TS05 Tape Transport
The TS05 Tape Transport was a compact, low cost, medium performance, magnetic tape drive for PDP-11 and low-end VAX systems, using industry-standard 9-track tape. It was an auto-loading (auto-threading, using directed air flows), streaming drive (i.e. no vacuum columns or tension arms). It included a formatter, and had microprocessor-controlled electronics in the drive for maintainability (including built-in diagnostics) and high data reliability.
The drive was not made by DEC; it was actually produced by Cipher Data Products. Cipher sold the same device as its own product under the name F880.
The TSV05 Tape Transport Subsystem consisted of a TS05 Tape Transport, and a device controller which plugged into a backplane in the host computer. The drive and controller communicated over an industry-standard bus.
Further reading
- TSV05 Subsystem Technical Manual (EK-TSV05-TM) - not online
- TSV05 Field Print Set (MP-01157) - not online
External links
- TSV05 Tape Transport Subsystem User Guide (EK-TSV05-UG-001)
- TSV05 Tape Transport Subsystem Installation Manual (EK-TSV05-IN-001)
- TSV05 Tape Transport Pocket Service Guide (EK-TSV05-PS-004) - although the title indicates it is for the TSV05, the content is almost all TS05-related
- TSV05-S Industry Standard Magtape for BA200-Series Enclosures - sales brochure
- Cipher F880 manuals at BitSavers
