Preventive Maintenance

5.1 Preventive Maintenance Schedule

5.1.1

Table 5-1 lists the periodic maintenance required in a normal environment to achieve the anticipated life of the tape drive and to maximize data reliability. A "normal" envi..;

ronment is considered to be an office environment free of smoke, dirt and excessive dust.

INTERVAL ITEM

DAILY Clean head

WEEKLY

Clean reference guides (2) Clean tape cleaner Clean tachometer roller Clean fixed roller 18 MONTHS Perform all adjustments

Table 5-1 Preventive Maintenance Schedule

Why Preventive Maintenance Is Necessary

As magnetic tape ages, tiny oxide particles on the coated side of the tape loosen and flake away. While most of these loose oxide particles will be caught by the tape cleaner, some will be deposited on the head. If allowed to accumulate, the data reliabil-ity of the tape drive will be adversely affected. This is usually first noticed by infre-quent recoverable data errors progressing to the point where tapes simply cannot be read. Because the tape cleaner removes the larger particles of dirt and dust, it must be periodically cleaned along with the oxide build-up on the head if maximum data re-liability is to be achieved.

If allowed to build up on the write head gaps, the oxide can act much like a keeper across a magnet and reduce the magnetic saturation of the flux reversals on the tape.

A similar buildup on the read head gaps can cause a reduction in the induced signal from the tape. In severe cases, the build-up can actually lift the tape away from the head surface, further reducing signal strength.

Dirt, dust and oxide particles can also accumulate on the tape guide surfaces and flanges. If allowed to accumulate, they can be transferred to the recording side of the tape when it packs onto the supply and take up reels. In extreme situations, heavy ac-cumulations on the guide surfaces can induce a skew effect resulting in data errors

5

Qualstar Corporation

1260 Technical Service Manual

5-2

5.1.2

In addition to the "normal" environment assumed by the preceding preventive mainte-nance schedule, several other factors, if present, will require more frequent tape clean-ing:

• Age and condition of the tape. As previously stated, oxide particles tend to flake off older tapes more readily than off newer ones. The more that older tapes are used, the more frequently the tape path will have to be cleaned.

• General cleanliness of the operating environment. Tape drives which are oper-ated in dusty, smokey, or high humidity environments, or in machine shops or heavy manufacturing or industrial areas will require more frequent cleaning than those which are operated in office environments or in computer rooms.

• Tape handling and storage. The use of improperly handled and/or stored tapes will require more frequent tape path cleaning. Tapes which are left on work benches will accumulate dust on the reel flanges which will eventually work its way into the tape path. Tapes which have been partially unwound onto the floor or which have finger prints will pick up dirt and transfer it directly to the tape cleaner, which then requires more frequent cleaning.

• Amount of tape which has run through the tape path. Tape drives which proc-ess several thousand feet of tape each day will require more frequent cleaning than tape drives which are used only a few minutes a day.

5.2 Tape Path Cleaning Procedure

Dirt shows up as dark brown or black smudges on the face of the head and is often dif-ficult to see. A strong light and a small inspection mirror can be used to see the head more clearly. Refer to Figure 5-1.

When cleaning the head and tape path, do not use abrasive materials, detergents, or general purpose cleaning solutions. These can cause permanent damage to the head surface and roller bearings. Use only 91% isopropyl alcohol and nonabrasive applica-tors such as TexPads®.

1. Remove the head cover by pulling straight out from the base.

2. Clean the entire surface of the head, including the erase head. Rub firmly un-til all deposits are removed.

3. Clean the tape cleaner blade and the area behind it.

4. Clean the tape contact surface of the reference guides. Be especially alert to deposits under the caps on the reference guides and make sure these areas are clean.

5. Clean the tape contact surfaces of the two black roller guides located near the corners of the drive. Clean the areas between the roller surfaces and their flanges. To prevent deterioration of the lubricant in the roller guide bearings, do not allow any solution to seep into the bearings.

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Chapter 5: Preventive Maintenance Tape Path Cleaning Procedure

Read Head

Write Head

Erase Head

Figure 5-1 Head Area Components

6. Reinstall the head cover.

Take up Reference Guide

Tape Cleaner

Supply Reference Guide

TexPads® are individually sealed pads premoistened with 91% isopropyl alcohol and are ideal for head and tape path cleaning. They can be obtained from Qualstar or di-rectly from The Texwipe Company by calling (800) 284-5577.