RECORDERS

A recorder is a measuring instrument that displays a time varying signal in form

easy to examine,even after the original signal has created to exist
Two types of recording devices
(i) Analog recorders (A) Graphic (b) Oscillographic (C) Magnetic Tape
(ii) Digital recorders
Magnetic tape recorders
Major aqdvantage of using a magnetic tape recorder is that once the data is
recorded ,it can be replayed an almost indefinite no. of times . the recording period
may vary from a few minutes to several days.
Basic Components
(i) Recording head-
(ii) Magnetic head
(iii) Reproducing head
(iv) Tape transparent mechanism
(v) Conditioning devices

Working
 The tape head consists of a ring of soft magnetic material, called the core,
with a small gap in it.
A coil is wound around the core. The tape travels over the gap in the core.
During recording, an audio signal causes current to flow through the coil
producing a magnetic field in the gap, as shown by the blue lines of force in
the diagram.
As the audio signal varies in amplitude and frequency so does the magnetic
field.
The tape consists of a plastic film coated with a material that is magnetized
by the field as it passes over the gap.
As the magnetic field varies in strength so does the magnetism stored on the
tape.
During playback the tape passes over the same head. (it is called the
record/playback head).
This time the magnetism stored on the tape induces a voltage in the head
coil.
This voltage is amplified and used to drive a loudspeaker.

Advantages
It has wide frequency ranges from DC to several MHz.

They have a low distortion.

The magnitude of the electrical input signal is stored in magnetic memory .

The recorded signal is immediately available with no time lost.

When the information has been processed, the tape can be erased and
reused to record a new set of data.
It permits multi-channel recording.

Application
Data recording and analysis on missiles,aircrafts and staellites
Communication surveillance and spying
Recording of strss,vibration and noise