Would this be possible? (Q4/Q8 Hardware)

[JonUrban]

Could you take the playback head from a CR-80D-SS AKAI Quad 8 track player, and install it in an AKAI GX-270D-SS (for example) quad reel player?

Of course, you would have to route the 4 active channels to 4 of the 8 "tracks" on the 8 track head. Of course, this would only allow playing one "side" of the 8 track tape.

However, if you installed a 4 pole switch, you could then switch from the first set of 4 channels in the Q8 head to the opposite 4 channels.

Is this doable? @: @: @: @:

 

[QuadBob]

Could you take the playback head from a CR-80D-SS AKAI Quad 8 track player, and install it in an AKAI GX-270D-SS (for example) quad reel player?

Of course, you would have to route the 4 active channels to 4 of the 8 "tracks" on the 8 track head. Of course, this would only allow playing one "side" of the 8 track tape.

However, if you installed a 4 pole switch, you could then switch from the first set of 4 channels in the Q8 head to the opposite 4 channels.

Is this doable? @: @: @: @:

Doable?? Yes. Worthwhile??? No.

I think you have a misconception about the Akai Q8 head. It only has four pickups (the same as the "stock" heads in the GX-270D-SS). So, the real problem is the 4 pickups "spacing" on the head. The stock GX's four pickups are spaced for four channels on 1/4 inch tape. The CR-80D-SS's four pickups are spaced for the 8-tracks on 1/4 inch tape found on Q8s.

To do this the best way, you would need TWO Q8 heads. Installing one in place of the "playback" head on the GX-270, and the other in place of the "record" head. Then align each head to either program 1 or 2 of the Q8 tape. Then you would use the switch as you mentioned to select which head you're listening to.....program 1 or 2. The GX-270D-SS would now be strictly a "playback" deck, as you would lose the recording capability and head.

This has been done by others.....but usually using lesser model Q8 decks and/or reel decks (I seem to remember someone using an Akai 1800DSS deck for this).

I've got all the parts.......but no time as usual!@: Someday maybe!!

QB