[QuadList] RCA 2 channel (8 head)

[Don Norwood]

Hi Steve:

Both RCA and Ampex built transverse scan recorders with 8 heads.  There were designs that had all 8 heads on a single drum as well as designs that had two drums sandwiched together.  There were many different applications for these and machines were manufactured starting in the early '60's.  In addition to the 8 head versions, there were also a variety of slow speed designs which had some unique headwheels, some even utilizing belt driven drums!  I've collected some head assemblies as well as some documentation on some of these systems, and included a few pics below.

Here's a "late model" RCA, 8 heads on single drum


This is a "late model" Ampex


This is an "early model" Ampex with "sandwiched" heads


And then an RCA Belt driven design.  Note the slip rings on both ends for balanced circuits on all heads.


If I ever get all the videotape machine info on my website, I may start a section for other transverse systems.  There really were some interesting designs through the years.

Don Norwood
Digitrak Communications, Inc.
www.digitrakcom.com
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Steve Spears 


  While the RCA headwheel discussion was going on, I was reminded of the RCA 2 channel, 8 head machinhe that was built for some radar recording on the USS Chicago Missle Cruiser. 

  While I was stationed at 32nd Street in San Diego 1970, at the inactive ship facility, it was removed from the Chicago, over at North Island and put into salvage and disposal for the surplus sale.

  Somebody must have bought it for a nickel a pound.  I can remember slowly turning the headwheel and counting 8 heads.  I did some asking around and found out that it was used for radar recording and was especially set up for two channel.

  Wonder where it is now.

  Steve Spears
  www.kel.com
  Orrs Island, Maine
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