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

December 5, 2017
Holiday Shipping Deadlines

Within Canada: Canada Post Priority™ Dec 21 Canada Post Xpresspost™ Dec 20 Canada Post Regular Parcel™ Dec 11 To the United States: Canada Post Xpresspost Dec 16 Canada Post Expedited Parcel™ Dec 12 PuroGround Dec To Europe: Canada Post International Xpresspost Dec 8 Purolator: Canada, next-day delivery (where available) Dec 21 United States, next-day delivery (where available) Dec 21 United States via […]

April 24, 2013
Phones Are Down

Yes! Phones refuse to work and we are currently beating them into submission with a complete trust in our victory over them. Also, just to let you know, we haven't fallen off the face of the planet, we are just very busy getting ready to the Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo, which will take place […]

February 28, 2013
Phones Are Back Up

The maintenance was short and sweet, phone connection is restored, please feel free to call!

February 5, 2005
Telephone Troubles...

In anticipation of our move to a new facility in a week or so, we've been getting the telephone company to tweak up our accounts. Which they've promptly managed to bung up nicely. If you're trying to get ahold of us and are getting "This number is not in service...", hang tough - all should […]

1 85 86 87 88 89 254
Solarbotics Ltd Logo
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.