Electromagnetism in VCR's

VCR's

          A VCR is an electromechanical device which records and plays back audio and video. These were made mainly to watch movies that had been previously recorded and occasionally to purchase to create your own videos. These were revolutionary for their time because it meant that people could now record shows and movies and broadcast them later instead of having to watch everything live. 

VCR's and Electromagnetism

          Electromagnetism is a crucial part of the recording process in VCR's. An electromagnet applies a magnetic flux to the oxide, the oxide then remembers the flux which creates an image. The electromagnet inside of the recorder is the size of a flattened pea. It is has an iron core that is wrapped with wire. While recording, an audio signal is sent through the wire to create a magnetic field. This magnetic field is what is used to create a signal in the coil which is amplified through speakers and becomes the sound. 

The two sprockets on the top help to spin the tape as well as playback, fast forward, and reverse. On the left is the bulk erase to clean the tape of signals before recording anything. In the middle is the record a playback head that contains two tiny electromagnets. On the right are the capstan and the pinch roller that helps the tape to be pulled across at the right speed which is 1.875 inches per second. The roller applies a pressure so that the tape is right up against the capstan