HP DAT160 noise

[DiskBytes]

Hi, I've been using a DAT 160 drive but wondered what this sound was? It can be heard at about 27s into the video. Thanks..

https://flic.kr/p/2qFmf3Y

[sbhat09]

Hello @DiskBytes,

Does it sound the same everytime you start with a cartridge? I think it could be due to any of the following:
1. The drive is testing it's spool before pulling the leader pin.
2. The sound could be even due to the failed attempts to pull the leader pin into the drive's spool.

Regards,
Srinivas Bhat

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Note: All of my comments are my own and are not any official representation of HPE.

[DiskBytes]

Hello.

This sound only happens sometimes when reading/writing. The drive is reading fine and writing fine otherwise.

[sbhat09]

Not very sure if it is happening in the middle of data writing/reading.

Regards,
Srinivas Bhat

[NarayanKK-SO]

@DiskBytes

DAT tapes are similar to Audio cassettes. Tape will be raised or pulled out from the shell to make contact with the RW head. And the recording involves 8-4mm helical scan method. These are tech points.

Regarding the noise your hear. This must be due to Auto-reverse where the EOT or the end of allotted length is reached, and the head positions itself to changes to write to the bottom layer of the tape. The noise becomes evident in situations where the drive has gone through the normal wear off. This is normal. 

I will add a link to this response just for your information.

https://support.hpe.com/hpesc/public/docDisplay?docId=c05136363&docLocale=en_US

Hope this helps..!!

[support_s]

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[DiskBytes]

Thanks for the responses, no issues otherwise with the drive so perhaps that was it, I wouldn't know otherwise really.

[DiskBytes]

Just coming back to this one.

I think the noise I was hearing was buffer underrun. I'm writing a tape with the 'mbuffer' command and it's a nice contant stream, the noise I previous reported doesn't happen with the use of 'mbuffer'.

Thanks.

[Thaufique_Mod]

Hello @DiskBytes,

It's great to see you back here, and I am glad you could find the solution. I appreciate you sharing that with us and keeping us updated.