HP Compaq StorageWorks TL881 DLT Mini-Library - Manual (Page 191)

F-6 Compaq TL881 Minilibrary System Users Guide
Also follow these guidelines:
■ Avoid mechanical stress that may distort the shape of cartridge, such as
dropping or bumping the cartridge.
■ Fit cartridges into a rigid container with adequate shock-absorbing
material. The container should have a clean interior and construction
that provides sealing to prevent invasion by dirt and/or water.
■ Mark the shipping container to clearly identify its correct orientation.
■ Avoid exposing cartridges to widely varying temperatures and/or
humidity whenever possible
■ Condition newly-received cartridges in their operating environment for
at least 24 hours before use.
■ Minimize potential damage from stray magnetic fields by ensuring a
nominal spacing of not less than 80 mm (3.2 inches) between the
cartridge and the outer surface of its shipping container.
Cleaning Guidelines
See the following guidelines and refer to F-1 for instructions on using the
cleaning cartridge to clean the tape drive heads.
■ Under normal conditions, the cleaning cartridge is effective for about 20
cleanings. If the cleaning cartridge has been overused, the Use Cleaning
Tape will remain lit after you load the cleaning cartridge and no
cleaning action will take place. When this happens, use another cleaning
tape.
■ DLT tapes do no usually need regular cleaning, as their design allows
for minimal head contamination. The action of loading and using any
tape tends to clean the heads of the tape drive.
■ Use the cleaning tape no more than once every 2 weeks (or after 50
hours of continuous tape use).
■ When the Use Cleaning Tape (LED) lights, take note the tape in use at
the time. This tape may be causing head contamination. Try another tape
before using the cleaning tape, to see whether the Use Cleaning Tape
LED stays on.
■ Use the cleaning tape more than once if a tape has severely
contaminated the drive heads. If the problem persists after two
cleanings, contact Compaq for service.