{"id":89,"date":"2022-07-02T18:05:16","date_gmt":"2022-07-02T05:05:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/?p=89"},"modified":"2022-07-13T22:24:59","modified_gmt":"2022-07-13T10:24:59","slug":"lto-tape-drive-repair","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/index.php\/2022\/07\/02\/lto-tape-drive-repair\/","title":{"rendered":"LTO Tape Drive Repair"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/index.php\/2022\/07\/02\/lto-tape-drive-repair\/#Background\" >Background<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/index.php\/2022\/07\/02\/lto-tape-drive-repair\/#The_Tape_Drive\" >The Tape Drive<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/index.php\/2022\/07\/02\/lto-tape-drive-repair\/#The_Problem_and_Testing\" >The Problem, and Testing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/index.php\/2022\/07\/02\/lto-tape-drive-repair\/#The_Power_Supply\" >The Power Supply<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/index.php\/2022\/07\/02\/lto-tape-drive-repair\/#Fixing_the_Capacitors\" >Fixing the Capacitors<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/index.php\/2022\/07\/02\/lto-tape-drive-repair\/#Whats_Next\" >What&#8217;s Next?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Background\"><\/span>Background<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>My partner is into video content creation as a hobby, so there&#8217;s a need for us to store many gigabytes of video files. I&#8217;ve been achieving this by having the files stored in used hard drives. I used them as cold storage, putting them on an HDD docking station and copying files over. I also manually maintained a &#8220;RAID 1&#8221; setup by making two copies of each file on two hard drives. This works, as used hard drives are cheap, data safety is there (to some degree) by having two copies, and we don&#8217;t need constant access to all the files. My partner would have another docking station to read the files for editing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I only knew a little about the tape medium for data storage &#8211; how the tape itself is relatively cheap for the space but the drive is not. Hence I wasn&#8217;t really prepared to drop some big money and get a used working drive but was keeping an eye out for anything in the used market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In February, I got lucky and managed to get two &#8220;non-functional&#8221; LTO-6 tape drives for $1, hoping that I could have a go at repairing them or mix and match parts to get a functional drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Tape_Drive\"><\/span>The Tape Drive<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The drives I got are the HP LTO-6 Ultrium 6250, with a SAS interface (SFF-8088). The two drives look identical. The label says the part number is EH970A, the regulatory model is BRSLA-1204-AC, and the HP spare P\/N is 684882-01. It&#8217;s an external drive with its own power supply, which also suits my needs better than say, a tape library or an internal tape drive. Having the SAS interface also makes it easier than the Fibre Channel, as I can test it with the onboard SATA\/SAS ports of my PC (Dell T3600, which supports SAS drives). Otherwise, I would need to get another FC card upfront, when I didn&#8217;t even know if the drives are fixable. Although I only came up with this argument after learning about tape drives and it looks like I was just lucky to get an easy-to-set-up type.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"766\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Drive-front_2M-1024x766.jpg\" alt=\"Photo showing the front face of the tape drive.\" class=\"wp-image-98 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Drive-front_2M-1024x766.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Drive-front_2M-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Drive-front_2M-768x575.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Drive-front_2M-1536x1149.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Drive-front_2M-2048x1532.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Drive-front_2M-1568x1173.jpg 1568w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/766;\" \/><figcaption>Front of the tape drive<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"766\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Drive-back_2M-1024x766.jpg\" alt=\"Photo showing the back panel of the tape drive with a SAS port and a IEC power port.\" class=\"wp-image-100 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Drive-back_2M-1024x766.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Drive-back_2M-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Drive-back_2M-768x575.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Drive-back_2M-1536x1149.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Drive-back_2M-2048x1532.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Drive-back_2M-1568x1173.jpg 1568w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/766;\" \/><figcaption>Back of the tape drive<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"766\" height=\"1024\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Drive-label_2M-766x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Photo showing the model numbers of the tape drive.\" class=\"wp-image-101 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Drive-label_2M-766x1024.jpg 766w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Drive-label_2M-224x300.jpg 224w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Drive-label_2M-768x1026.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Drive-label_2M-1149x1536.jpg 1149w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Drive-label_2M-1532x2048.jpg 1532w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Drive-label_2M-1568x2096.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Drive-label_2M-rotated.jpg 1771w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 766px) 100vw, 766px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 766px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 766\/1024;\" \/><figcaption>Tape drive label. The date code indicates it&#8217;s made in 2016<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The external enclosure can be easily disassembled by undoing the one T9 Torx screw at the back and releasing the two plastic clips near the back corner of the case using a flat-head screwdriver (carefully pry the lid outward to release the clips). The lid is hinged at the front and can then be opened. There&#8217;s no need to remove the rubber feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"766\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Opening-the-drive_2M-1024x766.jpg\" alt=\"Photo showing the location of the clips.\" class=\"wp-image-105 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Opening-the-drive_2M-1024x766.