lProtect cartridges from shock, vibration and magnetic fields.
lAvoid exposure to direct sunlight, heat and moisture.
lStore cleaning cartridges vertically.
lNever touch the tape or tape leader. Dust and oils from your skin will contaminate the tape and affect performance.
lAlways visually inspect a media cartridge before placing it in the drive. If damage is apparent, do not use the cartridge.
Caring for Regular (Non-cleaning) Tape Cartridges
lAlways keep each tape cartridge in its protective plastic case when it is not in the tape drive.
lWhen carrying tape cartridges in their cases, always orient the cases so that the grooves in the cases interlock. This prevents the cases from slipping apart and falling.
lNever stack the tape cartridges in a stack of more than five.
lWhen placing tape cartridges in archival storage, stand each tape cartridge vertically.
lDo not carry cartridges loosely in a box or any other container. Allowing cartridges to hit together exposes them to unnecessary physical shock.
lAlways observe the proper environmental conditions for the storage of tape cartridges. Refer to the cartridge reference card supplied with each cartridge. The ambient
operating environment for the tape cartridge is:
lIf storage or transportation of a tape cartridge have exposed it to conditions outside the ambient values above, "condition" the tape cartridge to its operating environment
for a 24-hour period.
lDo not place cartridges on or near devices that may produce magnetic fields such as computer monitors, motors, or video equipment. Such exposure can alter or
erase data on the tape.
lNever apply adhesive labels or adhesive notes on the top, side, or bottom of a tape cartridge. Only use the user slide-in type label provided with each cartridge and
slide it over the label slot on the cartridge.
lDo not touch or allow direct contact with tape or tape leader. Dust or natural skin oils can contaminate the tape and impact tape performance.
lDo not expose the tape cartridge to moisture or direct sunlight.
lDo not insert any cartridge that has been dropped into tape drive without a thorough visual inspection. A dropped cartridge may have dislodged, loosened, or damaged
internal components.
lAvoid unnecessary opening of the cartridge door; this may expose the tape to contamination or physical damage.
lDo not use graphite pencils, water-soluble felt pens, or other debris-producing writing instruments on your labels. Never erase a label—replace it.
lMake sure you place the unused cartridge labels in the protective box so that you do not inadvertently pick them up along with the cartridge during subsequent usage.
(A static electricity charge on a cartridge may cause a label to cling to the cartridge.) A label that is accidentally inserted into the drive along with a cartridge can
prevent the hub reel and drive gear from meshing.
lMaintain clean operating, working, and storage environments.
lFollow all tape cartridge handling instructions that accompany your cartridges or tape drive.
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