Recreating motion of a IBM 729 tape drive using L298N

Other Hardware Motors, Mechanics, Power and CNC
1

Hi everyone,

Firstly I am new to Arduino and to this forum, so I apologise in advance for any dumb questions.

To keep this post short I'll get straight to the point. I am building a static "upcycled" robot similar to the ones created by this chap: Robot sculptures : +Brauer however I'll be making all the components myself.

One of the main features I want to include is a miniature version of the IBM 729 vacuum column tape drive
as seen here: Debugging the 1959 IBM 729 Vacuum Column Tape Drive at the Computer History Museum - YouTube (skip to 1:15) I would like to recreate the random motion using an Arduino Mini or Uno and a L298N motor controller and one DC brushed motor.

I have worked out all the mechanics of the project however, my major failing is understanding Arduino coding, I am trying to get to grips with it (done some of the basics) but I am struggling.

I have searched around various forums and have found code that gives a random speed and direction but nothing that fits my requirements. Does anyone have any code that they have used for a similar project that I can use? I want to use this project as a trainer on Arduino and coding so any help and advise would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks in advance.

2

First of all, you need to write a specification. The detail of ibm tape drive, is not needed, only out of curiosity would anyone bother to look it up. So, a start would be, since it is the code you are worried about, give an indication of whether you need analogue or digital i/o, timing, what you mean by random, etc. Have you written any code to do anything to the tape unit? Moved something, turned on a lamp/whatever? Why have you chosen that motor controller, do you have the motor, what power supply, etc.
I'm not being critical of you, or what you want to do, but you need to help us to help you.

3

To recreate the effect of the tape reels starting and stopping abruptly, a stepper motor would be an ideal choice.

4

I remember the tape drive, but never looked into the cabinet to see how it was driven and controlled. I recall the tape had 7 tracks across the 1/2 inch width. Would be interested in seeing the results of your project.

Paul