The Tarbell Cassette Interface
Written on May 5th, 2026 by Tech Ads
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The Tarbell B=
Interface
es
e Plugs directly into your IMSAI or ALTAIR*
Computer
e Fastest transfer rate: 187 (standard) to 1000
bytes/second ae
e Extremely Reliable — Phase encoded (self-
clocking)
e 4 Extra Status Lines, 4 Extra Control Lines
e 37-page manual included
e Device Code Selectable by DIP-switch
e Capable of Generating Kansas City tapes also
e No modification required on audio cassette
recorder
e Complete kit $120, Assembled $175, Manual
$4
*ALTAIR is a trademark/tradename of MITS, Inc.
TARBELL ELECTRONICS
20620 S. Leapwood Avenue, Suite P, Carson, California 90746
(213) 538-4251
California residents please add 6% sales tax
T11
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‘The Tarbell Cassette Interface’
The Tarbell Cassette Interface allowed the Altair 8800 (and other S-100 bus based computers) communicate with a standard tape deck and so allow these early computers to read and write data from cheap commercially available magnetic cassette tapes. Data could be stored at up to 2200 bits per inch of tape and read back at up to 540 bytes a second.
A copy of the Tarbell Cassette Interface manual can be viewed at the Internet Archive
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