Ahoy! Avast! Listen up me hearties, because we have a few important things to cover before we meander on to our weekly dose of Cool Links. First off... Solarbotics will be closed on Monday, May 20th. We're not sure who this Victoria broad is or why she decided to give us a holiday named after […]
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:
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Wednesday Cool Links
If I could choose a super power, I would pick the ability to erase people's memory. And lucky for me, I've just been granted a free wish from The Magic Taco. Get ready, everyone. Pew! Done! Whew, now we never have to write a new post again. Check out these "new" links we prepared for […]
Catalog Requests
Due to the mail system of our host we have not received catalog requests for close to a month. If you have sent us a catalog request we are very sorry for this inconveniance and would like to send you one now. All previous and new requests can be resent through our NEW request system […]
More new stuff... SC3782!
Cool! We've found some SC3782 (37x82 mm) solar cells! Since Panasonic ain't making these anymore, and there aren't many of these left, you'll only find them here at Solarbotics until they're all sold out. Get'em while they're hot!
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!
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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.