SONY A 109 FM Instrumentation Tape 8 Track 7" Reel to Reel 6 Head 10 Speeds WORK

SONY A 109 FM Instrumentation Tape 8 Track 7" Reel to Reel 6 Head 10 SPEED WORK Vintage Good Look

Working PERFECT on 100/120 Volts but for European Users I send External Transformer for FREE to use on 220/240 volts Good Look

User Manual – Sony Magnescale Inc Model A-109 FM Instrumentation Tape Recorder

Very rare and difficult to obtain, for instrumental use and scientific analysis

🔹 Introduction

The Sony A-109 is a high-precision open reel tape recorder designed for instrumentation, data acquisition, and scientific analysis. Unlike conventional audio tape decks, the A-109 is purpose-built for recording FM-modulated signals across 8 independent channels, with 10 selectable tape speeds ranging from ultra-slow to high-speed operation (1.5 cm/s to 152 cm/s). This unit was widely used in fields such as aerospace testing, university research, and industrial diagnostics.

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🔹 Technical Specifications

• Model: Sony A-109 FM Instrumentation Recorder

• Recording Format: FM (Frequency Modulation)

• Tracks: 8 independent FM channels

• Heads: 6 heads (likely including erase, record, playback, and auxiliary functions)

• Tape Speeds (10 total):

1.5, 1.9, 2.4, 3.8, 4.8, 9.5, 19, 38, 76, and 152 cm/sec

• Speed Selector: LED speed indicators + rotary selector knob

• Counter: Digital LED tape counter (precision control)

• Channel Inputs: BNC connectors per channel (AC/DC coupling selectable)

• Channel Outputs: Independent BNC outs, with variable level

• Input Control Per Channel:

• Level adjustment

• REC / OFF / DATA mode

• Offset and Zero calibration

• Output gain control

• Transport Controls:

• Play

• Record

• Stop

• Rewind

• Fast forward

• Arm (Record ready)

• Monitoring Section:

• Channel selector knob

• Level meter selector

• Headphone out (EAR / MONITOR)

• Mini jack and RCA outputs for monitoring

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🔹 Applications

The Sony A-109 was part of the Sony Instrumentation Series, developed for technical professionals and institutions that required accurate, synchronized multi-channel data recording. Typical applications included:

• Flight testing and aircraft telemetry

• Biomedical signal recording

• Seismic or geological monitoring

• Multi-sensor synchronization and playback

• Engineering development and R&D labs

• Audio experimentation with FM encoding

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🔹 Notable Features

• Designed for professional use in laboratories and field testing

• Exceptional build quality for durability and precision

• Compatible with wide tape reels (10.5”)

• Configurable for remote control operation

• Real-time monitoring and offset correction for each channel

• Ability to run at extremely slow or fast speeds depending on signal fidelity needs

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📌 Notes

• Power: Ensure compatibility with your voltage standard (check unit label)

• Maintenance: Heads must be cleaned regularly for accurate FM signal playback

• Tape Type: Use instrumentation-grade magnetic tape for optimal results

• Manual Calibration: Required before precision use—refer to service documentation if available