It's been a while since we've had this kit online, but due to some diligence we've found materials to update and re-issue it! Using the licensed "MillerEngine" (which we find to be a substantial improvement over the old Solarengine), we've changed the kit with a new black circuit board and updated documentation. Check it out […]
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
More of a Bug Hunt than a stand up fight...
So as some of you have noticed our new site went up yesterday, but unfortunately not without some issues. Today is a day of bug hunting, (which makes the Weyland-Yutani shirt I'm wearing even more appropriate) and thanks to the efforts of those of you who have taken the time to email me I've been […]
MakerBEAM
Ok, besides being a conjunction of two things we really love (Make Magazine & BEAM Robotics), it also is an open-source hardware project that is about little "T-Beams". This project is using the "KickStarter" model of sponsorship. Ask for pledges for the projects, and if the minimum is met (and it has - yay!), the […]
New Kits: The Spazovore and the SunSwing...
Yup, we've got a few new kits ready, the Spazovore beginner's kit, and the SunSwinger Pendulum kit. We're pretty happy with both of these kits, so scroll down a bit, and read about them below!
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.