In most tape drives there is a 'tape end' sensor that detects small holes
punched into the tape media. This sensor usually takes the form of a small
block just to the side of the main head unit and contains two small vertical
holes. It is very very common, over time, for these two hole to be obscured
or even blocked by dust and dirt. This leads to the 'end of tape' not being
detected and the tape therefore despools. If you can get easy access to the
sensor, brush it out with a small artists paintbrush, otherwise you might
try a low volume compressed air source (this usualy can be bought in hobby
shops or hardware stores). Note that unless maintenance is carried out
regularly, this sensor is one part of the drive that will not be cleaned by
something like a cleaning cartridge. Obviously be careful while your poking
around in there as tape heads will become misaligned if they are treated
roughly.

Hope this helps
Colin Swabey

> I have a Tecmar Ditto Max 10 GB internal tape drive that is despooling
> every tape I put into it.  I've cleaned the drive with a tape cleaner but
> that doesn't seem to be helping.  I've had this drive for about 2
> years and it worked when I first got it but then the problems began.
> Just tried a new out of the box tape yesterday and while retensioning the
> tape despooled.
> Any suggestions or do I need a new drive?

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