Keypunch for 96 column cards?

From: Lawrence Walker <lwalker_at_mail.interlog.com>
Date: Tue Oct 14 17:36:43 1997

> Date: Tue, 14 Oct 1997 08:59:03 -0700 (PDT)
> Reply-to: classiccmp_at_u.washington.edu
> From: James Willing <jimw_at_agora.rdrop.com>
> To: "Discussion re-collecting of classic computers" <classiccmp_at_u.washington.edu>
> Subject: Keypunch for 96 column cards?

> Ok gang,
> A discussion over the last few days got me thinking, so I need some
> assistance here.
>
> IBM introduced the 96 column 'soda-cracker' punch cards (example on my web
> pages if you need a bit of memory jogging) as the new form when they
> introduced the 'System 3' computer series.
>
> Now, while the System 3 had a reader/punch for these cards, I can't for
> the life of me ever remember seeing a stand-alone keypunch unit for this
> format card.
>
> So, the question(s): was there such a thing, what was the model number,
> and has anyone seen one in the Oregon area that might be obtainable???
>
> (and... since I missed the last one to come by... has anyone seen an IBM
> 129 keypunch (std. 80 column cards) in the Oregon area that might be
> obtainable?)
>
> Thanks

 I worked as a "jr. IBM operator" in 1955-56 and seem to remember a
couple of new and different key-punch units among the 30-odd 80 col
units in the keypunch room. I don't recall seeing different cards tho
Possiby the system 3 came out after I left, but since I didn't work
in there (entry was done by ex-typists, all female ) and the
main-frames were in a secure room , I could have missed it.
  One of the most interesting and I imagine rare machines I worked
on was a statistical sorter which counted the hits on each row in the
columns you desired and then output a report according to how you had
wired the board. Don't remember it's model number ,or any of them for
that matter.( G ) I spent about a month on it putting out the annual
report.

ciao larry

lwalkerN0spaM_at_interlog.com
Received on Tue Oct 14 1997 - 17:36:43 BST