5190/5194 Modular Tape Subsystem Manual

Operating the Cartridge Tape Drive and ACL
5190/5194 Modular Tape Subsystem Manual—426878-002
4-24
Loading Cartridges
also back at the physical beginning of the tape. When the 5194 reaches EOT only the
EOT LED remains lit.
A blinking tape position LED indicates that the tape is moving.
For a detailed description of how the tape position LEDs function, see Tape Position
LEDs on page 4-7.
Loading Cartridges
Loading a cartridge tape into a 5190 or 5194 tape drive is similar to loading a cassette
into a videocassette recorder. After the cartridge is inserted, the drive automatically
picks up the leader block and threads the tape around the tape path.
Before loading a cartridge, do the following:
1. Wipe the cartridge, if necessary, with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth to avoid
introducing dirt into the drive.
2. Inspect the cartridge for damage to the case, the leader block, the leader block
latch, or the file-protect thumbwheel. See Using Damaged Cartridges on page 4-4
and refer to Figure 1-2 on page 1-4.
3. Make sure the leader block is firmly lodged under the lip of the cartridge housing.
Loose leader blocks can cause loading errors.
4. Check the setting of the file-protect thumbwheel (see Figure 4-1 on page 4-3).
To load the cartridge, grasp it with the label side up and the leader block edge pointing
away from you (see Figure 4-9). Insert the cartridge directly into the cartridge entry
slot until it stops. The drive-loading mechanism seats the cartridge, and the message
LOADING appears on the message panel.