[rescue] bulk erasing DLT tapes (or, more specifically, NOT)

[Mark Brown]

Curtis H. Wilbar Jr. wrote:
> Anyone in the MA/RI area with a degausser that can actually erase these 
> things ?
>
> New (professional) units rated for DLT erasure are simply out of my 
> budget....
>
>   
Hey Kids,

Sorry to rehash an old topic, but I found this post on Quantums website 
today while looking for other stuff...  Perhaps it can help.
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"Can I Erase (Degauss) My SDLT Tape Cartridge?
Yes if you use the proper equipment and follow the procedure correctly.

SDLT and DLT tapes are written very powerfully onto tape that has a very 
high retention characteristic. The degausser should be capable of 
generating a magnetic flux of at least 4,000 Oersteds (Oe) and the tape 
should be passed through the unit, rotating it 90 degrees at a time four 
times. This ensures complete erasure.

CAUTION CAUTION: Using the incorrect equipment or using equipment that 
is not strong enough or not running through four times can cause partial 
erasure, which results in errors. The drive may even fail.

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Enjoy!

/M