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Opening-the-drive_2M-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Opening-the-drive_2M-768x575.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Opening-the-drive_2M-1536x1149.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Opening-the-drive_2M-2048x1532.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Opening-the-drive_2M-1568x1173.jpg 1568w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/766;\" \/><figcaption>The lid is hinged at the front and held in place by two clips and one screw at the back<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"766\" height=\"1024\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Drive-internals_2M-766x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Photo showing the inside layout of the tape drive.\" class=\"wp-image-107 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Drive-internals_2M-766x1024.jpg 766w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Drive-internals_2M-224x300.jpg 224w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Drive-internals_2M-768x1026.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Drive-internals_2M-1149x1536.jpg 1149w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Drive-internals_2M-1532x2048.jpg 1532w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Drive-internals_2M-1568x2096.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Drive-internals_2M-rotated.jpg 1771w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 766px) 100vw, 766px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 766px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 766\/1024;\" \/><figcaption>Inside the tape drive<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The inside of the drive is pretty simple &#8211; just a power supply, a half-height internal tape drive module, a fan and the SAS port. The internal drive has the SFF-8482 interface, which is the same as seen on common SAS hard drives. The power supply connector to the drive is just a standard Molex 4-pin connector, commonly seen with ATX power supplies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Problem_and_Testing\"><\/span>The Problem, and Testing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Just by further inspection, I noticed the output capacitors in the power supply aren&#8217;t looking good:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"766\" height=\"1024\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply_bulged-caps_2M-766x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Photo showing several of the power supply output capacitors bulged.\" class=\"wp-image-110 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply_bulged-caps_2M-766x1024.jpg 766w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply_bulged-caps_2M-224x300.jpg 224w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply_bulged-caps_2M-768x1026.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply_bulged-caps_2M-1149x1536.jpg 1149w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply_bulged-caps_2M-1532x2048.jpg 1532w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply_bulged-caps_2M-1568x2096.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply_bulged-caps_2M-rotated.jpg 1771w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 766px) 100vw, 766px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 766px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 766\/1024;\" \/><figcaption>Bulged capacitors<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This kind of failure usually happens if the capacitors are in an elevated temperature for a long time. Once this has happened, the capacitors lose much of their capacity and the ESR goes much higher, meaning the output of the power supply is no longer a nice, clean DC. The fix would usually be as simple as just replacing the failed capacitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, the next question was whether the internal drive was still okay and if there were other problems. I happen to have a NAS backplane PCB that can passively convert the SFF-8482 to a common SATA port so I could hook the drive up to my PC. I just used an ATX power supply to provide the 12V and 5V power. Considering it would be running without the case fan, I placed a big heat sink on top to help with cooling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"766\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"113\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/NAS-backplane-front_2M-766x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Front of the NAS backplane PCB, showing the SFF-8482 connectors.\" class=\"wp-image-113 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/NAS-backplane-front_2M-766x1024.jpg 766w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/NAS-backplane-front_2M-224x300.jpg 224w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/NAS-backplane-front_2M-768x1026.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/NAS-backplane-front_2M-1149x1536.jpg 1149w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/NAS-backplane-front_2M-1532x2048.jpg 1532w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/NAS-backplane-front_2M-1568x2096.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/NAS-backplane-front_2M-rotated.jpg 1771w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 766px) 100vw, 766px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 766px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 766\/1024;\" \/><figcaption>Front<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"766\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"114\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/NAS-backplane-back_2M-766x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Back of the NAS backplane PCB, showing 4 SATA ports, a standard 4-pin Molex power connector and a 3-pin header for a cooling fan.\" class=\"wp-image-114 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/NAS-backplane-back_2M-766x1024.jpg 766w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/NAS-backplane-back_2M-224x300.jpg 224w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/NAS-backplane-back_2M-768x1026.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/NAS-backplane-back_2M-1149x1536.jpg 1149w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/NAS-backplane-back_2M-1532x2048.jpg 1532w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/NAS-backplane-back_2M-1568x2096.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/NAS-backplane-back_2M-rotated.jpg 1771w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 766px) 100vw, 766px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 766px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 766\/1024;\" \/><figcaption>Back<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption\">NAS backplane PCB<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"766\" height=\"1024\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Testing-the-internal-drive_2M-766x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Photo showing the testing setup.