To write-protect a cartridge, slide the write-protect tab by the label
area on the rear face of the cartridge to close the hole.
Note the padlock on the tab that indicates that the cartridge is
protected.
To write-enable a cartridge, slide the write-protect tab back so that
the hole is open, before loading the cartridge into the drive.
Caring for cartridges
Avoiding condensation
Condensation is a problem for tape drives and cartridges. To minimize the chance of condensation, stay
within the specifications for using and storing cartridges below and observe the following guidelines:
• Position the drive where the temperature is relatively stable—away from open windows, heat sources,
and doors.
• Avoid leaving cartridges in severe temperature conditions, for example, in a car standing in bright
sunlight.
• Avoid transferring data (reading from and writing to cartridges) when the temperature is changing by
more than 1°C (1°F) per hour.
• If you bring a cold tape drive or tape cartridge into a warm room, allow time for it to warm to room
temperature before using it. For example, if you have moved the drive from a cold car to a warm room,
allow time for the drive to reach room temperature (up to 24 hours if the temperature change is
extreme).
Conditions in use
Only use LTO Ultrium cartridges in temperatures within the tape drive's operating range. The range is
10°C to 40°C (50°F to 104°F) and 20% to 80% relative humidity (non-condensing). If you expose
cartridges to temperatures outside the operating limits, stabilize them before you use them. To do this,
leave the cartridges in the operating environment for 24 hours.
Conditions in storage
When proper storage conditions are met, LTO Ultrium cartridges will preserve the integrity of stored data
up to 30 years.
• For short-term storage, keep cartridges at temperatures between 16°C and 32°C (61°F and 90°F) with
a relative humidity between 20% and 80%.
• For long-term archival storage, keep cartridges between 5°C and 23°C (41°F and 73°F) with a relative
humidity between 20% and 50%. Wet bulb temperature should not exceed 26°C (78°F).
• Always keep the cartridges in a clean environment.
• Always store cartridges in their plastic cases on their side when not in use.
Maximizing tape life
• Do not touch the tape surface.
• Do not attempt to clean the tape path or tape guides inside the cartridge.
36 Caring for cartridges
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