Datasheet

Environmental Issues
Tape drives are designed to operate in a clean environment. Problem factors are dirt, dust, fibers and airborne particles.
Airborne particles are the most difficult to address. When a tape is installed in the tape drive, the clearance between the
heads and the tape is measured in microns. Particles can damage the tape or the head if they come in contact with either.
Customers are responsible to provide a clean operating environment for the tape drive and system.
Tape Drive Cleaning
N
o 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.
We only recommend that you use IBM cleaning cartridges for IBM tape drives.
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. When you have cleaned the tape
drive, mark the usage on the cartridge in order to best determine when your IBM cleaning cartridge has expired.
SCSI Hardware Issues
SCSI bus cables and terminators may affect tape drive performance. IBM cables and terminators are designed specifically to
keep the SCSI bus as free of noise as possible. Use of non-IBM cables or terminators may adversely affect the SCSI bus
performance. If IBM service personnel analysis indicates a problem with non-IBM cables, it may be necessary for the
customer to replace them with the appropriate IBM cables.
Microcode Updates
IBM constantly works to provide the best possible tape drive products. To make certain that the drives work their very best,
IBM occasionally releases changed microcode for the tape drives. When a microcode change is developed, IBM makes it
available to you through the service organization or by electronic delivery.
System p customers
Microcode changes are available from the following IBM Web site:
http://www14.software.ibm.com/webapp/set2/firmware/gjsn
Summary
Your tape drive must be installed in the cleanest possible environment. Additionally, IBM tape drives require 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 IBM warranty or service agreement
If a tape drive stops functioning due to a component failure during the tape drive warranty or maintenance time, IBM will
replace the tape drive unit. IBM will replace any defective tape drive under the terms and conditions of the IBM warranty or
service agreement. It is our objective to work with you to identify the cause of any tape drive problems and provide a
solution.
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