Self calibrating embedded stripe based timing tracking servo system for helical recorders

摘要

The present specification discloses a preferred a preferred method, apparatus, and system for calibrating a magnetic tape system. The magnetic tape system comprises at least one head mounted within a head drum, a magnetic tape that has a data region and a no data region, the magnetic tape being contiguous with the head, and a device for providing a relative motion between the magnetic tape and the head. A preferred embodiment of the present invention has the following. A reference track provided on the magnetic tape. The reference track is located in the no data region, at a constant distance from the data region. A processor programmed to determine the time required for the head to travel from the provided reference track to the data region.