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[ REMOVABLE MEDIA // MAGNETIC TAPE ]

Quantum DLTtape S4 800 GB Cartridge (MR-S4MQN-01)

Quantum DLTtape S4 generation, half-inch eMP60 magnetic tape cartridge; rewritable data medium. This record identifies the media only; drive, host interface, firmware, software and any enclosure are separate.

Original local schematic of Quantum DLTtape S4 800 GB Cartridge (MR-S4MQN-01); not a product photograph
ORIGINAL LOCAL SCHEMATIC // NOT TO SCALE

EXACT SKU: Quantum MR-S4MQN-01. The record distinguishes nominal uncompressed capacity from any compressed estimate and documents generation-specific host compatibility.

Format generation, capacity and compatible drives

Manufacturer / exact SKUQuantum MR-S4MQN-01
Format / generationQuantum DLTtape S4 generation, half-inch eMP60 magnetic tape cartridge; rewritable data medium.
Native capacity800 GB native (uncompressed).
Compressed capacityUp to 1.6 TB at the nominal 2:1 compression assumption; actual stored capacity depends on data and drive compression.
Compatible drive generationsQuantum DLT-S4 generation drives; verify exact DLT-S4 drive model, firmware and library qualification. Do not assume the similarly sized DLTtape IV or SDLT drives can use S4 media.
Interface and scopeThe cartridge/disc has no direct host-computer interface. The compatible drive supplies its own SAS, Fibre Channel, SCSI, USB or other host connection; check the exact drive specification and driver/software chain.
Compatibility caveatThe S4 designation is the media/drive generation; 1.6 TB is a nominal compressed estimate, not extra native capacity. Verify model, firmware, cleaning process and library support before insertion or migration.

Tape handling and preservation

Keep in its original protective case and within the drive/media manual’s temperature and humidity limits. Avoid dust, smoke, strong magnetic fields, moisture, impact and rapid climate changes. Do not touch tape or open the shell; checksum and restore-test copied data, and retain multiple copies on separate systems.

  • Document the exact printed model, serial/batch or date code, write-protect/WORM status and source of the medium.
  • For valuable data, keep at least two independently verified copies, record checksums, test restoration and plan migration before compatible hardware becomes unavailable.

Model-specific preservation and compatibility notes

Preservation note: magnetic tape is a format-dependent, obsolescence-prone medium. Keep a verified reader path and independent copies.

The S4 designation is the media/drive generation; 1.6 TB is a nominal compressed estimate, not extra native capacity. Verify model, firmware, cleaning process and library support before insertion or migration. Never infer interoperability from a similar cartridge shell, connector, brand or family name; confirm drive-generation support in the exact manufacturer's manual.

Manufacturer and archival references

  1. DLTtape S4 cartridge instruction leaflet — Internet ArchiveArchived Quantum cartridge leaflet for media identity and care.
  2. Quantum — media compatibility guidesManufacturer drive/media compatibility guidance.
  3. Quantum DLTtape S4 data sheet (archived document copy)Generation-specific specifications and nominal 800 GB / 1.6 TB capacity.

Capacity, compatibility and handling are specific to this model and its supported drive generation. For legacy equipment, preserve the manual and test an end-to-end read before relying on the cartridge for migration.