Cleaning
5-3
Compaq Confidential – Need to Know Required
Writer: Debbie McRill Project: Compaq DAT AutoLoader Reference Guide Comments:
Part Number: 326817-003 File Name: f-ch5 Cleaning.doc Last Saved On: 12/20/99 2:36 PM
Importance of Compaq-Approved
Tape Cassettes
Compaq-approved tape cassettes are thoroughly tested to meet high-quality
standards. Before Compaq recommends a tape cassette, the quality and
reliability of the magnetic media and the cassette are evaluated. Do not use
unapproved tape cassettes because they may not be compatible with Compaq
tape drives.
See Chapter 1 for a list of Compaq-approved tape cassettes.
DAT AutoLoader Cleaning
Recommendations
Of the tape drives available today, DAT drives are more susceptible to buildup
of contaminants. If a DAT drive is not kept clean, increased errors will occur.
Recommendations for cleaning DAT drives are as follows:
■
If the CLEANREQ message is displayed on the front panel.
■
When using new tape cassettes, clean the drive heads with a cleaning
cassette after every 8 hours of use for 5 initial cleanings.
■
When using tape cassettes that have already been used 5 times, clean the
drive heads with a cleaning cassette after every 100 hours of use.
■
If you begin to experience read or write errors, format failures, or a
number of bad blocks, clean the head and capstan 3 more times before
concluding that either the tape or the tape drive is defective.
■
In a dusty environment, one cleaning cycle may not fully clean the DAT
AutoLoader drive read/write heads. If backup software reports errors,
clean the drive again. No more than four cleanings will be required to
ensure that heads are fully clean.
NOTE:
Cleaning cassettes can be used approximately 50 times. An expired cleaning
cassette will eject immediately without cleaning.
CAUTION:
No other periodic maintenance is required.
Do Not
use alcohol or
cleaning solution to clean DAT drives.
Do Not
clean read/write heads with a
cotton swab. Fibers from a cotton swab can cause permanent damage to the
head.
