A Cartridge Care

StorageTek T10000 tape cartridges require care to ensure proper operation and longevity. This appendix provides:

• Information for storing and handling cartridges

• Instructions for unpacking cartridges or for shipping them to another site

• Information to follow when a cartridge is dropped

  Note:

  In this chapter, data cartridge refers to all data cartridges: Standard data, Sport data, VolSafe data, and Sport VolSafe.

See "Library Use Cartridge Labels" for information regarding cartridge labels, particularly those cartridges used inside a library.

Storage Environment

Always store cartridges in an environment within the specified range of temperature and humidity (see "Tape Cartridge Environmental Requirements"). When you store cartridges, follow these recommendations:

• Do not take data cartridges out of their protective wrapping until you need them.

• Store cartridges in a dirt-free environment that, if possible, duplicates the conditions of the data processing center.

• Before you use a cartridge that has been in storage, acclimate it to the operating environment for at least 72 hours.

Guidelines for Handling

Caution:

Tape Damage: Cartridges are easily damaged and you must handle them carefully.

• Do not expose the tape or cartridge to direct sunlight or moisture.

• Do not expose a data cartridge to magnetic fields.

• Maintain clean operating, working, and storage environments.

  Note:

  See Appendix F, "Controlling Contaminants" for details.

To Unpack and Acclimate Cartridges

1. Unpack new data cartridges in the area intended for use.

2. Allow the cartridge(s) to acclimate for a period of at least 72 hours.

To Clean a Cartridge

• Wipe all dust, dirt, and moisture from the cartridge case with a lint-free cloth.

To Ship a Cartridge

Note:

Customers must obtain cartridge shipping packages from service representatives.

Only the following assemblies are qualified for shipping T10000 cartridges:

• Single Cartridge - PN 1095329xx, T10000 Cartridge 1-Pack Packaging Assembly

• Five Cartridges - PN 1095332xx, T10000 Cartridge 5-Pack Packaging Assembly

  The 5-Pack packaging assembly protects exactly five (5) T10000 tape cartridges.

  • Do not attempt to package more than five cartridges by forcing the additional cartridge(s) into the package.

  • Do not attempt to package less than five cartridges by filling the missing cartridge void(s) with any other material.

    Note:

    When packaging less than five cartridges, use one or more single cartridge 1-Pack packaging assemblies.

Use the following guidelines to prepare StorageTek T10000 tape cartridges for shipment:

Cation:

Potential Cartridge Damage: Cartridges are easily damaged in shipment if improperly packaged. Use the designated packaging assemblies only, and in matching quantities with the number of cartridges.

1. Obtain appropriate quantities of the designated packaging assemblies:

2. Follow the packaging instructions included in the packaging assembly.

   Each packaging assembly includes specific packaging instructions.

   Note:

   Do not improvise or use older packaging instructions as they might not be applicable to the current packaging assembly.

3. Attach the appropriate shipping label to the sealed package.

   Shipping labels will vary relative to prescribed or available shipping services.

Dropped Cartridges

Whenever a cartridge is dropped, there is a potential for damage to the case. Even if the case is visibly undamaged, the cartridge leader might be jarred out of the home position and result in a load failure.

Always thoroughly inspect a dropped cartridge by looking for damage to the case, and making sure the leader is recovered to the home position (see "To Inspect a Dropped Cartridge").

Note:

If the drop was greater than 75 centimeters (29.5 inches), use the cartridge only for a one-time data transfer, even if otherwise undamaged, then discard it.

If your inspection results determine the cartridge is damaged but fit for loading, transfer data to a serviceable cartridge.

To Inspect a Dropped Cartridge

1. Closely examine the entire case, front and back, for breaks, cracks or both.

   If cracks or breaks are visible, you must discard the cartridge.

   Note:

   A dropped cartridge with visible damage that precludes normal loading into a drive might be a candidate for data recovery. Contact your service representative regarding damaged data cartridge recovery options.

2. Check all four case screws (1, Figure A-1) for security.

   If a screw post is broken, the screw might be noticeably loose.

3. Attempt to separate the case halves near each screw.

   If a screw post is broken, the case separates slightly, even if the screw seems tight.

4. Examine the sonic weld area near the tape access door, (3, Figure A-1) for integrity.

   Sonic weld damage might not be easily discernible. If there is any question about the integrity of the sonic weld, consult your service representative. If the sonic weld area has failed, you must discard the cartridge, even if it appears to be undamaged.

5. Slowly turn the cartridge over and listen for any loose items within the cartridge.

   Caution:

   Equipment Damage: Any loose items within the cartridge indicate internal damage. Loading an internally damaged cartridge could either damage the tape so data can never be retrieved or damage the tape drive.

6. Operate the write-protect switch, (2, Figure A-1) several cycles.

   The write-protect switch should slide smoothly.

   Figure A-1 Cartridge Inspection Points

   
   

   Illustration Legend:

   1 - Case screw (4x)

   2 - Write-protect switch

   3 - Sonic weld area

7. Open and close the tape access door (1, Figure A-2) several times, and examine the door for damage.

   If the door is visibly damaged, does not open, or does not close smoothly, discard the cartridge.

   Caution:

   Do not attempt to force the leader back into the home position. If the leader is not in the home position, contact your service representative.

8. Hold the tape access door open, and determine if the leader (2, Figure A-2) is in the home position (securely butted against stops).

   Figure A-2 Cartridge Door and Tape Leader

   
   

   Illustration Legend:

   1 - Tape access door

   2 - Leader

   • If the leader was jarred out of the home position, it is loose and floppy, or might be fully retracted into the cartridge case.

   • If a load attempt was made with the leader out of the home position, the tape drive fully retracts the leader; it is pulled back into the cartridge and is no longer visible.