TU78 Magnetic Tape Transport User's Guide

This document is the User's Guide for the Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) TU78 Magnetic Tape Transport, originally published in 1980 and revised in 1981.

It provides comprehensive instructions and information for users regarding the installation, operation, and maintenance of the TU78 magnetic tape transport system.

Key aspects covered include:

• General Description: Explains the TU78's core function as a 9-track magnetic tape transport capable of reading and writing data in Phase-Encoded (PE) at 1600 bits/inch and Group Code Recording (GCR) at 6250 bits/inch formats, at a speed of 125 inches per second. It details how the TU78 interfaces with a system processor via the MASSBUS and a TM78 tape formatter, with one formatter supporting up to four TU78 units. The document also describes the major physical subassemblies and the seven functional areas of the transport (e.g., capstan/reel servos, pneumatic, read/write, control logic, power supply).
• Operation: Provides step-by-step operating procedures, including powering on, autoload and manual tape loading (with troubleshooting guides for load failures), midreel loading, unloading, rewinding, and switching between on-line/off-line modes. It also details the function of the TU78's control panel indicators and switches.
• Installation: Offers detailed guidance for site planning (space, power, and environmental requirements), unpacking the transport from its shipping skid (emphasizing it's top-heavy and requires two people), and performing mechanical and electrical installation for both single and multiple transport configurations. This section covers cabling, grounding, and adjustments for altitude.
• Customer Care and Preventive Maintenance: Outlines customer responsibilities, best practices for magnetic tape care (e.g., proper storage, handling, avoiding contamination), and a schedule for preventive maintenance, including the use of a supplied cleaning kit and detailed instructions for cleaning tape path components.
• Specifications: Includes tables detailing the mechanical and electrical specifications of the TU78, such as tape dimensions, operating speeds, error rates, cabinet dimensions, and power requirements.
• Support Information: Lists related technical documents and provides contact information for ordering supplies, accessories, and further documentation. A glossary of technical terms is also included.

The guide is intended to ensure proper setup, reliable operation, and effective user-level maintenance of the TU78 magnetic tape transport.