Abstract: Method and apparatus for identifying the track pitch capability of a recording device, such as but not limited to a recording system and/or a servo control system in a data storage device. In accordance with some embodiments, data are written to first and second tracks at an initial track pitch such that the second track at least partially overlaps the first track. Data are arranged on the first track in code words each having a fixed plurality of bits which are decoded as a group by a data channel. The code words are transferred from the first track to the data channel, and a final track pitch for subsequent tracks is responsive to a distance at which nominally half of the code words are undecodeable by the data channel.

Abstract: A data storage device is provided having a drive hub that may be utilized with a plurality of individual data storage disks that are selectively engageable with the drive hub. In such an arrangement, a plurality of data storage disks may be stored in an inactive state at a storage location and selectively retrieved in an automated process for engagement with the drive hub. Once engaged with the drive hub, data may be accessed from the data storage disk and/or data may be written to the data storage disk. The device allows use of multiple data storage disks with a single drive hub and corresponding sets of read-write heads thereby reducing the per disk cost for storage purposes. The device may be utilized for large scale data storage and/or data back-up applications. In one arrangement, multiple devices may be utilized together in, for example, a RAID configuration.

Abstract: A helical scan tape recorder (30) comprises a rotatable scanner (84) and a transport system for transporting magnetic tape proximate the rotatable scanner in a manner so that information is recorded during a revolution of the scanner. A controller performs a pause routine (120) for pausing during a recording operation on tape. The pause routine, when executed, performs the steps of: determining a tape pause position reference value indicative of a pre-pause last recording position on the tape; recording an erase signal on the tape after the pre-pause last recording position; rewinding the tape; transporting the tape in a forward direction and obtaining a current tape position value; determining when the current tape position value reaches a predetermined value relative to the tape pause position reference value; and at beginning of a next revolution of the scanner, commencing recording of one or more post-pause stripes on the tape.