Here at Solarbotics, we like to eat well. So, unfortunately after leaving a forgotten sausage roll in the microwave for several days we must search for a means of disposal and/or obvious prank to pull. Our immediate reaction was to place the rather stale pastry in the mouth of our office chimp, Herb. But now […]
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
Wednesday Cool Links: Laserin', Artin', ...
This week: Blizzards. Ice. Snow drifts. Rather sunny and warm. Wait, what? Yup, we've seen it all this week folks. All that's left is for delicious pastries to start falling from the skies, and we can check off the last item on our home-made "meteorological phenomena" list. And boy, you have no idea how long […]
ESun Filament - Back in stock!
We've just received our eSun filament restock - thanks for your patience. It's being sorted in the warehouse presently, and fresh stock will be up at the store shortly!
Friday New Product: Kossel Accessories
Brainwave Pro 3-Axis CNC controller For Kossel $185.83 The Kossel Pro uses the Z-Designs Brainwave Pro controller, which is the product of a close collaboration between Terence Tam and Mike Ziomkowski, based upon Matthew Wilson's original Brainwave low cost 3D Printer controller. Kossel Ball Joint Set Kit $78.00 These are not repurposed RC Car ball […]
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.