\" class=\"wp-image-112 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Testing-the-internal-drive_2M-766x1024.jpg 766w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Testing-the-internal-drive_2M-224x300.jpg 224w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Testing-the-internal-drive_2M-768x1026.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Testing-the-internal-drive_2M-1149x1536.jpg 1149w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Testing-the-internal-drive_2M-1532x2048.jpg 1532w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Testing-the-internal-drive_2M-1568x2096.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Testing-the-internal-drive_2M-rotated.jpg 1771w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 766px) 100vw, 766px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 766px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 766\/1024;\" \/><figcaption>Testing the internal tape drive<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Luckily enough, once the driver was installed, the tape drive was correctly recognised by the PC! I then proceeded to install the HPE Library and Tape Tools, which allows the reading of a wide range of diagnostic parameters of the drive. Below are some of the key stats:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"561\" height=\"243\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tape-drive-info-1.png\" alt=\"Screenshot showing that the drive has been on for a total of 487 days, has only had 87 load\/unload cycles, only 38 power cycles, and no cleans.\" class=\"wp-image-116 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tape-drive-info-1.png 561w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tape-drive-info-1-300x130.png 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 561px) 100vw, 561px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 561px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 561\/243;\" \/><figcaption>Usage history<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"537\" height=\"119\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tape-drive-info-3.png\" alt=\"Screenshot showing that the drive still has 99% of life remaining.\" class=\"wp-image-118 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tape-drive-info-3.png 537w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Tape-drive-info-3-300x66.png 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 537px) 100vw, 537px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 537px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 537\/119;\" \/><figcaption>Remaining life<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Looks like I got a great deal \ud83d\ude00 even though the drive has been powered on for over a year, it&#8217;s only been used with a total load\/unload cycle count of 87 and still has 99% of life remaining. The long power-on time might explain the capacitor failures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I then ran a diagnostic test (LTO Drive Assessment Test) using the HPE tool with an LTO-5 tape, which passed as well. The LTO standard has a nice backward compatibility feature, allowing read\/write operations for tapes one generation behind and read operations for tapes two generations behind, hence I used a cheaper LTO-5 tape for testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It was the same story for the other drive: bulged capacitors in the power supply and similar stats in the diagnostic log. The tests were passed with no problems too. Big win! Even if the power supply wasn&#8217;t fixable I would still be happy. (Spoiler: they were easy fixes :D)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some photos of the internal tape drive. The complexity of the internal mechanisms and how everything fits together in such a small space always amazes me. And it looks cool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/internal-drive-top_2M-rotated.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"766\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"126\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/internal-drive-top_2M-766x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-126 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/internal-drive-top_2M-766x1024.jpg 766w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/internal-drive-top_2M-224x300.jpg 224w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/internal-drive-top_2M-768x1026.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/internal-drive-top_2M-1149x1536.jpg 1149w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/internal-drive-top_2M-1532x2048.jpg 1532w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/internal-drive-top_2M-1568x2096.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/internal-drive-top_2M-rotated.jpg 1771w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 766px) 100vw, 766px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 766px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 766\/1024;\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Top<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/internal-drive-bottom_2M-rotated.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"766\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"127\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/internal-drive-bottom_2M-766x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-127 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/internal-drive-bottom_2M-766x1024.jpg 766w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/internal-drive-bottom_2M-224x300.jpg 224w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/internal-drive-bottom_2M-768x1026.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/internal-drive-bottom_2M-1149x1536.jpg 1149w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/internal-drive-bottom_2M-1532x2048.jpg 1532w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/internal-drive-bottom_2M-1568x2096.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/internal-drive-bottom_2M-rotated.jpg 1771w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 766px) 100vw, 766px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 766px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 766\/1024;\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Bottom<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/internal-drive-back_2M-rotated.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"766\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"128\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/internal-drive-back_2M-766x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-128 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/internal-drive-back_2M-766x1024.jpg 766w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/internal-drive-back_2M-224x300.jpg 224w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/internal-drive-back_2M-768x1026.