IBM 3590 - Manual (Page 111)

1. The replacement leader block must be an exact replacement for either the
High Performance Cartridge Tape or the Extended High Performance
Cartridge Tape. See Figure 19 on page 79.
2. Use care in aligning the tape leader, the insert, and the leader block to
ensure proper loading of the repaired cartridge.
3. Never pull on the tape without using the brake release tool that is
contained in the kit. Pulling on the tape with the brake engaged may
damage the tape or brake mechanism in the cartridge.
Attention: Use this procedure only when data must be copied onto another
cartridge. The use of this procedure can affect the performance of the leader
block during threading and unloading operations. Destroy the cartridge after
the data is copied.
Do not damage the edges of the tape because edge damage can affect tape
guiding.
Replacing the Leader Block
1. Before starting the repair, the service representative must remove the
leader block (see item
1 ) from the threader pin in the tape drive.
2. Use the clutch tool
3 to release the clutch in the cartridge 2 . Then
turn the tool to unwind about 0.25 meters (10 inches) of tape from the
cartridge. Use care so as not to damage the tape.
Note: Measure how much tape is still attached to the leader block
1
and how much tape has been damaged.
v If the total length of the damaged tape exceeds 0.5 meters (20
inches), the repaired cartridge may not be usable
v If the total length of the damaged tape is less than 0.5 meters (20
inches), the repaired cartridge data should be copied as soon as
possible to a replacement cartridge
Do not strip an excessive amount of tape from the cartridge.
Normally, 0.25 meters (10 inches) is sufficient to avoid handling
damage to the tape.
3. Remove the clutch tool.
4. Cut the tape end so that it is 90° to the tape edge.
5. Place a new leader block in the cavity
5 of the attachment tool 7 and
close the guide
4 .
6. Place the tape so that the inside (the side facing the center of the
cartridge) is up, in the guide groove
6 and over the leader block. Move
the end of the tape against the end of the guide cavity.
Chapter 8. Cartridge Care and Handling 91