Specifications

Dell DDS/DAT Media Handbook Page 17
7 Media Handling
7.1 Perform a Thorough Inspection
• Inspect the cartridge's packaging to determine potential rough handling.
• When inspecting a cartridge, make sure there is no blockage over the open holes. These are cartridge
sensors to identify the type of tape, the magnetic thickness and whether the tape is pre-recorded,
unrecorded, or is a cleaning cartridge. Other cartridge features allow the drive to determine the cartridge
in the BOT (beginning of tape), or EOT (end of tape) points.
• Inspect the cartridge for damage before using or storing it.
• If you suspect that the cartridge has been mishandled but it appears useable, copy any data onto a good
cartridge immediately for possible data recovery. Discard the mishandled cartridge.
Figure 16 -Media Recognition Holes
7.2 Handle the Cartridge Carefully
• Do not handle tape that is outside the cartridge. Handling the tape can damage the tape's surface or edges,
which may interfere with read or write reliability. Pulling on tape that is outside the cartridge can damage
the tape and the brake mechanism in the cartridge.
• Degaussing will lose all data on a pre-recorded cartridge. It is usable for a new data backup.
7.3 Ensure Proper Packaging if shipping tapes
• When you ship a cartridge, ship it in its original or better packaging.
• Always ship or store a cartridge in a jewel case.
• Use only a recommended shipping container that securely holds the cartridge in its jewel case during
transportation.