Quantum Audio A-Series Manuel D’Utilisation

Cleaning the Tape Mechanism

Quantum A-Series Tape Drives User’s Guide

66

2

The SDLT CleaningTape is intended for use in SDLT 600A tape drives 

Alternatively stated, the SDLT CleaningTape only cleans the SDLT MRC 

heads.

2

Follow these steps to load an SDLT CleaningTape into an SDLT 600A 

tape drive:

Insert the cleaning tape, with the Front Slide Label Slot facing 

outward, into the tape drive until the tape drive engages with the 

cleaning tape and begins to take up the cleaning media. The green 

 LED flashes and the cleaning cycle begins automatically.

When the cleaning cycle completes, the cleaning tape automatically 

ejects from the tape drive and the yellow alert LED turns off.

Remove the cleaning tape, place it back into its plastic case, and mark the 

label after each cleaning.

2

Excessive tape debris or other material can accumulate on the tape heads 

if the drive is:

• Used with non-approved media
• Operated in a hot, dusty environment

When this happens, the drive can experience excessive errors while 

reading or writing, and illuminate the amber Status LED continuously 

during operation. This means that the drive needs to be cleaned.
The LTO cleaning cartridge has the same dimensions as the tape cartridge 

and contains an LTO Cartridge Memory (LTO-CM), but is loaded with 

cleaning media instead of recording media. Always keep the LTO 

cleaning cartridge in its protective case when not in use.

To clean the A-Series LTO-3A tape drive:

Load an LTO cleaning cartridge into the tape drive.

On the last cleaning, the cleaning tape will not eject. Use 

the 

 button on the front of the tape drive to eject the 

expired cleaning tape and dispose of the cleaning tape.