@the731272 - Simple binary data representation: the presence of a hole in a particular location indicates a binary '1'; the absence of a hole indicates a binary '0'. Bit positions are assigned across the width of the tape; a total of eight bit positions for 'data', a smaller ninth position serves as the "sprocket" hole for mechanical readers and a timing mark for optical readers. Holes are punched using another machine. Alphanumeric data is represented using the 7-bit ASCII Code.
The tape is punched at 10 characters (byes) per inch -- the largest reels I have for this reader can hold about 800 feet of punched tape so, 10 x 12 x 800 = 96,000 bytes e.g. 96kb. The punch that I use can manage a 1000 foot reel, so the biggest single-reel capacity I can claim is 120,000 bytes e.g. 120kb. A one megabyte file (1,048,576 bytes) would be about 8,739 feet long (or roughly 1.7 miles!) Not a very high data density, overall.
No, it's not a SCSI device. The interface is RS-232c Serial. The Siemens' designation is simply T50. It appears that the OEM was actually GNT. The drive was part of a Sinumerik System 800 CNC controller for machine tools.
meanwhile in 1952...
estlib 6 months ago
That pretty cool.Looks like computer after apocalypsis.=D
Olegach21 1 year ago
how the hell can you store data on paper?
the731272 1 year ago
@the731272 - Simple binary data representation: the presence of a hole in a particular location indicates a binary '1'; the absence of a hole indicates a binary '0'. Bit positions are assigned across the width of the tape; a total of eight bit positions for 'data', a smaller ninth position serves as the "sprocket" hole for mechanical readers and a timing mark for optical readers. Holes are punched using another machine. Alphanumeric data is represented using the 7-bit ASCII Code.
Paleoferrosaurus 1 year ago
awesome. how much data these reels can store?
marcelomar2 2 years ago
The tape is punched at 10 characters (byes) per inch -- the largest reels I have for this reader can hold about 800 feet of punched tape so, 10 x 12 x 800 = 96,000 bytes e.g. 96kb. The punch that I use can manage a 1000 foot reel, so the biggest single-reel capacity I can claim is 120,000 bytes e.g. 120kb. A one megabyte file (1,048,576 bytes) would be about 8,739 feet long (or roughly 1.7 miles!) Not a very high data density, overall.
Paleoferrosaurus 2 years ago
So to play 192 kHz 24 bit stereo PCM audio, the tape would have to go over Mach 9 speed.
Amishman35 1 year ago
@Amishman35 Holy shit! that would be cool to see!
ScottieNiven 1 year ago
what kind of Siemens paper tape is that? I mean manufacturer code. is it a SCSI device?
skaarj0 3 years ago
No, it's not a SCSI device. The interface is RS-232c Serial. The Siemens' designation is simply T50. It appears that the OEM was actually GNT. The drive was part of a Sinumerik System 800 CNC controller for machine tools.
Paleoferrosaurus 3 years ago
@Paleoferrosaurus
I thought it may had come off of a CNC control when I saw the name Sinumerik on the reels.
douro20 11 months ago
What was the data transfer rate?
davids5a2 3 years ago
9600 Baud, 8 bit data, 1 stop bit i.e. appx. 960 char/sec.
Paleoferrosaurus 3 years ago