Quantum A-Series User Manual

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Data Cartridge Inspection Procedure
Quantum A-Series Tape Drives User’s Guide
56
• Be certain you place the unused data cartridge labels in the protective 
box so that you do not inadvertently pick them up along with the 
data cartridge during subsequent usage. A static electricity charge on 
a data cartridge may cause a label to cling to the data cartridge. A 
label that is accidentally inserted into the tape drive along with a data 
cartridge can prevent the hub reel and drive gear from meshing.
• Follow all data cartridge handling instructions that accompany your 
data cartridges or tape drive.
Data Cartridge Inspection Procedure
Follow the Visual Mechanical Inspection (VMI) procedures described in 
this subsection. These steps will help you identify any potential data 
cartridge problems, and will prevent accidental loss of data or damage to 
your tape drive.
You should do an inspection if any of these conditions occur:
• As a general practice whenever you change or load a new data 
cartridge.
• If a data cartridge is dropped or subjected to some hard physical 
shock.
• If the SDLT 600A tape drive becomes inoperable after loading a data 
cartridge.
• If you receive a shipment of data cartridges that show any sign of 
shipping damage.
Follow these steps to visually inspect a Super DLTtape II data cartridge:
1
Remove the data cartridge from its protective plastic case.
Note:
Always remove the data cartridge from the drive prior to 
powering down the drive. This ensures that the file system 
stored on the tape is consistent and that the tape in the 
tape path is not damaged when the unit is powered up.