> How could it not be in good shape? PUT 8602 is an even-numbered PUT and > all old-timers know that it's only odd-numbered PUTs that are bad.
8-) Seriously, though. Big chunks of the oxide are flaking off the backing. One thing that's been very illustrative in this project -- magnetic tape doesn't last forever. 20+ years is *really* pushing it. > Besides, PUT 8602 has far exceeded my personal PUT application aging > standard of letting it age "forty days and forty nights". ;-) It is approaching the "unto the 7th generation" rule, isn't it? We're definitely into the "seventy times seven" arena. Interesting update: the last box I processed this morning contained a TSS tape dated 1971. Lee Varian has better handwriting that most of us will *ever* have -- the label is still clearly readable, even if the tape isn't. To the authors of TAPEMAP: you guys rule. The absolute wonder-gadget of the week. -- db
