22 Jun
2003
22 Jun
'03
5:42 a.m.
Hi,
I have some DC100A type cartridges for my HP-85, but at the start of the
tape the magnetic coating has come away where the drive belt has been left
in contact with the same part of the tape for too long.
A very common problem :-(
I have figured out the pattern of holes in the end of the tape used by the
optical sensor to detect EOT. I would like to punch a new set of holes away
from the damaged area and see if the rest of the tape is usable.
So any tips please on making suitable holes in the tape, my attempts so far
with a pin have not been a great success.....
Have you thought about making a die of some kind (possbly a folded piece
of brass) with the holes in the right place. Slip the tape in that, clamp
it up, then put a punch through the holes.
A pin is the wrong shape -- you want a flat-ended (or slightly concave)
punch. To guide it and keep it vertical I'd use a watchmakers staking set,
but I guess few people have one of those here.
-tony