The unit is a magnetic tape drive that, upon insertion of a magnetic tape, forms a tape memory system enabling the loading of tapes for a computer with a half-duplex RS-232C compatible serial interface. The control of the tape is achieved through a serially inputted command word consisting of an operational mode, track select code, and status enable bit. Key characteristics include: baud rate of 2400 baud (Hz), 8-bit word size, and two stop bits.