Bull Escala E2-700T User manual

E2-700, E2-700T, E2-705, E2-705T, E4-
700, E4-700T or E4-705 Managing
devices
ESCALA Power7
REFERENCE
86 A1 74FG 03

E2-700, E2-700T, E2-705, E2-705T, E4-700, E4-700T
or E4-705 Managing devices
The ESCALA Power7 publications concern the following models:
- Bull Escala E1-700 (Power 710 / 8231-E2B)
- Bull Escala E1-705 (Power 710 / 8231-E1C)
- Bull Escala E2-700 / E2-700T (Power 720 / 8202-E4B)
- Bull Escala E2-705 / E2-705T (Power 720 / 8202-E4C)
- Bull Escala E3-700 (Power 730 / 8231-E2B)
- Bull Escala E3-705 (Power 730 / 8231-E2C)
- Bull Escala E4-700 / E4-700T (Power 740 / 8205-E6B)
- Bull Escala E4-705 (Power 740 / 8205-E6C)
- Bull Escala E5-700 (Power 750 / 8233-E8B)
- Bull Escala M6-700 (Power 770 / 9117-MMB)
- Bull Escala M6-705 (Power 770 / 9117-MMC)
- Bull Escala M6-715 (Power 770 / 9117-MMD)
- Bull Escala M7-700 (Power 780 / 9179-MHB)
- Bull Escala M7-705 (Power 780 / 9179-MHC)
- Bull Escala M7-715 (Power 780 / 9179-MHD)
References to Power 755 / 8236-E8C models are irrelevant.
Hardware
November 2012
BULL CEDOC
357 AVENUE PATTON
B.P.20845
49008 ANGERS CEDEX 01
FRANCE
REFERENCE
86 A1 74FG 03

The following copyright notice protects this book under Copyright laws which prohibit such actions as, but not limited to, copying,
distributing, modifying, and making derivative works.
Copyright © Bull SAS 2012
Printed in France
Trademarks and Acknowledgements
We acknowledge the rights of the proprietors of the trademarks mentioned in this manual.
All brand names and software and hardware product names are subject to trademark and/or patent protection.
Quoting of brand and product names is for information purposes only and does not represent trademark misuse.
The information in this document is subject to change without notice. Bull will not be liable for errors contained herein, or
for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the use of this material.

Contents
Safety notices ................................vii
Managing devices ...............................1
Managing tape drives ..............................3
Tape drives ....................................3
Tape drive media ..................................5
Preparing the tape drive for installation ..........................9
800/1600 GB Ultrium 4 SAS tape drive (FC 5746).......................10
Eject button functions on the tape drive (FC 5746) .....................11
Status lights (FC 5746) ...............................12
Tape cartridges (FC 5746)..............................14
Setting the write-protect switch (FC 5746) ........................15
Cleaning the tape drive (FC 5746) ...........................15
Maintenance mode (FC 5746) ............................16
Resetting the tape drive ..............................18
Performing the internal self-test (FC 5746) ........................19
1.5/3.0 TB Ultrium 5 SAS tape drive (FC 5638) .......................21
Eject button functions on the tape drive (FC 5638) .....................22
Status lights (FC 5638) ...............................23
Tape cartridges (FC 5638)..............................26
Setting the write-protect switch............................26
Cleaning the tape drive (FC 5638) ...........................27
Loading and unloading cartridges ...........................28
Loading a cartridge...............................28
Unloading a cartridge ..............................29
Maintenance mode (FC 5638) ............................29
Resetting the tape drive ..............................31
Performing the internal self-test (FC 5638) ........................31
200/400 GB Half High Ultrium 2 tape drive (FC 5755) .....................33
Cleaning the tape drive (FC 5755) ...........................34
Setting the write-protect switch (FC 5755) ........................35
Status lights (FC 5755) ...............................35
Tape cartridges (FC 5755)..............................38
Resetting the tape drive (FC 5755) ...........................39
Performing the internal self-test (FC 5755) ........................39
160/320 GB internal tape drive VXA-320 (FC 6279) ......................41
Cleaning the tape drive (FC 6120 and 6279)........................42
Loading and unloading cartridges ...........................43
Loading a cartridge...............................43
Unloading a cartridge ..............................43
Setting the write-protect switch (FC 6279) ........................44
Status lights (FC 6279) ...............................44
Performing the internal self-test (FC 6120 or 6279) .....................46
Tape cartridges (FC 6279)..............................47
Resetting the tape drive ..............................48
80/160 GB internal tape drive VXA-2 (FC 6120) .......................49
Cleaning the tape drive (FC 6120 and 6279)........................49
Loading and unloading cartridges ...........................50
Loading a cartridge...............................51
Unloading a cartridge ..............................51
Setting the write-protect switch (FC 6120) ........................51
Status lights (FC 6120) ...............................52
Performing the internal self-test (FC 6120 or 6279) .....................54
Tape cartridges (FC 6120)..............................55
iii

