VPR5 1

Above is a view of the first version Nagra VPR-5 in the usual 20 minute configuration. (The
35mm film cassette - remember those? - is to the same approximate scale.) This ex BBC
Bristol machine seems to be slightly unusual in that its audio / time code record head has an
elaborate brace and adjustment feature built under an enlarged rectangular head cover.

The one inch magnetic tape pays out from the right reel and is taken up by the left reel
('oxide in' wind only on this 'Mk 1' version). This is opposite to normal C Format machines.

The 3 LCD panels show Left to Right: VU or PPM audio record and limiting levels,
machine status, tape and battery time left, or time code. The 4 small buttons under the right
reel select: load-tape (this releases the parking brakes and moves back the pinch wheel
clear of the capstan), enter cue 1 position, enter cue 2 position and enter edit mode. The
row of toggle switches as part of the transport on the left of the machine enable (or lock out)
audio channels 1 to 4 record, video record, and also select insert or assemble editing
modes.

The image below shows the later 'Mk 2' version of the VPR-5, where Nagra have obviously
made some small operational improvements. On the outside the various control buttons
have been made easier to use when wearing gloves. The record mode now has a nice bright
red light, which also has another light by its side to alert the user of any fault conditions or
servo problems. The power select and record level levers have been given locking 'buttons'
to prevent inadvertent operation. The video record level is now adjustable from the outside,
and the take up reel can be switched to wind oxide in or oxide out. Inside the machine, the
software has been given some improved features. This second version of the machine seems
to be very much an evolution of the machine, with both versions having a very similar look
and feel.