On Wednesday, 21 August 2019 21:42:15 UTC+1, Ian Jackson wrote:
In message , Jim GM4DHJ ...
writes
On 21/08/2019 17:55, NY wrote:
"Jim GM4DHJ ..." wrote in message
...
why is it called azimuth and not elevation ? ...never understood that
Azimuth is lateral rotation about a vertical axis perpendicular to
the direction of the tape movement.
Elevation is up/down rotation about a horizontal axis parallel to
the tape direction.
Is the head also rotated about a horizontal axis perpendicular to
the tape direction, or is the head assembly always made so the head
gap is exactly perpendicular to the tape direction, without any
movement being possible.
Is the head tracking (ie making sure that the head gap sits
centrally over the track without scanning an adjacent track) covered
by elevation adjustment, or is there a separate means of moving the
head up and down, as a translation rather than a rotation, to adjust
tracking?
I've sketched the three axes of adjustment - I wonder what the
correct name is for the middle one.
https://i.postimg.cc/gc43PHf2/tape-head.png
Apologies to Brian - I hope I've described in words well enough for
you to be able understand... and to correct me if I'm wrong ;-)
I doubt whether many people would know how to adjust azimuth and
elevation of the head. I remember seeing little adjustment screws,
covered with blue paint to lock them at the manufacturer's settings,
and thinking "do not tinker with this" ;-)


I used to adjust them on my decks...if you don't you lose a lot of treble

In most reorders, you'll need to drill a small hole in the case exactly
above the adjustment screw (when the Play button is pressed). Then use a
small cross-head screwdriver, and tweak the screw it back and forth for
best 'toppiness' on playback. It's usually best to do this when
'screwing in' (against the spring) than when screwing out.

I've never found that necessary. And decent deck permits access while playing. Usually it's done by sliding the door cover off. Less often it's done by inserting the tape behind the open door, the open door providing a usable gap under it. And on junk-fis you may have to just take part of the case off to access the azimuth screw.


NT