Check. This. Out. Don from Ontario sent this video our way, of a marble catapult machine he made that uses the GM18 30:1 Mini Metal Gearmotor. He goes into great detail on the mechanics and engineering, and the action starts around the 3:37 mark. We can't believe how intricate the design is, and can't even […]
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
Mmmmm... Sandwich PCB's!
David Cook of the Robot Room asked us if we'd carry the partner PCB's for his book 'Robot Building for Beginners'. As we're an enthusiastic fan of this excellent book, we agreed to carry it for him. (even though we don't sell the book...yet!) Please note: You require a copy of this book to successfully […]
Sumovores roll over Italy again!
Another msg from our Italian contacts: Sumovores do well at the Pisa! Here's a Google-translated link.
Yumpin' Yimminy - No SolarSpeeders?!?
Due to the unusual circumstance of several large volume orders coming through, SolarSpeeders are sold out! Our apologies - we're working on getting more together ASAP. Hopefully by the end of July.
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.