> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.aethlabs.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.aethlabs.com/microaethalometer-tm-ma450/quick-start-guide/06-filter-tape-cartridge-removal-and-installation.md).

# Filter Tape Cartridge Removal and Installation

The MA450 uses the MA450 Filter Tape Cartridge (MAFT-L85) with 85 sampling locations.

**Important:** When removing a filter tape cartridge, please record the current sampling location of the filter tape cartridge that is displayed on the LCD screen so this can be tracked and entered when the tape cartridge is installed again. **Do not rewind the filter tape cartridge, or use previously sampled filter tape sampling locations.**

## To remove filter tape cartridge

1. Open the outer weather-resistant enclosure to access the filter tape cartridge door.
2. Make sure that the microAeth is not sampling.
3. Unscrew the flat head slotted screw(s) in the filter tape cartridge door until it is completely free of its mating threaded hole and remove the door.

![Filter tape cartridge door screw location, indicated by the arrow](https://272274374-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F1fOQ2MnLWcq0ntHW3LLY%2Fuploads%2Fq59g0tyV4yP4XD4iFbMs%2FAETHLABS-MA450-CLOSED-001_2048_withArrow.png?alt=media\&token=efe4c22b-2a8e-4ba6-a9e6-cd51135b6b5f)

4. Scroll through menu options to 'Release Tape'. Press the center button to select the 'Release Tape' option.
5. '-Releasing Tape' and 'Tape Position @ `<xx>`' will be displayed on the screen where `<xx>` is the current tape position. **Record the tape position number.** The optical head of the instrument will move to its open position and stop in about 6 seconds.

![LCD 'Release Tape' → '-Releasing Tape / Tape Position @ 0'](https://272274374-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F1fOQ2MnLWcq0ntHW3LLY%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-5808a5a866ff0fb375642915aad639f48cc63bd8%2Fma-lcd-release-tape.png?alt=media)

6. Once the optical head stops moving, use the pull tab in the center of the filter tape cartridge to remove the cartridge straight out of the instrument.

![Optical head states — CLAMPED (Closed) and RELEASED (Open) — and the pull tab used to remove the cartridge straight out of the instrument](https://272274374-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F1fOQ2MnLWcq0ntHW3LLY%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-c419c94dcb7e91a8ac018ad1425208e5147af9db%2Fcartridge-clamped-released.png?alt=media)

## To install filter tape cartridge

1. When inserting a cartridge into the instrument, make sure the optical head is open and in the released location so that the filter can be installed. Use the release tape menu to open the optical head if not already opened.
2. Insert a filter tape cartridge straight into the instrument, aligning the left and right holes in the cartridge with the two white capstans in the instrument.
3. Make sure that the filter tape cartridge is fully inserted and sits flat in the instrument.
4. Scroll through menu options to 'Clamp Tape'.
5. Press the center button to select the 'Clamp Tape' option and enter the sub menu. '-Installed Tape Is:' and 'Old', 'New', 'None' options will be displayed on the screen.

![LCD 'Clamp Tape' → '-Installed Tape Is: Old / New / None'](https://272274374-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F1fOQ2MnLWcq0ntHW3LLY%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-ecdeccb689204185291c5298db541afbf046534e%2Fma-lcd-clamp-tape-installed.png?alt=media)

* **OLD)** If installing an Old tape cartridge that has been partially used before, press the left button that is under the on-screen 'Old' option.
* **NEW)** If installing a New tape cartridge that has never been used before, press the center button that is under the on-screen 'New' option.
* **NONE)** If reinstalling the same tape cartridge that was previously installed (no change to the tape cartridge was made - the tape cartridge was not removed after the tape clamp was released), press the right button that is under the on-screen 'None' option.

6. **OLD)** If 'Old' was selected by pressing the left button, '- Position : `<xx>`' and '<<-', 'Done', and '+>' options will be displayed on screen where `<xx>` is the current tape position value of the tape cartridge being installed.
7. **OLD)** Use the left button under the on-screen '<<-' option and the right button under the on-screen '+>' option to decrease or increase the current tape position value that is displayed on-screen.
8. **OLD)** When the correct tape position value is displayed on-scrren, press the center button under the 'DONE' option.
9. **OLD)** '-Clamping Tape' and 'Tape Position @ `<xx>`' will be displayed on the screen where `<xx>` is the current tape position. The optical head will move to its clamped position and stop in about 6 seconds.
10. **NEW)** If 'New' was selected by pressing the center button, '-Clamping Tape' and 'Tape Position @ 0' will be displayed on-screen since the tape cartridge is new and has never been used before. The optical head of the instrument will move to its clamped position and stop in about 6 seconds.
11. **NONE)** If 'None' was selected by pressing the right button, '-Clamping Tape' and 'Tape Position value of the previously installed tape cartridge will be displayed on-screen since no change to the tape cartridge was made (the tape cartridge was not removed after the tape clamp was released). The optical head of the instrument will move to its clamped position and stop in about 6 seconds.

![LCD 'Clamp Tape' → '-Clamping Tape / Tape Position @ 0'](https://272274374-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F1fOQ2MnLWcq0ntHW3LLY%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-4b0d6dccc91638a4afe8ceb996a69178b98b1599%2Fclamp-tape-clamping.png?alt=media)

12. Confirm that the filter tape cartridge is clamped by the optical head.
13. If the filter tape cartridge is correctly installed, replace the filter tape cartridge door to its closed position and completely screw the flat head slotted screw(s) in place. Once the door is in its closed and locked position, the instrument is ready for further use.