Tape erase question

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analog aaron

Swami King of Poppers
Stupid question of the day: I tried to erase an older reel of tape a while back and I remember the eraser shutting off ( I guess it shut off, don't know exactly: the unit I use is a REALISTIC 44-233A handheld eraser/ says on the label: 1 MIN ON 30 MIN OFF - Maybe I used it longer than a min so it shut off(?) in the middle of the process which lead to a "Washed out" audio sound on the tape. I set the tape aside and haven't messed with it since, but would like to eventually use it again. If this happens to a tape "spiking" "washed out audio sound" or whatever you'd call it, can it be erased and the tape usable again??? Thanks guys,
Aaron
 
analog aaron said:
...can it be erased and the tape usable again???
Click to expand...

Usually yes, unless the on/off spike is significantly higher than the normal power of the degausser. In that case you may have to get a more powerful degausser. All you can do is give it a try... it won't hurt anything.

:)
 
....And gave it another try...I did!

Ok, here's what I remember.... last time I tried this, I had the reel sitting on the sofa outside of the box and as soon as I came close to the tape...BAM! The tape stuck to it like a thunderbolt! I kept having to pull the tape away with the other hand while trying to erase with the other.... I tried tonight with the tape in the box and low and behold..... magic! It worked like a charm.. the tape did not stick and I tested it and a nice smooth steady slight tape hiss was the only thing on the tape. I turned the monitors up really loud and could barely hear the hiss.... Awesome. Now, how the hell do I erase a cassette?? I might have to duct tape it to the counter top to prevent the sticking.....(?) hahahahahaha....
:D
 
Good to hear.

With the cassette just hold on tight and don't let the noise or vibration freak you out... it's only an alternating magnet... you are in no real personal danger. :D

I would keep the cassette in the case and wrap a cloth or paper towel around it to protect from scratching. It’s easy to move when sliding rather than trying to pull it straight off.

I put a thin self-stick felt pad on the bottom of one of my handheld degaussers, so I don’t need a cloth. You can find them at Hardware or fabric stores.

http://www.mclendons.com/item.asp?sku=10948750
 
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