G200
The G100/200 series were the first of what was to become known as the YD Series.
These were manufactured in the same way has the domestic machines, but housed in metal cabinets. This feature provided for greater protection against poor handling in transit.
These early machines were made for the military. Army, Navy and Air-force.
Their simplicity of operation and robust build soon earned them an enviable reputation for reliability.
Above: the speed change mechanism on G100, and Model "A" decks, illustrated right, the small knob protruding from just behind the head cover. This links to the single idler wheel which allows selection of up to 3 speeds, depending on recorder model (see picture Left:).
The stem of the speed change idler had a notched section at the top, this allowed it to latch in a fixed position.
Upper & Lower Amplifier chassis and power supply views removed from the G100U
G100 (Model "A") deck
Speed Changing on Model "A" & G100 tape decks
The speed selector knob should be deflected to the right and gently eased down to its full extent. On release the knob will return under it's own spring tension to the left into engagement.
To move to the 3 3/4 i.p.s. speed, deflect the knob to the right as before, but lift up to its full extent and release. Change of speed may be carried out with the machine stationary or running.
After use, when the instrument is to be left idle for a period, it is advantageous to return the speed selector knob to the intermediate, out of engagement, position so as to prevent the development of temporary indentations on the rubber idler wheel with which it connects.
Each range of machines had "YD" models. These differed from the domestic model in having metal cabinets, and 600 ohm input/output sockets, to enable connection to professional public address amplifier systems. Or phone lines.
Once again a recorder designed for industrial use, monitoring etc.
Note that although a Series 3 deck (1957), it has the one piece hinged head cover,
that first appeared on the domestic Series 4 in 1959.
A close look at this machine, indicates that this is a replay only model, not having the provision for record mode on the control switch. This would be advantageous for use in Theatres etc for the playback of music or sound FX and would not allow precious recordings to be accidentally erased.
3C/FL 1.875, 3.75 i.p.s
3C/FN 3.75, 7.5 i.p.s
3C/FH 7.5, 15 i.p.s.
Note: The inclusion of a low speed model with 1 7/8"/sec speed this was for logging machines.
Ferrograph didn't include this option on the domestic range until the introduction of the Series 6, in 1966.
The new Ferrograph Ferro-tutor is of a more specialised nature. Costing £125, complete with microphone, stand and headphones, it is designed to form the basis of a Language Laboratory. A special head-arrangement permits simultaneous recording on the lower track whilst playing back on the top track.
Also on show are were the new Series "Y" range, comprising the mono YD5 and stereo Y500. Of the former, four versions are available, with varying speed configurations. These are the YD5A and YD5B, offering 7.5, 3.75, and 1.875 i/s: and the YD5AH and YD5BH, offering 15 and 7.5 i/s. The suffix "B" denotes separate record and replay heads. Available as a portable or rack-mounted unit, the prices are in the order of £137.
The Y500 models, there are six versions, are equipped with stereophonic recording and playback, with continuous monitoring on both channels. They are available only as portable boxed units.
The prices vary between £167 and £175.
Brief Stop £1.5s0d Series 3 Pause Control
3C/FNL
3C/FN
3C/FNH
£175.00.0
£175.00.0
£180.00.0
Left: An example of the Ferrograph in use as language tutors.
These recorders were Series 4's, although generally the language tutor model was usually based on the Model 808 .
Like the domestic variety, differences between models was sometimes hard to find, as improvements were introduced in the Ferrograph range as needed, a new model wasn't launched just for a small change.
The downside is that sometimes you could buy a Series 4 and find that it was actually a late Series 3.
Series 4 YD model. Many of these found there way on the Government Surplus market in the 1960's and enthusiasts lucky enough to see them got an absolute bargain.
Series 5/6 Stereo YD Model
Had additional output sockets in a small panel on the right hand side of the machine. This allows connections to be made without having to search around the back for them. Helpful if the machine was installed in a cabinet.
Photo Courtesy of Trevor Bowdrey
The Series 7 YD.
A normal series 7 with a more robust housing. Note the additional sockets on the left side of the cabinet.
When this series was originally launched, it was used in many specialist applications, amongst them language laboratories, who speak very highly of the machine.
Unlike, previous models the Series 7, incorporated the 600 ohm input/output facility as standard. But they also had a mono full track version of this model which was used by many BBC Local radio stations for editing and program production duties.
Although the YD Series reflected the current domestic range. There were also many special designs produced for specific recording situations.
Special logging machines, that would record for long periods without attention, which meant low recording speeds. Instead of utilising the standard speeds, some machines were developed with very low speeds, and these require special equalisation circuits, to allow more H.F. response at these low speeds.
Some uses for these were logging shortwave broadcasts from behind the Iron Curtain, or other East European countries.
Pictures kindly supplied by Stephen Atty
Although many "YD" models were in fact, identical to their domestic counterparts with the exception of the metal casing.
Some models were entirely different, and were specifically adapted and /or designed.
The red knobs are not standard issue, they have been retrofitted.
Pity I think they add something.
Unusually, the microphone /line inputs are on separate knobs for upper and lower channels. The meters are also not like those used on the domestic models.
Dead centre is the Hours used counter, only found on YD "G" models
Drop down flap, allows access to amplifier boards.
The recorder has over 66000 hours on the clock, its only a 2 speed 3.3/4 and 1.7/8, the 7.1/2 can not be used without breaking a peg off the rotary gear control (Going to leave as is).
The recorder came with literature, the usual series 7 handbook and a circuit diagram
The controls for adjusting the reel tables height are different too, they are not as easy to alter as the usual machines, there is no shaft coming to the front of the machine, instead, you need a long reach screwdriver and fumble inside to get the screw onto a domed cap flat head screw.
Remote Channel Socket
Capstan Speed Control Socket
Ferrograph "YD" 722G.
Unlike the domestic product, there are no separate equalisation switches, these machine were often designed for one specific eq, and this was changed by plugging in a new eq. board, hence the flap on the base to gain access.
Control Panel
On the left of the meters are an Upper Track Record, and Upper Track Playback gain controls. Top left is a variable record gain preset. Below an Upper Track Monitor Output.
On the right side of the meters a similar setup, except the red record light (top right) and Lower Track Monitor Output on the bottom right of the panel.
Above the meters center is a small switch that selects Upper, Lower or Both, reminiscent of the 420 & 632 setup, but they only had one meter.