HP Surestore DLT 80 Tape Drive - Manual (Page 26)

Care of the Drive and Tape Cartridges
Taking Care of Data Cartridges
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does not have to be attached to a computer for this to occur; it can just be
powered on. A drive in this condition cannot be repaired on site.
A cartridge with a lost leader must be discarded.
Handling Tape Cartridges
• Do not drop or bang cartridges. This can displace the tape leader, which
can make the tape unusable and can damage the drive. See “Inspecting
Cartridges Before Loading and After Unloading” on page 3-5 if you do
drop or bang a cartridge.
• Do not open the cartridge door unnecessarily. This may expose the tape
to contamination or damage.
• Do not touch the tape or leader. Dust and natural skin oils can affect
tape performance.
• When you remove a cartridge from its plastic case, make sure you do not
accidentally pick up a spare label as well. It will cause problems if it is
inserted into the drive along with the cartridge. Store spare labels
separately to avoid this problem.
Labeling Cartridges
Caution Do not stick labels onto a cartridge; they may cause it to jam in the drive
mechanism. Use only the labels supplied with the cartridge.
• To label a cartridge, slide an identification label into the slot on the front
of the cartridge (see figure 3.4). Do not stick labels onto any part of the
cartridge. They could cause problems inside the drive.
• Write on labels only with pens that do not produce debris. Do not use
pencil or water-soluble felt pens.
• Never erase a label or use opaquing fluid—replace it.
Figure 3.4 Labeling a cartridge
Slot for label
dlt-m.book Page 7 Thursday, May 4, 2000 3:52 PM