Technical data

1.3.3 Servo Mechanism
The mechanical assemblies of the drive are managed by the microprocessor. These assemblies
control tape loading and unloading and maintain correct tape tension.
The drive mechanism uses two direct-drive DC torque motors, a tachometer assembly that
senses tape speed and position, and a servo-drive that eliminates the need for a capstan.
Tape movement is controlled primarily by the take-up servo and the tachometer. The tape
path has five roller guides, a dual-gap head, and a tape cleaner. The roller guides, positioned
on each side of the head, are designed to minimize friction, skew, and tape-width variations.
Standard features of the drive mechanism include:
• Unbuffered tape path
• Velocity tachometers mounted on motors
• Brushless dc blower motor for loading and cooling
1.4 Access Positions
There are two ways of gaining access to the drive:
• The operator access position, which provides operator access to the tape path
• The service access position, which provides field service access to the internal electronic
and mechanical parts of the drive
Throughout this manual it is expected that the reader is a trained, qualified technician who
is familiar with both ways of accessing the drive. Accessing the tape drive is described in
Chapter 5.
Introduction 1–11