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/internal-drive-back_2M-1149x1536.jpg 1149w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/internal-drive-back_2M-1532x2048.jpg 1532w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/internal-drive-back_2M-1568x2096.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/internal-drive-back_2M-rotated.jpg 1771w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 766px) 100vw, 766px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 766px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 766\/1024;\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Back<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/internal-drive-without-lid_2M-rotated.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"766\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"131\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/internal-drive-without-lid_2M-766x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-131 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/internal-drive-without-lid_2M-766x1024.jpg 766w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/internal-drive-without-lid_2M-224x300.jpg 224w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/internal-drive-without-lid_2M-768x1026.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/internal-drive-without-lid_2M-1149x1536.jpg 1149w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/internal-drive-without-lid_2M-1532x2048.jpg 1532w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/internal-drive-without-lid_2M-1568x2096.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/internal-drive-without-lid_2M-rotated.jpg 1771w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 766px) 100vw, 766px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 766px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 766\/1024;\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Top, without the lid<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption\">Photos of the internal drive module<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Power_Supply\"><\/span>The Power Supply<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The power supply is made by Flextronics, HP part number: HPMLT0000-0088, and model: FPS-990-0006-001. The rated output is 5V 5.5A and 12V 1.13A (lower than the internal drive requirement of 2A &#8211; maybe it doesn&#8217;t actually need that much?). It&#8217;s a flyback converter using the TOP247YN controller which has a built-in power MOSFET &#8211; pretty typical in this kind of application. The power supply also has an LM339AN quad comparator, likely for various output protections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply-full-view_2M.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"766\" data-id=\"132\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply-full-view_2M-1024x766.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-132 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply-full-view_2M-1024x766.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply-full-view_2M-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply-full-view_2M-768x575.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply-full-view_2M-1536x1149.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply-full-view_2M-2048x1532.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply-full-view_2M-1568x1173.jpg 1568w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/766;\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Full view<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply-specs_2M.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"766\" data-id=\"133\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply-specs_2M-1024x766.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-133 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply-specs_2M-1024x766.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply-specs_2M-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply-specs_2M-768x575.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply-specs_2M-1536x1149.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply-specs_2M-2048x1532.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply-specs_2M-1568x1173.jpg 1568w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/766;\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Close-up of the label<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I also noticed there are some load resistors connected to the output. They provide a minimum load to limit the output voltage and stress on the primary MOSFET under light loads (there is probably a minimum duty cycle of the TOP device that&#8217;s not zero). The R102x resistors connect to the 12V rail, and they are three 200-ohm resistors in parallel, making a total resistance of 67 ohms. The 5V rail is connected to the R204x resistors, with a total resistance of 33 ohms (two 200-ohm and two 100-ohm in parallel). The slight discolouration suggests they get quite hot &#8211; 2W on the 12V rail and 0.8W on the 5V rail is not little for the 1206 package. This probably also made the capacitors degrade faster. Each rail has a Pi filter to ensure a smooth DC is supplied to the tape drive, as shown in the photo below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"766\" height=\"1024\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/power-supply-marked-up_2M-766x1024.jpg\" alt=\"A photo of the back of the power supply, with the location of the output connections, the capacitors and the inductors labelled.\" class=\"wp-image-134 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/power-supply-marked-up_2M-766x1024.jpg 766w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/power-supply-marked-up_2M-224x300.jpg 224w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/power-supply-marked-up_2M-768x1026.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/power-supply-marked-up_2M-1149x1536.jpg 1149w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/power-supply-marked-up_2M-1532x2048.jpg 1532w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/power-supply-marked-up_2M-1568x2096.