Abstract: A repositioner for a streaming magnetic tape drive apparatus includes control circuitry which, when a repositioning instruction is received from an external device, supplies a drive stop instruction to a tape reel motor and a measurement start instruction to a tape travel distance measuring device when a first data block edge detection signal is reproduced from the tape within a certain time period. A tape stop detection signal is produced when forward movement of the tape ceases, and the control circuitry outputs a reverse drive instruction to the reel motor while supplying a reverse tape travel distance measurement start instruction to the distance measuring device. When the forward and reverse tape travel distances become equal and a data block edge detection signal is reproduced from the tape within a certain time period, a normal operation signal is provided to the external device to signal that a repositioning operation is normally performed.

Abstract: A reel position-detecting device for use in a magnetic tape drive unit, designed to determine whether or not a supply reel has been positioned upside down in a retainer. When reel-detecting means detects that the supply reel has been set in the retainer, the retainer is rotated in the opposite direction to the tape-supply direction. If tape supply-detecting means detects the magnetic tape and then ceases to detect the tape within a predetermined period, processing means determines that the supply reel has been correctly positioned. Otherwise, the processing means determines that the supply reel has been positioned upside down.