Resetting the tape drive ..............................56
60/150 GB 16-bit 8-mm internal tape drive (FC 6134) .....................57
Cleaning the tape drive (FC 6134) ...........................57
Loading and unloading cartridges ...........................59
Loading a cartridge...............................59
Unloading a cartridge ..............................59
Setting the write-protect switch (FC 6134) ........................59
Status lights (FC 6134) ...............................60
Tape cartridges (FC 6134)..............................61
Resetting the tape drive ..............................62
36/72 GB Data72 4 mm internal tape drive (FC 6258 or 5907)...................63
Cleaning the tape drive (FC 6258 or 5907) ........................64
Loading and unloading cartridges ...........................65
Loading a cartridge...............................65
Unloading a cartridge ..............................65
Setting the write-protect switch (FC 6258 or 5907) .....................66
Status lights (FC 6258 or 5907) ............................66
Tape cartridges (FC 6258 or 5907) ...........................68
Resetting the tape drive ..............................69
80/160 GB DAT160 SAS Tape Drive (FC 5619) ........................70
Cleaning the tape drive (FC 5619) ...........................71
Loading and unloading cartridges ...........................72
Loading a cartridge...............................72
Unloading a cartridge ..............................72
Setting the write-protect switch (FC 5619) ........................73
Status lights (FC 5619) ...............................73
Tape cartridges (FC 5619)..............................75
Resetting the tape drive ..............................76
80/160 GB DAT160 SAS tape drive (FC 1124) ........................76
Cleaning the tape drive (FC 1124) ...........................78
Loading and unloading cartridges ...........................79
Loading a cartridge...............................79
Unloading a cartridge ..............................79
Setting the write-protect switch (FC 1124) ........................80
Status lights (FC 1124) ...............................80
Tape cartridges (FC 1124) ..............................82
Resetting the tape drive ..............................83
160/320 GB DAT320 SAS tape drive (FC 5661)........................84
Cleaning the tape drive (FC 5661) ...........................85
Loading and unloading cartridges ...........................86
Loading a cartridge...............................86
Unloading a cartridge ..............................86
Setting the write-protect switch (FC 5661) ........................87
Status lights (FC 5661) ...............................87
Tape cartridges (FC 5661)..............................90
Resetting the tape drive ..............................90
160/320 GB DAT320 USB tape drive (FC 5673) .......................91
Cleaning the tape drive (FC 5673) ...........................92
Loading and unloading cartridges ...........................93
Loading a cartridge...............................93
Unloading a cartridge ..............................94
Setting the write-protect switch............................94
Status lights (FC 5673) ...............................95
Tape cartridges (FC 5673)..............................98
Resetting the tape drive ..............................98
80/160 GB DAT160 USB Tape Drive (FC EU16) .......................99
Cleaning the tape drive (FC EU16) ..........................100
Loading and unloading cartridges ..........................101
Loading a cartridge ..............................101
Unloading a cartridge .............................102
Setting the write-protect switch (FC EU16) .......................102
iv Managing devices

