Quantum DLT-V4 User manual

Media Care Guide www.quantum.com
Protect Your Asset
Proper Media Care How to care for, handle, inspect and
ship your Quantum media cartridges.
1 2 3 4 5 6

1 2 3 4 5
Why Media
Care Is
Important
Get To Know
Your Cartridge
Media Care
Overview
Visual
Inspection
Shipping
Cartridges
Quick Guide:
Do’s and Don’ts
Quantum media
cartridges are
engineered to be
reliable, robust and
durable. They are
manufactured to
withstand up to a
million head passes,
and have an archive
life of up to 30 years.
Follow the guidelines in
this booklet to get the
most from your tape.
The safety of your data
relies on proper care
and handling.
• Cartridge features • Protecting your cartridge
• If you drop your cartridge
• Proper storage conditions
• Labeling your cartridge
• When to perform
a visual inspection
• Performing a visual
inspection
• Spotting a damaged
cartridge
• How to pack and
ship cartridges
• A quick and easy guide
to caring for your media
Table of Contents
1
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Media Care Guide

Write Protect SwitchDLTtape and Super DLTtape Cartridge Features
Get To Know
Your Cartridge
Tape Leader Buckle
Buckles with drive leader to pull
media from cartridge.
DLTtape cartridges (Mylar loop)
Super DLTtape cartridges
(plastic buckle with metal pin)
Prevents overwrite or erasure of data.
You can change the position of the write
protect switch at any time.
Reel Lock
Prevents media reel in the cartridge
from spinning when the cartridge is
not loaded in a drive. This ensures
that proper media tension
is maintained.
Cartridge Hub
Mechanical interconnect between
the cartridge and the drive reel motor.
Serial Number
May be needed for identification
purposes if you call for service.
1
DLTtape and
Super DLTtape
Write protected – slide
switch down toward label
area. Orange indicator
should be displayed.
DLTtape VS1 and
DLT VS160/V4
Cleaning Cartridge
Write protected -
indicator on top
points to closed lock
2
3
Cartridge Door
Provides access to the tape leader.
4
5
1
4
1
3
5
2
Super DLTtape
DLTtape
2
2
1
Get to Know Your Cartridge
1
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Media Care Guide

Write Protect SwitchUltrium LTO Cartridge Features
Get To Know
Your Cartridge
Tape Leader Pin
Metal pin connects with grabber
arm to pull media from cartridge.
Prevents overwrite or erasure of data.
You can change the position of the write
protect switch at any time.
Reel Lock
Prevents media reel in the cartridge
from spinning when the cartridge is
not loaded in a drive. This ensures
that proper media tension
is maintained.
Cartridge Hub
Mechanical interconnect between
the cartridge and the drive reel motor.
Serial Number
May be needed for identification
purposes if you call for service.
1
2
3
Cartridge Door
Provides access to the tape leader.
4
5
1.1
Get to Know Your Cartridge
1.1
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Media Care Guide
1
Slide indicator right
to close lock.
5
4
3
2

DAT and DDS Cartridge Features
Get To Know
Your Cartridge
Dual Reel Tape
Media goes back and forth
between supply and take-up
hubs within cartridge.
Cartridge Door
Provides access to the tape leader.
The door should be closed.
1
2
3
Serial Number
May be needed for identification
purposes if you call for service.
4
5
1.2
2
1
Get to Know Your Cartridge
1.2
Media Care Guide www.quantum.com
Write Protect Tab
Prevents overwrite or erasure of data.
You can change the position of the write
protect switch at any time.
Slide indicator
right to close lock.
4
3

Travan Cartridge Features
Get To Know
Your Cartridge
Dual Reel Tape
Media goes back and forth
between supply and take-up
hubs within cartridge.
Cartridge Door
Provides access to the tape leader.
1
2
3
End Sense Sensor
Used by the drive to determine the
beginning and end of the tape.
4
5
1.3
43
Get to Know Your Cartridge
1.3
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Drive Roller
Used by the drive to control media
position and tension.
Media Care Guide
Slide indicator
right to close lock.
2
5
Write Protect Switch
Prevents overwrite or erasure of data.
You can change the position of the write
protect switch at any time.
5
Serial Number (printed on bottom)
May be needed for identification
purposes if you call for service.
6
1
6

