This Maxell DDS HS-4 (4mm) cleaning tape (product code 186990) is compatible for use with DDS-1, DDS-2, DDS-3, DDS-4 (or DAT40), DDS-5 (or DAT72) and DAT160. The HS-4 DDS cleaning cartridge is good for about 40 cleanings. The 186990 has a different tape cleaning formulation that is very effective at trapping and removing accumulated debris. Recommended for use whenever the cleaning lamp lights up or alternatively, you could use the Maxell HS-4 186990 on a regular basis (every 25 hours of use or for every 30 GB of data transfer). The necessity of cleaning tapes such as the 186990 is justified because without such cleaning tapes your tape drives will eventually be covered by a layer of grime and dust which will prevent its effective functioning. Cleaning tapes (such as the 186990) are necessary even if your tape drive features self-cleaning capabilities. This is because more often than not these auto-cleaning systems are fairly limited.