Kroll Ontrack Eraser Degausser 3.0, User Manual

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Mode display

The mode display is used to show error codes for testing and service purpose, and for 
remote control programming. The Value display will show values according to the selected 
mode in the Mode display. You may use the Mode button to toggle between the different 
mode settings in the Mode display. 

The degausser operates with 3 different values in the Mode display: Gauss, Ampere and Volt. 
The following matrix will guide you through the different options in the Mode display:

Considerations

The Ontrack Eraser Degausser is designed to erase hard drives and tapes. The following are 
some considerations when erasing modern hard drives and tapes. 

There are two important things to consider when erasing modern drives with a degausser. 
The first is the so-called coercivity of the media used in the drive, and the second is the 
design and geometry of the drive.

Some combinations of coercivity and design/geometry are harder to erase than others.  
 Typically combinations with high coercivity media, many platters, and large form factors 
are hard to erase. Furthermore, the media coercivity is one parameter which drive 
 manufacturers constantly increase to get higher storage capacity.

Maintenance

The Ontrack Eraser Degausser is designed to require only a minimum of maintenance, and 
the degausser has a built in diagnostics system to ensure that the required magnetic field 
strength is always produced. If the diagnostics procedures detect a problem, it will show so 
on the front panel indicators.

In case the degausser needs service, please contact your nearest Kroll Ontrack office. Do not 
perform the service by yourself. If doing so, you will void the warranty.

Although no user calibration is required, the calibration of the diagnostics system should be 
checked every 2 years. This can be done using a standard gauss meter. 

Safety issues

The degausser will produce a very strong field in a limited area. However, there will always 
be some leakage of the field outside the focus area, which may influence the  surroundings. 
For anyone not comfortable with exposure to magnetic fields, we recommend to use 
the  remote control. Since the Degausser produces a DC field, it exerts force on  magnetic 
 materials and it may accelerate metal objects. Therefore, the degausser must not be 
 operated when there are small loose objects lying in the erase area. Also never operate the 
degausser while holding metal objects in your hands close to the erase area. 

It’s recommended to unload the capacitors before transporting or servicing the degausser. 
Push Mode button until the display indicates Test mode. Hold the Mode button until Test 
starts to flash. Start one erase cycle by pushing the Operat button to unload the capacitors. 
Turn off the power.