The "other" ATR102

[ironbut]

I'm sure some of you other guys have stumbled across this just like I did today.
I'd be willing to bet that there were more Ampex versions sold,..

http://www.radiophile.com/answer.htm

[xcortes]

One of those would have been cheaper to import!

[steveidosound]

and it has advanced "direct reel drive"! No capstan!
Did you note it is also supposed to be a phonograph? I think I have seen a picture of something like this somewhere with a little tonearm that attaches somehow and provision to place a record on one tape spindle. But they would have had to make the whole thing "upside down" with the tape moving from right to left to make the record rotate the correct direction. Not to mention any correlation between an approximation of any known tape speed anywhere on the reel from start to finish at anything like a known record speed like probably 45 rpm. due to size constraints.
Yes! I would love to have one...

[MylesAstor]

and it has advanced "direct reel drive"! No capstan!
Did you note it is also supposed to be a phonograph? I think I have seen a picture of something like this somewhere with a little tonearm that attaches somehow and provision to place a record on one tape spindle. But they would have had to make the whole thing "upside down" with the tape moving from right to left to make the record rotate the correct direction. Not to mention any correlation between an approximation of any known tape speed anywhere on the reel from start to finish at anything like a known record speed like probably 45 rpm. due to size constraints.
Yes! I would love to have one...

Think they would allow that on a plane nowadays? :)

[ironbut]

Yeah, yeah. Ha ha. Laugh at the funny little recorder. But try and mount an Ampex on the handle bars of a Big Wheel tryke and we'll see who's laughing then!

[steveidosound]

Yeah, yeah. Ha ha. Laugh at the funny little recorder. But try and mount an Ampex on the handle bars of a Big Wheel tryke and we'll see who's laughing then!

THAT'S what _I'M_ Talkin' about! :)

[steveidosound]

I think I just bought the phonograph attachment for something like this from eBay.
It consists of a plastic arm with crystal cartridge with a mini-plug at the other end so it would plug into a jack at the arm pivot end, and some sort of "turntable" without a drive mechanism that attached to something else. New in the box as an accessory for something from Crown of Japan circa the 1960s.
Now to find the matching recorder...

[ironbut]

Wow, I bet that took a little searching!
If I happen to come across one I'll be sure and PM you.

[steveidosound]

Wow, I bet that took a little searching!
If I happen to come across one I'll be sure and PM you.

I just stumbled across this by accident. I am not even sure if it is as I say. As I mentioned when you first posted this, they say it is supposed to be a phonograph too, and I swear that I have seen a picture of a small reel to reel from the 60s with a phonograph attachment. The picture  in the link you posted shows the full, never used reel on the right and the takeup on the left, which would be necessary for the turntable to rotate clockwise.
http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-CROWN-CRYSTAL-PICK-UP-A-500-TURN-TABLE-T-500-/250408459707?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item3a4d81ddbb

There is another unit that has a combination reel to reel and phonograph _AND_ disc cutter. Made by Wilcox Gay on a General Industries chassis in the 50s. In that case the center of the 78 rpm turntable serves as the capstan. The tape is threaded underneath and it also is "upside down" or backwards in its reel rotation.
http://reel2reeltexas.com/vinWilcoxGay1.jpg

[MagickWizard]

Yes, it is a phonograph. I have one but have never used it. I don't want to spoil the fact that it is new and in original packaging and with all items included. I came across this from a guy I know who did not know what it was and gave it to me. I researched it and found it was made in the 60s sometime.

So, if you want one, I have it listed on eBay at

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260669831294&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

It even has the original batteries, though not installed. It seems to be in perfect condition and the tape reels are even still enclosed on their original plastic bags.