Homebrew Retrocomputer Enhanced with Elegant Paper Tape Reading Accessory
if ya' got a soft spot for the early days of home computing, you might've started with paper tape mass storage - slow, bulky, charm criticism be damned! That's the vibe [Joshua Coleman] is going for with his DIY paper tape reader build.
This project draws inspiration from Joshua's Coleman Z-80 modular computer design, with the electronics for the reader adapting David Hansel's approach to a paper tape reader, and Hansel's Altair 8080 simulator. But Joshua's reader's got a few tricks up its sleeve, like an adjustable read head, 3D-printed reels, and a panel-mounted ammeter, just cuz. Plus, with an internal relay bypassing the reader unless it's playing back a tape, it doubles as a keyboard wedge! Watch the video below for speed details.
For now, writing tapes is an offline process. Joshua uses a Python program to convert ASCII to an SVG file, then a laser cutter to burn holes in strips of paper, linking 'em together to create longer tapes. Future steps might include building a feeder that moves paper tape across the laser cutter, syncing with the conversion program - or the old-school solenoid-powered punch and die route. We're game for either!
Building a DIY Paper Tape Reader Breakdown:
Hardware Elements
- Optical sensors: these sensors detect the tape's holes.
- Microcontroller: handle data from the sensors and decode it.
- Motorized system: move the tape through the reader.
Steps to Build the Reader
- Design a frame to hold the components.
- Mount the sensors and connect them to the microcontroller.
- Write a program to read data, decode it, and send it to the computer.
Paper Tape Creation
Manual Punching
- Hole punch: punch holes manually or with an automated device controlled by a servo.
- Automatic punching device: build a device similar to one using Arduino for efficient hole punching.
Digital Printing
- Thermal printing: print dots for the sensors to read.
- Inkjet printer: modify printer software to print on the tape.
Process for Creating Paper Tape
- Prepare data.
- Create the tape using the chosen method.
- Check for errors.
Development Challenges:- Mechanical stability: make sure the parts are sturdy and reliable.- Data integrity: ensure the data is accurately read and interpreted by the system.
This DIY project calls for a mix of mechanical, electrical, and software engineering skills - nailing down these challenges will help create a functioning paper tape reader like Joshua's modular computer system.
In the spirit of vintage home computing, this DIY paper tape reader project incorporates Arduino electronics, building upon David Hansel's approach and Hansel's Altair 8080 simulator. The reader features an adjustable read head, 3D-printed reels, and an ammeter, all adding to its charm (diy, arduino, electronics, technology). Moreover, the reader doubles as a keyboard wedge due to an internal relay bypassing the reader unless it's playing back a tape (diy, arduino, technology).
For the creation of the paper tape, the project uses a Python program to convert ASCII to an SVG file, then a laser cutter to burn holes in strips of paper, linking them together to form longer tapes (diy, technology). This DIY paper tape reader breakdown includes hardware elements like optical sensors, a microcontroller, and a motorized system, while steps for building the reader involve designing a frame, mounting sensors, and writing a data decoding program (diy, electronics).
