Ampex AG-440 tape deck... questions
Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2003 11:20 pm
I got my Ampex 440 1/4" deck at a university auction for $90 about three years ago. I had to replace every fuse in the damn thing... and when I did it actually fired up, and everything on it worked fine. Its biggest flaw is that it only operates at 3.25 and 7.5 ips, and also the heads in poor condition.
I am no tech guru, but am ready to get my hands dirty....
Fist off, how can I tell what version of the 440 my deck is? The model number does not have an A, B or C after it... does this mean its the first generation (A)? If so, is this machine even worth messing with, or does it have any particularly unique features compared to the other versions?
How can I get the machine to run at 15 ips? Will I need new card electronics if I modify it?
Where is good place to get a new 1/4" hedstack. The heads on the machine are trashed... but maybe they can still be relapped. Any suggestions for a place to send em for a relap?
When I fire her up and get tape on her, I notice that the capstan motor is annoyingly loud, to the point of sounding like there is something wrong. It is very "metal-on-metal"-ish, and Im wondering if needs to be lubed up or something.
I may have the oppertunity to get a great deal on a 1/4" Studer A810... Would the cost and effort needed to get my Ampex to work well at 15 ips end up costing more than the $1000 I would be spending on this deck?
Thanks for any help, advice or resources...
do vstryechye,
mike
I am no tech guru, but am ready to get my hands dirty....
Fist off, how can I tell what version of the 440 my deck is? The model number does not have an A, B or C after it... does this mean its the first generation (A)? If so, is this machine even worth messing with, or does it have any particularly unique features compared to the other versions?
How can I get the machine to run at 15 ips? Will I need new card electronics if I modify it?
Where is good place to get a new 1/4" hedstack. The heads on the machine are trashed... but maybe they can still be relapped. Any suggestions for a place to send em for a relap?
When I fire her up and get tape on her, I notice that the capstan motor is annoyingly loud, to the point of sounding like there is something wrong. It is very "metal-on-metal"-ish, and Im wondering if needs to be lubed up or something.
I may have the oppertunity to get a great deal on a 1/4" Studer A810... Would the cost and effort needed to get my Ampex to work well at 15 ips end up costing more than the $1000 I would be spending on this deck?
Thanks for any help, advice or resources...
do vstryechye,
mike