Data Cartridge Inspection Procedure
Quantum A-Series Tape Drives User’s Guide 56
• Be certain you place the unused data cartridge labels in the protective
box so that you do not inadvertently pick them up along with the
data cartridge during subsequent usage. A static electricity charge on
a data cartridge may cause a label to cling to the data cartridge. A
label that is accidentally inserted into the tape drive along with a data
cartridge can prevent the hub reel and drive gear from meshing.
• Follow all data cartridge handling instructions that accompany your
data cartridges or tape drive.
Data Cartridge Inspection Procedure
Follow the Visual Mechanical Inspection (VMI) procedures described in
this subsection. These steps will help you identify any potential data
cartridge problems, and will prevent accidental loss of data or damage to
your tape drive.
You should do an inspection if any of these conditions occur:
• As a general practice whenever you change or load a new data
cartridge.
• If a data cartridge is dropped or subjected to some hard physical
shock.
• If the SDLT 600A tape drive becomes inoperable after loading a data
cartridge.
• If you receive a shipment of data cartridges that show any sign of
shipping damage.
Follow these steps to visually inspect a Super DLTtape II data cartridge:
1 Remove the data cartridge from its protective plastic case.
Note: Always remove the data cartridge from the drive prior to
powering down the drive. This ensures that the file system
stored on the tape is consistent and that the tape in the
tape path is not damaged when the unit is powered up.