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

[C. Park Seward]

Excellent Ted. I think you covered all the basis. 

I could have not restored my machines without help from several knowledgeable engineers. Unfortunately that tribal knowledge will slowly disappear as the pioneers make that final journey.

And it's not just the machine as you have noted. The infrastructure needs are many. 

Best,
Park

C. Park Seward
Cell: 818-535-2747
Home: 541-476-6657
2" Quad and 1" "C" transfers
Visit us: http://www.videopark.com




On Apr 28, 2011, at 5:56 AM, Ted Langdell wrote:

> 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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