[QuadList] want to buy a quad--Things to think about

[Ted Langdell]

Hi, Shai,

Embarking on Quad isn't simple. Or cheap. Or quick.  It's not at all  
like buying fixing and using a used BetacamSP or 1" machine.

The prices for used machines have been going up... in part because  
there's such a limited number still in existence, and even fewer  
available for sale.

Unless a major Quad-related miracle happens in your life...

The major hurdles will be:
Finding machines, PAL in particular
Finding Parts
Finding Heads
Finding Heads that are useable or can be rebuilt
Getting heads rebuilt—It's a time consuming process and not cheap.  
VideoMagnetics is the only rebuilder of Quad heads at this time.
Getting the machines working
Installing an appropriate source of clean, dry compressed air for the  
machines. That provides air for the heads' air bearings, and vacuum  
for the vacuum guide that cups the tape around the headwheel.
Keeping them working so you're not backing up transfer jobs for weeks  
or months at at time.
Affording to do all the above.

If you can't do that yourself, or do not have knowledgeable, in-house  
or in-town engineering support to assess, refurbish and maintain the  
equipment over time (at a cost) it may be more economical in the long  
run to obtain a machine that's been totally gone through.

Much like Merlin Engineering Works used to do, and people like Ken Zin  
(formerly of Merlin) still do, today.

They've been doing this for ages, and know what items to replace as a  
starting point, so that when they begin machine adjustments, the  
mechanics and circuits are much less likely to be causing problems.

They also have some sources for getting electrical and mechanical parts 
—like bearings for example—that match or will substitute for the  
factory items, or know how to get the mechanical parts made.  That  
knowledge is priceless.

The end result gives you a machine that's as close to new as you can  
get, is more likely to be on-line longer without problems that aged  
mechanical and electrical parts can develop.

That's not cheap.  But it does offer a machine that's more likely to  
properly play tapes when you push PLAY, and allow you to concentrate  
on getting good transfers, instead of trying to determine whether the  
problem you have is with the tape or the machine.

If you have the engineering skills or can learn them—time—and money—to  
put into refurbishing a machine yourself, that's a worthy alternative.

Park's done that with three VR-1200's that were in dire shape... and  
has documented the process on YouTube.

Guy Spiller (also on the list) has documented part of what he did to  
bring several RCA TR-70's back on-line.

Other folks on the list have done much the same and are willing to  
share their experiences and knowledge.

But spare parts aren't easy to come by, nor are machines... as you've  
been finding out.

Others on the list will likely jump in and add to or correct anything  
I've posted... (Please :)
but I think this sums up the situation facing anybody doing the  
machine side of a Quad transfer startup.

Then, there's learning how to run the Quad to get optimum results from  
a variety of tapes. Which is a WHOLE art and science in and of itself.

Hope this is of some help.

Ted Langdell
Secretary

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