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Does anybody know if I can use a computer grade DDS cleaning tape in order to clean a audio DAT drive?
I searched but all I could find is that DDS1 computer grade data cartridges work as audio DAT cartridges (and are of better specification). But couldn't find mention about the cleaning tapes.

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400MHz R12k - Apple G4 Cube dual 500MHz/GF6200 - Newton Messagepad 2100 - Apple PowerBook 2400c/G3@240 - DECstation5000/133 - Apple Workgroup Server 9150/120 - Apple Macintosh IIfx - Apple Macintosh Color Classic (Mystic upgrade) - Sun Cobalt Cube 3 - Tadpole RDI UltraBook IIi

The DDS cleaning tapes made by HP, Maxell, etc. are nonrewindable, dry abrasive type cleaning tapes. They are OK for audio DAT decks, but you should be careful not to leave them in more than 5–10 seconds. (Audio decks will not autoeject the cleaning tape the way a DDS deck will.)
The abrasive type tape is more aggressive at removing particles that may be stuck on or around the heads, but also accelerates head wear. To minimize head wear (or when debris is on other parts of the tape path) non-abrasive dry fabric DIC-DAT cleaning tape is recommended, but it is hard to find now.

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Thanks for the reply, yes the computer grade cleaning tapes usually work for 40 or 50 cleaning cycles and are autoejected after each cleaning pass. I'll keep in mind the 5-10 second timeframe to avoid damage to the head.
Speaking of which, I also started wondering if DDS1 backup drive heads could be used as spares for DAT audio drives.

_________________
Sitting in a room.....thinkin' shit up.

400MHz R12k - Apple G4 Cube dual 500MHz/GF6200 - Newton Messagepad 2100 - Apple PowerBook 2400c/G3@240 - DECstation5000/133 - Apple Workgroup Server 9150/120 - Apple Macintosh IIfx - Apple Macintosh Color Classic (Mystic upgrade) - Sun Cobalt Cube 3 - Tadpole RDI UltraBook IIi