Yup, the Solarbotics.NET server we sponsor for the BEAM community is now online, offering more storage, RAM, speed, and open-source software to make your .net experience... better! (Well, we think so). No teething pains to report yet, although I'm sure we'll see some come up shortly. Stay tuned for more functionality as work continues...
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
We Are Moving!!!!
We are moving from our current humble abode to a new location with more light, more atmosphere and more room! Yes, Solarbotics & HVW Tech are moving on April 30, 2010 to our new location. Don't worry, we'll still provide you with the same great products and service but from a location where we can […]
Wednesday Cool Links: Bagels, Algorhithm...
Well, we survived the skeleton Tuesday, now it's time for Cool Links Wednesday: Mathematically Correct Breakfast: How to Slice a Bagel into Two Linked Halves Never thought math and bagels went together so well! While I am no mathematician at any rate, the intellectual stimualtion of creating a two-twist moebius strip, you can get slightly […]
CES - Engadget's video of the RS2 &...
Engadget has a large (albeit short) video of the new RoboSapien V2, and a bit of the Robopet. Check it out!
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.