Site Planning Guide

Overview

Select from the following components:

The cable spool provides the electrical connection between the robot and the System Control Board. The cable spool allows the robot cable to feed out and retract back in as the robot moves up and down in the library.

The cable spool is only installed in an Expansion Modules (EMs). Scalar i3 Control Module (CM) only installations do not require a cable spool.

Item Name Description

1

 

This indicator is for future use.
2 Robot Power LED

This indicator illuminates green when power is being supplied to the robot.
3 Serial Port This serial port is for engineering use only.
4 Robot Cable This cable attaches to the robot and feeds out and retracts in as the robot moves.

Tape drives are installed in the back of the library. The Scalar i3 supports up to three IBM Fibre Channel (FC) or SAS LTO-6 and later half-height drives per 3U chassis. You can connect from the Fibre Channel ports directly to the server or to a storage area network using a Fibre Channel switch or directly connect SAS to an HBA. You must use a cover plate to cover any empty tape drive slot.

LTO-8 FC Drive

LTO-8 SAS Drive

LTO-9 FC Drive

LTO-9 SAS Drive

Item Name Description

1

Unlock Lever

The unlock lever must be pushed to the unlocked (up) position before the drive sled can be removed from the library.
2 LEDs

The drive LEDs provide you with visual information that lets you know the drive is working correctly. After the library is powered up and working, the following indications tell you the drive is operating normally:

  • Power: Solid on – Indicates the drive is powered on
  • Beacon: Solid off – Drive is varied on and not being identified. Blinks blue when the drive is identified or varied off.
  • Cartridge Present: Solid on when a tape is in the drive.
  • Communication: Solid on or flashing. Valid communication to the tape library.
  • Port A: Solid on or flashing. Port is connected to a host device.
3 Ports The ports connect your drives to a server or a switch. You connect Fibre Channel drives with Fibre Channel cables. You connect SAS drives with SAS Mini HD cables.You connect SAS drives with SAS Mini HD cables.
4 Thumbscrews Thumbscrews secure the drive sled to the chassis.

The Scalar iBlade is a converged server platform for the Scalar i3 Library. There are two types of iBlades available: the Veeam Tape Server iBlade, and the SLTFS/NAS iBlade.

Veeam Tape Server iBlade

The Veeam Tape Server option eliminates the need for a dedicated external physical tape server. The Veeam Tape Server comes with Windows 2016 pre-installed. The customer provides and loads the Veeam software during installation.

Caution: This is the only software that may be loaded on the Veeam Tape Server.
SLTFS/NAS iBlade The SLTFS/NAS option creates a NAS tape archive for file-based unstructured data storage with integrated SLTFS. The SLTFS/NAS iBlade comes with CentOS and SLTFS software installed. The SLTFS iBlade is sometimes called the “LTFS iBlade.”

iBlades are available in three hardware configurations, Quad Fibre Channel, Dual Fibre Channel, and SAS.

Item Name Description

1

Status LEDs

Indicates the operating status of the iBlade.

SLTFS/NAS iBlade normal indications:

  • Green: Blinks once per second
  • Amber: Off/Not Used
  • Blue: Off

SLTFS application not running:

  • Blue: Solid on

Veeam Tape Server iBlade normal indications:

  • Green: Solid on
  • Amber: Off/Not Used
  • Blue: Off/Not Used
2 Ethernet Ports These are two dual speed 1Gb/10Gb Ethernet ports. These connect to the LAN/WAN and are used for data ingest and software installation.
3 USB Port Reserved for Quantum engineering and manufacturing.
4 Serial Port Reserved for Quantum engineering and manufacturing.
5 Quad Fibre Channel Connectors (16 Gbs) Connects to up to four (4) FC drives.
6 Dual Fibre Channel Connectors Connects to up to two (2) FC drives
7 SAS Connectors (12 Gbs) Connects to up to four SAS drives with a 1x1, 1x2, or 1x4 Mini HD SAS cable.

