Dectape Transport Type TU55 Control Type TC01

Summary

This document provides a technical overview and specifications for the Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) TU55 DECtape Transport and the TC01 DECtape Control.

Key System Features:

• Storage Mechanism: The system is a high-speed, reliable, and low-cost input/output data storage device. It features fixed-position addressing, which allows for selective updating of data blocks, similar to a magnetic disc or drum, while eliminating inter-record gaps.
• Reliability and Design: The TU55 uses a simple, bidirectional tape transport mechanism that eliminates capstans and pressure pads, resulting in minimal tape and head wear. Data is recorded using a redundant, phase-recording method to minimize errors caused by skew or amplitude variations.
• Control and Capacity: The TC01 Control can manage up to eight TU55 transports. Each 3-1/2 inch reel holds approximately 3 million bits of information. The system is designed for use with the PDP-8 computer and utilizes the block transfer control (BTC) facility for efficient data handling.
• Programming and Maintenance: The document details the software support provided for the system, including subroutines for data management, a library system for storing and naming programs, and diagnostic routines (DECTOG) for preformatting tapes and checking for hardware errors.
• Operational Modes: The system operates in both "Normal" and "Continuous" modes, with specific functions such as Search, Read Data, Write Data, and Read/Write Timing and Mark tracks to facilitate tape organization and data retrieval.

The document concludes with detailed physical, electrical, and environmental specifications for the TU55 transport, the TC01 control, and the cabinet configurations.