Status lights (FC EU16) ..............................103
Tape cartridges (FC EU16) .............................105
Resetting the tape drive ..............................105
Managing DVD drives .............................107
IDE Slimline DVD-ROM Drive (FC 5756) .........................107
IDE Slimline DVD-RAM Drive (FC 5757) .........................107
SATA Slimline DVD-ROM Drive (FC 5743) ........................108
SATA Slimline DVD-RAM Drive (FC 5762) ........................108
SATA Slimline DVD-RAM Drive (FC 5771) ........................109
Handling and storing the DVD media ..........................109
Opening a DVD tray manually ............................110
DVD-RAM type II disc ...............................110
Managing diskette drives ...........................113
External USB 1.44 MB diskette drive (FC 2591) .......................113
Managing removable disk drives ........................115
RDX USB Internal Dock (1103, 1123, EU03, and EU23) and RDX Removable Disk Drives (1106, 1107, EU01, and
EU08) .....................................115
Notices ...................................121
Trademarks ...................................122
Electronic emission notices ..............................122
Class A Notices.................................122
Class B Notices.................................126
Terms and conditions................................128
Contents v

vi Managing devices

Safety notices
Safety notices may be printed throughout this guide.
vDANGER notices call attention to a situation that is potentially lethal or extremely hazardous to
people.
vCAUTION notices call attention to a situation that is potentially hazardous to people because of some
existing condition.
vAttention notices call attention to the possibility of damage to a program, device, system, or data.
World Trade safety information
Several countries require the safety information contained in product publications to be presented in their
national languages. If this requirement applies to your country, a safety information booklet is included
in the publications package shipped with the product. The booklet contains the safety information in
your national language with references to the U.S. English source. Before using a U.S. English publication
to install, operate, or service this product, you must first become familiar with the related safety
information in the booklet. You should also refer to the booklet any time you do not clearly understand
any safety information in the U.S. English publications.
Laser safety information
The servers can use I/O cards or features that are fiber-optic based and that utilize lasers or LEDs.
Laser compliance
The servers may be installed inside or outside of an IT equipment rack.
vii

DANGER
When working on or around the system, observe the following precautions:
Electrical voltage and current from power, telephone, and communication cables are hazardous. To
avoid a shock hazard:
vConnect power to this unit only with the provided power cord. Do not use the provided power
cord for any other product.
vDo not open or service any power supply assembly.
vDo not connect or disconnect any cables or perform installation, maintenance, or reconfiguration
of this product during an electrical storm.
vThe product might be equipped with multiple power cords. To remove all hazardous voltages,
disconnect all power cords.
vConnect all power cords to a properly wired and grounded electrical outlet. Ensure that the outlet
supplies proper voltage and phase rotation according to the system rating plate.
vConnect any equipment that will be attached to this product to properly wired outlets.
vWhen possible, use one hand only to connect or disconnect signal cables.
vNever turn on any equipment when there is evidence of fire, water, or structural damage.
vDisconnect the attached power cords, telecommunications systems, networks, and modems before
you open the device covers, unless instructed otherwise in the installation and configuration
procedures.
vConnect and disconnect cables as described in the following procedures when installing, moving,
or opening covers on this product or attached devices.
To Disconnect:
1. Turn off everything (unless instructed otherwise).
2. Remove the power cords from the outlets.
3. Remove the signal cables from the connectors.
4. Remove all cables from the devices.
To Connect:
1. Turn off everything (unless instructed otherwise).
2. Attach all cables to the devices.
3. Attach the signal cables to the connectors.
4. Attach the power cords to the outlets.
5. Turn on the devices.
(D005a)
DANGER
viii Managing devices