Every Scalar i3 library module that contains tape drives or an iBlade installed has at least one power supply. A second power supply can be added for redundancy.

If the library has two power supplies, one power supply can be replaced with power applied to the other power supply, but doing so will produce a RAS ticket.

Additional Information

  • Library modules that contain both an iBlade and tape drives must have two power supplies installed.
  • The power supply is highly efficient, rated at 80 PLUS®, a performance specification that requires an 80% or higher energy efficiency at 10, 20, 50 and 100% of rated load with a true power factor of 0.9 or greater.
  • The power supply connects to an outside power source and converts the input power to the AC and DC voltages used by the library components.

Item Name Description

1

LEDs

Power Supply LEDs provide you with visual information that let you know the power supply is working correctly. Normal indications:

  • Fault: Off
  • DC OK: Solid green
  • AC OK: Solid green

If the Fault LED is solid blue, or if the other two LEDs are off, you should check for RAS tickets to learn how to resolve the problem.
2 Handle Used to remove and install the power supply.
3 Thumbscrews Used to secure the power supply to the chassis.

How to Identify a Gen1 or Gen2 Robot

There are two methods to identify a Gen1 or Gen2 robot in the Scalar i3 system.

In the WebGUI, select System. The Information Panel will indicate if the robot is a Gen1 or Gen2.

Figure 1: Information Panel - Robotics Generation

Gen2 Robots have "G2" stamped on the robot (see figure below). Gen1 Robots do not have a stamp.

Figure 2: Gen2 Robot Hardware Identification

Item Name Description

1

Robot Cable

Provides the electrical connection between the robot and the SCB.
2 Gears

Provides the Y-Axis movement – vertical movement. The gears also provide an alignment reference when replacing the robot.
3 Lift Bar You use the lift bar in conjunction with the lift tab to handle the robot when removing or replacing the robot.
4 Lift Tab You use the lift tab in conjunction with the lift bar to handle the robot when removing or replacing the robot.
5 Robot Picker The mobile part of the robot that moves media between slots and drives.
6 Ribbon Cable Provides connectivity to the robot picker.

Overview

The System Control Blade (SCB) is the main controller for all library operations. It contains the user interface operations, Web Services, and it stores the configuration.

The SCB is located in the Control Module (CM).

Item Name Description

1

Power Switch The power switch initiates the shutdown procedure when you press it for two seconds. If you press it for five seconds, you will force a hard shutdown. It is solid green and illuminated when the library is powered on.
2 Status LEDs

Normal indications:

  • Green: Blinks once per second
  • Amber: Off
  • Blue: Blinks once every 10 seconds
3 Serial Port The serial port is for engineering use only.
4 Service Port The service port allows you to connect directly to the library to perform service functions.
5 Service USB The service USB port is not used at this time.
6 Ethernet Ports

The Ethernet ports allow you to connect the library to a network. This allows you to connect to hosts and to configure and operate the library through the WebGUI. While the ports are identical in function, use Gb1 as your primary network connection and Gb2 as your secondary connection. There are two for redundancy.

GB1 and GB2 correspond to the interface settings in the Scalar i3 Network Settings menu.

The image below displays currently available Scalar i3 Library Module Configurations.

Configuration Rules Configuration Considerations
  • Minimum size is 1 module (3U)
  • Maximum size is 8 modules (24U)
  • The first Expansion Module (EM) added to a Control Module (CM)-only configuration must be below the CM (upgrade kit required)
  • Any module that contains drives must have power installed.
  • Power supplies within the same module must match.
  • Lightweight vs Heavy-duty rail kits
  1. Lightweight used only for CM only installation.
  2. Heavy-duty used for all other installations.
  • Rack space
  • CM as close to eye level as is practical

  • To avoid having to remove and replace the robot during installation, install the CM/EM unit on the bottom of the stack

  • For maximum future scalability, stack as many EMs below the CM as is practical given your rack constraints
i3 License Agreements

Select the following Scalar tape library license agreements below:

Cloud-Based Analytics (CBA) enables Quantum to collect data about the Scalar library system and environment performance. When CBA is enabled, Scalar library telemetric data logs and library snapshots are bundled and uploaded to the remote Cloud-Based Analytics server for analysis. The data collected assists Quantum with early detection and diagnosis of any problems regarding your Scalar library.

