Perform a Thorough Inspection
•
Inspect the cartridge packaging to check for any rough handling.
•
When inspecting a cartridge, open only the cartridge door. Do not open
any other part of the cartridge case. The upper and lower parts of the case
are held together with screws; separating them destroys the usefulness of
the cartridge. While the door is open, check that the leader pin is properly
seated. If the cartridge has been dropped, it is likely that the pin is
dislodged inside the cartridge. It is recommended that you open the door
and check if the pin is properly seated before each use. See Figure 1-4.
•
Inspect the cartridge for damage before using or storing it.
•
Inspect the back of the cartridge (the part that you load first into the tape
load compartment) and ensure that there are no gaps in the seam of the
cartridge case. If there are gaps in the seam, the leader pin may be
dislodged. See Figure 1-5.
•
If you suspect that the cartridge has been mishandled but it appears
usable, copy any data onto a good cartridge immediately for possible data
recovery. Discard the mishandled cartridge.
Handle the Cartridge Carefully
•
Do not drop the cartridge. If the cartridge drops, slide the cartridge door
back and ensure that the leader pin is properly seated in the pin-retaining
spring clips.
•
Do not handle tape that is outside the cartridge. Handling the tape can
damage the tape surface or edges, which may interfere with the read or
write reliability. Pulling on tape that is outside the cartridge can damage
the tape and the brake mechanism in the cartridge.
•
Do not stack more than six cartridges.
•
Do not degauss a cartridge that you intend to reuse. Degaussing renders
the tape unusable.
Figure 1-4 displays a dropped tape which resulted in a dislodged leader pin.
This cartridge if inserted into a drive could result in a stuck tape. Other
damage could result in the leader pin falling out of the cartridge or getting
dropped inside the tape housing.
LTO Media Handbook
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