[cctalk] Re: Is there a more modern replacement for paper tape punch/reader

Are you mis-reading the attrbutions? I thought Wayne (in the States) said the punches he used required tape with pre-punched sprocket holes/ I (tony), in the UK, have never seen one that does. In fact, thinking about it, many Facit punches couldn't use tape with pre-punched sprocket holes. They punch the sprocket hole in the same die block as the data holes. But they feed the tape using a capstan/pinch roller. So pre-punched tape would be almost imposible to line up with the punches and keep lined up. Due to manufacturing tolerances, the tape is not going to feed by exactly 1 hole spacing (on the pre-punched tape) after each character in a unit like this. The Fact 4070 has 3 manual feed switches. One feeds totally unpunched tape. Another feeds tape with the feed holes punched. And a third feeds tape feed holes and a user-defined (by links/diodes on the control PCB) character on the data holes (the factory setting is to punch the lot). Some punches, the Teletype BRPE being an example, punch the tape, including the sprocket holes and then feed it with a sprocket a little further along the tape path. These will work on totally unpunched tape. When you load a new reel of tape you have to get it feeding, then help the tape along by hand. The first bi of the tape will be completely mis-spaced but after a couple of inches the holes will start ot align with the sprocket teeth and it'll be fne from then on.