actiLib Autoloader 1U
– User and Service Guide
Page 47 of 97
7.4.2 Using and maintaining tape cartridges
Do not degauss Ultrium LTO data cartridges! These data cartridges are pre-recorded with a
magnetic servo signal. This signal is required in order to use the cartridge with Ultrium LTO tape
drives. Keep Ultrium LTO cartridges away from strong magnetic fields.
Before you use the loader, to ensure the longest possible life for your data cartridges, follow
these guidelines:
Use only the data cartridges that are designated for your model of loader/drive
Clean the tape drive when the Clean Drive LED is illuminated. Be sure to use only
Ultrium Universal cleaning cartridges.
Do not drop a cartridge. Excessive shock can damage the internal contents of the
cartridge, or the cartridge case itself, making that cartridge unusable.
Do not expose your data cartridges to direct sunlight or sources of heat, including
portable heaters and heating ducts.
The operating temperature range for your data cartridges is 10 to 35º C. The storage
temperature range is -40 to +60º C in a dust-free environment in which relative humidity
is always between 20 percent and 80 percent (non-condensing).
If the data cartridge has been exposed to temperatures outside the ranges specified
above, stabilize the cartridge to operating temperature for the same amount of time it
was exposed to extreme temperatures or 24 hours, whichever is less.
Do not place data cartridges near sources of electromagnetic energy or strong magnetic
fields such as computer monitors, electric motors, speakers, or X-ray equipment.
Exposure to electromagnetic energy or magnetic fields can destroy data and the
embedded servo code written on the media by the cartridge manufacturer, which can
render the cartridge unusable.
Place identification labels only in the designated area on the cartridge.
7.4.3 Labeling tape cartridges
Attaching a barcode label to each tape cartridge enables the loader and application software to
identify the cartridge quickly, thereby speeding up inventory time. Make it a practice to use bar
code labels on your tape cartridges. Your host software may need to keep track of the following
information via the associated barcode:
Date of format or initialization
Tape’s media pool
Data residing on the tape
Age of the backup
Errors encountered while using the tape (to determine if the tape is faulty).
IMPORTANT
The misuse and misunderstanding of bar code
technology can result in backup and restore failures. To
ensure that your bar codes meet manufactures quality
standards, always purchase them from an approved
supplier and never print bar code labels yourself.
Ultrium tape cartridges have a recessed area located on the front of the cartridge next to the
write-protect switch. Use this area for attaching the adhesive-backed bar code label. Only apply
labels as designated in
