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)