DDS-3 maintenance

[Borgbilly]

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.

[Rich Breen]

Originally posted by Borgbilly:
... tell Retrospect to abort the backup. Is this the accepted procedure for cleanig DDS-3 drives?

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

[Stratman]

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

[BDWillis]

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

Warmest Regards,
Brian

[Rich Breen]

Originally posted by Stratman:
Where can you buy DDS cleaning tape? I use Sony for backup so I would love to find Sony for cleaning.

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).]

[Jules]

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???



Jules

[BDWillis]

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

[Stratman]

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).]

[Jules]

Cool guys! I must make the switch soon!

No Fairchilds, but I just missed a second hand Ear 660 compressor, Damn! One day I will get one, they are kinda like a more adjustable fairchild copy. Ho hum!



Jules

[rme_uk]

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