Hey Everyone, Sometimes the stars align and everything goes right... however, this was not the case for our recent sales flyer. Despite our best efforts to cancel/delay/time travel, it was sent out to the local Calgary area today. While we are still honoring the sale (with an extension until April 12th while supplies last), we […]
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:
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Solarbotics Closed Monday (Thanksgiving)
Like the polite Canadians we are, we like giving thanks for various reasons or no reasons at all. So on Monday October 14 we will be giving the above mentioned thanks all day at our corresponding home bases, and therefore our office will be closed for the day. The website, however will remain open. Phone […]
Happy Easter!
Quick Reminder that Solarbotics is closed April 9, 2004 for our Good Friday holiday. Business as usual, Monday April 12, and any orders that were received Friday will go out Monday.
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!
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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.