1/2" tape cleaners?

From: Brad Parker <brad_at_heeltoe.com>
Date: Sat Oct 23 10:12:52 2004

Does anyone know anything about 1/2" tape cleaners?

I remember (I think) seeing a device in the tape library of the giant
insurance company I once worked for.

This device, if I remember correctly looked like an audio open reel tape deck
but would take a 1/2" (9-track style) tape reel on one side and had a take-up
reel on the other.

If I remember correctly the tape passed over a "spinning wheel" which
had slots in it. I think this wheel would "clean" the tape.

It's all a bit hazy now, but I think this device was used to clean and
re-tention 9-track 1/2" tapes. (the # of tracks does not matter, but I say
that to give the proper context).

Anyone know of these, have one, know of one, or if they work and are safe?

I have some (well, many) 9-track tapes which were stored in a very poor
(read humid) environment. The look like they have mildew on them. I'd
like to try cleaning and re-tensioning one and, after baking, see if it
will read.

Seems like one of these devices would come in handy.

Any experience?

-brad
Received on Sat Oct 23 2004 - 10:12:52 BST