[QuadList] Request for estimated value of a Mk20 Video Head for AVR1

[DCFWTX at aol.com]

Peter,

I am the owner of several AVR-1's, along with a sizable amount of other 
mostly Ampex quads. I am very sorry to hear about your MK XX video head. It 
sounds a bit strange that the AVR-1's internal sensors did not shut down the 
headwheel motor instantly once air pressure dropped below a certain threshold 
(about 35 or so). 

The last time I received a quote on a MK XX rebuild, it was about $3800.00 
USD.
Occasionally "used" heads of unknown quality appear on eBay. They will 
perhaps get $100.00 or so the last time I recall seeing one. But, it's a real 
gamble for those items, in my opinion.

Best Regards,

David Crosthwait

DC Video 
Archived Media Transfer & Re-mastering Services
177 West Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank, CA. 91502
818-563-1073
818-563-1177 (fax)
818-285-9942 (cell)
DCFWTX at AOL.COM     
DAVID at DCVIDEO.COM
WWW.DCVIDEO.COM





In a message dated 11/28/2009 10:10:49 AM Pacific Standard Time, 
pford at clear.net.nz writes:

> Hi.  
>  
> I seek advice from the group on the following:
>   
> For over 12 years my company has been contracted by NZFA to maintain 
> and/or operate their vintage video recorders.  The collection includes a pair of 
> Ampex AVR1......one was operational, the other used as a source of spares. 
>  
>  
> The larger, heavier machines are stored in the basement of the Archive.  
>  
> Late last year an unknown person used a circular saw to cut up timber in 
> the basement very close to the vintage VTR collection.  The air compressor 
> sucked up a lot of dust and next time the AVR1 was operated an internal air 
> filter clogged cutting off the head bearing supply.  This resulted in 
> instant bearing seizure.  
>  
> The damaged video head had very recently been exchanged and operating 
> hours were very low.
>   
> When advised that restoring the AVR1 to operating condition again would be 
> an expensive process the Archive decided not to proceed with their quad 
> restoration programme.
>   
> The damaged video head assembly was the property of my company Avitek 
> Electronics and I have unsuccessfully attempted to seek compensation.  However 
> the Archive only wish to pay a prorata amount for the hours clocked up on 
> this head whereas I am seeking full replacement or refurbishment cost.  To 
> my knowledge no Mk20 Video heads have appeared for sale on the net over the 
> last year, therefore the current value of a replacement head assembly can 
> not be established.
>   
> Is anyone able to give me an estimate of the current value of a MK20 head 
> and/or the current refurbishment cost?
>   
> Regards
>   
> Peter Ford 
> 
> 
> 

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