The Hi-Tech 3480/3490 Inspector Cleaner is a vacuum buffered tape processor that cleans, retensions and optically inspects all 3480, 3490 and 3490e magnetic tape cartridges. This unique machine is the only product currently available in the market to inspect your tape cartridge library and eliminate faulty cartridges without affecting any of the data on any of the tape.

Data cartridges, like all magnetic media, require periodic cleaning and retensioning. Surface debris and dirt will interfere with proper head/tape contact. The Hi-Tech 3480/3490 Inspector Cleaner thoroughly cleans and retensions tape. The machine accepts all half-inch data cartridges which conform to IBM publication GA 32-0048.

Cleaning Method

The cleaning method of the machine uses a vacuum-assisted gemstone cleaning blade to remove contamination from the oxide surface of the tape. Each blade is good for 2,000 passes. The machine automatically indicates when the blade requires changing. Two cleaning tissues are used to remove contamination from both sides of the tape, and the machine automatically indicates when the tissue cartridges require changing.

Retensioning Method

The machine drive design incorporates hydrostatic air bearings to minimize tape contact and friction. It uses microprocessor controlled tension transducers to provide accurate winding and tensioning.

Autoload

Cartridges are housed in a removable ten cartridge magazine which is placed in the loading mechanism for processing. Each cartridge is then automatically positioned, loaded and unloaded sequentially. A second magazine can be purchased to permit the operator to load the magazine while the first one is in the machine being processed.

Physical Defect Detector

This feature provides detection and recording of any physical tape imperfection. Wrinkles, edge stretches, oxide voids, shedding oxide, or any anomaly on the oxide surface .0025 inches or larger are detected. The data on the tape is not destroyed and the tape itself remains unharmed. The user can eliminate all problem tapes prior to mounting them on the drive.

Features:
Fully automatic operation
Vacuum-assisted blade cleaning
Dual-tissue cleaning
Visual display indicated need for blade and tissue replacement
16 character operator display
Easily changed blade and tissues
Tape length measured
Short tape detection
Automatic tape retensioning
Air-bearing drive
Microprocessor controlled
Static eliminator

Applications:
Corporate Data Processing Departments
Large end users
Government
Military
Data Processing Departments
Banks and Financial Institutions
Media Reprocessors
Media Archive Organizations

Media Cleaned:
3480 cartridges
3490 cartridges
3490e cartridges