Labeling and loading tape cartridges

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The library can power on without cartridges, but needs cartridges before it can complete data read and write operations, or any tests or operations that transfer cartridges.

Bar code labels are highly recommended in production environments to improve inventory time in the library and ease cartridge-handling processes outside the library. See Bar code label.

The I/O station

If the I/O station is enabled, you can use it to load cartridges into the library. Press the magazine button for less than 3 seconds. When the button LED starts flashing fast, pull out the I/O station. The right magazine will only pull out part way to reveal five slots.

Figure 1. Open I/O station seen from the left
Open I/O station that is seen from the left.

Bulk loading magazines

  1. Unlock the magazine by pressing the magazine button for more than 3 seconds, wait for the button to flash fast and then pull out the magazine.
    1. From the Operator Panel or Management GUI, select the module and then select Open Magazine. You can also press the release button on the front panel of the module to release the magazine.
    2. Wait until the magazine is unlocked, and then pull out the magazine.
      Note: Wait for the Operator Panel/Management GUI message to say the magazine is unlocked before the magazine is pulled out.
      Figure 2. Magazine pulled out
      Magazine pulled out.
  2. Load the tape cartridges into the magazine.
    Important: For libraries with serial numbers before 7800K0K, the slots of the lowest row of the bottom module are inaccessible and can contain a 4-slot I/O station only, so do not load cartridges into these slots.
  3. Insert the magazine into the unit.
  4. Push the magazine handle slowly until the magazine release latch snaps into place. The magazine locks into place.
    Important: Push the magazine fully into place until the latch snaps into place.
  5. Repeat steps 1 - 3 for each of the other magazines.

See Accessing cartridges.