This is another of my retro designs. It is a Paper Tape Reader, which I have dubbed TR-01. This tape reader works by pulling the tape across the photo transistors. As the holes pass over the photo transistor, they will turn on the appropriate data bits, which are transmitted to a computer. You can use this to transfer programs to a computer using the integrated parallel interface.

Works with any vintage computer that has parallel interface. The TR-01 has hardware handshake to signal Data Ready, to your vintage or modern computer, and has an Acknowlege signal to clear the Data Ready. There is also a status bit that has optional use, and is driven by the program running on a PC (software not included to transfer data). In addition to the computer interface, there are also 9 LEDs to display the data and Ready bit. There are 8 red led's for data, green LED for the READY bit, a power LED and a status LED. These allow demonstration, without connecting to a computer.

This is the perfect accessory to demonstrate early mass storage using your Altair, IMSAI or SOL Computer. The video demonstrates the operation of the reader by reading a few demonstration tape.

Click to enlarge

Early computers used this method for program entry. But readers are hard to come by, as are programs. As a bonus, to anyone who buys one of these, I will include the Target game (TARG), for the SOL, on paper tape. I can also make paper tapes, of programs that you provide to me, as electronic files.

I have designed a matching light source to go with this (SEE VIDEO). It consists of a daughter board that sits slightly above the photo-transistors. This light source provides a very reliable and well channeled light to the photo transistors. This integrated light board is very low-profile adding less than 1/4" to the height.

The boards have been professionally manufactured and I will also provide the schematic for this, to the winner. You should have a lot of fun with this reader.

Includes:

• TR-01 Tape Reader (with integrated light source)
• One SOL tape included (others can be provided, using your electronic file)
• Test Tapes (All 1s, alternating 1s and 0s, walking 1s, alpha)

Winning bid will pay flat-rate $12, Shipping to US destinations. I will be happy to answer any questions you have, prior to bidding. You may pick this up, in person, if you are local.

International Bidders
International bidders may bid but MUST: Pay shipping to their country (May be higher than shown in auction) May use PayPal subject to the shipping terms below Initiate payment within 3 days of end of auction Contact me via email, before bidding. (Does not apply to previous customers)

Good Luck Bidding!