An early prototype, advertised in Wireless World in December 1949, note the design differences.
- The Control Knob is long and pointed in contrast to the Model "A" and all subsequent models up to the Series 3.
- There is no raised panel under the control knob. There is what looks like a mains on/off push button in the centre of the deck.
- This soon evolved into the Model "A".
The Model "A" deck formed the basis of the earliest Ferrograph tape recorder, the Model "D" in 1948; and over the next 20 years was destined to evolve until it reached Mk 6 status.
The first complete tape recorders produced by Ferrograph were destined for government departments, or for the export market. However, a number of tape deck mechanisms were made available for use by other manufacturers.
Only Vortexion and later Clarke & Smith took advantage of this opportunity, A small percentage of production was made available for the home construction market, catering for enthusiasts with the technical knowledge to construct their own tape recorder.
The familiar "V" shaped tape loading slot in the head-cover lasted until the Series 4 was introduced with a lift-up cover.
One unusual feature of this model was the method of speed change. It only had one idler pulley, which was lifted up or down to change speed. The speed lever can just be seen projecting above the rear of the head cover. See more details of this arrangement on the
YD G100 page
Although initially having two speeds, the depth of the flywheel rim is a good indicator of this. It later it was adapted to give three operating speeds for use in the "YD" range of machines, by increasing the depth of the flywheel rim to accommodate it..
Eagle eyed viewers may also notice other features normally associated with the later Ferrograph recorders are missing from this early model.
- No adjustable tape guides
- No tape position counter
- No pause control (only introduced as standard with Series 4)
This deck was marketed as the Wearite "Tape Deck"
The Wright & Weaire "Tape Deck" is a basic unit which permits the construction of recorders of many and varied types to meet the diverse needs of Science, Education and Entertainment.
Its extreme operational simplicity and robustness will commend it on the one hand to those applications where unskilled hands may use it, while on the other its technical performance and engineering features will engage the attention of the serious recordist.
The "Tape Deck" is complete with all motors, drives, erase, record/play heads, and main function switch, requiring only the addition of the appropriate amplifier and speaker systems proper to its end use.
30 min @ 7 1/2 i.p.s.
60 min @ 3 3/4 i.p.s
Attainable Frequency
Response Cat A Tape
within 3 dB 50 - 10,000 kHz @ 7 1/2 i.p.s.
50 - 5,000 kHz @ 3 3/4 i.p.s.
Recommended Bias
& Erase Frequency
Bias Voltage &
Signal Level
250 - 300 (Standard)
100 - 120 (to order)
16 5/8th inches x 13 inches x 1 inch
above deck 5 1/2 inches below maximum.
For those wishing to construct their own record / play amplifier the
following components were also available.
PRICE
Low Leakage Power Transformer (6.3V rectifier heater)
Output Transformer
3 & 15 ohms.