What are the environmental operating and non-operating specification for the SymplyPRO tape drives?
These are the published environmental specifications for LTO tape drives.
SymplyPRO Tape Drive Operating Specifications
Environmental Factor | Recommended | Allowable | Non-Operating |
Dry-Bulb Temperature | LTO-9: 15 to 25 °C (59 to 77 °F)
LTO-7 and LTO-8: 16 to 25 °C (61 to 77 °F)
| LTO-9: 15 to 30 °C (59 to 86 °F)
LTO-7 and LTO-8: 16 to 30 °C (61 to 86 °F) | -23˚C to 49˚C (-40˚F to 140˚F) |
Relative Humidity | LTO-9: 20 to 50% (non-condensing)
LTO-7 and LTO-8: 20 to 50% (non-condensing)
| LTO-9: 20 to 50% (non-condensing)
LTO-7 and LTO-8: 20 to 50% (non-condensing)
| 5 to 80% (non-condensing) |
Maximum Temperature Change | 5 °C / hour | 5 °C / hour | n/a |
Maximum Humidity Change | 5% / hour | 5% / hour | n/a |
Temperature Limitation for Humidity Conditions | LTO-9: Max Dew Point 22 °C (72 °F)
LTO-7 and LTO-8 Wet Bulb Temperature <= 26 °C (79 °F)
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Maximum Altitude | 3,048 m (10,000 ft) | 3,048 m (10,000 ft) | 12,192 m (40,000 ft) |
| NOTE | Data cartridges stored at a temperature in excess of 52°C (125.6 °F) may suffer permanent damage. It is important that both temperature and humidity should be kept constant, as rapid changes in either are not good for the data cartridges or LTO drives. |
SymplyPRO Tape and Data Cartridge Acclimatization Time
Acclimatization time is required if the temperature of the SymplyPRO Tape drive when opened is different from the temperature of the environment it will be operated in. The recommended initial acclimation time is four hours after the drive has been unpacked.
If there is no danger of condensation (the air is dry) then the drive temperature may be increased more quickly by powering the drive on for a half hour before using the tape drive. If the SymplyPRO tape drive is hotter than the maximum allowed operating temperature (35°C / 95°F) there is a danger that the tape may adhere to the read/write head. In this case the SymplyPRO tape drive should be allowed to cool to within the operating temperature range.
Please consider the environment where the LTO drive is used should be kept at a constant temperature. If the temperature of the operating environment fluctuates then time must be allowed for acclimatization, for instance if an office environment cools overnight and heats up during the day.
Before you use a tape cartridge, acclimatize it to the operating environment to prevent condensation in the drive (the time will vary, depending on the environmental extremes to which the cartridge was exposed). The best storage container for the cartridges (until they are opened) is the original shipping container. The plastic wrapping prevents dirt from accumulating on the cartridges and partially protects them from humidity changes.
When you ship a cartridge, place it in its jewel case or in a sealed, moisture-proof bag to protect it from moisture, contaminants, and physical damage. Ship the cartridge in a shipping container that has enough packing material to cushion the cartridge and prevent it from moving within the container.
It is recommended that the SymplyPRO product and LTO data cartridges are stored together for 24 hours before use in the environment that they will be used in. This will ensure the correct acclimatization. Please note leaving a LTO data cartridge in the LTO drive for long periods of time without use can damage both the data cartridge and the tape drive mechanism.
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