Converting Otari 1/2" 8 track to 2 track

[brad ulreich]

Hello, all...

I have an Otari MX5050 1/2" 8 track and would like to replace the head
block with a 1/2" 2 track block. First question to anyone who would
know: is this possible? Second: If so, where might I find the parts?
I've been doing web searches and coming up empty. Any help is
appreciated...

[Scott Dorsey]

brad ulreich > wrote:
>
>I have an Otari MX5050 1/2" 8 track and would like to replace the head
>block with a 1/2" 2 track block. First question to anyone who would
>know: is this possible? Second: If so, where might I find the parts?
>I've been doing web searches and coming up empty. Any help is
>appreciated...

It'll be a custom job. You can probably get JRF to make you a head
assembly for the thing. Be aware that you may not be able to bias up
some of the modern tapes once it's configured for wide tracks, because
it will need much more current to get the same flux level on a wider track.
--scott
--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

[Scott Dorsey]

brad ulreich > wrote:
>
>I have an Otari MX5050 1/2" 8 track and would like to replace the head
>block with a 1/2" 2 track block. First question to anyone who would
>know: is this possible? Second: If so, where might I find the parts?
>I've been doing web searches and coming up empty. Any help is
>appreciated...

It'll be a custom job. You can probably get JRF to make you a head
assembly for the thing. Be aware that you may not be able to bias up
some of the modern tapes once it's configured for wide tracks, because
it will need much more current to get the same flux level on a wider track.
--scott
--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

[Stephen Anderson]

Contact:

John Austin
Sprague Magnetics
Sylmar, CA
818.364.1800

He's the tape machine parts and info repository for the Los Angeles
area, he'll get you started.

Re: bias, it will probably only work with 456, maybe 499, and likely
will NOT work with GP9.

brad ulreich wrote:

> Hello, all...
>
> I have an Otari MX5050 1/2" 8 track and would like to replace the head
> block with a 1/2" 2 track block. First question to anyone who would
> know: is this possible? Second: If so, where might I find the parts?
> I've been doing web searches and coming up empty. Any help is
> appreciated...

[Stephen Anderson]

Contact:

John Austin
Sprague Magnetics
Sylmar, CA
818.364.1800

He's the tape machine parts and info repository for the Los Angeles
area, he'll get you started.

Re: bias, it will probably only work with 456, maybe 499, and likely
will NOT work with GP9.

brad ulreich wrote:

> Hello, all...
>
> I have an Otari MX5050 1/2" 8 track and would like to replace the head
> block with a 1/2" 2 track block. First question to anyone who would
> know: is this possible? Second: If so, where might I find the parts?
> I've been doing web searches and coming up empty. Any help is
> appreciated...

[Kevin Kelly]

<< Be aware that you may not be able to bias up
some of the modern tapes once it's configured for wide tracks, because
it will need much more current to get the same flux level on a wider track. >>


Not only is bias current a concern, but there might not be enough erase current
to thoroughly wipe the high levels on tape - if the bias amp lets you print
that hot.



Kevin M. Kelly
"There needs to be a 12-step program for us gearheads"

[Kevin Kelly]

<< Be aware that you may not be able to bias up
some of the modern tapes once it's configured for wide tracks, because
it will need much more current to get the same flux level on a wider track. >>


Not only is bias current a concern, but there might not be enough erase current
to thoroughly wipe the high levels on tape - if the bias amp lets you print
that hot.



Kevin M. Kelly
"There needs to be a 12-step program for us gearheads"

[david]

In article >, brad
ulreich > wrote:

> Hello, all...
>
> I have an Otari MX5050 1/2" 8 track and would like to replace the head
> block with a 1/2" 2 track block. First question to anyone who would
> know: is this possible? Second: If so, where might I find the parts?
> I've been doing web searches and coming up empty. Any help is
> appreciated...




Contact John French at http://www.jrfmagnetics.com/. He da man! And a
wonderful person as well. Find out what he thinks.

A couple years back I believe he was selling a kit to retrofit a 5050b
2 track.






David Correia
Celebration Sound
Warren, Rhode Island


www.CelebrationSound.com

[david]

In article >, brad
ulreich > wrote:

> Hello, all...
>
> I have an Otari MX5050 1/2" 8 track and would like to replace the head
> block with a 1/2" 2 track block. First question to anyone who would
> know: is this possible? Second: If so, where might I find the parts?
> I've been doing web searches and coming up empty. Any help is
> appreciated...




Contact John French at http://www.jrfmagnetics.com/. He da man! And a
wonderful person as well. Find out what he thinks.

A couple years back I believe he was selling a kit to retrofit a 5050b
2 track.






David Correia
Celebration Sound
Warren, Rhode Island


www.CelebrationSound.com