paper tape questions

From: Ethan Dicks <erd_6502_at_yahoo.com>
Date: Wed Apr 2 16:59:01 2003

--- akb+lists.cctech_at_imap1.mirror.to wrote:
> Hi--
>
> I was wondering, is all blank papertape media interchangeable?
> I know that it can be made of paper or mylar,
> and that it comes fanfolded and on spools,
> but are there variations that would block interoperability,
> like varying widths?

Besides the width (7/8" vs 1" vs other (12-channel paper tape for
printer carriages)), there's an issue of oiled vs non-oiled.

Generally speaking, oiled paper tape is going to be read in a
slow, mechanical reader and is punched in a slow punch (think ASR-33)
and non-oiled paper tape is going to be read in an optical (fast)
reader and is punched in a faster punch that is lubricated as part
of its normal maintenance cycle (think PC04/PC05).

Mylar tape is nice when you expect to read things many, many times,
but punching lots of it can dull your punch if it's expecting nice,
soft paper.

I can't tell you what's appropriate for your application. I do know
that you can still buy fan-fold and spools of paper tape from commercial
sources. I *think* that $20 per roll is too high for what they are
selling, but if I'm wrong, I'm sure plenty of folks will chime in.

-ethan
Received on Wed Apr 02 2003 - 16:59:01 BST