To use CBA on a Scalar library requires the following:

  • Scalar library firmware of 212G and above.

  • Auto Support must be enabled on the library to allow telemetric data and library snapshots to be uploaded to the CBA server. By default, library Auto Support is enabled.

    1. In the Navigation panel, select Notifications.

    2. In the North panel, select the Auto Support check box.

    3. In the Operations panel, select RAS Tickets.

    4. Select the Enable Auto Support Communication check box.

    5. Click Apply.

  • The DNS hostname api-as.quantum.com must be resolvable by the device that the CBA agent is enabled on

    All on-premise communication to the Cloud-Based Analytics server uses a secure https connection via port 443

  • SSL Proxy transfers are not currently supported.

CBA Server and Portal

  • No connections from the CBA server back to on-premise system are required or used.

  • The CBA portal is scanned each weekly with the Nexpose security scanner.

  • The non SSL port on the CBA portal is closed.

  • All administrator access to the CBA portal is behind a firewall. Administrators can only access the CBA portal from defined IP addresses.

Data Privacy

Data policies ensure the security and privacy of your uploaded data. The following information is not included with a CBA data file upload:

  • Passwords or encryption keys.

  • Network architecture.

  • Proprietary or confidential data.

Log Files

  • CBA log files are zipped and transferred over a SSL encryption connection and are stored behind a firewall.

  • There is no direct access to the zipped log files.

  • CBA log files can only be accessed by a Quantum support person using a SSL connection to the CBA portal.

After data is uploaded to the Cloud-Based Analytics server, it is analyzed to determine the status of the Scalar library. You can access information about the uploaded data on the Cloud-Based Analytics dashboard at insight.quantum.com.

To request access to the Cloud-Based Analytics dashboard, select the Request an Account link on the dashboard.

Once you have access to the CBA dashboard, you can configure your CBA email alerts.

  1. From the drop-down of your email address in the upper left hand of the dashboard, select Manage Alerts.

  2. Under Actions, select the library you wish to manage email alerts.

  3. Under Alerts, select the Manage button.

  4. Select the level of CBA reporting you want for your CBA email alerts.

Technical Specifications

Configuration Amp @ 110V Amp @ 220V Watts BTU/Hr
Control Module no drives (minimum) 0.29 0.28 23 78
Control Module no drives (maximum) 0.58 0.39 67 215
Control Module & 1st EM no drives (minimum)1 0.31 0.28 27 92
Control Module & 1st EM no drives (maximum)1 0.69 0.42 73 249
1 LTO-6 HH drive, no tape (minimum) 0.11 0.04 10 34
1 LTO-6 HH drive, writing (maximum) 0.18 0.07 26 89
1 LTO-7 HH drive, no tape (minimum) 0.16 0.06 13 45
1 LTO-7 HH drive, writing (maximum) 0.25 0.09 32 109
1 LTO-8 HH drive, no tape (minimum) 0.21 0.10 23 78
1 LTO-8 HH drive, writing (maximum) 0.30 0.14 33 113
1 LTO-9 HH drive, no tape (minimum) 0.19 0.10 21 71
1 LTO-9 HH drive, writing (maximum) 0.33 0.16 36 123
iBlade idle (minimum) 0.37 0.18 40 136
iBlade writing (maximum) 0.42 0.21 46 158
1 Additional EMs after 1st EM do not add power

 

Cord Image
IEC 60320 C13/C14
rack-compatible power cord
IEC 60320 C13/5-15
North American power cord

For tape cartridge storage or shipping environment requirements outside of the library, please refer to specific LTO tape media specifications provided by the LTO consortium at www.lto.org or specifications provided by the media manufacturer.

