I've always wanted a proper tape delay for use with the guitar. The digital units are fine but the ones I can afford are not even close to competing with an actual tape delay.
Basically, what I'm thinking is taking two of those hand-held tape recorders and installing them in a box with a tape going in a loop. The signal goes into the first unit that records it to the tape. The second would have multiple tape heads placed right after the writing head, distance between the reading heads being equal to the distance between the writing head and the first reading head.
There would obviously be a variable feedback going from the second tape recorder output to the input of the first one. The "extra" read heads would probably need off switches for feedback trickery. A variable speed shouldn't be too hard to achieve with a floppy drive motor. I've tried a few and there's more than enough torque in them.
Now, the actual question. Would it be possible to use a tape head from one of those car cassette adapters as a reading head? After some twenty minutes of reading about tape and how it works, I've come to the conclusion that it should work. I've ordered a few $1 units from eBay. Maybe they'll actually work.
I've got a few schematics for tape head amplifiers here. Slightly more complicated than what I'm used to but I'll give them a shot when I have time.
Any ideas?
Basically, what I'm thinking is taking two of those hand-held tape recorders and installing them in a box with a tape going in a loop. The signal goes into the first unit that records it to the tape. The second would have multiple tape heads placed right after the writing head, distance between the reading heads being equal to the distance between the writing head and the first reading head.
There would obviously be a variable feedback going from the second tape recorder output to the input of the first one. The "extra" read heads would probably need off switches for feedback trickery. A variable speed shouldn't be too hard to achieve with a floppy drive motor. I've tried a few and there's more than enough torque in them.
Now, the actual question. Would it be possible to use a tape head from one of those car cassette adapters as a reading head? After some twenty minutes of reading about tape and how it works, I've come to the conclusion that it should work. I've ordered a few $1 units from eBay. Maybe they'll actually work.
I've got a few schematics for tape head amplifiers here. Slightly more complicated than what I'm used to but I'll give them a shot when I have time.
Any ideas?
Most cheap cassette heads are universal rec / play, and I doubt that those used in the car adapters are specially made for the job - they may be sub-spec examples though.
I'd suggest, however, that you consider 1/4 inch tape for this project rather than the fragile and difficult to handle 1/8 in cassete tape. A reliable transport would then be a much easier proposition.
I'd suggest, however, that you consider 1/4 inch tape for this project rather than the fragile and difficult to handle 1/8 in cassete tape. A reliable transport would then be a much easier proposition.
I actually have some 1/4" tapes/reels and a Grundig TK-141 reel-to-reel player. I did think about basing the delay system on the Grundig but alas, it only has two heads. One for playing/recording and one for erasing. Even if I had a three-head unit, it would be very bulky and would likely have too many unnecessary parts.
Actually, now that I think about it. If I machined a new roller/alignment system, would it be possible to use 1/4" tape with 1/8" heads? Sure, there would be lots of wasted tape space but it would work, right? The mechanical side wouldn't be a problem, considering I have a fairly precise miniature lathe and a mill at my disposal.
Actually, now that I think about it. If I machined a new roller/alignment system, would it be possible to use 1/4" tape with 1/8" heads? Sure, there would be lots of wasted tape space but it would work, right? The mechanical side wouldn't be a problem, considering I have a fairly precise miniature lathe and a mill at my disposal.
Using1/4" tape with cassette heads is really a non-starter. Apart from the drawbacks - poor head contact, uneven stretch and weave, high noise etc., any saving will be offset by the time and troubel involved in engineering a reliable transport.
The VHS idea is a good one, though - machines (and tapes) are free these days, there's room to fit a number of audio heads - especially if the head drum is removed -, and the capstan servo could be modified for variable speed quite easily.
Solid state is certainly easier, but I can understand why you want to go with tape.
The VHS idea is a good one, though - machines (and tapes) are free these days, there's room to fit a number of audio heads - especially if the head drum is removed -, and the capstan servo could be modified for variable speed quite easily.
Solid state is certainly easier, but I can understand why you want to go with tape.
Right then. I now have the heads, parts for a capstan drive and tape (VHS).
Am I correct in thinking that the erase head is basically just an output head with a strong 40khz signal "blanking" the tape? Will square-wave do? Would a simple Little Gem (http://runoffgroove.com/littlegem.html) amplifier work for powering the record/play/erase heads?
Also, let's say I was to ignore biasing completely. How terrible would it sound?
Am I correct in thinking that the erase head is basically just an output head with a strong 40khz signal "blanking" the tape? Will square-wave do? Would a simple Little Gem (http://runoffgroove.com/littlegem.html) amplifier work for powering the record/play/erase heads?
Also, let's say I was to ignore biasing completely. How terrible would it sound?
. Just make some 100kHz carrier and AM modulate your signal onto it. Write that on the tape, and you're set..If I read you correctly, you are looking for something similar to what Sam Phillips did at Sun in the mid-50s. "Slapback" echo for Rockabilly was obtained by using two of the early Ampex tape machines. I caught this on a cable documentary. Perhaps some research into early Sun equipment will help.
Mark
Mark
I ask myself whether the edge of an old 5 1/4" hard disc would be long enough for the task.
BTW,
all the big names have delays for 100€, was there really nothing for you?
A bit more expensive, but much more than a delay (and analog filters in the feedback!):
http://www.jomox.de/product_details.php?lang=2&category=&product_id=3
Maybe you like the guitar demo sounds.
BTW,
all the big names have delays for 100€, was there really nothing for you?
A bit more expensive, but much more than a delay (and analog filters in the feedback!):
http://www.jomox.de/product_details.php?lang=2&category=&product_id=3
Maybe you like the guitar demo sounds.
still going?
any progress with this. for me the mechanical side seems easier than the electronic. i also have a good tool shop. i would love to hear about your project or if you gave up
mick
any progress with this. for me the mechanical side seems easier than the electronic. i also have a good tool shop. i would love to hear about your project or if you gave up
mick
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