[cctalk] Re: Age of Tape Formats?

[Chris Elmquist via cctalk]

> On Mar 8, 2023, at 4:18 PM, Chuck Guzis via cctalk <cctalk@classiccmp.org> 
> wrote:
> 
> On 3/8/23 13:53, Sellam Abraham via cctalk wrote:
>>> On Wed, Mar 8, 2023 at 1:39 PM Chuck Guzis via cctalk 
>>> <cctalk@classiccmp.org>
>>> wrote:
>>> 
>>> On the subject of 1/2" open-reel tape, I note that the tapes initially
>>> used with the IBM 726 drive (1952) used a cellulose acetate base.  In
>>> 1956, a switch was made to Mylar.   That's unfortunate, since early
>>> existing  726 tapes have almost certainly rotted away due to vinegar
>>> syndrome.
>>> 
>> 
>> I have what appears to be a stainless steel UNIVAC tape.  It isn't
>> crumbling away into dust anytime soon.
>> 
> Heavy bugger,no?
> Nickel-plated Vicalloy (a type of phosphor-bronze).

Yes, heavy.  I have one too, from UNIVAC 1

Who can read them now?  ;-)

cje