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ND Computer Systems

ND 529 MagTape Drive

ND 536 Dual Density Formatter

ND 556 MagTape Controller

Introduction

The ND 529 MagTape Drive, the ND 536 Dual Density Formatter, and the ND 556 MagTape Controller constitute a high performance magnetic tape system, using vacuum buffer columns for gentle tape handling. The tape system features ANSI and industry compatible 800 bpi NRZI/1600 bpi PE format capability.

Features

  • 9 tracks 800 bpi NRZI/1600 bpi PE, 75 ips ANSI and industry compatible
  • Three inch wide vacuum column for tape buffering
  • One formatter accepts 4 drives
  • 250 ips rewind speed
  • Easy tape loading by using self-seating reel hub and simplified tape path
  • Read-after-write dual gap head and error checking logic
  • Electronic write deskewing using a digital deskewing technique
  • Vacuum operated tape cleaner
  • Low audible noise
  • Options include:
    • single density, 800 bpi NRZI
    • single density, 1600 bpi PE
flowchart TD
    A[Maximum 4 transports]
    A -->|ND529, 75 ips 800/1600 bpi| B
    A -->|ND527, 75 ips 800 bpi (optional)| C
    A -->|ND528, 75 ips 1600 bpi (optional)| D
    B --> E(( ))
    C --> E
    D --> E
    E -->|FORMATTER(S) ND536, 800/1600 bpi ND534, 800 bpi (opt) ND535, 1600 bpi (opt)| F[MagTape Controller ND556]
    G[Optional FORMATTER for daisy chaining] -- I/O SYSTEM --> F

[Photo: MagTape Drive System]

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Product Description

The ND 529 high performance MagTape system is a new generation of cost-effective vacuum column tape transports. The transport is using 3" wide vacuum columns, which minimizes the audible noise level generated by the vacuum pump system. Consequently, while still maintaining industry standard tape tension, the vacuum pressure is 50% less than competitive models. The savings in vacuum pump requirements result in a much quieter unit, that also consumes far less power than others.

The vacuum pump system maintains a positive air pressure in the tape compartment area and also makes sure that the air is well filtered. This standard feature provides the tape the cleanest operating environment and together with the vacuum type tape cleaner assures the highest possible data reliability.

Annoying reel servo "hunting" is eliminated by a unique servo motor control design. Besides keeping the tape reels still, this feature eliminates unnecessary power consumption, associated with band-bang type reel servos.

The single capstan drive system carefully smooths out both acceleration and deceleration to provide the tape with kindest possible treatment. The design of the tape path assures the sensitive tape oxide contacts only the tape cleaner and the head.

Exceptional care goes into the mounting of the head and tape guides to minimize tolerance build up, thus guaranteeing tape interchangeability. A special digital write deskewing technique provides reliable reading in both forward and reverse directions.

Specifications

Driver: Pertec Model 9640—98—75

Tape (Computer Grade) - Width: 12.6492 +/- 0.0508 mm - Thickness: 0.0381 mm - Tape tension: 2.224 N +/- 0.139 N - Reel diameter: 26.67 cm (maximum) - Recording mode (industry compatible): 1600 bpi Phase Encoded, 800 bpi NRZI - Magnetic head: Dual gap (with Erase Head) - Tape speed (standard): 75 ips (1.9 m/s) - Instantaneous speed variation: +/- 3%

Long term speed variation: +/- 1%
Rewind time (2400 ft): 115 sec. nominal, 250 ips (6.36 m/s)

Tape cleaner: Perforated plate type connected to vacuum supply
Stop/start time at 75 ips: 5.0 +/-0.35 ms
Start/stop displacement: 4.826 +/-0.508 mm
Beginning-of-tape and end-of-tape detectors: Photoelectric — industry compatible

Dimensions (maximum): - Height: 1606 mm - Width: 582 mm - Overall Depth: 930 mm

Operating Temperature: 5 to 43°C
Relative Humidity: 20 to 80%
Vibration: Not applicable

Power: - Volts AC: 220 +/- 10V - Frequency: 50 +/- 2 Hz

Watts (average): - Stand-by (unloaded): 75 - Stand-by (loaded): 325 - Tape in Motion (75 ips): 450 - Maximum: 850

Formatter

Mechanical and Electrical Specifications:

PE NRZI
Recording mode (ANSI, industry compatible) PE NRZI
Packing density 1600 bpi 800 bpi
Number of channels 9 (8 data, 1 parity) 9
Data rate variation (tracking oscillator) +/- 10% --
Deskewing buffer 4 bits/channel --
Preamble 41 char.- 40 zeros, 1 one --
Postamble 41 char.- 1 one, 40 zeros --
ID burst (1600 frpi) Channel P --
File mark (3200 frpi) Channel P 0,, 2, 5, 6, and 7 --
Inter-record gap 15.2 mm (nominal) 15.2 mm (nominal)
Parity Odd Odd
Calculated MTBF - dual density 10200 hrs 10200 hrs 
+--------------------+
|    Norsk Data      |
|         AS         |
|                    |
|       Offices      |
+--------------------+

Norway:
NORSK DATA A/S
Jerikveien 20, Box 4 - Lindeberg gård
OSLO 10
Tel.: 02-309030, tix. 18661 nd no
Bergen: tel.: 05-495640
Sandnes: tel.: 045-66662

Denmark:
NORSK DATA ApS
Overgaden Oven Vandet 58
2840 HOLTE
Tel.: 02-425505, tix. 37725 nd dk

Sweden:
ND NORSK DATA AB
Kanavägen 3, Box 2031
194 02 UPPLANDS VÄSBY
Tel.: 0706-86050, tix. 13528 nordata s
Gothenburg: tel.: 031-299350
Malmö: tel.: 040-705150

West Germany:
NORSK DATA DEUTSCHLAND GmbH
Abraham-Lincoln-Str. 30
6200 WIESBADEN
Tel.: 06121-764220, tix. 4186370 noda d

U.S.A.:
NORSK DATA N.A., Inc.
65, Wiliam Street
Wellesley, MASS. 02181
Tel.: 0617-237.7945, tix. 921740 norsk veil

France:
"NORSK DATA FRANCE
"Le Brevent", Avenue du Jura
01210 FERNEY-VOLTAIRE
Tel.: 050-406536, tix. 358535 nordata ferny Paris: tel.: 01-6032366, tix 201108 nd paris

England:
NORSK DATA Ltd.
NORD House, 17 Balfe Street, King's Cross
LONDON NI 9JE
Tel.: 01-2785501, tix. 299537 norton g 

+-----------------------------------+
|   NOTE: NORSK DATA reserves the   |
|   right to change specifications  |
|     at any time without notice!   |
+-----------------------------------+