5190/5194 Modular Tape Subsystem Manual

Operating the Cartridge Tape Drive and ACL

5190/5194 Modular Tape Subsystem Manual—426878-002

4-4

Using Damaged Cartridges

Using a damaged cartridge risks damage to the tape drive. Use a damaged cartridge

only long enough to transfer the stored data, if possible, to another cartridge. Then

discard the damaged cartridge.

If the leader block separates from the tape, or if an attached leader block is damaged,

you might be able to repair the damage with a leader block repair kit. Contact the

cartridge manufacturer or distributor for information about purchasing this kit.

Using a Cleaning Cartridge

A cleaning cartridge is required for periodic cleaning of the tape drive. The cleaning

cartridge loads into the drive like any other cartridge tape. The drive identifies the

cleaning cartridge by a special groove on the cartridge housing and begins the

cleaning process immediately. The cleaning process takes about a minute. After

cleaning is completed, the drive unloads the cartridge. See Cleaning a Tape Drive on

page 4-27.

The ACL has a compartment for a cleaning cartridge that automatically cleans the

drive after the tape equivalent of 20 cartridges has passed over the drive head. The

message panel on the ACL informs you when the cleaning cartridge needs to be

replaced.

The ACL cleaning cartridge comes packaged separately and must be installed before

you can operate the ACL. To install the ACL cleaning cartridge, see Installing the

Cleaning Cartridge in the ACL on page 3-44. To replace the ACL cleaning cartridge,

see Replacing a Cleaning Cartridge in an ACL on page 6-10.

Most cleaning cartridges are clearly marked with the number of cleaning cycles they

provide. Use only cartridges from a reputable manufacturer that provide 100 cleaning

cycles. To prevent problems with reading and writing tape, even if you have a

500-count cleaning cartridge, do not use the cleaning cartridge for more than 100

cleaning cycles.

Caution. Do not try to use a drive if a detached leader block remains inside. Doing so could

damage the cartridge tape drive. Call your service provider.