51
Setting the Write-Protect Switch / Handling Cartridges
Using
t
he
Med
ia
Setting the Write-Protect
Switch
The position of the write-protect switch on the cartridge
determines whether you can write to the tape. If you do not
want to write to the tape, slide the switch in the direction
of the arrow as illustrated below.
Handling Cartridges
Handling or storing cartridges incorrectly can damage
them or their tapes. Follow the guidelines below to avoid
damaging your cartridges.
Handling precautions
• Before using cartridges, let them acclimate themselves
to the normal operating environment for at least 24
hours.
• Verify whether cartridges are damaged before using
them.
• Verify whether foreign objects such as labels are affixed
to the cartridges as they may cause loading problems.
• Do not insert damaged cartridges into the SAIT-2
External Drive. Damaged cartridges can interfere with
the reliability of the unit.
• Do not pull the leader block or the tape out of cartridges
as this may damage the cartridge braking mechanism
and/or the tape.
• Do not handle the tape outside cartridges as this may
damage the tape’s surface or edges.
• Do not subject cartridges to strong vibrations.
• Do not drop cartridges. If you do, verify that the reel lock
opening to make sure that the small plastic tabs inside
are still visible. If they are not, do not use the cartridge.
Inspect the cartridge for any obvious cracks or other
physical damage.
• Never open cartridge cases as this may expose the tape
to contamination and physical damage.
• Never affix labels elsewhere than on the repressed label
area as doing so may cause loading problems.
• The write-protect switch of cartridges is used to prevent
writing to the tape by accident. If you do not want to
write to a cartridge, slide it to the write-protect position.
(For details, see
“Setting the Write-Protect Switch” on
• If the SAIT-2 External Drive is used in a high-humidity
environment or a location subject to wide variations in
temperature, condensation may prevent cartridge read/
write operations.
• Do not insert or remove cartridges unnecessarily.
• Remove cartridges from the unit when they are not used
or before turning the unit off.
• Dispose of used cartridges according to your local
regulations on waste disposal.
Storage precautions
• Store cartridges in an appropriate environment (see
for details).
• Always place cartridges in their plastic cases as soon as
possible when you are not using them.
Write-protect position
(SAFE)
Write-enable position
(REC)
