Removing data cartridges from an HD slot in the library

This topic describes how to remove data cartridges from a high density (HD) slot in the TS3500 tape library.

About this task

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

To remove cartridges manually from an HD slot, perform the following procedure:

Procedure

  1. From the library's Activity screen, press the PAUSE key. The library displays the message If you open the door the library will go Not Ready and any remaining jobs in the work queue may fail. Press ENTER to continue.
  2. Press ENTER. The message PAUSE in Progress displays. The library parks the cartridge accessor in the base frame and displays the message The library is now paused. Normal operations will resume in 30 seconds.
  3. Within 30 seconds, unlock and open the front door on the HD frame. If you do not open the door within 30 seconds, the Activity screen redisplays and library operations resume.
    Exclamation point and caution notice
    CAUTION:
    • HD slots have a constant force spring for pushing cartridges forward when a cartridge is being removed from the slot.
    • Only remove cartridges from a frame whose front door is open. Do not add or remove cartridges from an adjacent frame.
  4. Locate the HD slot containing the cartridges you want to remove and perform the following procedure:
    • 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. Figure 3 shows the removed cartridge.
        Figure 3. LTO cartridge removed from an HD slot
        Image shows an LTO cartridge removed from an HD slot.
      3. Use the same procedure to remove other data cartridges from the storage slot.
    • For HD slots in a 3592 frame:
      1. See Figure 4. 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 5.
        Figure 4. 3592 HD slot gate release
        While thumb and middle finger on right hand hold sides of cartridge, use middle finger to release gate.
        Figure 5. 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. Figure 6 shows the removed cartridge.
        Figure 6. 3592 cartridge removed from an HD slot
        Image shows a 3592 cartridge removed from an HD slot.
      3. Use the same procedure to remove other data cartridges from the storage slot.
  5. Gently close and lock the front door.
  6. After approximately 15 seconds, the TS3500 tape library automatically inventories the frame of the door that you opened. During the inventory, the message INITIALIZING displays on the Activity screen. When the inventory is complete, READY displays.

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, follow the steps in Inserting data or scratch cartridges.