On 24/06/2025 02:01, Doc Shipley via cctalk wrote:
On 6/21/25 15:13, ben via cctalk wrote:
Lack of paper tape is was why I was asking about
a replacement.
The same goes for TTY replacement.
Late to the conversation, but the CNC machines I operated in the early
'80s used mylar tape, I always assumed in defense against very harsh
shop conditions.
I have no idea whether that's still a product but it seems it would be
easier to get made than a suitable paper tape. My guess is that any
thin, opaque laminate would do if it can be punched
I used "plastic" tape on an Elliott 803 in the 1970s - it was common for
things like compilers as it lasted a long time. The readers didn't mind
it at all but the punches weren't so keen. IIRC they were run slowly for
copying to plastic and cleaned afterwards.
Whether this was common practice I wouldn't know. People hereabouts might.