Development and Design of the Ampex Auto Scan Tracking (AST) System

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Publisher: SMPTE
Doc Type: Journal Article
Article Type: research-article
Abstract: Several years ago Ampex recognized the need for a new generation of high-writing-speed, one-field-per-scan video recorders that would have low initial and operating costs, while offering a simple but effective internal editing facility. A program was also established to investigate the feasibility of improving the slow motion capability of such a recorder. Various systems were considered; however, a head that moved relative to the rotating portion of the scanner and, therefore, transverse to the recorded track on the tape was ultimately selected. Two approaches to physically moving the head transverse to the recorded track were considered in some detail. The approach decided upon uses a piezoelectric element onto which the head transducer is mounted. A bi-morph bender element configuration was found to be ideal. This type of system formed the basis for the development of the Auto Scan Tracking (AST) system used in the VPR-1 and VPR-2 professional one-inch helical recorders. Some of the engineering advances required for the system are discussed, including flexure longevity, flexure stability in a dynamic environment, and maintenance of head-to-tape contact at large deflections.
Publication Date: 1980-12-01
DOI: 10.5594/J02048
Link: https://doi.org/10.5594/J02048
Author(s): R. A. Hathaway, Ray Ravizza

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R. A. Hathaway and Ray Ravizza; Development and Design of the Ampex Auto Scan Tracking (AST) System, SMPTE Journal ( Volume: 89, Issue: 12, December 1980); SMPTE, 1980. Available at https://doi.org/10.5594/J02048

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R. A. Hathaway and Ray Ravizza; Development and Design of the Ampex Auto Scan Tracking (AST) System, SMPTE Journal ( Volume: 89, Issue: 12, December 1980); SMPTE, 1980. Available at https://doi.org/10.5594/J02048

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<span class="citation">R. A. Hathaway and Ray Ravizza; <cite>Development and Design of the Ampex Auto Scan Tracking (AST) System</cite>, SMPTE Journal ( Volume: 89, Issue: 12, December 1980); SMPTE, 1980. Available at <a href="https://doi.org/10.5594/J02048" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://doi.org/10.5594/J02048</a></span>

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R. A. Hathaway and Ray Ravizza; Development and Design of the Ampex Auto Scan Tracking (AST) System, SMPTE Journal ( Volume: 89, Issue: 12, December 1980); SMPTE, 1980
doi: 10.5594/J02048
url: https://doi.org/10.5594/J02048

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<li>
R. A. Hathaway and Ray Ravizza; <cite id="bib-10-5594-j02048">Development and Design of the Ampex Auto Scan Tracking (AST) System</cite>, SMPTE Journal ( Volume: 89, Issue: 12, December 1980); SMPTE, 1980
<span class="doi">10.5594/J02048</span>
</li>