VPR-20 Portable Production Video Tape Recorder

This was a 'portable' C Format production recorder before the arrival of the VPR-5.

Actually this machine weighs about 20 Kilos and is not the sort of thing one would actually want
(or could) carry around much. It is though quite an impressive video recording device with time
code and confidence replay (video and audio off-tape monitoring), and looks just like Ampex
took their studio VPR-2 video recorder and folded it into a suitcase shape. There are many
differences though (smaller DC motors, belt drive, different PCBs etc). It runs of quick change
fast charge Nicad batteries and comes with a simple non-broadcast colour adapter, though the
recorder may be connected up to a proper TBC for use in the studio or for simple editing.

The contra-rotating co-axial reel configuration is rather elegant and is similar to that used by
Ampex in their various airborne instrumentation recorders of those increasingly far of days. The
complex hub-locks are particularly fun (and you better read the instructions if tape tangle
disasters are to be avoided).

Machine with weather-proof cover in place.

VPR-20 with front and rear covers removed.

(Click on any of the pictures for further images and information.)

Some further thoughts about Ampex.

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