Hmmm, I may not have contributed much to this thead but believe the points above are well made.
In my seventies I was there through the massive evolution of computers from when a desk top computer was actually a huge desk surrounded by other big boxes, reel to real computer tape decks, paper tape punches and readers that I still know how they all work and fix and also analogue instrument tape systems. I have a lot of history behind me which will be lost soon. We are at a point where far too much has been forgotten and folk are now building on long lost foundations. Unless old folk start sharing what they know and young folk start listening it'll end in a heap when the music stops. I really don't think the project outline above is a go'er. Not because the Pi or electronics but the old fashioned tape transport mechanics needed are way beyond most folk. However, if our OP has access to a tape transport system that's still working and the electronics still work the software element will still be the least of the issues to solve. If nothing else the rubber used in the pinch rollers has likely hardened an crumbled into uselessness by now and be very hard to source.
I am happy to share what little I have left whether it gets monitiesed or not, hopefully for the greater good. It's use it or loose it time for me helpful or otherwise.
(598)
Share and Enjoy.
In my seventies I was there through the massive evolution of computers from when a desk top computer was actually a huge desk surrounded by other big boxes, reel to real computer tape decks, paper tape punches and readers that I still know how they all work and fix and also analogue instrument tape systems. I have a lot of history behind me which will be lost soon. We are at a point where far too much has been forgotten and folk are now building on long lost foundations. Unless old folk start sharing what they know and young folk start listening it'll end in a heap when the music stops. I really don't think the project outline above is a go'er. Not because the Pi or electronics but the old fashioned tape transport mechanics needed are way beyond most folk. However, if our OP has access to a tape transport system that's still working and the electronics still work the software element will still be the least of the issues to solve. If nothing else the rubber used in the pinch rollers has likely hardened an crumbled into uselessness by now and be very hard to source.
I am happy to share what little I have left whether it gets monitiesed or not, hopefully for the greater good. It's use it or loose it time for me helpful or otherwise.
(598)
Share and Enjoy.
Statistics: Posted by RaspISteve — Thu Dec 25, 2025 1:42 pm