Drum for use in testing optical tape media and method and apparatus for mounting optical tape media on drum

A fixture, comprising:

• a base;
• a clamp that is interconnected to the base and is operable to secure a first portion of a length of optical media tape to the base;
• a feed roller that is interconnected to the base and spaced from the clamp, wherein the feed roller is movable along a first axis, and wherein the feed roller is operable to support a second portion of the optical media tape length that is spaced from the first portion;
• and
• a drum that is interconnected to the base and rotatable about a second axis that is substantially parallel to the first axis, wherein the drum is operable to contact a third portion of the optical media tape length that is disposed between the first and second portions of the optical media tape length.

A method for mounting a segment of optical tape over a cylindrical testing surface of a testing drum, the method comprising:

• fixing a first portion of a length of optical tape to a fixture;
• positioning a second portion of the optical tape length over a feed roller of the fixture;
• first securing a third portion of the optical tape length to a mounting surface of a sidewall of a testing drum of the fixture, wherein the third portion is disposed between the first and second portions;
• first severing the optical tape length adjacent the third portion;
• rotating the testing drum about a first axis to wrap the optical tape length around a cylindrical testing surface of the sidewall of the testing drum;
• second securing a fourth portion of the optical tape length to the mounting surface of the testing drum;
• and
• second severing the optical tape length adjacent the fourth portion, wherein after the optical tape length has been severed adjacent the fourth portion, a segment of the optical tape length is secured to the testing drum.