Removing a stuck tape from a Compaq 40/80 DLT

[NADIAZIPPER]

Any ideas how to manually unload a tape? My DLT is in an endless loop of starting up, winding up some of the tape, then starting over and over again. I need to save this tape if possible. Can't push unload button, doesn't do anything because the DLT doesn't tink a tape is completley loaded
Please Help
Thanks

 

[danUK]

Cold power cycle, ie reboot server. DLT should eject on powering up.

 

[NADIAZIPPER]

No no no
The second the power comes up on the dlt it tries to load the tape. The server never relaizes that a tape is even loaded(this is an external DLT). The lights on the right flash, some tape loads, a buzzing sound and then it starts over again. Eventually all the tape will be unloaded if I leave it on. Compaq is already sending out a new unit, but I am trying to save the tape that is currently in the machine.

 

[XXVIII]

Hello
I am having exactly same problem on a Compaq 35/70 tape. Powercycling did not solve the problem.

 

[comtec17]

More than likely you have a broken tape leader. If this stands true, than the tape in the drive is either damaged (Broken Lead) or not. The tape normally isn't wound up in the drive and can be removed by opening the unit and pressing the button on the right side to eject it. I have only had one tape that was destroyed due to this out of around 300.

 

[XXVIII]

opening the unit solved my problem. There was a broken tape leader in the drive, left from the previous tape. I have ejcted the healthy tape, cleaned out the broken tape leader, and now my drive seems to be working.

 

[onefortheroad]

if this is still a live forum let me know and I'll talk you through the unload process, it's simple enough you will need to remove the drive from it's enclosure though.
pwhyton@uk.mti.com