WTB: DEC PC04 Paper Tape Reader/Punch

[Ethan Dicks]

On Mon, Aug 18, 2008 at 10:55:14AM -0700, Vincent Slyngstad wrote:
> From: "Ethan Dicks" 
> >*But*, you could read the tape one way, flip it _and_ read it backwards.
> >Syncing up the two passes is just an exercise for the student ;-)
> 
> Alas, that wouldn't help with the bad phototransistor.

Ah, yes... I didn't do the right transformation in my head.
 
> >Personally, my PC04 is the primary load device for one of my PDP-8/Ls.
> >I'd be hurting if I lost a phototransistor - the SMT idea sounds handy.
> 
> It sounds interesting to me too.  Are there detailed specs for the 
> phototransistor array, or would I have to take my PC04 apart and 
> measure everything?

I have no idea.  I was just referencing a recent post about someone
mentioning making a functional reconstruction.
> 
> >What I'm more worried about is a spare bulb - It's a "festoon" bulb
> 
> Well, there's this sort of thing:
> http://www.ledtronics.com/ds/fes001/
> The tricky part for these seems to be getting ones that will work well 
> on 5V.

Interesting option.
 
> Isn't it basically exactly an old-school 6V automotive dome light?

It was a dome light, but I'm not certain about the voltage right now.

It's entirely possible it's a 6V bulb derated to 5V, but I'm not sure.

> I wasn't able to find a part number for the original, so I don't know 
> the original dimensions, either.  There seem to be at least a couple 
> of common lengths.

I remember that being my experience as well.  Fortunately, I _do_ have
a bulb, so I can measure it.
 
> Curious that the documentation doesn't suggest stocking a replacement, 
> or even tell you what part to use.

Yeah; I don't remember ever running across any official docs about it.
 
The best I recall is finding an Osram part number _somewhere_, but
not being able to find that bulb in their modern catalog and no
crossreference.

> If it's DEC part number 12-04903, then that's available here:
> http://www.atlantalightbulbs.com/ecart/nw012104/PHILIPS6411LAMP10W12V.htm

Thanks; that certainly resembles the original, but, again, I'm not
sure about the voltage.

-ethan

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Ethan.Dicks at usap.gov            http://penguincentral.com/penguincentral.html