A fellow tapester mentioned a problem he's having - trying to erase a pre-recorded tape using a "bulk tape eraser". I realized that I'd experienced the same problem and thought I'd throw it out to youse guys.
First of all; let me describe what I'm talking about, for those of you who may not be familiar with the term. A "bulk" tape eraser is a big box, typically with a little post on it, that you can "mount" a whole reel of tape on. You plug the cord coming out of the big box into a wall outlet, push down an "on" button somewhere on the box, and typically hear a hum as the GIANT AC ELECTROMAGNET inside the box erases the tape - also demagnetizing ANYTHING ELSE within a 2 foot? radius.
The erasers I had could only handle 7" reels max and I'd lost any instructions: so I tried various techniques - like spinning the reel slowly (while pushing the button) - maybe one revolution on 5-10 seconds; then turn the reel over and do the other side.
My friend mentioned that he tried this/these but gets a "whomp - whomp - whomp.... sound when playing back the "supposedly" erased tape. Yep, I remember that. SO what are we doing wrong / were do we go from here????
THANKS
Charles