Environmental Factor Recommended¹ Allowed² Shipping³

Dry-Bulb Temperature

LTO-5, -6, -7. -8:

  • 16 to 25°C (61 to 77°F)

LTO-9:

  • 15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F)

LTO-5, -6, -7. -8:

  • 16 to 35°C (61 to 95°F)

LTO-9:

  • 15 to 35°C (59 to 95°F)

-23 to 49°C (-9 to 120°F)
Relative Humidity

20 to 50% (non-condensing)

20 to 80% (non-condensing)

5 to 80% (non-condensing)
Maximum Temperature Change

5° C per hour

5° C per hour

N/A
Maximum Humidity Change

5% per hour

5% per hour

N/A
Temperature Limitation for Humidity Conditions

LTO-5, -6, -7. -8:

  • Wet Bulb Temp <= 26°C (79°F)

LTO-9:

  • Max Dew Point 22°C (72°F)

LTO-5, -6, -7. -8:

  • Wet Bulb Temp <= 26°C (79°F)

LTO-9:

  • Max Dew Point 22°C (72°F)

Wet Bulb Temp <= 26°C (79°F)
Maximum Altitude

3048 m (10000 ft)

3048 m (10000 ft)

12192 m (40000 ft)
Particulate Requirements

Data centers should meet the cleanliness level of ISO 14644-1 class 8. For data centers without air-side economizers, the ISO 14644-1 class 8 cleanliness can be meet by choosing one of the following filtration methods:

  • The room air can be continuously filtered with MERV 8 filters.

  • Air enter a data center can be filtered with MERV 11 or or preferably MERV 13 filters.

For data centers with air-side economizers, the choice of filters to achieve ISO class 8 cleanliness depends on the specific conditions present at that data center. The deliquescent relative humidity of the particulate contamination must be more than 60% RH. Data centers must be free of zinc whiskers.

For more information on ISO 14644-1 class 8, refer to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) at https://www.iso.org.

Definition of Terms:

¹ Recommended: The recommended operational/storage environmental envelope provides guidance on the environmental range for optimal performance and high reliability. This environmental range protects for 30-year archival storage. (Derate the maximum recommended dry-bulb temperature by 1°C/300 m above 1,800 m (1.8°F/1,000 feet above 6,000 feet)).

² Allowed: The allowable operational/storage environmental envelope defines the test limits to verify that the equipment will function within the environmental envelope. This environmental range is defined for operational storage of less than 6 months. (Derate the maximum dry-bulb temperature by 1°C/300 m above 900 m (1.8°F/1,000 feet above 3,000 feet)).

³ Shipping: When shipping media over extended environmental ranges, shipping times should be limited to minimize the duration of media being exposed to varying environmental conditions at lower and upper ranges.

Note: The prolonged exposure to conditions outside the recommended range, especially approaching the extremes of the allowable operating environment, can result in decreased equipment reliability and longevity. An occasional short-term excursion into the allowable envelope is generally acceptable but may result in performance and reliability implications and higher power consumption. For additional information regarding tape cartridge storage, shipping and operational requirements, including acclimation requirements, please visit www.quantum.com/lto-media, or refer to specific LTO tape media specifications provided by the LTO consortium at www.lto.org or specifications provided by the media manufacturer.

Library Configuration Rack Size Physical Slots Licensed Slots Inventory Time
  • 1 Control Module
3U 50 25 38 seconds
  • 1 Control Module
6U 100 50 1 minute,18 seconds
  • 1 Control Module
  • 3 Expansion Modules
12U 200 200 2 minutes, 18 seconds
  • 1 Control Module
  • 4 Expansion Modules
15U 250 250 2 minutes, 48 seconds
  • 1 Control Module
  • 5 Expansion Modules
18U 300 300 3 minutes, 18 seconds
  • 1 Control Module
  • 6 Expansion Modules
21U 350 350 3 minutes, 48 seconds
  • 1 Control Module
  • 7 Expansion Modules
24U 400 400 4 minutes, 18 seconds
Connection Connector Speed
Fibre Channel drive (IBM LTO-6 and higher) LC 8 Gbps
SAS drives (IBM LTO-9)

