Calibration Tools

Bigsnake00

New member
I've decided to maintain and learn to calibrate my own decks. After reading my Tascam 38 manual it seems like I will only need a few tools
VTVM
Oscilloscope
oscillator
MLR Test Tape

For thoes of you who know, what brands/models should I be looking at? Is this possible to do some tests with a computer?

Thanks
Brandon
 
yeah, no need to buy an oscillator, just download one. Be sure to get a mV meter too, so you can measure what the output is on the digital osc, seing what it SAYS it's sending out is never accurate.

Get MRL tape. It's expensive though!
 
............. :)

Beck said:
Stuff I use for aligning tape reel-to-reel decks:

Winscope
Freeware oscilloscope for Windows.
I’ve installed it on Win 98, and XP using compatibility mode install.
http://polly.phys.msu.su/~zeld/oscill.html

Operation/Maintenance Manual for Deck
TEAC E-3 Head Demagnetizer
Fostex TT-15 Test Tone Oscillator
MRL Calibration Tapes http://home.flash.net/~mrltapes/
Radio Shack Digital Multimeter, Model 22-811
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103175

Some good links:

Spring Scales:
http://www.sciencelab.com/page/S/CTGY/20846

How-to and info:
http://www.recordingwebsite.com/articles/tapecal.php
http://audio.utac.net/pg/tape/align.html
http://www.barryrudolph.com/greg/align.html
http://home.swipnet.se/herbalifeinfo/Audio/engRULL2.htm
http://www9.dw-world.de/rtc/infotheque/magn_recording/magrec.html

More calibration tape info (nice chart)
http://www.tangible-technology.com/media/4mr/mrltapes.html

~Tim :)
 
Any suggestions for Multimeters? Most cheap digital ones are only rated up to 400Hz for AC voltages, which isn't helpful when using 1khz and 10khz test tones.
That Radio Shack thing didn't say much about it's maximum AC frequency (the actual frequency counter modes generally have higher ratings).

I'm looking at a Fluke 175, which costs more than the MRL tape did, unless I can find one on ebay. Any cheaper suggestions would be handy. Tandy (as Radio Shack were in the UK) went bust about 5 years ago, IIRC.

I'm using a Hitachi V212 'scope, and the PC as signal generator. But I need a better meter.
 
Bigsnake00 said:
How do you like the Teac E-3 as opposed to a han d mag

Hand-D-Mag is the most powerful available, but the E-3 is heavy duty and stronger than most. It works perfectly on everything I use it for, from cassette to 1/2".

:)
 
jpmorris said:
That Radio Shack thing didn't say much about it's maximum AC frequency (the actual frequency counter modes generally have higher ratings).

The range for the above Radio Shack model is 10Hz to 4MHz.

I use it for ham radio and studio related testing. That particular model is very accurate. I also have a much older and more expensive Beckman, but the Radio Shack is handier around the studio and works just as well.

They are made for Radio Shack, so may be available in the UK under a different brand.

:)
 
man everytime i have a beck's I can't help but think..."god damn that's a good beer". every time.
 
if there are VU meters on the machine itself, do you have to remove them to demagnetize? Also I have a 1/2 inch MRL tape, is there anyway I can use it to calibrate a machine I have that is 1 inch?
 
Bigsnake00 said:
If you cant use it I'd like to see about buying it from you

Sorry I need it for another machine. I was just wondering it I could use it to help calibrate another machine I have in some way, instead of buying a new one.
 
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