[JR1050]

Ok,it may only take you all a minute or two to realize I probably dont know what Im talking about-but-.I have an older Ge 1050 control that uses a parallel
tape reader.Its signal output is 10.5 v,not 5v like a traditional p port on a pc.I would like to use a B&B serial to parallel converter to bypass the tape reader,a BTR,if you will.How would one amplify the 5v signal from the B&B to 10.5v for the ge tape reader port?I also need to fool the ge into thinking it see's a sprocket signal timed with the first data track with in 1.6 ms.it can be done as commercially available BTR's have this feature.I have a BTR,but it doesnt work and the MFG wont support it-any suggestions?


"If it was easy,everyone would do it."

[pastera]

The 5 to 10.5 is easy - a 74HCT04 to a 74HCT06 with a 470 ohm pull up to the desired voltage (or 12 volts with two diodes in series)

I would need more info on the sprocket signal - Does it need to switch for each byte? (does it clock the data)

Aaron

[Al_The_Man]

The sprocket hole is usually used to strobe the data in on most readers.
Al.

[pastera]

Use the strobe line on the B&B as the sprocket signal.

You will also need to feed the strobe line back to the acknowledge line in order to get the next byte. A simple RC delay may be fine - 470 ohm resistor from strobe to acknowledge with a 1uF capacitor from acknowledge to ground. This will delay the strobe signal slightly and create the sproket pulse. You may need to experiment with the values to get the right delay.

Do you have a pinout for the interface? Any format information?

Aaron

[JR1050]

Aarron,

I have the pinouts along with lots of info on the tape reader and reader port /interface.Whats the best way to get it to you and could you provide me with a schmematic for your proposed amplifier.Im not an electrical engineer,Im learning as I go....Thanks you for your help.

JR