IBM Mag Card II
Posted: 25 Nov 2014, 23:45
I'm not really an IBM collector, but this is pretty rare (and I have two of them 
These were basically the first word processors released around 1973. While I don't have the Mag Card reader/writer cabinet. I do have some of the the mag cards, I'll try to take some pics later. Each mag card held up to 8000 characters, or about 2.5 pages of words.
It's a Selectric with data out! So technically I can convert it to USB
The only reason I haven't done it yet is due to the sheer number of wires (and finding a mating connector so I don't have to destroy the massive cable...).
Inside, the wires control inputs, such as solenoids and electromagnets. The outputs are magnetic reed switches and a few optical sensors to detect rotation. There are some lock and pushbutton switches on the sides to control the Mag Card unit directly as well.

DSC_1222 by triplehaata, on Flickr
DSC_0020 by triplehaata, on Flickr
DSC_0023 by triplehaata, on Flickr
DSC_1207 by triplehaata, on Flickr
DSC_1208 by triplehaata, on Flickr
DSC_1210 by triplehaata, on Flickr
DSC_1224 by triplehaata, on Flickr
DSC_0021 by triplehaata, on Flickr
DSC_1221 by triplehaata, on Flickr
DSC_1165 by triplehaata, on Flickr
DSC_1148 by triplehaata, on Flickr
DSC_1150 by triplehaata, on Flickr

These were basically the first word processors released around 1973. While I don't have the Mag Card reader/writer cabinet. I do have some of the the mag cards, I'll try to take some pics later. Each mag card held up to 8000 characters, or about 2.5 pages of words.
It's a Selectric with data out! So technically I can convert it to USB

The only reason I haven't done it yet is due to the sheer number of wires (and finding a mating connector so I don't have to destroy the massive cable...).
Inside, the wires control inputs, such as solenoids and electromagnets. The outputs are magnetic reed switches and a few optical sensors to detect rotation. There are some lock and pushbutton switches on the sides to control the Mag Card unit directly as well.











