They are actually Write Permit Rings - ie need to be in place to write to a
tape.
Bulk erasing no problem - there may be a few unusual cases where they could
be used with some form of random access with block headers, but such systems
will have their own specialised formatting software.
Although a few drives may be "picky" about taking certain sizes of 9t 1/2"
tape I would expect almost all to take 600', 1200', and 2400' with no
problems (though autoloaders might not like anything not on the 2400'
reels) - the 3600' (thinner tape on 2400' reels - not very common) might
cause problems with some early drives.
Andy
> -----Original Message-----
> From: cctalk-bounces_at_classiccmp.org
> [mailto:cctalk-bounces_at_classiccmp.org]On Behalf Of chris
> Sent: 29 September 2003 04:26
> To: Classic Computers
> Subject: 9 track reel tapes
>
>
> I came across a decent stash of 9 track reel tapes during my clean out.
> (4 cases, so maybe 50 or so of them)
>
> A while ago, I sold or gave away (don't remember) a whole bunch of the
> write protect rings for them. So I'm wondering, do those rings stop you
> from writing, or enable you to write when installed? I want to try
> selling the 9 track tapes on ebay, but I want to make sure I specify the
> correct status of the rings (that don't exist).
>
> Also, are these safe to bulk erase with an electromagnet? So far none of
> them have any data on them that I am worried about erasing, so I'm not
> planning to bother... but I want to know if it is safe or not in case I
> find one I need to.
>
> And finally, are all 9 track tapes the same? These were used on our
> General Automation Zebra machine. So will they work on any machine that
> needs 9 track, or only on other Zebras?
>
> -chris
> <http://www.mythtech.net>
>
>
Received on Mon Sep 29 2003 - 11:09:44 BST