Abstract: The tape in a data cartridge has a beginning of tape (BOT) zone adjacent a leading end, a load point (LP) zone adjacent the BOT zone, an end of tape (EOT) zone adjacent a trailing end, an early warning (EW) zone adjacent the EOT zone, and a data recording (DR) zone between the LP and EW zones. Servo tracks extending between the BOT and EOT enable the closed-loop servo operation of a tape deck during the recording of data at data flux transition densities within a predetermined range of flux transition densities. A BOT indicator includes a first type magnetic marker extending throughout the BOT zone and has a BOT flux density. An LP indicator includes spaced second type magnetic markers on the servo tracks at the border of the LP and DR zones. An EW indicator which is identical to the LP indicator is located on the servo tracks at the border of the DR and EW zones. An EOT indicator includes a first type marker extending throughout the EOT zone and has an EOT flux density.

Abstract: A method of aligning a multiple transducer magnetic head with respect to a magnetic recording tape. Values related to the offset of each transducer from a reference location are determined, using reference signals on the tape. From these values the amount of compensation required to accurately position any particular transducer with respect to any track can be calculated. By a preferred selection of the reference for one such offset value, and by taking known design of the head into account, simplified processing of the values is possible.