ODEC/ Data 100/ LC8-P (M8365) PDP8 printer interface schematics

[Jon Elson]

On 01/29/2017 10:27 PM, Jon Elson wrote:
>
>>
> I think we had an Odec chain printer that another group 
> gave us to use on our VAX.  I hacked it up to shut off the 
> chain motor when it wasn't printing, and then restart it 
> when print data came in. It had a HORRIBLE habit of 
> running the ribbon off the track and crumpling the edges.  
> It had some bars with 45 degree angles that folded the 
> ribbon over to make a 90 degree change in direction to the 
> reels.  When the ribbon was just a little used, it lost 
> some stiffness and started folding and rolling over the 
> edges.  Then the chain would grab it and make a mess.  
> Otherwise, it was a REALLY nice printer.
>
Yes, I looked up a picture online, and I am pretty sure the 
thing we had was indeed an Odec like in the brochure.  If it 
hadn't been for that horrible ribbon mechanism, it would 
have been a REALLY good printer.  You can just barely make 
out the ribbon path in the picture with the gate folded open.

Jon