[cctalk] Re: Age of Tape Formats?

[Paul Koning via cctalk]

> On Mar 8, 2023, at 10:23 PM, Chris Elmquist via cctalk 
> <cctalk@classiccmp.org> wrote:
> 
> 
> 
>> 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

I saw an article reporting on that recently.  An effort of the CHM, I think, 
and yes, it definitely worked.  Al, can you tell us more?

        paull