex piece of hardware. It contains special features such as reel locks
to hold the tape under tension when not in the DLT™ drive. Problems can develop when a tape has been
dropped or damaged, either by mishandling or other environmental conditions. For these reasons
QUANTUM® has developed this brief Visual Mechanical Inspection (VMI) procedure that will help the user
identify a tape cartridge problem before it damages the DLT™ drive.
When to perform a VMI
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As a general operating practice when changing or loading new tapes
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If a tape cartridge is dropped or subject to a hard physical shock
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If the DLT™ tape drive becomes inoperable after loading a tape
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If you receive a shipment of tapes that show any sign of shipping damage
General handling procedures
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Always keep the tape cartridge in its protective case when the tape is not in the drive
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When carrying the cartridges always orient the cartridge cases so the grooves in the cases interlock (this
prevents the cases from slipping apart)
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Never stack the cartridges more than five high
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Always observe the proper tape storage environmental conditions
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Avoid high intensity magnetic fields (monitors, motors, etc.)
VMI Procedure
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Remove the tape cartridge from the protective case
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Then check the cartridge for obvious cracks or physical damage. Look for broken or missing parts
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Next gently shake the cartridge, listen for small rattles or the sound of pieces loose inside
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If you hear something loose inside, don’t use the cartridge. On the front of the cartridge (the end that goes
into the drive) there is a small opening on the left side, there should be a small white part visible near the
center of the opening. This is one of the reel locks. If this part is not visible or missing don’t use the
cartridge.
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Look at the bottom of the cartridge. At the left rear bottom corner there is another small opening. There is
a small white piece that is partially visible in the opening. This is the second reel lock, if it is not visible or
missing don’t use the cartridge. These two reel locks are susceptible to breakage if dropped and could
make the rattling sound when shaken.
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Next on the bottom is the spring-loaded hub. This should be centered in the case and when pressed in it
should spring back. Make sure it ends up in the center of the case.
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DLT™ and DLTtape™ are trademarks of Quantum Corporation