Observe the following precautions when working on or around your IT rack system:
vHeavy equipment–personal injury or equipment damage might result if mishandled.
vAlways lower the leveling pads on the rack cabinet.
vAlways install stabilizer brackets on the rack cabinet.
vTo avoid hazardous conditions due to uneven mechanical loading, always install the heaviest
devices in the bottom of the rack cabinet. Always install servers and optional devices starting
from the bottom of the rack cabinet.
vRack-mounted devices are not to be used as shelves or work spaces. Do not place objects on top
of rack-mounted devices.
vEach rack cabinet might have more than one power cord. Be sure to disconnect all power cords in
the rack cabinet when directed to disconnect power during servicing.
vConnect all devices installed in a rack cabinet to power devices installed in the same rack
cabinet. Do not plug a power cord from a device installed in one rack cabinet into a power
device installed in a different rack cabinet.
vAn electrical outlet that is not correctly wired could place hazardous voltage on the metal parts of
the system or the devices that attach to the system. It is the responsibility of the customer to
ensure that the outlet is correctly wired and grounded to prevent an electrical shock.
CAUTION
vDo not install a unit in a rack where the internal rack ambient temperatures will exceed the
manufacturer's recommended ambient temperature for all your rack-mounted devices.
vDo not install a unit in a rack where the air flow is compromised. Ensure that air flow is not
blocked or reduced on any side, front, or back of a unit used for air flow through the unit.
vConsideration should be given to the connection of the equipment to the supply circuit so that
overloading of the circuits does not compromise the supply wiring or overcurrent protection. To
provide the correct power connection to a rack, refer to the rating labels located on the
equipment in the rack to determine the total power requirement of the supply circuit.
v(For sliding drawers.) Do not pull out or install any drawer or feature if the rack stabilizer brackets
are not attached to the rack. Do not pull out more than one drawer at a time. The rack might
become unstable if you pull out more than one drawer at a time.
v(For fixed drawers.) This drawer is a fixed drawer and must not be moved for servicing unless
specified by the manufacturer. Attempting to move the drawer partially or completely out of the
rack might cause the rack to become unstable or cause the drawer to fall out of the rack.
(R001)
Safety notices ix

CAUTION:
Removing components from the upper positions in the rack cabinet improves rack stability during
relocation. Follow these general guidelines whenever you relocate a populated rack cabinet within a
room or building:
vReduce the weight of the rack cabinet by removing equipment starting at the top of the rack
cabinet. When possible, restore the rack cabinet to the configuration of the rack cabinet as you
received it. If this configuration is not known, you must observe the following precautions:
– Remove all devices in the 32U position and above.
– Ensure that the heaviest devices are installed in the bottom of the rack cabinet.
– Ensure that there are no empty U-levels between devices installed in the rack cabinet below the
32U level.
vIf the rack cabinet you are relocating is part of a suite of rack cabinets, detach the rack cabinet from
the suite.
vInspect the route that you plan to take to eliminate potential hazards.
vVerify that the route that you choose can support the weight of the loaded rack cabinet. Refer to the
documentation that comes with your rack cabinet for the weight of a loaded rack cabinet.
vVerify that all door openings are at least 760 x 230 mm (30 x 80 in.).
vEnsure that all devices, shelves, drawers, doors, and cables are secure.
vEnsure that the four leveling pads are raised to their highest position.
vEnsure that there is no stabilizer bracket installed on the rack cabinet during movement.
vDo not use a ramp inclined at more than 10 degrees.
vWhen the rack cabinet is in the new location, complete the following steps:
– Lower the four leveling pads.
– Install stabilizer brackets on the rack cabinet.
– If you removed any devices from the rack cabinet, repopulate the rack cabinet from the lowest
position to the highest position.
vIf a long-distance relocation is required, restore the rack cabinet to the configuration of the rack
cabinet as you received it. Pack the rack cabinet in the original packaging material, or equivalent.
Also lower the leveling pads to raise the casters off of the pallet and bolt the rack cabinet to the
pallet.
(R002)
(L001)
(L002)
xManaging devices

(L003)
or
All lasers are certified in the U.S. to conform to the requirements of DHHS 21 CFR Subchapter J for class
1 laser products. Outside the U.S., they are certified to be in compliance with IEC 60825 as a class 1 laser
product. Consult the label on each part for laser certification numbers and approval information.
CAUTION:
This product might contain one or more of the following devices: CD-ROM drive, DVD-ROM drive,
DVD-RAM drive, or laser module, which are Class 1 laser products. Note the following information:
vDo not remove the covers. Removing the covers of the laser product could result in exposure to
hazardous laser radiation. There are no serviceable parts inside the device.
vUse of the controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein
might result in hazardous radiation exposure.
(C026)
Safety notices xi

