Direct Punch Control - IBM 129 Description

DIRECT PUNCH CONTROL
The direct punch control feature is available only on
machines having serial number 2xxxx and higher.
On Model 1 and 3 machines, the PUNCH/VERIFY switch
is expanded to a three-position switch with center position
being "DIRECT PUNCH" position. On Model 2 machines, a
switch is added to allow selection of punch or direct punch
operation. When machine is in direct punch mode, each
keystroke is punched directly into the card, and keying and
card motion are synchronized. All program levels and
functions are active in direct punch mode, except left zero
and record backspace.
Direct punch is useful for source document punching
jobs, where card design requires card motion similar to the
29 for full visibility during punching; it is also used for 29
simulation by untrained users and for card makeover or
corrections, etc.
Operation
By program card control, individual fields may be keyed in
a "buffered" mode, while balance of card is keyed in direct
punch mode. A 3-punch in first column of a field in direct
punch mode causes that field to be "buffered" and left zero
may therefore be used, and character backspace may be
used for error correction.lIowever, a backspace beyond the
last column punched in the card is not possible. Adjacent
fields may be programmed for "buffer" operation.
Punching of the"buffered" field occurs when next direct
punch column is punched.
Fields programmed for accumulate or self check will be
automatically "buffered" in direct punch mode, regardless
of programming. Production statistics counters count
normally when direct punch is used. When column 35 is to
be punched, columns 1-28 may be seen on left side of
punch/read station, or columns 43-80 may be seen on right
side of station, depending on operator position at key-
board.
The CLEAR switch is not operative for a card in direct
punch mode. Do not perform program load, data read,
program punchout, or production statistics punchout pro-
cedures in direct punch mode. This feature operates only in
punch mode; it may be field installed.
Special Features Summary
31