29 Jan
2009
29 Jan
'09
11:22 a.m.
Probably a stretch but wondering if anyone has any info (manual, pinouts,
service documentation) for a GNT model 3601 8-bit (1") paper tape punch.
Alas not. I have the Model 34 punch mechanism manual, but I doubt that'll
be much use.
It was probably better known in the CNC / automated machining world than
in computing but my hope is to resurrect it as a backup punch for copying
tapes I use with my ASR-33 and thereby save wear on the -33's punch.
I suspect it'll be considerably faster than the ASR33 too ...
The unit has serial and parallel interfaces on DB25 connectors but I do
not have any pinout information for those. The serial one I can probably
figure out.
The parallel interface on the Facit 4070 became a de-facto standard for
punchs. I would see if any of the signals matched up with that one, if
they do, it's a fair bet that it's that interface.
Unfortunately, the unit is a little more sick than "works OK" seemed
to imply from the eBay seller. It has what I believe to be a power
S what's new :-)
supply problem because as soon as you try to punch all
eight holes with
the front panel test button, the power LED dims and the punch jams,
What type of mechanism does this punch use? In my experience there are 2
basic types :
1) Solenoids to driectly operate the punch pins (that is, the punching
force comes entirely from the solenoid), and a (stepper) motor to move
the tape. For example the Facit 4070
2) A continuously rotating camshaft (normally with a mains-powered
motor). The solenoids operate linkages (or clutches) to operate the punch
pins, the punching force comes form the motor, not the solenoids. Anther
solenoid opeates the tape feed mechanism, again the power comes from the
motor. For example the Teletype BRPE, Tally 420, etc.
Needless to say the solenoids in the second type are much smaller and
take much less current.
apparently from lack of umph to complete the mission.
It could also be
jamming to start with and that causes the power drop I suppose.
Can you tuen things by hand (power off, of course) and operate the
solenoids by hand to see if the mechanism can be got to work?
-tony