Protecting Your Cartridge If You Drop Your Cartridge
Media Care
Overview
2
• Protect cartridges from shock, vibration, moisture
and magnetic fields.
• Keep cartridges in protective cases and store
vertically when not in use.
• Ensure that no loose labels in the storage
container stick to the bottom of the cartridge,
covering the hub.
• Never touch the tape or tape leader. Dust and
oils from skin can contaminate the tape and affect
performance.
• Avoid direct sunlight – it can deform cartridge
and/or ruin media.
• Allow cartridge 24 hours to adjust to the present
operating temperature and humidity before use.
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Media Care Overview
2
• Inspect case for any signs of cracks
or protruding material.
• Open cartridge door to check for damage.
See Section 4 – Visual Inspection.
• If damage is present
Do not insert cartridge in tape drive.
Discard and/or contact the manufacturer.
• If cartridge appears usable
Transfer data to a new cartridge
and discard the old one.
Proper Storage Conditions
Non-archival
Storage
• Between 60°F and 90°F (16°C and 32°C)
• Between 20% and 80% relative humidity
• Between 41°F and 90°F (5°C and 32°C)
• Between 20% and 60% relative humidity
Media Use Proper ConditionsMedia Type
DLTtape
Super DLTtape
Ultrium LTO
Travan
DAT/DDS
Archive Storage
(for one or more years)
• Between 73°F±9°F (23°C±5°C)
• Between 40% and 60% relative humidity
Non-archival
Storage
Archive Storage
(for one or more years)
• Between 73°F±9°F (23°C±5°C)
• Between 40% and 60% relative humidity
Media Care Guide
Media Usage/Durability
•The usage or durability of your media is
influenced by its care and handling as
described in this document.
•Many of the newer drives monitor the
usage of the media and will alert you as to
when to replace a cartridge. Refer to your
drive documentation for available alerts or
software utilities.
•The table below shows the usage
specification for each media type. The
actual amount can vary depending on
drive wear, environmental factors and
media handling.
Full Tape Uses
Specification
Media Type
DLT, DLT VS, Up to 200
DLT-V
Super DLT, DLT-S Up to 260
LTO Ultrium Up to 260
DAT/DDS Up to 100
Travan Up to 75

Labeling Your Cartridge
Media Care
Overview
2.1
• Use the Quantum provided labels with your
cartridge. Never use non-standard adhesive labels
or Post-it®type notes.
• Use barcode labels designed specifically
for your cartridge.
• To avoid drive/cartridge damage, make sure only
one label is stuck to the designated label area of
the cartridge. Multiple labels may cause jamming.
• Do not write directly on the cartridge.
• Write in pen, not pencil. Pencil can contaminate
the tape path. Never use a grease pencil to write
on the label or write directly on cartridge.
Proper Labeling
DLTtape &
Super DLTtape
Slide label ONLY into molded track
on the back of the cartridge
Stick one label ONLY in the indented
area on the back of the cartridge
Ultrium
LTO
Media Type Label Location
Stick one label in the indented
area on the back and/or top of
the cartridge
DAT/DDS
Stick one label in the indented
area on the back and/or top of
the cartridge
Travan
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Media Care Overview
2.1
Media Care Guide

Protective Case Inspection (All Media Types)
When To Perform a Visual Inspection
How To Perform a Visual Inspection
• Best practices: Each time a tape is loaded or changed.
• When a tape cartridge is dropped or subjected to a hard physical shock.
• When a shipment of tapes show any signs of shipping damage.
• If the drive becomes inoperable after loading a tape.
• If a drive error occurs, inspect the current and previous cartridge used in that drive.
• Go through all inspection steps in Group 1, 2 and 3 (see following pages).
• If issues are found in Group 1 only and no issues found in Groups 2 or 3 then use cartridge with caution.
• Monitor software log for media degradation.
• Consider copying the data onto a new cartridge and retiring the old cartridge.
• If any issues are found in Group 2 or 3, then retire the media and use a different cartridge.
Case
Inspect the protective case
for cracks, chips, distortion,
or other signs of damage.
Visual
Inspection
3
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Visual Inspection
3
Media Care Guide

DLTtape and Super DLTtape External Cartridge Inspection
Cartridge
Inspect the exterior of the
cartridge for chips, cracks,
dents or missing screws.
Gently shake the cartridge,
listening for rattles
or loose pieces.
Cartridge Hub
Confirm that the spring-loaded
hub on the bottom of the
cartridge is centered. Press
the hub. It should spring back
if operating properly. Operation
of the reel locks may release
the hub and re-center.
Write Protection Switch
Move the switch. It should be
able to snap into write-protected
mode and write-enabled mode.
Reel Locks
Check that both reel locks are
visible. Verify operation using
a small flat blade screwdriver.
The reel locks should spring
back when released.
Visual Inspection
Visual
Inspection
3.1
Cartridge Door
Ensure the door is
movable and that
the spring is present.
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Visual Inspection
3.1
Media Care Guide

Ultrium LTO External Cartridge Inspection
Cartridge
Inspect the exterior of the
cartridge for chips, cracks,
dents or missing screws.
Gently shake the cartridge,
listening for rattles or
loose pieces.
Cartridge Hub/Reel Locks
Confirm that the spring-
loaded hub on the bottom of
the cartridge is centered.
Press the hub. It should spring
back if operating properly.
Operation of the reel
locks may release the hub
and re-center. Check that the
reel locks are visible and out.
The Hub should not turn.
Write Protection Switch
Move the switch. It should be
able to snap into write-protected
mode and write-enabled mode.
Visual Inspection
Visual
Inspection
3.2
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Visual Inspection
3.2
Cartridge Door
Ensure the door is moveable
and springs closed.
Media Care Guide

Write Protection Tab
Move the tab. It should be
able to snap into write-protected
mode and write-enabled mode.
Cartridge Door
Ensure the door is locked
and closed.
DAT/DDS External Cartridge Inspection
Cartridge
Inspect the exterior of the
cartridge for chips, cracks,
dents or missing screws.
Gently shake the cartridge,
listening for loose pieces.
Visual Inspection
Visual
Inspection
3.3
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Visual Inspection
3.3
Media Care Guide

