HP2748A papertape reader : connector ?

From: Bob Shannon <bshannon_at_tiac.net>
Date: Mon Jul 2 19:25:25 2001

Jay West wrote:

> More info....
>
> Just was digging for the repair/maintenance manual on the 2100 power supply
> (see previous message *GRIN*)...
>
> Came across a manual I had forgotten I had... The "1970 HP measurement,
> analysis, and computation reference catalog".
>
> It has the 2114/5/6 B version systems in it. It does specify there is an
> 8-bit duplex register board, so that board existed at the time. The paper
> tape reader isn't a 2748A/B variety, it's listed as a 2737A punched tape
> reader using (included) a 12532A interface. The 12532A obviously isn't a dup
> reg board :) (the kit listed at $2100 by the way). This catalog also has the
> 2000A timeshared basic system (using a 2116) and it specifies a paper tape
> reader is included, it's also the 2737A with a 12532A interface. Is this
> 12532A interface that I've never heard of the original tape reader interface
> you're referring to Bob?

I have references to the 8 bit duplex board existing in 1969, so I have no doubt

of its existance in the same period as the dedicated tape reader I/F.

The old-style reader board I have in my hand does not carry any part number like

12532A at all. There are number such as:

02116-8002 (in etch)
ASSY 02116-6002 (in black ink)
72189 (printed on a silver and black adhesive lable near the extractor handle)
9102951 (printed in black ink on a clear adhesive lable)

In my past posts I refered to a HP2747 reader. I was mistaken. That earlier
reader
is the 2737.

This reader uses a special lamp with a long filament to shine over a series of
photodiodes
that read the tape. This special lamp is a real pain, as with age the filament
would droop
and you had to rotate the bulb in place to keep the filament in line over the
reader pickup.

Also, the mechanical clutch suffered a good deal of wear and tare. Not an
especially good
reader.

> I'm not familiar with the 2737A reader, is it possible the 2737A used the
> old style interface and the 2748 used the later one? Surely someone knows
> this for sure!

Absolutely not. I had the early ('37) reader, and upgraded to the later model,
but I never
replaced my cable nor interface card.

> Here's some rather historically interesting l970 list prices for those
> fellow HP'ers on the list:
>
> 2116B cpu, $24,000 (8K)
> 2115A cpu, $14,500 (4k) or $19,500 (8K)
> 2114B cpu, $8,500 (4K) or $13,000 (8K)
> 2773A drum memory with 2776A power supply, $23,500 (393,216 16bit words,
> transfer rate 120Kw/sec, access time 8.7ms average)

Ooooooo! HP Drum memory! Oh how I want one.....

> For those on the list into the 9100 calculator/computers, 1970 list price
> for the 9100A was $4400 and the 9100B was $4900.
>
> Jay West
Received on Mon Jul 02 2001 - 19:25:25 BST