Yes, I know what you're thinking. "But you were just closed for, like, a bajillion days for Maker Faire!!" And yes, you'd be right. Except for the bajillion part - that's just getting carried away. Solarbotics (and HVW Tech) will be closed tomorrow (July 1st), and Friday (July 3rd). Standard rules apply - you can […]
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
Friday New Product, and Useful News on t...
Continuing in the tradition of mixing up the previously purely on-topic posts, we have a few things to announce today, other than bringing you still-brand-new-cool product. First off, the announcement from our Chief Geek: Make Something Useless Useful At Solarbotics, we put in substantial effort in creating kits for people to use to fulfill a […]
New: The L293D and GM4 motor!
New products added to our inventory include the L293D motor driver IC (a staple chip used in small-robot building), and the new clear-case GM4 servo gearmotor! No electronics, just a full 360° rotating, strong, modified servo! Check out the "New Products" link on the left toolbar for pricing and details.
Sumovore Unleashed!
We're happy to announce the hotly-anticipated Solarbotics Sumovore Mini-Sumo! Check here for all the details! We have an introductory special of $10 off the regular retail of $89 USD ($119CDN), so get your Sumovore now for $79USD ($109).
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.