HP Integrity NonStop H-Series - Manual (Page 23)

Chapter Four - Tape Cartridges
Tandem 5142-xSE Rackmount Tape Subsystems User Guide 1 3
4.1 Tape Cartridge
A cartridge is a storage device that contains either magnetic tape or a cleaning ribbon inside a
protective case. The cartridge protects the tape or ribbon and makes handling easier. There are two
type of cartridges: (1) cleaning cartridges and (2) cartridge tapes.
1. Cleaning tapes are used to clean the tape drive recording heads with a cleaning ribbon.
2. Cartridge tapes hold magnetic storage media for the tape subsystem. A cartridge tape is a self-
contained plastic shell containing a spool of magnetic tape. These cartridges are used to record and
read back system data.
4.1.2 Humidity
To avoid condensation problems, allow a tape to stabilize at least two hours after it has been
moved from one temperature and humidity to another before you use it.
4.1.3 Life Expectancy of Tapes
All DDS-certified media is electronically checked to withstand at least 2000 passes. Under
optimum environmental conditions (50% relative humidity, 22ºC), this is equivalent to about
200-300 backup operations. This takes into account that an area of tape may have several
passes during a backup. Sustained use at the low end of the humidity specification will reduce
the tape life.
4.1.4 Using Labels
Cartridge and magazine labels must be firmly stuck to the recessed label area and nowhere else.
To avoid a mechanism jam, observe the following:
• Labels must be firmly stuck and not peeling off or curling at the corners.
• Labels must only be stuck within the label area.
• A label must not be stuck on top of another label.
• Only use the labels that are supplied with the cartridges or magazine.