On Mon, 17 Jun 2002, Chris wrote:
> I just found a box of stuff that hasn't seen the light of day since my
> company moved to our current building some 15 years ago.
>
> In it was a Bulk Tape Eraser. The box pictures it being used on 5.25
> floppies (as well as an 8 track tape and reel to reel tape). Is it safe
> to use on floppy disks? I have a stack of HD 3.5's that I want to blank
Yep, the only time it is unsafe is when you discover that the one you
degaussed had valuable data on it :)
> out. Previously I just run them thru a computer to format them, but if a
> bulk tape eraser can be used, it just saves me the trouble.
>
> Also, how exactly are you supposed to use one? It has been as long since
> I used one (probably this same one, used to use it to blank reel to reel
> audio tapes). I thought I remembered that all you do is turn it on, hold
> it over the item for a few seconds, wave it back and forth a bit, and
> that was it. The item would be erased.
The usual technique on disks is to hold the eraser on the disk, make a
few spiral `circles' on it and then draw the eraser about two feet away
before cutting power. Because of the steel hub, 3.5" disks make a bit
of racket when you work on them, but the only thing it hurts is your
ears!
> I just tried this one on a VHS video tape, it doesn't seem to do anything
> to it. The picture is slightly distorted, but the tape is certainly not
> blanked, not even close. I left it on for a good 30 to 45 seconds (the
> label on the side of it says 1 minute on 20 minutes off, so I didn't want
> to go beyond 1 minute).
That is a fairly conservative limitation. Perhaps valid if in a
production mode and total time is significant.
> It has a momentary switch on the handle, so it clearly isn't designed to
> be left on very long. It makes a slight humm when on (and vibrates just a
> touch, nothing visible, but you can feel it in your hand) so I assume it
> is working. However, this is a Radio Shack brand item, so who knows if it
> is doing what it should considering it is probably over 20 years old.
Yes, I have a couple of them - one larger than the other. Also, a
tabletop model that is intended for 0.25" tape reels on home recorders.
Used to use that to degauss 5.25" floppies.
- don
> Any clues?
>
> -chris
> <http://www.mythtech.net>
>
>
Received on Mon Jun 17 2002 - 23:37:23 BST