Removing data cartridges from an HD slot in the library

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You can manually remove data cartridges directly from HD slots if the cartridge accessor is not working.

About this task

It is the customer's responsibility to remove any affected cartridges before a service procedure.

Procedure

Complete the following steps to manually remove data cartridges directly from HD slots:

  1. Pause the library by pressing the pause button on the display panel on any frame that has an I/O station.
    This action causes the library to move the cartridge accessor to its home location and pause operations for 60 seconds or as long as a frame door is open. The pause light next to the pause button stops flashing and illuminates solid to indicate that the library is paused. The health status pod on the System page of the management GUI also shows when the library is paused.
  2. Unlock and open the front door of the frame that contains the cartridges that are to be removed within 60 seconds.
    If you do not open the door within 60 seconds, library operations resume automatically.
    Note: Remove cartridges only from a frame whose front door is open. Do not add or remove cartridges from an adjacent frame.
  3. Locate the HD slot that contains the cartridges that you want to remove and perform one of the following procedures. The procedure that you use depends on the type of frame.
    CAUTION:
    HD slots have a constant force spring for pushing cartridges forward when a cartridge is being removed from the slot.
    • For HD slots in an LTO frame:
      1. See Figure 1. Use the middle finger and thumb on your left hand to grab the cartridge as shown. Apply outward pressure with the middle finger to open the cartridge gate assembly as you release and slowly remove the cartridge as shown in Figure 2.
        Figure 1. LTO HD slot gate release
        Use the middle finger and thumb on your left hand to grab the cartridge on both sides.
        Figure 2. LTO cartridge removal from an HD slot
        While thumb and middle finger on left hand hold sides of cartridge, use middle finger to release gate.
      2. Use the same method to remove other data cartridges from the storage slot.
    • For HD slots in a 3592 frame:
      1. See Figure 3. Use the middle finger and thumb on your right hand to grab the cartridge as shown. Apply outward pressure with the middle finger to open the cartridge gate assembly as you release and slowly remove the cartridge as shown in Figure 4.
        Figure 3. 3592 HD slot gate release
        While thumb and middle finger on right hand hold sides of cartridge, use middle finger to release gate.
        Figure 4. 3592 cartridge removal from an HD slot
        While thumb and middle finger on left hand hold sides of cartridge, use middle finger to release gate.
      2. Use the same method to remove other data cartridges from the storage slot.
  4. Gently close and lock the front door of the frame.
  5. After approximately 15 seconds, the TS4500 tape library automatically inventories the frame of the door that you opened.
    During the inventory, the pause light next to the pause button remains illuminated and the health status pod on the System page of the management GUI indicates that an inventory is in progress.

What to do next

  • If it is necessary to remove cartridges from more than one HD slot, repeat this procedure until all affected slots are emptied.
  • To reinstall the cartridges, see the section about inserting tape cartridges.