A diagnostic tape (318) for use with a tape drive (310) having a tape head (322) includes a first tape section (430A) and a second tape section (430B). The first tape section (430A) and the second tape section (430B) are configured to move across the tape head (322) during use of the tape drive (310). The first tape section (430A) includes a first patterned data code (432A) that is indicative of a first spacing between the tape head (322) and the first tape section (430A). The second tape section (430B) includes a second patterned data code (432B) that is indicative of a second spacing between the tape head (322) and the second tape section (430B). The second patterned data code (432B) is different than the first patterned data code (432A). The diagnostic tape (318) can further include a tape head cleaning section (630F) including abrasive material (650) that is configured to move across the tape head (322) to clean the tape head (322).

A diagnostic tape (318) for use with a tape drive (310) having a tape head (322) includes a first tape section (430A) and a second tape section (430B). The first tape section (430A) and the second tape section (430B) are configured to move across the tape head (322) during use of the tape drive (310). The first tape section (430A) includes a first patterned data code (432A) that is indicative of a first spacing between the tape head (322) and the first tape section (430A). The second tape section (430B) includes a second patterned data code (432B) that is indicative of a second spacing between the tape head (322) and the second tape section (430B). The second patterned data code (432B) is different than the first patterned data code (432A). The diagnostic tape (318) can further include a tape head cleaning section (630F) including abrasive material (650) that is configured to move across the tape head (322) to clean the tape head (322).

A tape drive-implemented method, according to one embodiment, includes: causing a servo reader to move in a first direction over a high-density servo pattern which includes a plurality of high-density servo tracks. Each of the servo tracks includes at least two patterns written at different frequencies to produce different periodic waveforms during readback. Moreover, a readback signal is received from the servo reader as the servo reader moves in the first direction. The readback signal is used to set a gain parameter for each of the respective periodic waveforms. Other systems, methods, and computer program products are described in additional embodiments.

A tape drive-implemented method, according to one embodiment, includes: causing a servo reader to move in a first direction over a high-density servo pattern which includes a plurality of high-density servo tracks. Each of the servo tracks includes at least two patterns written at different frequencies to produce different periodic waveforms during readback. Moreover, a readback signal is received from the servo reader as the servo reader moves in the first direction. The readback signal is used to set a gain parameter for each of the respective periodic waveforms. Other systems, methods, and computer program products are described in additional embodiments.

A tape drive-implemented method, according to one embodiment, includes: causing a servo reader to move laterally in a first direction over a high-density servo pattern on a moving magnetic tape, receiving a readback signal from the servo reader as the servo reader moves laterally in the first direction, using amplitudes of the readback signal to determine a maximum energy value of each of the at least two periodic waveforms, and using the maximum energy values to set a gain parameter for each of the respective periodic waveforms. The first direction is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the magnetic tape. Moreover, the high-density servo pattern includes a plurality of high-density servo tracks, the servo tracks including at least two patterns written at different frequencies to produce different periodic waveforms during readback. Other systems, methods, and computer program products are described in additional embodiments.