linctape

1 definition found

linctape - Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (26 May 2007) :

  LINCtape
  
     <storage> 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)