Description
Altos MTU-4A Vintage Tape Drive in Enclosure 115V 60Hz For Parts Repair
The Altos MTU-4A is a vintage external tape drive unit built by Altos Computer Systems, housed in a cream-colored desktop enclosure. Altos Computer Systems was a California-based manufacturer of multi-user business computer systems in the late 1970s and 1980s, and the MTU-4A served as an external tape storage peripheral for their minicomputer and business system product lines. This unit is being sold AS-IS for parts or repair.
Specifications & What's Included
- Manufacturer: Altos Computer Systems
- Model: MTU-4A
- Serial Number: 67164 (see rating label)
- Voltage: 115V AC
- Frequency: 60Hz
- Current: 2A
- Fuse Rating: 2AMP / 250V
- Form Factor: Desktop enclosure
- Rear interface: 50-pin parallel connector
- Rear: IEC AC power inlet, power switch, cooling fan
- Certifications: UL listed, CSA (LR46922), FCC Class B computing device
- Known defect: rubber capstan/drive wheel has disintegrated
- Sold AS-IS, untested — no functionality guarantee
Applications
The MTU-4A was designed as an external tape storage drive for Altos Computer Systems' line of multi-user business minicomputers, which were popular in small-to-medium business environments during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Altos systems ran CP/M, MP/M, and later Xenix/Unix-based operating systems and were used for accounting, word processing, and database applications. Tape drives like this one provided backup and data archival capability for those systems. Today, units like this are primarily of interest to vintage computer collectors, Altos system restorers, and hobbyists seeking parts or display pieces from this era of early business computing.
This Altos MTU-4A Vintage Tape Drive is being sold AS-IS for parts or repair. The rubber capstan wheel that drives the tape has disintegrated and the unit has not been tested. The enclosure is intact with cosmetic yellowing and light surface wear consistent with age — typical for vintage equipment of this era. The rear panel shows a power switch, IEC power inlet, cooling fan, and a 50-pin parallel interface connector, all appearing physically intact. This unit is not guaranteed to function in any capacity and is suitable for parts, restoration, or display. Please view our photo set and contact us if you have any questions.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
Altos |
Model: |
MTU-4A |
MPN: |
MTU-4A |
Type: |
Vintage Tape Drive |
SKU: |
21460 |
Voltage: |
115V |
Frequency: |
60Hz |
Current Rating: |
2A |
Fuse Rating: |
2AMP / 250V |
Form Factor: |
Desktop Enclosure |
Power Requirements: |
115V AC, 60Hz, 2A |
Seller Notes: |
Sold AS-IS untested. Capstan rubber drive wheel has disintegrated. |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
United States |
Interface Type: |
Parallel (50-pin connector, rear panel) |
Certifications: |
UL, CSA (LR46922), FCC Class B |
Compatible With: |
Altos Computer Systems vintage computers |
Condition Notes: |
This Altos MTU-4A Vintage Tape Drive is sold AS-IS for parts or repair. The rubber capstan drive wheel has disintegrated and the unit is untested. Not guaranteed functional. Please view photos and contact us with questions. |
California Prop 65 Warning: |
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and lead compounds, and DEHP (a phthalate), which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Go to P65Warnings.ca.gov |
