DDS-3 maintenance
 

I have a Glyph Trip Rack with a Sony DDS-3 tape backup system and Retrospect. I have Retrospect set up to tell me to clean the DDS-3 every 16 hours of use. Since Glyph didn't see fit to send me any original manuals for the DDS, I have been on my own as far as proper procedure for cleaning and maintenance. I have been using a standard DAT cleaning tape and telling Retrospect to backup to the cleaning tape. After 15 or 20 seconds I tell Retrospect to abort the backup. Is this the accepted procedure for cleanig DDS-3 drives? One problem I see with this system is that when you insert or eject a tape to/from the DDS-3 mechanism, it rewinds the tape. DAT cleaning tapes direct the user to run them without rewinding and to "chunk" them after you reach the end of the tape. Am I missing something here?

I've sent this question to Glyph, but apparently they are unwilling to tell me a better way to deal with it. I've been backing up data often for the last two years with this system and haven't had a hiccup yet, but I know that as these drives and tape backups age, the chances of me finding one has "crapped the bed" are increasing daily.

Re: DDS-3 maintenance
 

Use a DDS cleaning tape - you don't need to even run Retrospect - just pop the tape in, the drive recognizes it's a cleaning tape, runs it for about 10 seconds, then ejects without rewinding. Do that until the tape is gone, then get a new tape.

I believe Sony recommends cleaning after every 24hrs of use - you don't want to use one of these tapes more frequently than necessary since they are more abrasive than a standard tape and will contribute to head wear.

best,
rich

Re: DDS-3 maintenance
 

Where can you buy DDS cleaning tape? I use Sony for backup so I would love to find Sony for cleaning.

Re: DDS-3 maintenance
 

I got my DDS3 cleaning tape (Hewlet Packard) from MacConnection.

Warmest Regards,
Brian

Re: DDS-3 maintenance
 

Well, In southern California there's Fry's, Project One, Recorded Media Supply, etc...

Any of the companies that sell DDS drives should sell the cleaning tapes - try Outpost or Amazon too.

best,
rich

[This message has been edited by Rich Breen (edited June 02, 2001).]

Re: DDS-3 maintenance
 

I use a sony cleaning tape on my DDS3

Guys, apparently Mezzo is better for incremental backups on PT 5.1 - i dont understand it but it is supposed to be cooler...

meanwhile I still use retrospect..

Anyone use the latest Mezzo and a DDS3???

http://duc.digidesign.com/ubb/images/icons/smile.gif

Jules

Re: DDS-3 maintenance
 

Hey Jules — I've been using Mezzo & DDS3 for 2 1/2 yrs with no hassles; upgraded to 3.8 a few months ago without problems, & everything's running smoothly.

Warmest Regards,
Brian

Re: DDS-3 maintenance
 

Yeah Jules,

I'm a DDS-3/Mezzo 3.8 user (with PT's 5.1) and I love it. Very straight ahead in how it backs-up and archives all of your files. It has been solid as a rock for me over the last 4 years (knock on wood).

I have read from others on the DUC that they have had big problems with it, so what can I say? I would never want the hassle of using Retrospect.

Used any good Fairchilds lately?

[This message has been edited by Stratman (edited June 03, 2001).]

Re: DDS-3 maintenance
 

Cool guys! I must make the switch soon!

No Fairchilds, but I just missed a second hand Ear 660 compressor, http://duc.digidesign.com/ubb/images/icons/mad.gif Damn! One day I will get one, they are kinda like a more adjustable fairchild copy. Ho hum!

http://duc.digidesign.com/ubb/images/icons/smile.gif

Jules

Re: DDS-3 maintenance
 

Be careful with the cleaning tapes, because most of the newer Sony drives are self-cleaning. In this case you must not use cleaning tape, although Retrospect still suggests cleaning the tape.

Steve