How to detect a lost leader in a tape drive, Handling tape cartridges – HP Surestore DLT 80 Tape Drive User Manual

Page 50

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Care of the Drive and Tape Cartridges

Taking Care of Data Cartridges

4-7

Figure 4.3 Reel lock levers and the reel hub

4

Check the two white reel lock levers.

One is on the same surface as the cartridge door. The other is at the
bottom of the cartridge near the front left corner (see figures 4.2 and
4.3). Both locks should be visible. If they are not, scrap the cartridge; it
must not be inserted into any tape drive.

5

Check that the reel hub is correctly located (flush with the case surface).

If the hub is sunk under the surface, the cartridge could become
misaligned in the drive. If the hub is out of position, gently push the hub
up slightly and see if it will spring back into its correct position. If it does
not, scrap the cartridge; it must not be inserted into any tape drive.

How to detect a lost leader in a tape drive:

Caution

Inserting a cartridge with a lost leader in the drive can damage the drive.

If the leader is lost in a cartridge, the tape drive will not accept the
cartridge. It will make a flapping or scraping noise for a few seconds, stop
and repeat the process. The noise is caused by the detached leader going
around in the drive. On the HP SureStore DLT 40, the left-hand lights will
be on and the right-hand lights will flash. On the HP SureStore DLT 70
and DLT 80 the lights on the right-hand side will flash. The drive does not
have to be attached to a computer for this to occur; it can just be powered
on. A drive in this condition cannot be repaired on site.

A cartridge with a lost leader must be discarded.

Handling Tape Cartridges

• Do not drop or bang cartridges. This can displace the tape leader, which

can make the tape unusable and can damage the drive. See “Inspecting
Cartridges Before Loading and After Unloading” on page 4-6 i
f you do

Reel lock lever

Reel hub

Reel lock
lever

Cartridge door

dlt.book Page 7 Monday, February 12, 2001 5:42 PM

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