Start. Stop.
Written on February 26th, 2026 by Tech Ads
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START:
3.3 milliseconds
The new Ampex TM-4 digital tape handler beats start
times of previous medium speed transports by 2./
milliseconds. Stop times by 3.2 milliseconds. And the
tape travels only .162” to .203” to reach 75 ips. Only
030” to .100” to come to a complete stop. New vac-
uum chambers assure that these start/stop times re-
main stable. Even under the most rigorous
programs. The TM-4 is also easier, gentler
on your tape. A new tape guiding system,
uniform tape tension and speed limits on
the servo system prevent tape abuse. The
AMPEX
STOP:
1.8 milliseconds
result: tape life is quadrupled. The TM-4 operates at /5,
60 or 37% ips. And has a bit packing density of 200 to
556 bpi. The reliability of this newtape transport has been
proven with exhaustive pre-testing. (It requires mini-
mum maintenance. And it’s easily accessible from the.
rear.) With these features, the T M-4 is destined to become
the standard by which all other medium
speed tape handlers are judged. That’s why
it bears the name Ampex. Write for specifi-
cations. Ampex Corp., Computer Products
Co., 934 Charter St., Redwood City, Calif.
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‘Start. Stop.’
The Ampex TM-4 was a mid 1960s high speed data storage unit intended for use in digital systems. It had the ability to store between 200 and 556 bits per inch and the ability to transverse tape at 75, 60 or 37½ inches per second.
An absolutely fantastic technical manual for the Ampex TM-4 can be found at Ed-Thelen.org.
Taken from: Computing News - Volume 10, No. 6 (March 15, 1962)
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