Mini SAS HD

(SFF-8644)

 12 Gbps
SAS drives (IBM LTO-6 to IBM LTO-8)

Mini SAS HD

(SFF-8644)

 6 Gbps
Ethernet on System Control Blade (SCB) RJ45 1 Gb
iBlade RJ45 10 GbE

The table below describes the port and network details for site-to-site firewall settings:

Port Protocol Direction TCP/UDP

Description
22 SSH Inbound TCP SSH access for CLI usage. Can disable SSH on the library.
25 SMTP Outbound TCP

Email client. Can override this default port by putting the port on the back of the email host name.

For example, smtp.gmail.com:587
53 DNS Outbound UDP + TCP DNS client model.

67

68

 DHCP Outbound UDP DHCP client.
80 HTTP Inbound TCP Library is a web server for administrative purposes.
80 HTTP Outbound TCP Library is a client for SKMv1.
123 NTP Inbound/Outbound UDP NTP client
161 SNMP Inbound/Outbound UDP SNMP queries and management.
162 SNMP Outbound UDP Trap output.
389 LDAP Outbound TCP Non-secure LDAP client.
443 HTTP Inbound TCP Secure web server.
636 LDAPS Outbond TCP Secure LDAP client.
5696 KMIP Outbound TCP KMIP communication port on the server. Library uses non-priviledged ports.

6000

6001

 SKM Outbound TCP SKM tape encryption protocol.
Shipping Package Dimensions (W x H x D) Weight
Base System (3U CM, No Drives)

42 in. x 23.5 in. x 15.25 in.

111.8 cm x 59.7 cm x 38.7 cm

68 lbs

30.84 kg
Expansion System (3U CM, 3U EM, No Drives)

28 in. x 24 in. x 47 in.

71.1 cm x 61 cm x 119.4 cm

92 lbs

41.73 kg
Expansion Module (3U EM, No Drives)

23.5 in. x 15.25 in. x 43,8 in.

59.7 cm x 38.7 cm x 111.1 cm

32 lbs

14.51 kg
Drives (FC/SAS)

12 in. x 6.6 in x 15 in

30.6 cm x 16.8 cm x 38.1 cm

6 lbs.

2.72 kg
Library Modules Weight Height Width Max Length2

Control Module with:

  • Robot
  • One Power Supply
  • No Cable Spool, Drives or Media

44.0 lbs

19.9 kg

5.2 in.

13,2 cm1

17.4 in.

44.2 cm

36.4 in.

92.5 cm

Control Module and Expansion Module with:

  • One Power Supply
  • Accessories
  • Cabling
  • Cable Spool,
  • No Drives or Media

82.0 lbs

34.2 kg

10.4 in.

26.4 cm

17.4 in.

44.2 cm

36.4 in.

92.5 cm

Expansion Module with:

  • No Power Supply, Drives or Media

32 lbs

14.5 kg

5.2 in.

13,2 cm

17.4 in.

44.2 cm

36.4

92.5 cm
1. CM includes top and bottom cover

2. Max length includes drive sled

       
Library Components Weight Height Width Length
Power Supply

2.9 lbs

1.3 kg

4.75 in.

12.1 cm

1.88 in.

4.8 cm

8.0 in.

20.3 cm
Power Supply blanking plate (removed when a power supply is added)

0.1 lbs

0.06 kg

4.75 in.

12.1 cm

1.88 in.

4.8 cm

 -
Cable Spool

1.2 lbs

0.56 kg

4.75 in.

12.1 cm

1.88 in.

4.8 cm

8.0 in.

20.3 cm

25-slot Magazine (no media)

4.4 lbs

2.0 kg

4.75 in.

12.1 cm

4.25 in.

10.8 cm

29.0 in.

73.7 cm

25-slot Magazine with 25 media cartridges

15.4 lbs

7.0 kg

4.75 in.