Travan External Cartridge Inspection
Cartridge
Inspect the exterior of the
cartridge for chips, cracks,
dents or missing screws.
Gently shake the cartridge,
listening for rattles or
loose pieces.
Visual Inspection
Visual
Inspection
3.4
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Visual Inspection
3.4
Media Care Guide
Cartridge Door
Ensure the door is moveable
and springs closed.
Write Protection Switch
Move the switch. It should be
able to snap into write-protected
mode and write-enabled mode.
End Sense Sensor
Make sure the sensor window
is clean and not badly scratched.
Refer to your drive user’s guide for how, and when,
to perform retensioning.
Some of the following circumstances
may require retensioning:
Make sure the media has acclimated to the local temperature
before retensioning.
• The cartridge is being used for the first time.
• The cartridge has been exposed to major temperature changes.
• The cartridge has not been used in some time (over a month).
• The cartridge was dropped; assess the damage and either
retension or replace.
Tape Retensioning
NOTE: Travan data cartridges sometimes require periodic media
retensioning to operate properly within your tape drive.
Restoring proper tension ensures the drive head is making good
contact with the tape media.

DLTtape Leader Inspection
Visual Inspection
Normal
Normal leader.
Tape Leader Missing
Swallowed cartridge leader or broken tape.
Excessive Debris
Stuck to tape leader and to tape.
Media Wrapped too Loosely
Excessive slack apparent.
(Note: OK to use cartridge if small amount
of slack at the tape leader is present,
but inspect cartridge again after use.)
Broken Tape Leader
Not always this obvious.
Visual
Inspection:
Spotting
a Damaged
Cartridge
3.5
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Visual Inspection
3.5
Media Care Guide

Super DLTtape Leader Inspection
Visual Inspection
Excessive Debris
Stuck to tape.
Visual
Inspection:
Spotting
a Damaged
Cartridge
3.6
Normal
Normal leader.
Toed-In Buckle
Buckle ends clearly extend
past edge of reel.
Buckle Missing
No buckle present.
Buckle Bent
One buckle end is bent and
buckle is not symmetrical.
Gap from Tape Leader Slack
Tape Leader is clearly visible.
Buckle Separated from
Tape Leader
Buckle has broken through tape
leader on one side.
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Visual Inspection
3.6
Media Care Guide

Ultrium LTO Leader Inspection
Visual Inspection
Normal
Normal leader pin position.
Tape Leader Missing
Swallowed leader pin or broken tape.
Visual
Inspection:
Spotting
a Damaged
Cartridge
3.7
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Visual Inspection
3.7
Media Care Guide

Shipping
Cartridges
4
2‘
2‘
2‘
10”
10”
6”
6”
14”
6“
1‘
!
!
How to Pack and Ship Cartridges
Do Not Use the Following Shipping Materials:
Air pillows, peanut packaging, oversized boxes,
standard flat boxes, (e.g. FedEx boxes)
Fill in air space in large sized boxes
Orient tapes vertically in the shipping box
Wrap Each Cartridge Properly
2’ x 2’ sheets of bubble wrap, 1” thick
Use the Correct Shipping Box
Small box: 10” x 6” x 6” (Holds one cartridge ONLY)
Large box: 14” x 10” x 6” / Multiple Cartridge Box
(Holds three cartridges ONLY)
Do not ship with fewer than three cartridges.
Packing Single or Multiple Cartridges
1
2
3
4
5
6+
1 sheet 1 small box
2 sheets 2 small boxes
3 sheets 1 large box
4 sheets 1 large box, 1 small box
5 sheets 1 large box, 2 small boxes
Ship in multiple boxes in combination following
the above guidelines.
# of Cartridges Bubble Wrap # of Boxes
Note: This procedure assumes you DO NOT have the original
packaging the cartridges were shipped in. If the original
packaging is going to be used, ensure any empty space created
by removed cartridges is filled with bubble wrap to prevent the
shipped cartridges from shifting around inside the box.
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Shipping Cartridges
4
Media Care Guide

Quick Guide:
Media Care
Do’s and
Don’ts
5Media Care Do’s Media Care Don’ts
Storage
• Store cartridges in their protective cases.
• Align cartridges so grooves interlock.
• Store media vertically.
Handling
• Handle cartridges with great care.
• Use the right label for your cartridge.
Usage
• Inspect cartridges prior to each use.
• Unload cartridges prior to powering down the drive.
• Before using a new or stored cartridge, allow the
cartridge 24 hours to adjust to the present operating
temperature and humidity.
Storage and Shipping
• Don’t store near magnetic fields.
• Don’t ship cartridges in drive.
• Don’t stack cartridges horizontally.
Handling
• Don’t touch the media or leader with bare fingers.
• Don’t use pens or pencils during cartridge inspection.
• Don’t disassemble cartridges.
Usage
• Don’t drop cartridge.
• Don’t use a dropped cartridge.
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Media Care Do’s and Don’ts
5
Media Care Guide