[inforoots] Re: The IBM 1401 at the Computer Restore.

[Lougreer797 at cs.com]

As you may remember, the NCR CRAM file was a series of Mylar coated cards 
that hung like suits in the closet.  When you addressed one, it dropped (with the 
help of the noisy air) through a chute onto a drum where it was read.  
Occasionally, the system would perform a double drop and the two cards would jam in 
the throat of the chute.  

I saw an NCR rep do a demo of the device and the result was a double drop.  
The sales guy, clearly accustomed to the problem, walked over to the device, 
opened the little door in the front, removed the slightly disfigured cards, held 
them up and said, "The machine spotted some bad data and destroyed it for 
you."

Getting back to the 1401 ... actually the 1403 in particular.  In the early 
days, there were no power stackers, but the fanfold paper usually stacked 
reasonably well ... except at my account, Publishers Clearing House on Long Island, 
where the printer merely typed the recipient's name a few times in a form 
letter then performed a high speed skip to the next letter.  The form letters 
"stacked" in random condition across the floor of the computer room from the five 
printers that worked practically around the clock.

The local systems Engineer was a resourceful individual and he took the tire 
chains out of his car trunk, cut them and hung them where the paper came out 
of the printer.  IT WORKED!

We called the IBM printer folks in Rochester, Minnesota and they came to 
survey the problem and come up with a more permanent solution.  The fix kit that 
they sent the customer was a bunch of chrome-plated tire chains that the custome
r treasured throughout my tenure on the account.  Of course they were 
replaced by power stackers shortly thereafter.

Best regards,

Lou

Lou Greer
Phone:     864-675-9219
Cell:         864-640-9188
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