2-9
Using Tape Cartridges
Maintaining Tape Cartridges
Using Tape Cartridges
Using Tapes
Maintaining Tape Cartridges
Table 2-3 Tape Cartridge Maintenance
DO NOT: DO:
• Expose cartridges to magnetic fields.
• Leave cartridges in the tape drive
when library power is off.
• Expose cartridges to extreme
temperatures or extreme humidity.
Acceptable operating temperatures
range from 10-40° C (50-104° F).
Acceptable storage temperatures
range from 16-32° C (60-90° F).
Acceptable operating humidity
ranges from 20-80%; acceptable
storage humidity ranges from
10-95%.
• Expose cartridges to moisture or
direct sunlight.
• Drop the cartridges or carry them in a
loose container that could submit the
cartridges to any unnecessary
physical shock.
• Open cartridges lid, exposing the
tape to possible contamination or
physical damage.
• Touch the tape surface.
• Take cartridges apart.
• Use graphite pencils, water soluble
felt pens, or other debris-producing
writing instruments to label
cartridges.
• Erase a label; replace it instead.
• Store cartridges in a clean, safe
place in their protective plastic
containers when not in use.
• Remove dust on the outside of
cartridges using a damp cloth.
(Older, frequently used tapes
may build up dust.)
• Store cartridges vertically, not
flat.
• Store cartridges intended for
archiving data in their plastic
containers and in environmental
conditions of 18-28° C (64-82°
F) and 40-60% relative
humidity.
• Use labels like those included in
the accessories kit or that meet
the specifications listed in Table
A-1 on page A-3.