Are you located in or around Calgary? Do you like cool projects and neat-o people making neat-o things? Are you looking for something mega-awesome to do this weekend? If you answered yes to all (or any) of these questions, we have some good news for you: The Maker Faire Calgary is happening this weekend. There'll […]
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
New Parts Available
We are now stocking the Microchip PIC16F877A microcontroller individually that is used in our K SV-PIC kit. It is a very versatile and powerful chip, and you don't even need to buy 1000 at a crack! As well, we are selling the motor that is straight out of the GM2/3/8/9. Dontcha just hate it when […]
Friday New Product: BusBoard ProtoBoards
We've been working hard to bring you a conundrum* of new protoboards and other handy items to go with them (*conundrum - a collective noun used to describe massive amounts of protoboards inhabiting our shelves). This issue of Friday new products features roughly half of the whole selection we offer, which can cover pretty much […]
'Tis the season...to sumo!
Hi all! The season to sumo is upon us, so we'd like to announce our "Ultimate Sumovore Bundles"! Get an award-winning Sumovore, upgraded GMTT traction tires, and a new set of brains to really tweak it out, and save a few bucks! See the features listed below for details. Get it now, or resort to […]
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.