Need Reel to Reel Tape Primer Sources

What is important about tape performance is making sure that the tape head bias during record matches the tape you are using. To set this up usually requires a bit of test equipment.

Modern tape absorbs moisture over time which causes them to shed their oxides. You can use a low temperature oven on low for 45 minutes to an hour (a car on a hot day works well also) to force the moisture out of the tape and it will then work for months or years before you have to do it again. I store tape in a plastic bag with a bag of silica-gel to reduce moisture absorption by the tape.

I could use a primer myself, hard to keep it all straight as I get into tape. I'm going to have to learn to set bias (the person I would take decks to is backed up in work by I would say several years, the last time I was in his shop there was no more floor space even in the lobby!).

I have a tape collection that I store in a room seperate from my system (it gets into the 90's sometimes in the summer and I read that tape should be stored in a dry temperature stable enviornment?).

Andy_p, heat is not the enemy, humidity is. 90s is fine for tape if the humidity is low- they will be less sticky.

that's good news about the temperature vs humidity

Jwong,

3 years ago i looked for a place to get my Reel to Reel questions answered, and there was not a place like that.

now there is a place where there is both very good information and lots of real knowledgable people to answer questions;

The Tape Project Forum

the best place to start on that forum is the FAQ here;

beginners guide to tape basics

then there is a separate forum on raw tape here;

raw tape forum

OTOH Atmasphere is also a great resource too....