[Coco] Off-topic - Vintage Electronics

[Arthur Flexser]

Come to think of it, there's another indication that a tape has been used,
as well.  In reel-to-reel taping, the free end of the tape must be threaded
into a slot on the take-up reel.  That tends to create a crease in the
tape, so when it is rewound, the free end of the tape no longer lies flat.
I would think this would even be evident after years of storage.

Art

On Sat, Feb 16, 2019 at 12:50 AM Arthur Flexser <flexser at fiu.edu> wrote:

> Steve, here's a hint that is fairly reliable (not 100%) in telling whether
> a reel-to-reel tape has been recorded on.
>
> Take a look at the edge of the tape that is wound on the reel.  A
> never-recorded tape will have an edge that is practically glass-smooth.
> Tape that has been used has an edge that is less smooth.  That should give
> you a fairly good idea whether the tape has been used.
>
> Also, wouldn't it be likely that if your father-in-law had used the tape,
> that he'd have labeled it somehow?  Written on the box, or left a slip of
> paper inside the box?  If the tape edge is smooth and there is also no
> labeling, I'd say it is an excellent bet that the tapes have not been used.
>
> Art
>
> On Fri, Feb 15, 2019 at 10:22 PM Steve Ostrom <smostrom7 at comcast.net>
> wrote:
>
>> Sorry to ask an off-topic question, but this group has a lot of knowledge
>> in vintage electronics.
>>
>> My father-in-law died a year ago, and I found in his possessions two
>> boxes, each containing one 7” recording tape.  I assume this is
>> reel-to-reel tape.  These boxes state, “1800 feet 1.0 mil 7” reel polyester
>> concert recording tape, #44-1018”
>>
>> I would love to know if there is anything recorded on these two reels.
>> One digital transfer company I checked with in Minneapolis did not have the
>> capability to check these.  Are there any Coco list members who could check
>> these to see if they have any audio data?  I’d be happy to pay for shipping
>> both ways, and some money for your efforts.  If there is audio, I would
>> also like to have it transferred to CD or flash drive so we can listen to
>> anything he may have recorded.  Please let me know if anyone might want to
>> tackle this for me.
>>
>> Thanks!
>>
>> --- Steve ---
>>
>>
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>>
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>