Spectra Logic 2K - Manual (Page 46)

Chapter 5. Using the AIT Tape Drives
46
Maintaining the AIT Tape Drive
The AIT tape drive is an extremely reliable media storage subsystem; performing a few
simple maintenance procedures will keep the drives reading and writing reliably for
many years.
• For best performance with AIT tape drives, perform a read/write confidence test
with your backup software regularly. For information about performing this
operation, see the documentation for your backup software.
• As explained in Getting to Know the AIT Tape Drive on page 43, the drive cleans
itself when necessary. If further cleaning is necessary, as indicated by the drive LED
light and/or by the read/write confidence test, use only Sony SDX-TCL cleaning
cartridges. For ordering information, see Purchasing Additional Library Accessories
on page 64.
Tape Drive Head Cleaning
Head cleaning with a Sony SDX-TCL cleaning cartridge should be performed in the
following situations:
• Every 100 hours of drive use (or less) in the following situations:
• When the tape library has been installed in areas having high amounts of
airborne particulates.
• When the drive fails to write or read data correctly.
• When the drive fails to eject a data cartridge.
Note: Dirty drive heads are not the only cause for read or write failures.
Damaged media can also cause this type of failure.
Most installations require scheduled cleaning using SDX-TCL cleaning cartridges.
Scheduled cleaning is definitely required in installations having high amounts of
airborne particulates. Most software applications have features that allow scheduled
automatic head cleaning of tape libraries.