There is some confusion here.  There is 8 track 1/2 inch
computer tape and 8 track sound recording tape.  Which is
being referred to here?

Nick D.


Joe Geiser wrote:
>
> Terry after John Burke:
>
> > >> I don't want to see CSY throwing resources at the next 8-track.
> >
> > Now wait just a minute.
> > I remember my 8-track very fondly.  It was easy to use.
> > Didn't have to be turned over, was very fault tolerant and served me
> > well for years.  And besides, it was invented by the same guy
> > who built Lear Jets, so it was hitech by parentage.  ;-))
>
> For those who have any knowledge of broadcasting, the 8-track was actually
> an outgrowth of the tape cartridge used by many radio stations even today -
> the good ol' "cart".  The speed was slower on the 8-track (3.5 inches per
> second as opposed to the 7 inches per second on the cart) and the capstan
> mechanism was different (the 8-track had a self-enclosed capstan whereas the
> cart has a hole where the capstan mechanism is raised from the player
> itself).  The major manufacturer of these tapes, and their players, was a
> name which was not a household word - "Beaucart".
>
> Before CD's, most stations in medium and major markets recorded single
> pieces of music on carts because of their better cueing ability, the ability
> for them to automatically switch from one to the next (resulting in
> continuous play, allowing the announcer to take the much needed potty break,
> etc).  Commercials, Station IDs and "sounders" are still on carts in many
> stations (although some have gone to more digital forms).
>
> Yeah, I remember my 8-track - it's in the attic somewhere, with the 100 or
> so tapes.  Fond memories :)
>
> Cheers,
> Joe (anyone for "The Partridge Family"?) G.