Cartridge magazine
The cartridge magazine is used to load and unload one or more tape cartridges independent of the TS4500 tape library.
The base frame of the TS4500 tape library comes with two I/O stations. Any Dx5 expansion frame can optionally have two I/O stations installed. A removable cartridge magazine is installed in each I/O station and is used to insert or remove cartridges from the station. The cartridge magazine is accessed by opening the I/O station doors using either the eject button above the station or the TS4500 management GUI.
The cartridge magazines are media-specific. Table 1 lists the dimensions and weight of each magazine. A bar code label at the top of the magazine is scanned by the cartridge accessor and indicates to the library whether the magazine is for LTO or 3592 cartridges. The LTO magazine holds up to 18 cartridges. The 3592 magazine holds up to 16 cartridges. A serial number label, affixed to the bottom of the magazine, is used for identification.
| Specification | 3592 cartridge magazine | LTO cartridge magazine |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | Width: 127 mm (5 in) Height: 523 mm (20.6 in) Depth: 137 mm (5.4 in) |
Width: 127 mm (5 in) Height: 523 mm (20.6 in) Depth: 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Maximum weight (full of cartridges) | 5.24 kg (11.6 lb) | 5.14 kg (11.4 lb) |
| Minimum weight (no cartridges) | 1.1 kg (2.5 lb) | 1 kg (2.2 lb) |
The magazine is always seated in the I/O station so that the handles are accessible when the I/O station doors are open. The magazine must also be positioned so that the bar code labels on the magazine and cartridges face inside the library and can be read by cartridge accessor. An up arrow and "THIS SIDE UP" engraving indicate how the magazine must be inserted into the I/O station. In addition, guide ribs on the top and bottom prevent the magazine from being inserted upside down.
The handles on the cartridge magazine are used to insert and remove the magazine, or to carry it during transport. The magazine safety lock retains cartridges in their slots and prevents them from falling out while the magazine is carried. When a magazine is removed from an I/O station, it is necessary to engage the safety lock until the magazine is placed on an accessible surface. It is then necessary to unlock the magazine to insert or remove cartridges. Attempting to insert or remove cartridges while the magazine safety lock is engaged might damage the magazine or the cartridges. After a magazine is reinserted into an I/O station, it is necessary to unlock the magazine so that the accessor can retrieve cartridges.
A universal dust cover comes with each magazine and can be used for shipping cartridges in the magazine. The bar code labels are visible through the clear cover.