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Tape Trail

RE: Speaking of 707s and old tape

73.120.241.111

In Reply to: RE: Speaking of 707s and old tape posted by LtMandella on January 14, 2020 at 12:33:48

Nope. You can't tell by looking at the tape or by touching it. While back-coating is NOT the reason for sticky-shed syndrome, all of the tapes that have SSS are in fact back-coated, so that's one sign you should be careful.

If the tape in question doesn't have valuable/irreplaceable program material, then just rewind a small amount and then look at the tape lifters. If they're gunky, then the tape has SSS. It either needs to be thrown out, or baked so it can be played for a transfer.

If the tape contents are valuable, bake first, then play to transfer (either to another reel, digital, or both).
Rob

"Let there be songs, to fill the air"

Follow Ups:

SSS - Inmate51 08:11:34 01/16/20 (4)
I'll just add that the problem is the binder which "glues" the oxide to the substrate. Over time, it absorbs moisture, and becomes "gummy".

Many years ago, I built a tape baking "oven" to overcome the problem, since I have many 70's vintage tapes on Ampex 406/407/456 and others.
- RE: SSS - LtMandella 17:17:48 01/16/20 (3)
  Maybe since I am living in the desert now, my tapes will naturally lose any moisture that has invaded their guts...
  
  There must be something wrong with me for not having something wrong.
  - RE: SSS - johnmil 06:17:57 01/18/20 (2)
    KYI. Ampex tape baking patent
    
    http://www.richardhess.net/restoration_notes/USP5236790.pdf
    - http://www.richardhess.net/restoration_notes/USP5236790.pdf (Open in New Window)
    - RE: SSS - Inmate51 10:39:10 01/18/20 (0)
      Yeah, I've been aware of the patent itself since about 1999. I first delved into this area in about the mid-nineties. At some point around then, I found an article on Wendy Carlos' site (wendycarlos.com). This was quite by accident, while I was looking for information on photographing a solar eclipse.
    - RE: SSS - LtMandella 08:02:28 01/18/20 (0)
      lol, i'll go ahead and send those idiots my payments: $.0000000000000000000001 per foot of tape baked.
      
      is this type of thing a consequence of the stupidity of the patent officers or of patent law itself? or both?
      
      There must be something wrong with me for not having something wrong.

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