> Well, I kindof like the TU77 and TU78. TU80s only forgiving 
> attribute is simpleness. That is nice when you need to get something 
> working, but it's not something you want to use.
> 
> Autothreading is often more pain than gain though. But using 
> the TU7x and let it semi-automatically thread the tape is really 
> nice. Absolutely easiest to thread, use and evrything else. Never 
> fails, and it's *fast*.

We had a TU78 "hot off the press" (I think we had one that was
part of the first wave of manufacter).  It had a particular bug
that could be exploited most amusingly.  Certain read/write transactions
caused the drive to go into literal convulsions and the reels
would move back and forth with such vigor as to walk the drive
across the floor.

Then I saw one catch fire in the computer room at another
place I worked at.  It was a most "exciting" experience.

In spite of all of this I would still love to lay my hands on
one of these drives.

What is the difference between the TU78 and the TU77?





Andy