Linctape

1 definition found

From The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (27 SEP 03) [foldoc]:

  LINCtape
       
           A formatted, block-oriented, high-reliability,
          {random access} tape system used on the {Laboratory Instrument
          Computer}.  The tape was 3/4" wide.
       


          The funny {DECtape} is actually a variant of the original
          LINCtape.  According to {Wesley Clark}, DEC tried to "improve"
          the LINCtape system, which mechanically, was wonderfully
          simple and elegant.  The DEC version had pressure fingers and
          tape guides to force alignment as well as huge {DC} servo
          motors and complex control circuitry.  These literally
          shredded the tape to bits if not carefully adjusted, and
          required frequent cleaning to remove all the shedded tape
          oxide.  That was amazing, because the tape had a micro-thin
          plastic layer OVER the oxide to protect it.  What happened was
          that all the forced alignment stuff caused shredding at the
          edge.
       
          An independent company, Computer Operations[?], built LINCtape
          drives for use in nuclear submarines.  This was based on the
          tape system's high reliability.  Correspondent Brian Converse
          has a picture of himself holding a LINCtape punched full of
          1/4" holes.  It still worked!
       
          (1999-03-29)