5190/5194 Modular Tape Subsystem Manual

Introduction to the Modular Tape Subsystem
5190/5194 Modular Tape Subsystem Manual—426878-002
1-4
Tape Compatibility
drive mechanism uses a leader block to wind the tape through the tape path inside the
drive. To view the parts of a cartridge, see Figure 1-2.
There are two types of cartridge tape:
•
The standard cartridge tape (IBM 3480 and 3490 compatible) can be used with
both the 5190 and 5194 tape drives.
•
The extended cartridge tape (IBM 3490E compatible) can be used only by the
5194 tape drive.
Both types of cartridges have the following approximate dimensions:
•
Height: 2.5 centimeters (1 inch)
•
Width: 10.9 centimeters (4.3 inches)
•
Depth: 12.7 centimeters (5 inches)
But they are not interchangeable. You can tell the difference between the cartridges by
the color of the cartridge housing: the standard cartridge housing is all one color,
whereas the extended cartridge housing has a lighter color on the bottom or reel side.
Tape Compatibility
Standard (IBM 3480/3490 compatible) cartridge tapes can be used by either the 5190
or 5194 tape drive. The 5194 tape drive can read cartridges written in the 18-track
format by the 5190 tape drive, but it cannot write 18-track format tapes. The 5190 tape
drive cannot read the 36-track tape format written by the 5194 tape drive.
The extended “thin tape” (IBM 3490E compatible) is a special tape that can be used
only on the 5194 tape drive. The 5190 tape drive cannot read or write on the extended
tape cartridge. Although you can load the thin tape into the 5190 tape drive, data errors
Figure 1-2. A Cartridge Tape
Label Side
Cartridge
Housing
File-Protect
Thumbwheel
Leader Block
Latch
Leader Block
Reel Side
VST007.vsd