LTO bar code label
Each LTO data, cleaning, and diagnostic cartridge that is processed by the TS3500 tape library must bear a bar code label.
- A volume serial (VOLSER) number that you can read
- A bar code that the library can read
Lx
(where
x
equals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, T, U, V, W, X, or Y) or M8
.
L
orM
identifies the cartridge as an LTO cartridge.1
indicates that the cartridge is the first generation of its type.2
,3
,4
,5
,6
,7
, or8
indicates that the cartridge is the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, or eighth generation of its type.T
indicates that the cartridge is a generation 3 WORM cartridge,U
indicates that the cartridge is a generation 4 WORM cartridge,V
indicates that the cartridge is a generation 5 WORM cartridge,W
indicates that the cartridge is a generation 6 WORM cartridge,X
indicates that the cartridge is a generation 7 WORM cartridge, andY
indicates that the cartridge is a generation 8 WORM cartridge.
Figure 1 shows a sample bar code label for the LTO 7 tape cartridge.
- Eight uppercase alphanumeric characters, where the last two characters must be
L1
,L2
,L3
,L4
,L5
,L6
,L7
,L8
,LT
,LU
,LV
,LW
,LX
, orLY
, orM8
. - Label and printing to be non-glossy
- Nominal narrow line or space width of 0.423 mm (0.017 in.)
- Wide to narrow ratio of 2.75:1
- Minimum bar length of 11.1 mm (0.44 in.)
To determine the complete specifications of the bar code and the bar code label, go to http://www-304.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=ssg1S7000429 to download the IBM LTO Ultrium Cartridge Label Specification. You can also contact your IBM® Sales Representative for this specification.
When attaching a bar code label to a tape cartridge, place the label only in the recessed bar code label area. A label that extends outside of the recessed area can cause loading problems in the drive or the library.
You can use the Tape Library Specialist web interface to configure the library so that it reports to the server all eight characters of the VOLSER on the bar code label or only the first six characters.