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Tektronix

4912

Produced 1972–Tektronix 4912 family
Research Quality: 30% complete
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What it is

The Tektronix 4912 is a cassette tape storage unit designed for use with Tektronix 4010 series computer terminals. The unit records the data stream sent to the terminal, allowing the display to be recreated locally from the recorded data.[1]

Where it fits in the process flow

For storage, the systems could write out the data stream of characters as they were received from the host, allowing them to be played back locally to recreate the display.[1]

What do the numbers mean?

Optics & imaging1

Graphics resolution
1024 by 768 (implied by vector coordinate space)[1]
Accurate?

Control & software2

Connectivity
RS-232, current loop (TTY interface), other proprietary protocols[1]
Accurate?
Host interface
Minibus card with 36-pin card connector, 8-bit data bus[1]
Accurate?

Configuration & options4

Display type
Storage tube (direct-view bistable storage tube)[1]
Accurate?
Display size
11-inch[1]
Accurate?
Text display
35 lines of 74 characters (alpha mode)[1]
Accurate?
Stored writing speed
1500 to 4000 vector-inches per second (typical)[1]
Accurate?

Vintage & configurations

  1. 1972Production start[1]

    Released in 1972 as the first model in the 4010 series.

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What replaced it?

Where are the manuals?

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Not publicly documented

Field notes

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Frequently asked questions

What storage medium does the Tektronix 4912 use?

The Tektronix 4912 uses cassette tapes.[1]

What mechanism is the 4912 based on?

The 4912 is based on a Sykes TT120 cassette tape mechanism.[1]

For what purpose was the 4912 used?

The 4912 was used to capture the data stream sent to the terminal and play it back locally to recreate the display.[1]

What other storage options were available in the same series?

Other storage options included the 4911 punch tape and the 4923 digital tape system.[1]

Was the 4912 used with the Tektronix 4010 series?

Yes, the 4912 was a storage option for the Tektronix 4010 series terminals.[1]

Not publicly documented

The following facts about the 4912 are absent from this record as of this revision. First-hand knowledge or a citation closes a gap; every submission is reviewed before publication.

  • No publicly documented variants, configuration options, or revision breakpoints of the 4912 are on record.

    Answerable by: an OEM product catalog or an engineer who ordered or specified the tool

  • The control-system platform and OS era of the 4912 are not on record.

    Answerable by: an engineer who operated it or OEM installation records

  • No publicly documented failure modes or field errata for the 4912 are on record.

    Answerable by: a field service engineer, process engineer, or maintenance technician

  • The process node or technology generation of the 4912 is not on record.

    Answerable by: an OEM datasheet or a fab qualification report

  • No publicly documented compatible parts, consumables, or accessories for the 4912 are on record.

    Answerable by: an OEM parts catalog or a service engineer

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Sources & citations

Sources (1)Every fact above is drawn from these public sources
  1. [1]en.wikipedia.org — en.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.org
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Last updated Sep 21, 2026.

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