C1556 DAT24 cleaning light always on

[dave woolcock]

We have a C1556 drive that keeps wanting cleaning.

1. Backup jobs fail due to drive errors and the cleaning light comes on.

2. Cleaning tape inserted, does its stuff, light goes out.

3. goto step 1

Have tried brand new DDS3 tapes and cleaning tapes.

Is the drive dead, or is it likely to be a dodgy sensor or something? Drive is out of warranty.


Thanks

[Eugeny Brychkov]

Dave,
most probably the drive is dead. DAT drives should be cleaned every 5 full backups or 20 tape pulling hous (although DLT/LTO drives should be cleaned only by their request). Not following this rule shortens drive's life. As soon as your drive is not under warranty try opening it checking for dust and clening heads/mech with spirit, but I do not believe it will help much.
If you bought this drive recently then it possibly means that previous owner(s) did not clean it properly
Eugeny

[avsrini]

Hi Dave,
Check the cleaning tape also. Generally you can use a single cleaning tape for only 25 times. try changing the cleaning tape and check once.
Is this is new drive?. If not you can try changing the drive.

Srini.

[Vincent Farrugia]

Hello,

Try to change the data cartridge, it could be that the cartridge is faulty and brings up the cleaning LED. If still the same, most probably you have a faulty tape drive.

HTH,
Vince