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Magnetic tape drive used on the SAGE AN/FSQ-7 computer
The IBM 728 was an IBM 7 series magnetic tape drive. It was used on the SAGE AN/FSQ-7 computer. It was physically similar to the IBM 727, but with significantly different specifications.
Tracks
6 Data, 1 synchronization
char/inch
248 char/inch
Words
6 chars (32 data bits, 1 odd parity bit, 3 end of file bits)
word/inch
41.33 word/inch
End of record gap
0.75 inch - 186 chars - 31 words
Tape speed
75 inch/s
Rewind speed
500 inch/s (average)
Transfer rate
18,750 char/s - 3,125 word/s
Start time
5 ms
Stop time
5 ms
Width of tape
1/2 inch
Length of reel
2,400 ft (730 m)
Composition
Mylar or cellulose acetate base
Tape Word Bit Positions
-----------------------------> Tape travel
LS L6 L12 R2 R8 R14
L1 L7 L13 R3 R9 R15
L2 L8 L14 R4 R10 P
SYN SYN SYN SYN SYN SYN
L3 L9 L15 R5 R11 EOF
L4 L10 RS R6 R12 EOF
L5 L11 R1 R7 R13 EOF
-----------------------------> Tape travel
References
Faust, Daniel (2008). IBM 728 Magnetic Tape Drive (inkjet print of photograph). The Metropolitan Museum of Art.