Reel-to-Reel Wire Recorder

Reel-to-Reel Wire Recorder

<< >>
Usage conditions apply
Downloads
Description (Brief)
This GE wire recorder is a licensed copy of the Armour model 50 recorder designed and made for the U.S. military during World War II. Based on the work of Marvin Camras, Armour fabricated wire recorders at a small, specially-built plant until 1944. The demand for increased production of recorders led GE to begin production of the model 51.
The Armed Forces Radio Service used a variety of recording devices, including wire recorders, to bring programming to troops stationed around the world. This wire recorder used four vacuum tubes and ran on alternating current.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
wire recorder
recording device
Other Terms
wire recorder; Transmission; Storage; Communications
date made
ca 1945
maker
General Electric Company
Physical Description
metal (overall material)
plastic (overall material)
glass (overall material)
rubber (overall material)
Measurements
average spatial: 37.5 cm x 27 cm x 32.5 cm; 14 3/4 in x 10 5/8 in x 12 13/16 in
ID Number
1992.0438.01
catalog number
1992.0438.01
accession number
1992.0438
Credit Line
from Fred and Ginger Mitchell
See more items in
Work and Industry: Electricity
Magnetic Recording
Communications
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Nominate this object for photography.   

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.

Comments

"I have a General Electric Model 51 Magnetic Wire Recorder and I'm currently trying to restore it to operation. I have several "reels " of recording wire that go with this wire recorder. I do need a schematic diagram for this wire recorder. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.Best regards, Gaylord Ewing"

Gaylord Ewing

Thu, 2015-04-02 07:20

The General Electric Model 51 Wire Recorder is nearing total operating condition. I did finally come across a schematic diagram for this wire recorder.. It should be Very Interesting to play back the spools of recording wires. I have several spools of recording wire for this G.E. Model 51 wire recorder.

Gaylord Ewing

Mon, 2015-09-21 08:54

Note: Comment submission is temporarily unavailable while we make improvements to the site. We apologize for the interruption. If you have a question relating to the museum's collections, please first check our Collections FAQ. If you require a personal response, please use our Contact page.