Protecting Your Cartridge
If You Drop Your Cartridge
Media Care
Overview
2
• Protect cartridges from shock, vibration, moisture
and magnetic fields.
• Keep cartridges in protective cases and store
vertically when not in use.
• Ensure that no loose labels in the storage
container stick to the bottom of the cartridge,
covering the hub.
• Never touch the tape or tape leader. Dust and
oils from skin can contaminate the tape and affect
performance.
• Avoid direct sunlight – it can deform cartridge
and/or ruin media.
• Allow cartridge 24 hours to adjust to the present
operating temperature and humidity before use.
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Media Care Overview
2
• Inspect case for any signs of cracks
or protruding material.
• Open cartridge door to check for damage.
See Section 4 – Visual Inspection.
•
If damage is present
Do not insert cartridge in tape drive.
Discard and/or contact the manufacturer.
•
If cartridge appears usable
Transfer data to a new cartridge
and discard the old one.
Proper Storage Conditions
Non-archival
Storage
• Between 60°F and 90°F (16°C and 32°C)
• Between 20% and 80% relative humidity
• Between 41°F and 90°F (5°C and 32°C)
• Between 20% and 60% relative humidity
Media Use
Proper Conditions
Media Type
DLTtape
Super DLTtape
Ultrium LTO
Travan
DAT/DDS
Archive Storage
(for one or more years)
• Between 73°F±9°F (23°C±5°C)
• Between 40% and 60% relative humidity
Non-archival
Storage
Archive Storage
(for one or more years)
• Between 73°F±9°F (23°C±5°C)
• Between 40% and 60% relative humidity
Media Care Guide
Media Usage/Durability
•The usage or durability of your media is
influenced by its care and handling as
described in this document.
•Many of the newer drives monitor the
usage of the media and will alert you as to
when to replace a cartridge. Refer to your
drive documentation for available alerts or
software utilities.
•The table below shows the usage
specification for each media type. The
actual amount can vary depending on
drive wear, environmental factors and
media handling.
Full Tape Uses
Specification
Media Type
DLT, DLT VS,
Up to 200
DLT-V
Super DLT, DLT-S
Up to 260
LTO Ultrium
Up to 260
DAT/DDS
Up to 100
Travan
Up to 75
