Description
Cipher ST 60B 5.25" QIC Tape Drive 963520-103 Backup 1985 PC XT AT Singapore
The Cipher ST 60B is a 5.25" full-height Quarter Inch Cartridge (QIC) tape drive manufactured by Cipher Data Products International in Singapore. Designed for use in IBM PC XT and AT compatible systems, it provided sequential tape backup storage via the standard QIC interface. This unit carries part number 963520-103 and dates from 1985, as indicated by the PCB copyright marking (North Atlantic 1985).
Specifications & What's Included
- Brand: Cipher Data Products International
- Model: ST 60B
- Part Number: 963520-103
- Form Factor: 5.25" Full-Height
- Interface: QIC (Quarter Inch Cartridge) edge connector
- PCB: 290878-1, Rev A, © North Atlantic 1985
- Country of Manufacture: Singapore
- Front panel: cartridge slot with door/eject mechanism, green activity LED, eject button
- Internal components: capstan motor, tape transport mechanism, heat sink assembly, ribbon cable present
- Drive only — no tape cartridge included
Applications
QIC tape drives like the Cipher ST 60B were the dominant backup storage medium for IBM PC XT and AT class computers throughout the mid-1980s. They connected via a floppy-style or dedicated QIC interface and used quarter-inch magnetic tape cartridges (typically QIC-60 format at this capacity class) to back up hard disk data sequentially. Cipher Data Products International was a Singapore-based manufacturer active in the early-to-mid 1980s that produced drives for the OEM PC market, and their units were integrated into a wide range of XT/AT desktop systems of the era. Today, these drives are sought by vintage computer collectors and retrocomputing enthusiasts working to restore period-correct IBM PC systems, as well as by archivists needing to read legacy QIC tape media from the 1980s. The full-height 5.25" form factor and QIC edge connector are characteristic identifiers of this mid-1980s generation of PC backup hardware.
This Cipher ST 60B 5.25" QIC Tape Drive (P/N 963520-103) is in used condition, pulled from a working environment where it was previously in service. The unit has been visually inspected and photographed. The beige/tan housing shows light surface wear and aging consistent with a mid-1980s drive. The cartridge door and eject mechanism appear intact and present. Internal components — including the capstan motor, tape transport mechanism, and PCB (290878-1 Rev A) — are all present and appear complete with no obvious physical damage. It has not been powered up or bench-tested at our facility. Cosmetic wear typical of used vintage equipment should be expected. Please review all photos and contact us with any questions before purchasing.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
Cipher Data Products International |
Model: |
ST 60B |
MPN: |
963520-103 |
SKU: |
20688 |
Type: |
QIC Tape Drive |
Form Factor: |
5.25" Full-Height |
Interface: |
QIC (Quarter Inch Cartridge) |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
Singapore |
Compatible With: |
IBM PC XT, PC AT, and compatible systems |
PCB Revision: |
Rev A (290878-1, © North Atlantic 1985) |
Year Manufactured: |
1985 |
Seller Notes: |
Drive only; no tape cartridge included. Sold as-is for parts or use. |
Condition Notes: |
This Cipher ST 60B 5.25" QIC Tape Drive (963520-103) is used, pulled from a working environment. Visually inspected; housing shows light age-related wear. Not powered or bench-tested at our facility. Please review photos and contact us. |
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 |