29 Sep
2011
29 Sep
'11
2:17 p.m.
On 29 Sep 2011 at 17:35, Alexandre Souza - Listas wrote:
What is the difference from a TU58 to a normal
DC-600 drive? Can't
be used a normal DC-600 (e.g.: for PC) in place of a TU-58?
I don't have anything DEC, just out of curiosity :)
Other than physical aspects of the tape cartridge and drive, the TU58
uses a factory-preformatted tape with special marks recorded for BOT
and EOT. A DC600 QIC02 style tape uses holes punched into the tape
and an optical sensor to determine BOT/EOT.
The TU58 is actually closer to a 3M Iotamat drive.
Given the cantankerousness of the medium, however, TU58 emulators
have been developed.
--Chuck