CAUTION:
Data processing environments can contain equipment transmitting on system links with laser modules
that operate at greater than Class 1 power levels. For this reason, never look into the end of an optical
fiber cable or open receptacle. (C027)
CAUTION:
This product contains a Class 1M laser. Do not view directly with optical instruments. (C028)
CAUTION:
Some laser products contain an embedded Class 3A or Class 3B laser diode. Note the following
information: laser radiation when open. Do not stare into the beam, do not view directly with optical
instruments, and avoid direct exposure to the beam. (C030)
CAUTION:
The battery contains lithium. To avoid possible explosion, do not burn or charge the battery.
Do Not:
v___ Throw or immerse into water
v___ Heat to more than 100°C (212°F)
v___ Repair or disassemble
Exchange only with the approved part. Recycle or discard the battery as instructed by local
regulations. (C003a)
Power and cabling information for NEBS (Network Equipment-Building System)
GR-1089-CORE
The following comments apply to the servers that have been designated as conforming to NEBS
(Network Equipment-Building System) GR-1089-CORE:
The equipment is suitable for installation in the following:
vNetwork telecommunications facilities
vLocations where the NEC (National Electrical Code) applies
The intrabuilding ports of this equipment are suitable for connection to intrabuilding or unexposed
wiring or cabling only. The intrabuilding ports of this equipment must not be metallically connected to the
interfaces that connect to the OSP (outside plant) or its wiring. These interfaces are designed for use as
intrabuilding interfaces only (Type 2 or Type 4 ports as described in GR-1089-CORE) and require isolation
from the exposed OSP cabling. The addition of primary protectors is not sufficient protection to connect
these interfaces metallically to OSP wiring.
Note: All Ethernet cables must be shielded and grounded at both ends.
The ac-powered system does not require the use of an external surge protection device (SPD).
The dc-powered system employs an isolated DC return (DC-I) design. The DC battery return terminal
shall not be connected to the chassis or frame ground.
xii Managing devices

Managing devices
Learn about managing media and communications devices.
The topic contains reference information that information technology (IT) personnel and service
representatives can use to learn about using and managing the following removable media devices and
communication devices. You can also find specifications and installation notes for specific devices.
Note: The following features are the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) Class B features. See the EMC
Class B Notices in the Hardware Notices section.
v36/72 GB Data72 4 mm Internal Tape Drive (5907)
v80/160 GB DAT160 SAS Tape Drive (FC 5619)
v160/320 GB DAT320 SAS Tape Drive (FC 5661)
v160/320 GB DAT320 USB Tape Drive (FC 5673)
vSATA Slimline DVD-ROM Drive (FC 5743)
vSATA Slimline DVD-RAM Drive (FC 5762)
vInternal RDX USB 3.0 Dock (EU03)
vRDX USB External Dock (EU04)
vRDX Removable Disk Drives (1106, 1107, EU01, and EU08)
1

2Managing devices

Managing tape drives
Learn about using and managing removable media devices. Find specifications and installation notes for
specific drives.
Tape drives
Learn general information about tape drives.
Select the appropriate information from this list:
vTape drive overview
vTape drive environment and use
vTape handling and storage
vEnvironmental issues
vTape drive cleaning
vSCSI hardware issues
vMicrocode updates
Tape drive overview
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 a streaming device used primarily for:
vSaving and restoring system data files
vArchiving important records
vDistributing operating system software upgrades
Note: The following information describes hardware features and functions. While the hardware
supports them, the availability of these features and functions depends upon support from the operating
system. For information about support for features and functions, see the documentation for your
operating system.
Tape drive environment and use
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.
3

Tape handling and storage
Most tape is supplied in a sealed cartridge so that the tape will remain clean. 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.
Attention: Inserting a dropped cartridge into a tape drive can cause incorrect loading and result in a
jam. This action will ruin the tape and can cause physical damage if the cartridge is not removed
correctly.
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.
Environmental issues
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.
Tape drive cleaning
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 hardware issues
Note: If you are installing the auto-docking version of this device on your system, this section does not
apply to your system. For information about the auto-docking feature, see your system documentation.
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.
Microcode updates
To make certain that the tape drives work their 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.
4Managing devices

