Making holes in magnetic tape

From: Tony Duell <ard_at_p850ug1.demon.co.uk>
Date: Sun Jun 22 12:42:00 2003

> Hi,
>
> I have some DC100A type cartridges for my HP-85, but at the start of the
> tape the magnetic coating has come away where the drive belt has been left
> in contact with the same part of the tape for too long.

A very common problem :-(

>
> I have figured out the pattern of holes in the end of the tape used by the
> optical sensor to detect EOT. I would like to punch a new set of holes away
> from the damaged area and see if the rest of the tape is usable.
>
> So any tips please on making suitable holes in the tape, my attempts so far
> with a pin have not been a great success.....

Have you thought about making a die of some kind (possbly a folded piece
of brass) with the holes in the right place. Slip the tape in that, clamp
it up, then put a punch through the holes.

A pin is the wrong shape -- you want a flat-ended (or slightly concave)
punch. To guide it and keep it vertical I'd use a watchmakers staking set,
but I guess few people have one of those here.

-tony
Received on Sun Jun 22 2003 - 12:42:00 BST