On Thu, Apr 30, 2020 at 9:02 PM Anders Nelson via cctalk < cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:
> Hi all, > > I've had a paper tape reader for a while but never had a punch to make new > tapes, and the ones i've found are not only very large but also very > expensive. So I'm toying with the idea of making an open-source punch, but > I can't find any detailed diagrams of how the mechanism works. > > Thinking out of the box here... I seem to recall that mylar was used instead of paper in some instances; more durable? Rather then mechanical punches, a laser cutting data and feed holes in a blank mylar strip... Repurposing a maker lab style laser cutter. Strip of mylar tape on the cutting bed, with a starter feed hole on an alignment pin; laser cuts as much data and feed holes as is room for on the bed. Move the strip up so the last feed hole is on the alignment pin, cut next block of data; repeat. I have no idea if this would work, or even if it is a good idea. just thinking out loud. -- Charles
