HP StorageWorks ESL9000 Tape Library - Manual (Page 100)

Maintenance and Troubleshooting
100 HP StorageWorks ESL9000 Series Tape Library User Guide
Cleaning Tape Drives
Use the guidelines in the following sections to clean your tape drives.
Cleaning SDLT Tape Drives
Be aware of the following:
■ Under normal conditions, the cleaning cartridge is effective for about 20
cleanings.
■ SDLT tape drives typically do not need regular cleaning, as their design
allows for minimal head contamination.
■ Use the cleaning tape only if the cleaning Alert light is on.
■ Use the cleaning tape more than once if a tape has severely contaminated the
drive heads. If the problem persists after two cleanings, and the cleaning tape
has not expired, contact your authorized service provider.
Note: Do not use a DLT cleaning tape (almond in color) in an SDLT drive. SDLT
cleaning tapes are gray and use a 7- or 8-character bar code label, CLNxxxS or
CLNxxxS1.
To clean the tape heads:
1. Move a cleaning cartridge into the drive. The tape drive automatically loads
the cartridge and cleans the heads.
During the cleaning cycle the drive’s green Ready LED flashes. At the end of
the cleaning cycle, the drive ejects the cartridge.
2. Remove the cleaning cartridge from the drive.