symphony for dot matrix printers

From: Matt London <matt_at_knm.yi.org>
Date: Thu Sep 6 13:33:27 2001

Hi,

> > > I am not sure that ancient analogue tape recorders are on-topic :-)
> >
> > Hey - remember they used to be used to store programs before we got
> > disks! :&)
>
> Most people used compact cassette recorders for that. I am talking about
> things a little older than that -- like the old Brennell Mark V I happen
> to have (3 motors, 3 heads, 3 speed deck, but 4 positions on the
> equalistation switch on the amplifier [1]). Valved, of course.
>
> [1] The amplifier has settings for 1+7/8, 3+3/4, 7+1/2 and 15 ips. The
> deck has a 3 speed selector. You can either have the 1+7/8, 3+3/4, 7+1/2
> range or the 3+3/4, 7+1/2, 15 range depending on which capstan sleeve you
> have fitted to the spindle.

Yup - I have an AKAI upright unit here. 3 head units are nice things
:&) My AKAI only does 3 3/4 and 7 1/2, but I did have a unit that did 1
7/8 too. Never had a high enough quality unit to do 15 ips :&)

Anyway - we deviate from the topic :&)
 
> While it is possible to use such machines to store programs from most
> home computers, I don't think many people did. Somebody actually told me
> the IBM PC 'cassette port' wouldn't work with a reel-to-reel tape
> recorder, but never gave a sensible reason why not (and FWIW, I don't
> believe it won't work).

I think I did it once or twice with my spectrum when I couldn't find any
spare tapes to save my stuff on - you could fir an awful lot on a 7" reel
:&)

I don't see why it wouldn't work either, cause you've got the same line
input circuitry in both.

I should dig out some of my older kit just to play :&)

-- Matt

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Received on Thu Sep 06 2001 - 13:33:27 BST

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