Newbie - Ampex "reversing circuitry signals"?

[Lynnster]

Many of my newly acquired R2R tapes say this on the back: "This tape recording contains two automatic reversing signals; one at end of Side A program, the other at the end of Side B. these program reversing signals function only with tape recorders which are equipped with reversing circuitry, such as the Ampex 2000 series."

Clueless what this means. How do I know if I have that reversing circuitry signal. If not, can I still play these tapes? (I have a Zenith-badged 4-track Wollensack 5700 series player/recorder, made for the TOTL Zenith consoles in the late 60's). Tks!

 

[jan_stevns]

Automatic reversing signals are a "sound" recorded at the end of each tape side - certain tapedecks back then , had a circuitry able to detect that "sound" - and would, switch the tapes travel direction.

playing a tape with "ampex signel" is no problem - you might just hear the sound, nothing else

 

[KentTeffeteller]

Your Wollensak built deck does not have auto-reverse. So you hear the tone. Not all auto-reverse machines use the Ampex style tones to reverse, most use sensing foil to reverse at the end of the side. You can play these tapes just fine.

 

[audiojones]

BTW - The reversing tone for the Ampex machines is that super low frequency rumble sound that you hear near the end of the tape.

Very cool console - love the pop-up RTR. Those Wollensak machines are pretty decent and very wll built.

 

[Ed in Tx]

I recall that's a 20 Hz tone Ampex used. I remember occasionally hearing that low freq rumble, more of a 20 Hz flutter, on some automated radio stations too.

 

[1tumbleweed]

Lots of 8 track tapes have it, too. It was used in duplicating to stop the tape so the operator could cut the tape for spooling into the cart.

 

[KentTeffeteller]

The tone used in Radio Automation for automation end of message is 25 Hertz as standard and is still used today in the satellite era for automation EOM tones.

 

[Lynnster]

Your Wollensak built deck does not have auto-reverse. So you hear the tone. Not all auto-reverse machines use the Ampex style tones to reverse, most use sensing foil to reverse at the end of the side. You can play these tapes just fine.

Yay! Tks!

 

[Lynnster]

BTW - The reversing tone for the Ampex machines is that super low frequency rumble sound that you hear near the end of the tape.

Very cool console - love the pop-up RTR. Those Wollensak machines are pretty decent and very wll built.

Tks AudioJones!

I haven't played an Ampex tape yet, but just listened to my first double-length tape, so when Side 1 finished, I had to swap the take-up reel with the title reel in order to hear Side 2. When finished, I noticed that the tape is now on the title reel wrong. In order to thread it next time, I'll have to place the tape on the left spindle with the title facing the machine. Is this normal or did I screw something up?

 

[audiojones]

You have to flip both reels just like you would with an LP. That way the title card faces out when side 2 finishes playing (or the number 1 faces out if it's just a regular reel).