Solarbotics would like to announce two new distributors, one in Italy, and the other in Mexico (who says robots aren't cool world-wide?): Robot-Italy is now our dealer out of the ancient city of Rome. We hope to visit them there one day! Our other new distributor is Robodacta, out of Mexico City. Another nice, warm, […]
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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News: ActiveTech Electronics Calgary is ...
After over 25 years in the same location, it’s time to move on. Since having acquired ActiveTech last June, Solarbotics come to the conclusion we’ll be much better to merging operations under one roof. We’ll drop some product lines, but add a bunch of new ones at that time. Expect a store packed to the rafters with electronic parts and solutions! […]
Battery Holder, Freeduino Bundles
Today I have something truly fantasmic to show you. If you have something in your mouth, you should swallow now. If you're standing, sit down. If you're in your car, buckle up. If your mouth is full while you're standing up in your car and browsing the internet to read this... I just hope the […]
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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.