Chapter 5. Maintenance
Order Number: EK–SM1TB–UG. E01
5–3
3. When you close the cassette insert/release handle after inserting the tape, the drive auto-
matically executes the head-cleaning operation, which takes at least 30 seconds. When the
head-cleaning cassette has completed this task, the tape drive electronics (1) stop the
drive, (2) unlatch the cartridge insert/release handle, and (3) turn on the green O
PERATE
H
ANDLE
indicator so that you can remove the head-cleaning cartridge.
4. Mark the frequency-of-use label on the head-cleaning cassette, placing a check mark in
the next-available square on the card each time you use the head-cleaning cassette.
CAUTION
Remove the head-cleaning cassette as soon as possible following
completion of the cleaning operation. Leaving a head-cleaning
cassette in the drive might result in redundant cleaning operations
each time power to the tape drive unit is turned off and on,
resulting in unnecessary wear on the tape drive’s read/write
heads.
Under normal conditions, the head-cleaning cassette is effective for about 20 cleanings. If the
head-cleaning cassette has been overused, so that it is expired, the Use Cleaning Tape will
remain lit after you load the cleaning cassette, and no cleaning action will take place. If this
happens, try another cleaning tape.
5.4
Inspections
5.4.1 Checking the Cartridge Leader
CAUTIONS
Do not touch exposed magnetic tape inside your tape cartridge;
the normal oil on your skin can damage the tape and cause
subsequent problems with respect to writing new data or reading
data already stored.
If the tape leader inside the cartridge is not in the correct position,
do not try to fix it. Instead, discard that cartridge and substitute a
different cartridge.
Before you use a tape cartridge, be sure its tape leader is in the correct position, as illustrated
in Figure 5–1. Lift the door latch with your thumb and open the small door on the rear face
of the cartridge to expose the leader.
5.4.2 Checking the Drive Leader
To examine the drive take-up leader, tilt the cartridge receiver door on the front of the drive
and look inside to see that the drive leader is connected to the buckling link-hook, which
should be engaged in the leader slot as illustrated in Figure 5–2 and Figure 5–3.