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/power-supply-marked-up_2M.jpg 1771w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 766px) 100vw, 766px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 766px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 766\/1024;\" \/><figcaption>The secondary section of the power supply<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fixing_the_Capacitors\"><\/span>Fixing the Capacitors<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the easy part; Just replace the capacitors. Here&#8217;s a table listing the output capacitors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td>Designator<\/td><td>Rated voltage<\/td><td>Rated capacitance<\/td><td>Rail<\/td><td>Location<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>C102<\/td><td>25V<\/td><td>2200uF<\/td><td>12V<\/td><td>Before L<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>C103<\/td><td>16V<\/td><td>1500uF<\/td><td>12V<\/td><td>After L<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>C206<\/td><td>10V<\/td><td>3900uF<\/td><td>5V<\/td><td>Before L<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>C202<\/td><td>10V<\/td><td>3900uF<\/td><td>5V<\/td><td>Before L<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>C203<\/td><td>10V<\/td><td>1500uF<\/td><td>5V<\/td><td>After L<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption>Capacitors list<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In my case, one drive had all but C102 failed, and the other had all but C206 failed. As I didn&#8217;t have the exact matching capacitors for all, I used capacitors rated 16V 1800uF for C103, 16V 4700uF and 10V 3300uF for C206 &amp; C202, and 10V 1000uF for C203. These values have been working well since the fix. Before connecting the power supply to the tape drive, I quickly checked the outputs with an oscilloscope to confirm they look alright.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply-with-bulged-caps_closeup_2M-rotated.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"766\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"122\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply-with-bulged-caps_closeup_2M-766x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-122 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply-with-bulged-caps_closeup_2M-766x1024.jpg 766w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply-with-bulged-caps_closeup_2M-224x300.jpg 224w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply-with-bulged-caps_closeup_2M-768x1026.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply-with-bulged-caps_closeup_2M-1149x1536.jpg 1149w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply-with-bulged-caps_closeup_2M-1532x2048.jpg 1532w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply-with-bulged-caps_closeup_2M-1568x2096.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply-with-bulged-caps_closeup_2M-rotated.jpg 1771w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 766px) 100vw, 766px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 766px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 766\/1024;\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Before<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply-fixed_2M-rotated.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"766\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"138\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply-fixed_2M-766x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-138 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply-fixed_2M-766x1024.jpg 766w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply-fixed_2M-224x300.jpg 224w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply-fixed_2M-768x1026.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply-fixed_2M-1149x1536.jpg 1149w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply-fixed_2M-1532x2048.jpg 1532w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply-fixed_2M-1568x2096.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Power-supply-fixed_2M-rotated.jpg 1771w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 766px) 100vw, 766px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 766px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 766\/1024;\" \/><\/a><figcaption>After<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Failed-capacitors_2M-rotated.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"766\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"139\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Failed-capacitors_2M-766x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-139 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Failed-capacitors_2M-766x1024.jpg 766w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Failed-capacitors_2M-224x300.jpg 224w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Failed-capacitors_2M-768x1026.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Failed-capacitors_2M-1149x1536.jpg 1149w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Failed-capacitors_2M-1532x2048.jpg 1532w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Failed-capacitors_2M-1568x2096.jpg 1568w, https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Failed-capacitors_2M-rotated.jpg 1771w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 766px) 100vw, 766px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 766px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 766\/1024;\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Some failed caps<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whats_Next\"><\/span>What&#8217;s Next?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that I have a working tape drive, I&#8217;m planning to set up some sort of basic media library for all the video content. The slow seek time of the tape means it would only be good for archival storage &#8211; it won&#8217;t replace the hard drives for sure. But maybe I can only have one hard drive instead of two, and use tape as the backup. I would need some sort of database to keep track of all the files, their location and a hash of the file to know which one is the good copy when a bit is flipped. Anyway, still yet to be figured out and that&#8217;ll probably be another post \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Background My partner is into video content creation as a hobby, so there&#8217;s a need for us to store many gigabytes of video files. I&#8217;ve been achieving this by having the files stored in used hard drives. I used them as cold storage, putting them on an HDD docking station and copying files over. I&hellip; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/index.php\/2022\/07\/02\/lto-tape-drive-repair\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">LTO Tape Drive Repair<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[8,16],"class_list":["post-89","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-hardware-repair","tag-lto-6","tag-ultrium-6250","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/89","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=89"}],"version-history":[{"count":26,"href":"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/89\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":185,"href":"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/89\/revisions\/185"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=89"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=89"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rayssite.ddns.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=89"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}