The following information provides an overview for tape drives.
Select the appropriate information from this list:
Your tape drive must be installed in the cleanest possible environment. Additionally, tape drives require high quality, data grade tapes and cleaning on a regular basis. Media must also be stored and handled properly. Improper use, storage or handling of tape drives or media may void your warranty or service agreement. If a tape drive stops functioning due to a component failure during the tape drive warranty or maintenance time, the tape drive supplier will replace the tape drive unit. The tape drive supplier will replace any defective tape drive under the terms and conditions of the warranty or service agreement.
The tape drive is used primarily for:
Tape drives require specific maintenance and environmental conditions to operate well over time. Using high-quality, data-grade media, handling and storing this media correctly, operating the tape drive in a clean environment, and keeping the tape drive correctly cleaned can help you to avoid problems with your tape drive.
If a tape drive stops functioning due to a component failure during the tape drive warranty or maintenance time, the service provider will replace the tape drive unit. The service provider will replace any defective tape drive under the terms and conditions of its warranty or service agreement. It is the service provider's objective to work with you to identify the cause of any tape-drive problem and provide a solution.
Most tape is supplied in a sealed cartridge. It is provided this way so that the tape will remain in a clean environment. Opening the cartridge allows dirt and airborne particles to enter and then become a source of contamination. The cartridge should only be opened by the tape drive and not an operator. The tape also is held under proper tension inside the cartridge. If the cartridge is dropped, this tension will be relaxed.
When the tapes are stored, they must be replaced in their protective containers and stored on their end. The storage area must be clean, dry, at normal room temperature, and away from any magnetic fields. Improper use, storage, or handling of tape drives or media might void your warranty or service agreement.
Tape drives are designed to operate in a clean environment. Problems can be caused by dirt, dust, fibers, and airborne particles. Airborne particles are the most difficult to address. When a tape is installed into the tape drive, the clearance between the heads and the tape is measured in microns. Particles can damage the tape or the head if they come in contact with either. Customers are responsible to provide a clean operating environment for the tape drive and system.
No matter how clean the environment, debris can build up on the heads of any tape drive. Every time tape motion occurs, some of the media surface comes off on the heads. Over time, this surface builds up and causes errors in reading and writing. Customers are responsible to clean the tape drive in accordance with the cleaning information that was provided with the tape drive.
Cleaning cartridges can be used a limited number of times. After a cleaning cartridge has been used to its maximum number of times, the cartridge is considered expired. When cartridges expire, they must be replaced. Never reuse an expired cleaning cartridge. Doing so allows previously removed dirt to be reintroduced to the tape drive. Place a mark on the cleaning cartridge after each use, to best determine when your cleaning cartridge has expired.
SCSI bus cables and terminators can affect tape drive performance. Use cables and terminators that are designed specifically to keep the SCSI bus as free of noise as possible. Generic cables or terminators can adversely affect the SCSI bus performance. If your service provider's analysis indicates a problem with inferior cables, it might be necessary for the customer to replace them.
To make certain that the tape drives work their very best, your system supplier might release changed microcode for the tape drives. When a microcode change is developed, your system supplier makes the change available to you through its service organization or by electronic delivery. You might be responsible for installing new microcode as it becomes available. However, microcode can be installed by your service provider or your system administrator. For more information, contact your authorized service provider.