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LinkTape/DecTape compatiblity

DaveH

Experienced Member
Joined
Sep 1, 2012
Messages
173
Location
Scotland
Can I use a Linktape ( after formatting) on my TU56, I know that the Dectape and Linktape are very similar, and that the DEctape is in fact based on the Linktape but are they interchangeable, particularly are the spools the same size and the tape the same length ?. Also anyone know of any PDP8 code that would allow me to dump the Linktape first as its always a shame to lose anything that might still be of use.
Dave
 
First hurdle is that the LINCtape drives are wired to operate in reverse to the DecTape drives.
 
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First hurdle is that the LINCtape drives are wired to operate in reverse to the DecTape drives.
Yes I thought that was the case, not a problem as its just the tape spools im talking about, not the drives, and I can respool the tape to get it the " correct " way for the TU56. The main issue is are they the same length and are the actual spools the same, I think they must be as I seem to recall a system PDP12 ?, that could read/write both types.
Dave
 
From the information I have, these tapes were in fact used on a pdp12.
Once one takes them out of their little container the sizes are identical.
Rorypoole suggested I stack two on top of each other and run my finger along the
inner and outer edges. They seem identical when I do this. In fact the reels look
indistinguishable, ie only the covers are different. Probably they are in correct covers
but it makes one wonder. I will be interested in results when people try them!
I also looked at the oxide coating, both types are the same the light brown side of tape toward
the outside of the reel, the dark brown toward the inside as shown in the picture of a single
dectape reel. I'll try to mail some to those who have send addresses early next week.
 
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To be technical, DecTape is a sandwich. Two layers of Mylar with the oxide in the middle. It makes it very rugged.
 
OS/8's documentation says it can deal with both LINCTape and DecTape. Some (non-DEC) tape drives were designed to work in either LINC or DEC mode. If I remember correctly, LINC and DEC modes required different controllers so it won't be easy to get a system to handle both tapes.
 
that makes me think that either type of tape can be formatted to either dec or link format? depending on controller and os?
 
Hmm. I would say that the format between DEC and LING would be controlelr specific however now I need to review what I know about how the TU56 works.
 
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