Method and apparatus for pre-recording tracking information on magnetic media

A method of initializing data-recording media for subsequent data storage use by pre-recording transducer-positioning signals thereon through use of the same general type of data storage device which is to be used in recording data on such media, said method comprising the steps of:

• locating a lateral edge of the recordable field on said media while the media is mounted for recording operation on such type of data storage device;
• positioning the transducer of such data storage device in operative transducing alignment with the marginal edge portion of said recordable field on said media at a first location;
• transporting said media longitudinally relative to said transducer along a path generally parallel to the axis of a desired recording track, while maintaining said transducer at said first location;
• selectively and periodically actuating said transducer during the said longitudinal transport of said media to record a first series of mutually-spaced positioning signals on said media;
• moving said transducer laterally with respect to said media to a new position further inward of the said recordable field on the media constituting a second location, and transporting said media longitudinally relative to said transducer along a path generally parallel to the axis of a desired recording track while maintaining said transducer at said second location;
• detecting the presence of at least certain of said recorded positioning signals in said first series thereof during said second longitudinal transport of said media, and actuating said transducer in timed response to detection of at least certain positioning signals in said first series thereof so as to record a second series of mutually-spaced positioning signals on said media located generally adjacent said first series and in a predetermined timed relationship with respect thereto;
• and repeating said steps of moving said transducer laterally with respect to said media a succession of times to a succession of new positions representing additional such locations, transporting said media longitudinally relative to said transducer while maintaining the latter at each of the said successive new locations, detecting the presence of at least certain of the positioning signals recorded on the media during a previous longitudinal transport of the media, and actuating said transducer in timed response to said detection of previously-recorded positioning signals so as to record a desired number of additional series of said spaced positioning signals on said media, each such series being in longitudinal alignment with one another and positioned generally adjacent a previously-recorded series and in predetermined timed relationship with respect thereto.