12.1 cm

4.25 in.

10.8 cm

29.0 in.

73.7 cm
iBlade Assembly

1.5 lbs

0.7 kg

4.75 in.

12.1 cm

2.62 in.

6.6 cm

8.0 in.

20.3 cm
iBlade Assembly blanking plate (removed when an iBlade is added)

0.2 lbs

0.08 kg

4.75 in.

12.1 cm

2.62 in.

6.6 cm

 -
Tape Drives and Media Weight Height Width Length
LTO-6 or higher Drive

4.5 lbs

2.0 kg

1.75 in.

4.4 cm

7.0 in

17.8 cm.

9.5 in.

24.1 cm
Tape Drive blanking plate (removed when a drive is added)

0.3 lbs

0.12 kg

1.62 in.

4.1 cm

7.87 in.

20.0 cm

0.5 in.

1.3 cm
Media Cartridge

0.4 lbs

0.2 kg

0.8 in.

2.0 cm

4.0 in.

10.1 cm

4.1 in

10.4 cm

The Scalar i3 library must be installed in a rack (no desktop versions). The rack should be a standard 19”, four-post rack. The external rack depth must be at least 42.13” (1070 mm); alternatively, check that the internal rack space can support the library product depth of 36.4” (924.5 mm). An example of a qualified rack is the APC AR3100.

Quantum supplies a PDU bracket with your library to change the orientation of the rack PDU to face the back door. This orientations allows for more cable space.

Additional Information

  • You must use a high quality rack that meets the following requirements:
    • Rack is appropriately leveled.
    • The front of the rack is perpendicular to the rack sides.
    • There is no rack bowing.
  • The Scalar i3 library is intended to be mounted in a square holed cabinet.
  • Quantum recommends the use of rack leveling feeds rather than rack wheels. Moving a rack with wheels on a non-flat floor can bend the rack and cause robotic issues in the library.
  • Airflow on the Scalar i3 library is from front to back.
  • The Scalar i3 library is longer than other rack-based libraries or components.
Rail Kit Type Expand/Collapse Dimensions
Lightweight (3U)

26.4 in to 37.0 in.

67 cm to 94 cm

Heavy-duty (6U)

23.6 in. to 31.9 in.

60 cm to 81 cm

Each module comes with two (2) PDU Brackets. You may need to use them if your rack has a PDU mounting rack and you cannot use it as designed. The library’s length interferes with proper PDU mounting. You can still mount your PDU, but you’ll have to use the provided PDU brackets. The PDU bracket attaches to the PDU rack, then you attach the PDU as shown below.

To view a short animation of the PDU bracket mounting procedure, click here.

The tape drives are enclosed in a drive sled. The library supports the following tape drive types:

  • IBM LTO-6 FC Half-Height (HH)
  • IBM LTO-6 SAS Half-Height (HH)
  • IBM LTO-7 FC Half-Height (HH)
  • IBM LTO-7 SAS Half-Height (HH)
  • IBM LTO-8 FC Half-Height (HH)
  • IBM LTO-8 SAS Half-Height (HH)
  • IBM LTO-9 FC Half-Height (HH)
  • IBM LTO-9 SAS Half-Height (HH)

Each library must have at least one tape drive. Each module can house up to three tape drives and each Scalar i3 library can support up to a total of 24 drives.

Even though tape drives can be installed in any module, it is recommended that tape drives be installed in bottom-to-top order in the control module before any are added to other expansion modules. Once the control module has three drives installed from bottom to top, you should move to the expansion module that contains the cable spool for the next set of drives. Then continue adding drives to the remaining expansion modules. Power must be installed on any module that contains drives.

Note: LTO SAS half height drives require a special mini SAS HD cable. See Scalar i3 Library Specifications for more details on connection types and speeds.

The Scalar i3 library supports WORM (write once, read many) technology in IBM LTO-6, LTO-7, LTO-8, and LTO-9 tape drives. WORM allows non-erasable data to be written once and provides extra data security by prohibiting accidental data erasure.

