Because we use their great products while making robots, we've also carried Sherline products almost since we started Solarbotics. But the time has come to start cutting things that aren't core to our business, and the Sherline machine tools definitely take valuable time from open-source hardware hacking, lasering, and pick'n'placing. For 1 week only, we're […]
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
Order Form Glitches
More teething problems! We're very aware of the secure server "security warning" that pops up when you click on an items "Add to Cart" button. Be assured, we ARE the appropriate receivers of the information. The problem stems from the ISP serving our website (Cadvision) having a secure server that doesn't correctly parse the names […]
Canada Post Strike: Shipping Delay
Due to the current rotating strike for Canada Post employees, all orders placed with Canada post shipping in the last 2 days will experience a slight delay. To help alleviate this issue, any orders over $99.00 which currently ship with Canada Post will automatically be switched to UPS to avoid these delays even if you […]
"Steady as she goes, steersman..."
Solarbotics / HVWTech will be on "maintenance mode" while the bulk of the staff go down to the MAKE Faire in San Mateo, California. The remaining staff have begged for some relief to make the week go easier, so we are not going to be doing any UPS shipments until Monday, May 21. And don't […]
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.