How Often Should the Tape Drive Be Cleaned?

Environment

OS Level: AIX Version 4.1.4
Type/Model: 590

Problem

Information on the frequency of cleaning a tape drive is requested.

Solution

Below is a table listing the cleaning frequency for various tape drives.

                     Tape Drive Cleaning Frequency
                     -----------------------------
 
Type         Machine   Cartridge    #Uses  Minimum Frequency For Cleaning *
----         -------   ---------    -----  ------------------------------

4mm 2GB      7206-001   21F8763      50    Every 30 hours of tape movement or
4mm 4GB      7206-005     "                once a month, or when amber LED
4mm 4GB Auto 7332-005     "                (disturbance light) indicates
                                           recording quality problems.
 
1/4" 150mb   7207-001   21F8570**    50    After two hours of tape movement on
                        16G8572            a new tape or every 20 hours of
                                           tape movement on a used tape.

1/4" 525mb   7207-011   21F8570**    50    After two hours of tape movement on
                        16G8572            a new tape or every eight hours of
                                           tape movement on a used tape.
 
1/4" 1.2GB   7207-012   21F8570**    50    After two hours of tape movement on
                        16G8572            a new tape or every eight hours of 
                                           tape movement on a used tape when 
                                           used in QIC-1000 mode, or every 12 
                                           hours of tape movement on a used tape
                                           when used in QIC-120/150/525 mode.
 
8mm 2.3GB    7208-001   21F8593***   12    Every 30 hours of tape movement or
                        16G8467            once a month, approximately 30GB of
                                           data transfer.
 
8mm 5GB      7208-011   21F8593***   35    Every 30 hours of tape movement or
                        16G8467      22    once a month, or when amber LED
                                           (disturbance light) indicates 30
                                           hours of tape movement.
 
8mm 7GB      7331-205   21F8593***   35    Every 30 hours of tape movement or
                        16G8467      22    once a month, or when amber LED
                                           (disturbance light) indicates 30
                                           hours of tape movement.

*If tape errors or tape job failures occur, the drive may have to be cleaned more frequently.
**No longer available; previously used isopropyl alcohol. Use P/N 16G8572 instead.
***No longer available. Use P/N 16G8467 instead.

[ Doc Ref: 95634882321074 Publish Date: Apr. 28, 2000 4FAX Ref: none ]