55srwlgs@SACEMNET.AF.MIL ("55SRWLGS") (06/06/90)
I got this info text from the USAF Small Computer Technical
center at SEMBACH AFB, W. Germany. I would have ARC'd it
and put it somewhere. But, SIMTEL20 is hibernating, and
not everyone may have access to SIMTEL20 or other spots.
From: WINS%"semsctc@ramstein2-emh.af.mil"
SYQUEST REMOVABLE CARTRIDGE INFORMATION
I. The Syquest model 306 and 312 disk drives with removable disk cartridges
(Q-Paks) have a failure rate worse than average. The result is more frequent
loss of recorded data, increased system down-time. Plus increased repair
replacement costs. Every effort must be made to extend the useful life of
this hardware and prevent interruption of its mission. Operational practices
can make a significant difference in the equipment failure rate.
II. The GSA information security management division, has provided the
following recommended operational practices. Please disseminate this to all
users of removable disk cartridge PC's.
III. In comparison to internal (sealed) hard disk drives, all removable
cartridge (Q-Pak) disk drives are more prone to mechanical problems and
inevitability failure. There are three major differences between fixed disk
and Q-Pak systems:
A. The amount of dir/contamination collected by a Q-pak when it is
outside the drive enclosure.
B. The probability of a non-precision fit between the Q-Pak enclosed
disk and the read/write heads within the drive.
C. Shock and vibration damage caused by poor handling practices.
IV. Care and handling of Q-Pak disk cartridges:
A. Keep all Q-Paks, not in use, inside protective sleeves.
B. Store Q-Paks at room temperature in a closed cabinet away from
heating and A/C air flow.
C. Rest Q-Paks only on the flat surface, not the edge. The drop from
an on-edge position to a float position may ruin the cartridge.
D. Never manually open a Q-Pak head-access door or poke anything into
the Q-Pak.
E. Do not handle the drive spindle on the bottom of the Q-Pak. Oily
skin residue may cause drive slippage. If a Q-Pak inserted into the drive
fails the calibration clean the drive spindle with a lint-free cloth made damp
with freon or alcohol. Do not use excessive pressure!
F. Remove the Q-Pak from the drive whenever the computer system/drive
is moved or shipped. Cartridge drives have no head/disk shipping protection
techniques, as used on fixed hard drives. (i.e. park position).
V. Learn the sight and sound indications of normal operation to be able to
recognize abnormalities. For instance, the repetitive (Head drive) stepping
motor sounds are heard during calibration and retries. If timely corrective
cleaning, service, alignment or repair actions are taken, failure may be
prevented or delayed for a significant amount of time.
VI. Care and handling of disk drive:
A. The front (loading) door must be closed and latched at all times.
B. Put nothing but a good disk pak into the drive opening.
C. Only use a Syquest C-Pak cleaning cartridge for cleaning the drive
motor flange area. Use only when a clean, loaded Q-Pak fails the calibration
test. The cleaning (C-Pak) kit consisting of a C-Pak cleaning cartridge and
foam pads. Follow manufacturers instructions. Freon is the preferred
cleaning fluid. Isopropal alcohol may be used. Always allow at least five
minutes drying time after cleaning with alcohol. Restrict the fluid to the
foam cleaning pad. It should not drip or run into the mechanism.
D. Do not try to clean the Read/Write heads.
E. Grasp the front drive door handle at the center of the door only,
not on the sides.
VII. Always follow the cartridge removal procedure! NEVER open the door
until the disk has stopped. The Syquest drive has no interlock to prevent
opening the door too soon. When loading a Q-Pak listen to its start-up and be
prepared to press the stop button if rattles or grinding are heard! Do not
open the door until the disk has stopped!
VIIII. Always spin-down the Q-Pak before turning the computer system off.
IX. Front panel LED indications are not the same for all drive models.
Know the indications of your drive. Always watch the indicator and listen
carefully to sounds of the drive/Q-Pak mechanisms and the beep sounds.
X. Recommended Q-Pak/C-Pak removal procedures:
A. Push the button on the front of the drive. The door will partially
open on a 5 MB drive. Do not pull it open!
B. Wait until the LED stops flashing and the disk has spun-down to a
complete stop. (AT least 30 seconds).
C. (On the 10 MB drive, press the button again, after the LED stops
flashing , to release the door.)
D. Grasp the door handle in its center. Pull the door open to the
horizontal position. (The Q-Pak drive is disengaged.)
E. Press the door down 20 degrees to eject the cartridge.
F. Return the Q-Pak to its protective sleeve.
XI. Q-Pak use - Compatibility and Preparation Information
A. The 5 MB hardware is sand (or Bone) colored. Write tab must be
inserted to enable write. The 10 MB hardware is Grey. The write tab must be
removed to enable writing to the cartridge.
XII. Q-Pak Insertion and Calibration Test:
A. Q-Pak must be at room temperature for one (1) hour.
B. Push the from panel button and manually open the drive door to the
horizontals position.
C. Remove the Q-Pak from its sleeve.
D. Align the Q-Pak with the drive opening. Insert it fully. Never
force it!
E. Grasp the door handle (in its center). Close and latch the door
securely.
F. The cartridge will calibrate within two (2) minutes. (Usually
within 30 seconds if the Q-Pak was at room temperature.)
1. On the 5 MB EL 09 drive a stepping motor sound indicates
calibration in progress and a soft "beep" indicates calibration is completed.
2. On the 5 MB EL 90 drive the LED will be on during calibration
in progress and off when calibration is complete.
3. On 10 MB drive the LED will be red during calibration in
progress and green when calibration is stopped.
4. On all drives the LED is off when the drive has stopped.
G. Re-boot the system (warm-start) after successful calibration.
XIII. Q-Pak Insertion/Calibration Failure:
A. The LED will flash while the disk slows to a stop. Listen for
noises and wait for slashing to stop before pressing the drive eject button
(10 MB)/before opening the drive door (5 MB).
1. Rattling indicates cartridge damage. DO NOT USE THAT CARTRIDGE
AGAIN! Re-test the drive using a new blank Q-Pak.
2. Grinding indicates cartridge and drive damage replace them
both!
B. Without noise symptoms, Q-Pak may calibrate after warm-up or
reseating the cartridge in the drive.
1. Wait two (2) minutes, then re-insert Q-Pak. Ensure drive door
is secure. Re-boot after calibration.
2. Clean Q-Pak drive spindle. Use Freon or alcohol to dampen a
lint-free cloth. Do no apply pressure on spindle.
3. Try another Q-Pak.
4. Follow drive cleaning procedure using a C-Pak.
XIV. Cartridge incompatibility caused by drive misalignment: If Q-Paks are
used on more than one system/drive and become incompatible with other than one
drive, one or more drives may be out of alignment. Save the data to another
Q-Pak which does not contain critical data. Report drive problem to the
repair organization.
XV. Do not attempt disk drive maintenance and repair: Read/Write head
cleaning and drive cleaning (except for C-Pak use) and drive alignment or
repair must be done at a repair facility where special equipment and skilled
personnel are available.