Next you've got to see what Transport Card you have in your machine. Almost all 1100's and the Early 1200's have the Non-Boost Transport Control Cards. These cards do NOT have the 2 resessed pots for the take-up boost controls. Later 1200's have the 2 extra pots. Take a look at the 2 following photos....
Photo #2 : Basic 1100 and Early 1200 tension control card
Photo #3 : Basic 1200 card with Take-up Tension Boost Pots
Now you know which Transport Card is in your machine.Next you have to check to see if you have the Take-Up Tension Controller Card. Slide out the VU meter bridge. If there's a card about 4 inches tall and 7 inches wide behind the Meter bridge and against the metal back frame of the control box area then YES you have the Accessory Tension Controller Card.
Picture of the Ampex MM 1200 take-up Tension Card This "accessory tension card" controls the tensions of the NON-SERVO'D MOTOR in the play mode. Using tach pulses from a sensor under the take-up reel, it changes the tension of the non-servo'd motor as the pack on that reel changes. In essence, if you have this card, you now have BOTH reels under servo control. One as above, controlled by the Tension Control Card, the other motor controlled by this accessory card. Note that if you do have this card, the Tension Control Card will NOT control the Take-up tension in the PLAY mode....this accessory card will control the play take-up tensions... This card was an after-thought from the Ampex design team, and most Ampex 2 inch recorders were sold without it... it's a good idea, but not essential. If it ain't there, ya don't got it... Continue
