Difference between revisions of "TU79"

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==Later TU79==
 
==Later TU79==
  
The later TU79 seems to be a [[TA79]] configured to have a [[MASSBUS]] interface.
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The later TU79 seems to be a [[TU78 Magnetic Tape Transport|TU78]] with minor changes. Although one rumour had it that the changes were mostly cosmetic, a DEC sales brochure maintained that "Re-designed read/write electronics dramatically reduce the .. soft error rate ... These changes also improve the drive's ability to read tapes of marginal quality ... Mechanical changes (re-designed card cage, improved door, and a new power supply) .. enhance the drive's reliability, reduce the need for Field Service adjustments".
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The TU79 is configured to have a [[TM78 Magnetic Tape Formatter]], to interface to a [[MASSBUS]].
  
 
==Further reading==
 
==Further reading==

Revision as of 19:29, 20 April 2024

TU79 was the name used for two entirely different magnetic tape drives from DEC: one from the late 1960's, and one from the late 1980's.

Early TU79

Very little is known of this one: it operated at "75 in/s [tape motion rate] with a maximum transfer rate of 60 kc". It could be configured with either 7-track or 9-track head. It could be used on either that PDP-9 (with the TC59 Tape Control Unit), or the PDP-10 (with the TM10 Magnetic Tape Control).

Later TU79

The later TU79 seems to be a TU78 with minor changes. Although one rumour had it that the changes were mostly cosmetic, a DEC sales brochure maintained that "Re-designed read/write electronics dramatically reduce the .. soft error rate ... These changes also improve the drive's ability to read tapes of marginal quality ... Mechanical changes (re-designed card cage, improved door, and a new power supply) .. enhance the drive's reliability, reduce the need for Field Service adjustments".

The TU79 is configured to have a TM78 Magnetic Tape Formatter, to interface to a MASSBUS.

Further reading

Later TU79

  • TA79, TU79 Magnetic Tape Subsystem Service Manual (EK-OTA79-SV)
  • TA79, TU79 Magnetic Tape Subsystem Installation Manual (EK-OTA79-IN)
  • TA79, TU79 Magnetic Tape Subsystem Owner's Manual (EK-OTA79-OM)

None online

External links

Early TU79

Later TU79