These are thermal, not Infrared cameras, returning temperature data in a tight and tidy bundle that can be plugged into Android, IOS, and other USB devices (like Raspberry-Pi SBCs!). What use is it? Here's what we've done with it over the last month: And it's small. The basic unit starts at just over $220, and […]
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
Well, that was a busy December...
Hi all. The staff at Solarbotics/HVW Technologies has been worked hard these last six weeks leading up to the winter holiday, so we'll be open again December 27/28, and again for regular hours January 2nd. Hope the holidays are good to you too! Regards, Dave Hrynkiw President, HVW Technologies/Solarbotics Ltd.
Web Links Tuesday
Magnetic storage reaches the atomic level The magnetic field of a single atom is read and written, but it's not very stable (Via ArsTechnica) Magnificent Cardboard Airships by Jeroen van Kesteren Beautifully crafted and intricate fantastic ships made of cardboard (Via Colossal) Google X Levi's touch-sensitive denim jacket Embedded conductive threads make it touch and […]
Solarbotics at Calgary Expo Holiday Mark...
If you are in Calgary & area this weekend, come see us at BMO Centre Expo Holiday Market. On November 25 & 26, 2017 we are going to be at booth 1314 with our new and all-time favorite gadgets. The hours of the show are: Saturday 10-6, Sunday 10-5.
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.