unreadable HP cartridges

[Jay West]

Tony wrote....
> Spacing the magnetic part (the oxide coating) away from the head (by the
> thickness of the tape base) would kill off the HF response of the drive.
> You'd almost certainly not be able to resolve individual bits.

Ok, use a magnetic fingerprinting powder on it ;) Actually, I've heard (and 
seen) there IS a liquid solution that will let you visibly see the dots on 
mag tape.

THEN... read the bits optically.

Jay