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Galibier Teres Redpoint tape drive "LENGTH"?

Hello all

I will be converting my turntable to a 'tape' drive. Yes I have an exterior motor. Yes I have variable speed capabilities. Yes I can get a new drive pulley to accomodate the tape.

1) What is the final circumference length of the tape?. Or just as accurate; what length of tape do I cut?, before splicing together?.

2) I asked in a thread before; has anyone tried Kapton instead of Mylar?.

3) At this point I can go with 1/2 inch wide, or if needed, a full 1 inch. Any advantage to 1"?.

4) Do I want the motor as close to the table as possible?. Do I want a little extra distance to help remove motor noise?.
cousinbillyl
cousinbillyl OP
190 posts
 
Thank you Palasr

My motor is DC Brushless. Will that make a difference?.
redglobe
223 posts
 
Here is a method for increasing tape traction without increasing lateral forces on the motor's pulley http://www.AudioAsylum.com/cgi/vt.mpl?f=vinyl&m=1049866.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
1. I haven't tried different lengths but the factors mentioned by Richard (Palasr) must all come into play. With so many competing factors, the "optimal" length is likely to be a compromise and quite specific to each setup. His advice to try several lengths was sensible.

2. Haven't tried Kapton, but the stripped holographic mylar I described in a thread a couple of years ago is superior to any other tape I *have* tried. Is there a source for Kapton tape that would work? I wasn't able to find one (several years ago).

3. Subject to the cautions noted above, wider tape provides a greater surface contact area with the platter and capstan. This should reduce slippage (good) but may also provide greater transmisibility of motor vibrations (bad). You win some...

4. Yes. ;-)

Frankly, I suspect that *any* decently implemented tape drive will perfrom so much better than whatever you're using now that these distinctions will seem insignificant, at least at first. Just do it and enjoy. Time enough for fussing after your ears adjust to the more lifelike rhythmn and drive you'll undoubtedly hear.
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