Odd Magnetic Media question

From: Chuck McManis <cmcmanis_at_mcmanis.com>
Date: Thu Mar 30 17:02:51 2000

At 02:03 PM 3/30/00 -0800, Zane H. Healy wrote:
> Is the 2 year number for
>their ability to hold data, or the actual physical lifespan. Anyone have
>any ideas?

Tapes seem to fail in a variety of ways. I'm not an expert but these are my
personal experiences and my working theorys, buyer beware!
 
        1) They fail to stay magnetized.

I'm guessing due to heat changing the magnetic properties of the tape.

        2) The oxide flakes off.

It seems the adhesive between the mylar and the oxide "dries out" or some
such and it just peels off. Usually leaves behind a clear spot.

        3) They stretch.

Mostly this seemed to be a problem in an old Kennedy drive I used that
really sucked (vacuum that is!) and I don't think it did as good a job as
it could with the tape tension control.

        4) They evaporate.

Now I've never ever seen a partially evaporated tape, however I have on
more than one occasion been absolutely positive I put some tapes in a box
in the closet, only to come back some time later and to have them
completely gone. Then again it could just be a "senior moment" :-)

--Chuck
Received on Thu Mar 30 2000 - 17:02:51 BST