See: https://www.navy-radio.com/tty/brpe/hole-config.jpg
The seller doesn’t seem to be very knowledgeable.
From: W2HX <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, January 17, 2024 11:40 AM
To: [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: RE: [GreenKeys] BRPE11
Interesting that the sellers says the tape is 11/16th wide. Did they fit 6 or 7 bits into 11/16th? 8 bits was typically 1” wide
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of [email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, January 17, 2024 11:25 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [GreenKeys] BRPE11
Of possible interest is a poorly identified (and a bit rough) BRPE11 on eBay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/296166916217
I suspect from other sources (https://museum.wales/collections/online/object/a7dea37f-0f0a-3cfc-833e-f22b59972974/Paper-tape-puncher/) that’s a BRPE6 base -- hence the electrical support for an 8-level punch. However the CDC 160 used the BRPE11 and that was a 7-level paper I/O system. So apparently this may be a 7-level unit. The vendor confirmed that there are only 4 relays/solenoids on the right. I think that the mechanics and tape feed ought to work fine as a 6-level unit given the design of my BRPE21 tape feed mechanism.
I’ve suggested that the seller remove the punch cover and post suitable pictures. And relabel the listing appropriately!
Unfortunately this unit falls in the valley between supporting the much more common 5-level and 8-level tapes.
Interestingly https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/objects/co62588/westrex-8-hole-paper-tape-punch-punch claims that a “Westrex” unit used a BRPE11, yet was “8 hole”. I suspect that they included the feed hole in the count.
The "laid back" reel support is interesting (ignoring the fact that the reel isn't properly engaged in the photo). That design is confirmed by: https://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/102696402
paul
