A detect control device is provided that monitors a position error signal
signature associated with a transducer while being operably supported by
an actuator at a substantially constant fly height adjacent a storage
medium to characterize the extent to which the actuator contacts an
unload ramp. A method is provided for: supporting a transducer at an end
of an actuator at a substantially constant fly height adjacent a storage
medium; moving the actuator toward an unload ramp while maintaining the
substantially constant fly height; and detecting a contacting engagement
between the actuator and the unload ramp by monitoring a position error
signal signature associated with the transducer.