Sun Microsystems SL500 User Manual

Inspecting Cartridges

348 SL500 User’s Guide • July 2008

Revision: KA • 96116

Inspecting Cartridges

A defective or dirty cartridge can damage a tape drive. Always inspect a cartridge 

before you insert it into a tape drive or a library. Look for:

■

Cracked or broken cartridge

■

Broken leader

■

Broken leader latch

■

Damaged write-protect switch

■

Liquid in the cartridge

■

Labels not firmly or neatly attached or extending over the cartridge edge

■

Any other obvious damage

Maintaining Cartridges

It is important to keep your tape cartridges in good condition. A defective or dirty 

cartridge can damage a tape drive see 

.

When you store a cartridge:

■

Leave it in its protective wrapping until you are ready to use it.

■

Choose a clean environment that duplicates the conditions of the room in which it is 

used.

■

Make sure the cartridge has been in its operating environment for at least 24 hours.

When you clean a cartridge exterior:

Potential damage to cartridges. Do not use certain solvents to remove labels or 

to clean cartridges because they can damage the cartridges. Do not use acetone, 

trichloroethane, toluene, xylene, benzene, ketone, methylethyl ketone, methylene 

chloride, ethyldichloride, esters, ethyl acetate, or similar chemicals.

■

Wipe all dust, dirt, and moisture from the cartridge with a lint-free cloth.

■

Use StorageTek Tape Cleaner Wipes, PN 4046289-01, to clean the cartridges. These 

wipes are saturated with isopropyl alcohol. Do not let any solution touch the tape or 

get inside the cartridge.

Cartridge Requirements

Cartridges must meet specifications defined in American National Standard Magnetic Tape 

and Cartridge for Information Interchange, ACS X3B5.

Refer to your tape drive manufacturer’s publication and Web site for specific cartridge 

requirements and specifications.