
Tape Drive Cleaning
No matter how clean the environment, debris may 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 builds up and causes errors in reading and writing. Customers
are responsible to clean the tape drive in accordance with the cleaning information
provided with the tape drive.
Note: Your system supplier may only support the use of their own cleaning cartridges.
Contact your system supplier for quality cleaning cartridges that are specifically
designed for the 20/40GB 4MM Internal Tape Drive.
Cleaning cartridges can be used a limited number of times. Once 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
SCSI bus cables and terminators may 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 may adversely affect the SCSI bus
performance. If your service representative’s analysis indicates a problem with inferior
cables, it may be necessary for the customer to replace them.
Microcode Updates
Your system supplier constantly works to provide the best possible tape drive products.
To make certain that the tape drives work their very best, your system supplier may
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.
Microcode changes are available from service web sites. For more information about
supporting web sites, contact your local service representative.
Microcode can be installed by your service representative or your system administrator.
Summary Your tape drive must be installed in the cleanest possible environment. Your 20/40GB
4MM Internal Tape Drive requires 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 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.
Chapter 1. Overview 3