Operator`s manual

Model VR240 Audio Logging Recorder
B-2
January 2000
B-4. THE TAPE COUNTER AND TAPE CAPACITY.
The VR240 recognizes and operates with 90, 120, 125 (DDS-3 equipped machines) meter DDS
tapes. The tape counter is re-calibrated depending upon the length of the tape. Therefore,
“tape full” will occur in the 9900-9999 range regardless of selected length. Tape changeover, in
units so equipped and configured, usually occurs in the 9600-9900 range. As discussed earlier,
poor quality or overused tapes may have reduced capacity. If the counter reads too low when
you get a tape full indication or switchover, it probably means that the tape is bad or that the
drives need cleaning.
B-5. DATA CARE AND STORAGE.
DDS tapes are small, convenient, and robust. There are no unusual precautions you need to
take with respect to care and storage of either new or recorded tapes. Common sense and the
manufacturer’s specifications do dictate a minimum of care, however. Remember, your
recorded tapes may be called upon to disgorge their data months or years after you have put
them away. Something that might be benign for a short period can cause a loss of data over a
long period.
B-6. STORAGE TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY.
The DDS standard calls for storing the tapes between 5°C and 32°C (41°F to 90°F). This
comfortably encompasses the range of room temperature. Be careful not to store the tape in an
area where the temperature changes radically. Window sills, radiators, and similar locations are
right out.
The humidity standard is 40% to 60%, non-condensing. It is rather more difficult to assure this
specification since most locations do not have humidity indicators available. Obvious
suggestions include not storing your tapes in basements or rooms where there could be a major
water spill.
Not stated in the specification, but perhaps even more important: Try to keep the environment
relatively constant if possible. You will potentially do more damage to your tapes if you put them
in an environment in which the temperature and humidity are constantly changing or cycling
than if you simply leave them alone at either end of the spec.
B-7. ACCIDENTAL ERASURE.
DDS tapes store information magnetically, just like ordinary audio tapes. However, the
magnetic formulation has a higher “coercivity,” which means that it requires a stronger magnetic
field to modify the information stored on the tape. While routine transportation and storage
should have no effect on the information stored, we recommend that you avoid storing the tapes
near objects that generate magnetic fields, such as loudspeakers, electric motors, television
sets, etc. (There is nothing to fear from going through airport metal detectors.)