Can You Erase Digital Tapes With a Magnetic Tape Eraser?

Can You Erase Digital Tapes With a Magnetic Tape Eraser? thumbnail
A magnetic tape eraser will wipe data from digital tapes.

Both digital and analog tapes record information the same way---as magnetic patterns on the tape. When you need to erase a digital tape for either maintenance or security purposes, a magnetic tape eraser will wipe it clean of data.

  1. Recording on a Virgin Tape

    • Though the magnetic particles on a virgin tape carry no data, they have a natural random magnetism. When you record data on it for the first time, the tape drive imposes magnetic patterns representing your data on the tape.

    Magnetic Tape Eraser

    • A magnetic tape eraser generates a strong magnetic field that alternates with the 60hz line frequency. When you bring your tape in contact with it, its field re-randomizes the tape's recorded patterns, effectively returning the tape to virgin condition.

    Magnetic Strength

    • The strength of the magnetic eraser's field and the length of time you use it determine its ability to wipe a tape. The field must completely penetrate the tape. You need a stronger field to erase a digital linear tape (DLT) than a digital audio tape (DAT), because it has a thicker tape pack.

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  • Photo Credit magnetic tape image by Marek Kosmal from Fotolia.com

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