In regards to the Canada Post Services interruption we posted about earlier: Canada Post has withdrawn its 72-hour notice of service interruption, which was to take effect Monday, July 11. Mail and parcels will be delivered as usual and mail service will continue without interruption. Canada Post shipping option is again available in the checkout […]
Vintage AMPEX VR1200B 2" Quadruplex VTR ...
Solar botics
January 8, 2016
I occupy a studio space in a building that is a former movie shooting facility turned into an artist hovel. The building itself is wonderfully old but the hallways are also full of ancient audio and video equipment from the movie days. One of the things that got the attention of our RnD and tech geek was the AMPEX VR1200B Quadruplex videotape recorder from 1966. The machine stands about 5' tall, about the same in width, and weighs 'under 1000 pounds' as the spec sheet puts it. This was one of the first machines to use magnetic tape technology for recording video in the form of 2" quad tape for video, as opposed to film that was used previously.
A couple interesting points about this machine:
- 60PSI Air was needed for air bearings and a Venturi system for holding the 2" tape in alignment;
- These machines were the workhorses in TV Stations throughout the 60's and 70's. Running these machines required a full time technician!
Here's the beast in action:
A photoset of AMPEX VR1200B
An Overview of Ampex History:
MORE POSTS
Solarbotics at the MAKEr Faire!
We're gonna be at the MAKEr Faire this May! Come by our booth where we'll be populating our MSE-style solar cells and attaching them to junk salvaged from Michael Shiloh's Play Day Area!
Sumovore gets 'Best Engineered' Award at...
Solarbotics came back from the 2003 Seattle Fall Robothon with a 'Best Engineered' award for our Sumovore Mini-sumo kit! We'll get a picture of it up online shortly, but in the meanwhile, take a boo at our pictures of our trip there! Read More...
Closed for Victoria Day (May 18th)
Hey there every peoples! Just a quick heads up for you - We will be closed on Monday, May 18th for Victoria Day. The standard rules apply - go ahead and place orders and send emails and leave phone messages. Normal hours will resume on Tuesday the 19th, when we'll process/ship orders and respond to […]
Solarbotics has been operating for more than 25 years, bringing electronics know-how and supplies to both the electronics professional and hobbyist. We'll be happy to help you too!
Solarbotics, Ltd. is not responsible for misprints or errors on product prices or information. For more information, please see our Terms and Conditions.
Warning: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov for more information. This item was manufactured prior to August 31, 2018.