2 Apr
2003
2 Apr
'03
4:59 p.m.
--- akb+lists.cctech(a)imap1.mirror.to wrote:
Hi--
I was wondering, is all blank papertape media interchangeable?
I know that it can be made of paper or mylar,
and that it comes fanfolded and on spools,
but are there variations that would block interoperability,
like varying widths?
Besides the width (7/8" vs 1" vs other (12-channel paper tape for
printer carriages)), there's an issue of oiled vs non-oiled.
Generally speaking, oiled paper tape is going to be read in a
slow, mechanical reader and is punched in a slow punch (think ASR-33)
and non-oiled paper tape is going to be read in an optical (fast)
reader and is punched in a faster punch that is lubricated as part
of its normal maintenance cycle (think PC04/PC05).
Mylar tape is nice when you expect to read things many, many times,
but punching lots of it can dull your punch if it's expecting nice,
soft paper.
I can't tell you what's appropriate for your application. I do know
that you can still buy fan-fold and spools of paper tape from commercial
sources. I *think* that $20 per roll is too high for what they are
selling, but if I'm wrong, I'm sure plenty of folks will chime in.
-ethan