On 2022-02-21 3:11 p.m., Paul Koning via cctalk wrote:
On Feb 21, 2022, at 4:26 PM, Guy Fedorkow via cctalk <cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote: [apologies if this is a dup, but I didn't see it coming back in any of the cctalk digests] Greetings CC-Talk, I've been working on a low-budget project to help to introduce students to history of computing through material we have from MIT's 1950's Whirlwind project. The activity would have more of a hands-on feel if we could use actual paper tape. A simple reader is easy enough, but a punch is a bit harder. We don't need anything "authentic", or fast, or high performance, just something fairly reliable. If anyone can suggest where to find such a machine, could you let me know? Fanuc PPR, GNT 4601/4604, and the DSI NC-2400 have been cited as possible candidates, but I don't see anything that looks like a good match on ebay. Thanks! /guy fedorkowDo you mean a punch as a computer peripheral, or a keyboard operated tape punch? For the former, the ones you mentioned are obvious choices; BRPE is another. Also the DEC paper tape reader/punch (PC01 or some such number). For keyboard operated, there's Teletype, Flexowriter, Creed, Siemens, depending on where you're located. ASR33 is a common 8-bit punching terminal. Older models that use 5-level tape ("Baudot") may also be around, and those could certainly serve for 1950s era machines that may well have actually used those. I don't know what Whirlwind used, but I know some other 1950s machines that used 5 bit tape for their I/O. Electrologica X1 is an example. paul
This requires a REAL MACHINE SHOP ... none this 3d printer stuff. I would recommend a building a 35mm film punch and reader, as film stock is still easy to find compared to paper tape. Zuse used them for his computers in Germany on the 40's. Quality Mechanical stuff is lost high tech.
Ben.
