topic 2/20 Tape library-how often to clean?? in Automated Backup

2/20 Tape library-how often to clean??

CA818832 — Mon, 22 Jul 2002 21:56:58 GMT

How often should I clean my tape drives? LTO, presently cleaning once a week, approx. 24 hours of use on each drive per week.

Thanks

Re: 2/20 Tape library-how often to clean??

CA628575 — Tue, 23 Jul 2002 02:11:45 GMT

Both LTO and DLT drives do not (!) require periodic cleaning. These drives should only be cleaned if the drive itself indicated a cleaning request.

Periodic cleaning can actually shorten the life of your drive.

This has caused confusion, as DDS drives are different and do require periodic cleaning for proper functioning.

Re: 2/20 Tape library-how often to clean??

Rothery Harris — Tue, 23 Jul 2002 06:16:27 GMT

Jan is quite correct. Ultrium and DLT are clean on demand only. Unfortunately backup applications usually have a setting where the drive is cleaned periodically. I suggest you set this to off or a lengthy period. The new universal Ultrium cleaning cartridge (C7978A) uses an 'intelligent' cleaning algorithm. This cartridge does not perform a cleaning cylcle unless it is required. You do need to check your library firmware revision before using it.

Rothery Harris

Re: 2/20 Tape library-how often to clean??

CA788093 — Sun, 28 Jul 2002 15:05:45 GMT

What about Travan decks?

Re: 2/20 Tape library-how often to clean??

Rothery Harris — Fri, 09 Aug 2002 06:46:46 GMT

Travan tape drive require no cleaning. Do not attempt to clean the head manually as it will be damaged.

Rothery