LTO-8 introduces a media formatting option, the M format. The M format is used with LTO-8 tape drives and LTO-7 media. When LTO-7 media is M formatted by an LTO-8 tape drive, the data capacity of the LTO-7 media is 9TB native, compared to 6TB of a standard formatted LTO-7 tape.

Type M Media Format Requirements

Scalar i3 systems have the following requirements when using M format media:

  • A new bar code media identifier is used with M formatted LTO-7 tapes.
  • The media must be new, not previously used.
  • The media must have a bar code label that contains the media identifier M8.
  • The last two characters of the bar code are M8.

Cartridge Type

  

Drive Type
LTO-9

LTO-8

LTO-7

LTO-6
LTO-9 Read and Write Not compatible Not compatible Not compatible
LTO-9 WORM Read and Write Not compatible Not compatible Not compatible

LTO-8

 Read and Write

Read and Write

Not compatible

Not compatible

LTO-8 WORM

 Read and Write Read and Write

Not compatible

Not compatible

LTO-7 M8

 Not compatible Read and Write

Not compatible

Not compatible

LTO-7

 Not compatible Read and Write Read and Write

Not compatible

LTO-7 WORM

 Not compatible Read and Write Read and Write

Not compatible

LTO-6

 Not compatible

Not compatible

 Read and Write Read and Write

LTO-6 WORM

 Not compatible

Not compatible

 Read and Write Read and Write

LTO-5

 Not compatible

Not compatible

Read Only

 Read and Write

LTO-5 WORM

 Not compatible

Not compatible

Read Only

 Read and Write

LTO-4

 Not compatible

Not compatible

Not compatible

Read Only

LTO-4 WORM

 Not compatible

Not compatible

Not compatible

Read Only

Note: The LTO Consortium currently does not support LTO-7 M8 WORM.

 

Printing Barcode Labels

Barcode labels are required for all media tape cartridges in the library. If you wish to print the barcode labels, the individual media labels are supported if the labels meet the following requirements:

  • ANSI MH10.8M-1983 Standard.
  • Type font: Code 39 (3 of 9).
  • Characters: Only uppercase letters A to Z and/or numeric values 0 to 9.
  • Number of digits: 5 to 16 (default for LTO is 6+2).

Note: A maximum of 12 characters is recommended. A barcode label with more than 12 characters may not be printable according to the Code 39 label specifications for the tape cartridge area to which the label is attached. The effective tape cartridge barcode label length, including any media ID, may be limited to a maximum of 12 characters.

  • Background reflection: less than 25 percent.
  • Print contrast: greater than 75 percent.
  • Ratio: greater than 2.2.
  • Module: .254 mm (10 mil).
  • Print tolerance: ± 57 mm.
  • Length of the rest zones: 5.25 mm ± 0.25 mm.
  • No black marks may be present in the intermediate spaces or rest zones.
  • No white areas may be present on the bars.
  • Bars should read in a uniform direction. Non-uniform reading directions are feasible in principle, but have a detrimental effect on performance.
  • Each label should be applied in the upper right corner of the tape cartridge recess (when oriented vertically).
  • Checksum characters are not supported on barcode labels.

Compliance with these specifications can be checked and documented with the Ergilaser 3000 High Density barcode measuring device that is manufactured by the Laetus Company.

Printed Barcode Examples

Additional Information

  • Quantum strongly recommends using labels with a matte finish, such as the Quantum recommended Tri-Optic barcode labels, rather than a high gloss finish for more reliable scanner readability.
  • Glossiness can be observed by reflecting a bright light on the label or by taking a flash picture and checking for wash out
  • While no industry ratified spec is available for glossiness, for reference Quantum recommended Tri-Optic labels were measured with a Zehntner Glossmeter (model ZGM 1020) and had Gloss Values < 10
  • Quantum branded, pre-labeled media can be ordered from Quantum or you can order customer labels from Tri-Optic