RCA 301, Programmer'S Reference Manual

Page: 17 / 235

PERIPHERAL EQUIPMENT
| | — FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
CARD EQUIPMENT
The punched card equipment includes the Card Reader, Models 323, 324, and 329, two models of Card Punches
and the Card Reader-Punch.
The Card Reader, Model 323, will either: (1) automatically convert 80-column Hollerith card code to RCA 301
characters for transfer to the HSM, or (2) read a punch card image into HSM binarily where it can be processed,
in any desired manner, under program control. This reader reads by row at a rate up to approximately 600 cards per
minute with 20 milliseconds of free computing time between cards. The Card Reader, Model 323, can be instructed
to maintain a 300 card-per-minute rate, resulting in 120 milliseconds of free computing time between cards.
The Card Reader, Model 323, feed hopper can hold up to 2,000 cards. Two card reading stations within this
reader provide an automatic hole count check. Capacity of the reject stacker is approximately 100 cards. Cards may be
loaded and unloaded for continuous operation. The Card Reader, Model 323, has facilities for sensing empty input
hopper, full output stacker, full reject stacker and card jams, and will stop the computer if any of these conditions
exist.
The Card Reader, Model 324, under program control will: (1) automatically convert 80-column Hollerith card
code to RCA 301 characters for transfer to HSM, or (2) read a punch card image into HSM binarily which can be
processed in any desired manner. Cards may be read on demand at rates of up to 900 cards per minute. Reading is
accomplished by photo-electric sensing diodes.
Normally, the card read instruction occupies the mode (Normal or Simultaneous) for the entire card read time.
However, a read release option is available which will permit the feed access time (approximately 18.5 ms) to be
used for other operations.
The Card Reader, Model 324, has an input hopper which has the capacity to hold 2,000 cards. This hopper
can be replenished while the machine is running provided the card level has not fallen below 100 cards. There are
two output stackers—a main stacker and a reject stacker. The main output stacker has a capacity of 2,400 cards.
The reject stacker can accommodate 500 cards.
The Card Reader, Model 329, under program control will: (1) automatically convert 80-column Hollerith card
code to RCA 301 characters for transfer to HSM, or (2) read a punch card image into HSM binarily which can be
processed in any desired manner. Cards may be read on demand at an approximate rate of 1500 cards per minute.
Reading is accomplished by photo-electric sensing diodes.
Normally, the card read instruction occupies the mode (Normal or Simultaneous) for the entire card read time.
However, a read release option is available which will permit the feed access time (approximately 13 ms) to be used
for other operations.
The Card Reader, Model 329, has one input hopper which has the capacity to hold 3,000 cards. There are two
output stackers—the accept stacker and the reject stacker. Each of the output stackers has a capacity of 2,000 cards.
Cards may be loaded or unloaded while the Card Reader is operating.
One model Card Punch, Model 334, punches by row at a rate of 100 cards per minute. The input and output
hoppers have a capacity of approximately 800 cards each. The cards are read after punching to permit an accuracy
check of the punched data. The punch stops upon sensing an empty input or full output hopper.
The second model Card Punch, Model 336, punches by row at a rate of 200 cards per minute. The input and
output hoppers have a capacity of approximately 2,000 cards each. The capacity of the reject stacker is approximately
100 cards. Cards may be loaded or unloaded for continuous machine operation.
I l l