The "A" variation of the 711 chassis utilizes a robust metal cassette loading mechanism. It is a capture type loader that is built to take lots of use and punishment. It is only used in the SLO-1800 because this VCR is a full scale production duplicator intended to accept lots and lots of cassettes. It had to be virtually indestructible to be worth what it cost. Operation is its forté and it shows. It is the only machine that lets an operator insert a cassette (capture) in just part way then detain it. This allows them to be staged prior to completing the loading and threading cycle. This ability speeds up production and insures proper loading every time. To be extra durable sturdy stamped metal is used for the cage assembly with polystyrene plastic cladding in the trackways. The slippery plastic ensures smooth travel of the loading pins and slides. Large heavy duty drive gears and metal pegs are used in critical areas. A special motor with a slack drive assembly operates this loader. This gains inertia before engaging the driving assembly. This ensures that the cassette tray glides in and down then out smoothly time after time. In a production environment this capture loader allows an array of remotely controlled machines to be staged with cassettes. For example ten machines could be partially loaded then instructed to complete the process in unison. This promotes uniformity, speeds up production and exercises control. Tape path threading is motor operated using a rubber belt driving a gearbox. The reel table utilizes dual pancake motors for unwavering tension and speed control of the tape. The entryway door is hinged from the top and swings in upward. A unique photo cell detection system is used to verify that the tape has been positioned correctly into the threading area before tape travel can begin. The 711A uses a video drum that is also unconventional. Its video heads are located inside a platter rather than on an internal disk (like all the other Betas). It is the same diameter as the stationary drum and has two opposing openings for the video heads to protrude through. They are the high frequency single gap type (for long life) with capacitors located in the wiring on the center hub. These are there to protect the video heads from electrical static, power bursts and voltage spikes. To go to the SLO-1800 in the browser click here. To see a list of the various 711 chassis types used during the life of Beta click here. ©Misterßetamax go to homepage