Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Obrien, D. E., III.
Modified NRZ (non-return-to-zero) code immunizes record and playback systems against dc drift and bit slippage. In order to maximize bit packing density improved code called J-NRZ gives 100 percent NRZ efficiently and solves DC drift problem by adding check bits in specified format when long string is encountered. Remainder of data stream is encoded in NRZ format.
A method for conditioning, and thus enabling retrieval of intelligence from, magnetic tapes after damage from heat has caused the tape to wrinkle and curl severely thereby reducing tape width to less than one-half its original size. The damaged tape is superposed on a first piece of splicing tape with the oxide side of the magnetic tape in contact with the adhesive side of the splicing tape and then carefully smoothed by a special tool. A second piece of splicing tape is placed on the backing side of the magnetic tape then the resulting tape stack is trimmed to the original width of the magnetic tape. After the first piece of splicing tape is carefully removed from the oxide side of the damaged magnetic tape, the resulting magnetic tape is then ready to be placed into a recorder for playback.
Damaged tapes can now be repaired at home as long as damage does not extend to layer-to-layer adhesion within tape roll. Splice repaired section into good roll or cassette for copying. Every effort should be made to complete copying on first run, because fidelity in repaired section deteriorates with each repetition.
The design concepts and philosophies of the lunar module instrumentation subsystem are discussed along with manufacturing and systems integration. The experience gained from the program is discussed, and recommendations are made for making the subsystem more compatible and flexible in system usage. Characteristics of lunar module caution and warning circuits are presented.