A method according to one embodiment includes running a magnetic recording tape over a tape bearing surface of a module having at least one edge, detecting signals from the tape at differing wrap angles for estimating a height of tenting of the tape above a transducer at each of the wrap angles, and selecting a wrap angle to provide about a predefined height of tenting of the tape above the transducer. A resulting tent of the moving magnetic recording tape extends from the edge of the module closest thereto to a minima with a tent apex therebetween, where the minima is at a first point of closest approach of the moving magnetic recording tape to the tape bearing surface of the module nearest the tent apex.

A tape drive-implemented method, according to one embodiment, includes: using formatting information which corresponds to a magnetic tape loaded in the tape drive to identify wraps on the magnetic tape. Identifying wraps on the magnetic tape includes: identifying an outermost wrap on the magnetic tape on a first side of the magnetic tape, and identifying an outermost wrap on the magnetic tape on a second side of the magnetic tape. A procedure is also performed for each of the wraps identified using the formatting information. Performing the procedure for a given one of the wraps includes: sending one or more instructions to position a magnetic head of the tape drive over the given wrap, and collecting PES information which corresponds to the given wrap.

An apparatus, according to one embodiment, includes a module having a tape bearing surface, an array of magnetic transducers, and a channel in the tape bearing surface. The channel has a longitudinal axis oriented about parallel to a longitudinal axis of the array of magnetic transducers for inducing tenting of a moving magnetic recording tape above the array of magnetic transducers. Moreover, the channel has a shape with a middle section of similar recession therealong between straight opposite ends.

A system, according to one embodiment, includes: a module having transducers positioned along a tape bearing surface of the module, and a roller guide. A patterned bar is also positioned relative to the roller guide and module to engage a magnetic tape. Moreover, the patterned bar has a plurality of recessed regions along a tape bearing surface thereof. The patterned bar is also not directly coupled to the module, and both edges of the patterned bar which engage the magnetic tape are skiving edges. Other systems, methods, and computer program products are described in additional embodiments.

A system, according to one embodiment, includes: a module having transducers positioned along a tape bearing surface of the module, and a roller guide. A patterned bar is also positioned relative to the roller guide and module to engage a magnetic tape. Moreover, the patterned bar has a plurality of recessed regions along a tape bearing surface thereof. The patterned bar is also not directly coupled to the module, and both edges of the patterned bar which engage the magnetic tape are skiving edges. Other systems, methods, and computer program products are described in additional embodiments.

A system, according to one embodiment, includes: a module having transducers positioned along a tape bearing surface of the module; a roller guide; and a patterned bar positioned relative to the roller guide and module to engage a magnetic tape. The patterned bar has a plurality of recessed regions along a tape bearing surface thereof. Moreover, the patterned bar is not directly coupled to the module. Other systems, methods, and computer program products are described in additional embodiments.

A system, according to one embodiment, includes: a module having transducers positioned along a tape bearing surface of the module; a roller guide; and a patterned bar positioned relative to the roller guide and module to engage a magnetic tape. The patterned bar has a plurality of recessed regions along a tape bearing surface thereof. Moreover, the patterned bar is not directly coupled to the module. Other systems, methods, and computer program products are described in additional embodiments.

A determination is made whether read/write is enabled within the tape drive storage unit. In response to determining that read/write is enabled, a determination is made whether a temperature within the tape drive storage unit exceeds a threshold value. In response to determining that the temperature within the tape drive storage unit exceeds the threshold value, a determination is made of a direction of travel of a tape media within the tape drive storage unit. In response to determining that the direction of travel is a forward direction, a first cooling device is powered on. The first cooling device lowers the temperature of a first guide roller and the tape media coming off a first tape storage reel prior to the tape media passing by a read/write head within the tape drive storage unit.

A determination is made whether read/write is enabled within the tape drive storage unit. In response to determining that read/write is enabled, a determination is made whether a temperature within the tape drive storage unit exceeds a threshold value. In response to determining that the temperature within the tape drive storage unit exceeds the threshold value, a determination is made of a direction of travel of a tape media within the tape drive storage unit. In response to determining that the direction of travel is a forward direction, a first cooling device is powered on. The first cooling device lowers the temperature of a first guide roller and the tape media coming off a first tape storage reel prior to the tape media passing by a read/write head within the tape drive storage unit.

A tape drive includes a tape transport assembly, the tape transport assembly including a drive member, the drive member of the tape transport assembly configured to displace tape media in the tape drive; and a tape roller assembly, the tape roller assembly including a roller member, the roller member having one or more slanted grooves or protrusions formed in an outer surface of the roller member, the roller member configured to support and/or guide the tape media as the tape media is displaced by the tape transport assembly, the one or more slanted grooves or protrusions of the roller member configured to burnish and/or clean the tape media so as to prevent damage to a tape head, and the one or more slanted grooves or protrusions of the roller member being angled so as to prevent the tape media from sliding in an axial direction of the roller member.