Tape drive media

Select the appropriate information from this list:

• Types of cartridges
• Recommendations for data cartridge usage
• Prolonging head life
• Storage and shipping environments
• Tape cartridge storage
• Operating in harsh environments
• Ordering tape and data cartridges

Types of cartridges

Tape devices use the following media cartridges.

Data cartridge

Use the data cartridge to save or restore programs or data.

Test cartridge

Use the specially labeled test cartridge to run the AIX® system diagnostics (for information about running diagnostics, refer to your AIX documentation). Do not use the test cartridge to save or restore customer programs or data.

Cleaning cartridge

Use the specially labeled cleaning cartridge to clean the device.

Attention: Use of other than the IBM® specified cleaning cartridge can damage your device and might void your warranty.

To order additional cartridges, refer to Ordering tape cartridges.

Recommendations for data cartridge usage

The following list describes recommended guidelines that will help to protect your data and prolong the life of your tape cartridges and the device:

Prolonging head life

New technology found in the tape device is read and write compatible with newer tape cartridges. Due to media characteristics, extended use of older tape cartridges might increase head wear on the drive. An indication of this head wear is an increase in soft (recoverable) errors. Using newer tape cartridges may have enhanced characteristics that can reduce drive head wear and maximize the overall advantages of the tape device.

Storage and shipping environments

Before using a tape cartridge, let it acclimatize to the operating environment by placing the cartridge in the operating environment for as long as it has been away from the environment or for 24 hours, whichever is less. Acclimatization is necessary for any data cartridge exposed to an environmental change in humidity or to temperature changes of 11°C (20°F) or more. To determine the appropriate operating environment, see Tape drive environment and use.

Retrieval of archived data can be performed on a tape unit that is clean and fully operational. Try to make the recovery environment the same as the operating environment. Allow tapes at least 24 hours to acclimatize to the environment of the tape unit.

The recommended environment for storage and shipment of cartridges is shown in Table 1.

Tape cartridge storage

Tape drives record data using densities similar to hard disk drives. Because most computer systems are not located in a dust-free, climate-controlled environment, you must exercise special care when dealing with tape cartridges and tape drives. They must be treated as a valuable asset used to protect your business data.

Use the following guidelines for storing your tape cartridges:

• Keep temperature and humidity constant at the levels listed in Table 1.
• Always store tape cartridges in their protective cases. The storage case helps prevent damage from dust and physical misuse. When the tape cartridges are not in use or being stored, keep them in their storage cases and stand on edge in a designated storage location. Do not stack cartridges on the flat side or stack other items on top of the tape cartridges. Handle your tape cartridges with care to reduce archival problems.
• Keep protective cases for tape cartridges closed except when inserting or removing a cartridge. Contamination can build up and be transferred to the tape cartridge if the protective case is left open.
• Exercise stored tapes at least once every 12 months. Run the tape from Beginning of Data (BOD) to End of Data (EOD) and back to BOD at normal operating speeds. Exercise tapes stored in a warmer environment more frequently.
• Sunlight can damage the tape and the cartridge shell. Store tape cartridges out of the direct sunlight.

Operating in harsh environments

The device is suited to streaming operations, as opposed to multiple stop-and-start, random-search tape operations. When the tape is used for frequent stop-and-start operations, it is beneficial to still have as much streaming movement as possible. This can be accomplished by ensuring that any save or restore operation is the only active operation being performed.

Do not use any tape for archival purposes if it has been used outside of the ranges specified in Table 1 for an extended period of time. The magnetic and physical strength of the tape will have deteriorated as a result of its exposure to the environment. Do not store important data on such a tape; transfer the data to a newer tape for reliable archiving.

Ordering tape and data cartridges

All tape cartridges are not alike. The tape composition and length, and the construction of the cartridge itself can all affect the quality and capacity of the recording and the performance of your tape drive. A poor quality tape cartridge might appear to work adequately in your system, yet it can leave contamination in the tape path or impede the speed of the recording.

The length and composition of the tape, and the size, shape, and construction of the cartridge shell must all be considered when selecting the tape cartridge to be used with your system. IBM supports using only data and cleaning cartridges supplied by IBM. Use only data-grade tape media for backup and data processing.

To order cartridges in the United States and Canada, call 1-888-IBM-MEDIA, or got toStorage media.

To order cartridges in other locations, contact your local provider of IBM storage products.