9 May
2014
9 May
'14
1:17 p.m.
hello,
I have a question about paper tape punch / reader devices.
I see sometime around devices developed for CNC machines, e.g. the Facit
N4000.
I know these devices are configurable, and mostly have serial interface, so
maybe they could be attached to an "old iron", or to a pc for dumping
purposes.
I'm not sure however about the physical format of the paper tape, the
position of the holes, etc
Are these machines compatible?
In genral, yes. The odd paper tape is the 6-level 'typesetter' tape which
has differences like the leading edge of the data holes and the (smaller)
sproket holes are aligned ; for all other tapes the cantre lines are
aligned.
Now Facit did make typesetter punches, but they are not common. All the
Facits I've seen (4070s and 4000s) have the normal punch die assembly.
This will punch the 8 level tape used on classic computers, Model 33
ASR's, etc. They will also do the narrower 5 level tape if you want to
work with am ITA2 [1] teleprinter.
Ditto the readers.
Most of these machines (in fact every one I've got) have adjustable or
self-setting guides for the various tape widths, so that's not a problem
either.
-tony