Tape drive media
Learn about using the different types of tape drive media.
Attention: Your system supplier might support only the media that it sells. If the supplier's analysis
indicates that the problem is caused by using inferior media, it is the customer's responsibility to replace
the inferior media.
Select the appropriate information from this list:
vTypes of cartridges
vRecommendations for data cartridge usage
vProlonging head life
vStorage and shipping environments
vTape cartridge storage
vOperating in harsh environments
vOrdering tape and data cartridges
Types of cartridges
Tape devices use the following media cartridges.
Data cartridge
Use the data cartridge to save or restore programs or data.
Test cartridge
Use the specially labeled test cartridge to run the AIX®system diagnostics (for information about
running diagnostics, refer to your AIX documentation). Do not use the test cartridge to save or
restore customer programs or data.
Cleaning cartridge
Use the specially labeled cleaning cartridge to clean the device.
Attention: Use of other than the specified cleaning cartridge can damage your device and might
void your warranty.
To order additional cartridges, refer to Ordering tape cartridges.
Recommendations for data cartridge usage
The following list describes recommended guidelines that will help to protect your data and prolong the
life of your tape cartridges and the device:
vUse only the tape cartridge specified for your type of tape device.
vRemove the tape cartridge from the drive when the drive is not in use.
vBack up and then discard any tape cartridge that repeatedly produces error messages (the error
information is in the System Error Log).
vOn the data cartridge, do not open the door that covers the tape. The door protects the tape from dirt,
dust, and damage.
vDo not touch the tape. Any substance transferred to the tape by touching could cause loss of data.
vTo avoid problems with loading and unloading, use only one label on a cartridge. Multiple or poorly
placed labels can clog the drive load mechanism.
vDo not use poor-quality tape cartridges. They can cause excessive read or write errors, and they might
damage the tape drive.
vDiscard any tape cartridges that are dropped, because the impact might damage the tape's internal
mechanism.
Managing tape drives 5

vMake sure the environment is kept clean and constant. Do not operate in a dusty environment and
always maintain a constant environment. A consistent storage and operating environment reduces
media exposure to climatic stress.
vUse only the recommended cleaning cartridge to clean the tape drive. Use of other than recommended
cleaning cartridges can damage your drive and might void the warranty.
vPrinters and copiers can produce paper dust and toner dust. Locate the tape unit away from these
items. High traffic areas near hallways and doors can also produce excess dust and dirt.
vRecord all important information on the tape label. Information, such as the model and number of the
system or tape drive, the date, the density, any error statistics, and include a log number. Also note the
operating environment and compression mode.
Prolonging head life
New technology found in the tape device is read and write compatible with newer tape cartridges. Due
to media characteristics, extended use of older tape cartridges might increase head wear on the drive. An
indication of this head wear is an increase in soft (recoverable) errors. Using newer tape cartridges may
have enhanced characteristics that can reduce drive head wear and maximize the overall advantages of
the tape device.
Storage and shipping environments
Before using a tape cartridge, let it acclimatize to the operating environment by placing the cartridge in
the operating environment for as long as it has been away from the environment or for 24 hours,
whichever is less. Acclimatization is necessary for any data cartridge exposed to an environmental change
in humidity or to temperature changes of 11°C (20°F) or more. To determine the appropriate operating
environment, see Tape drive environment and use.
Retrieval of archived data can be performed on a tape unit that is clean and fully operational. Try to
make the recovery environment the same as the operating environment. Allow tapes at least 24 hours to
acclimatize to the environment of the tape unit.
The recommended environment for storage and shipment of cartridges is shown in Table 1.
Table 1. Recommended environment for data cartridges
Environmental Factor Storage Shipping
Temperature 5°C - 32°C (41°F - 90°F) -40 - 52°C (-40 - 125°F)
Relative Humidity
(noncondensing)
20% - 60% 5% - 80%
Maximum Wet Bulb 26°C (79°F) 26°C (79°F)
Tape cartridge storage
Tape drives record data using densities similar to hard disk drives. Because most computer systems are
not located in a dust-free, climate-controlled environment, you must exercise special care when dealing
with tape cartridges and tape drives. They must be treated as a valuable asset used to protect your
business data.
Use the following guidelines for storing your tape cartridges:
vKeep temperature and humidity constant at the levels listed in Table 1.
vAlways store tape cartridges in their protective cases. The storage case helps prevent damage from dust
and physical misuse. When the tape cartridges are not in use or being stored, keep them in their
6Managing devices