DLT Drive

HP recommends for the DLT8000:

"You MUST use a DLT1 cleaning cartridge in this drive. DLT cleaning cartridges designed for other DLT drives (such as DLT 4000/7000/8000) are too abrasive for the TF/MR head used in DLT1. The different types of cleaning cassettes are detected by hole patterns in the cartridge leader, so DLT1 will eject a DLT cleaning cassette if inserted. The DLT1 cleaning tape uses a non-abrasive nylon web material designed to remove debris on and around the head.

There is no set cleaning interval specified for the DLT1 drive, however to maintain optimum performance HP recommends cleaning the drive "on demand" ? that is, when the caution LED is illuminated. Of course this can vary according to the environment in which the drive is operating and the quality of the media management.

The DLT1 cleaning cartridge can clean the drive 20 times before it needs replacing.

The DLT1 drive indicates that cleaning is required by illuminating the caution LED on the front panel. (This LED can also be illuminated by calibration failure or for error rate exceeding limits.) "

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I recommend that you read and follow the manufacturer's recommendations on your specific maker and model of DLT drive you have.