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Reel-to-Reel Wire Recorder

American History Museum

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International media Interoperability Framework
IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more.
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  • Amplifier, front
  • Amplifier, side
  • Amplifier, back
  • Amplifier, side
  • Amplifier, top
  • Amplifier, bottom

    Object Details

    maker

    Lear, Inc.

    Description (Brief)

    In 1945 William Lear purchased a license from the Armour Research Foundation and made wire recorders like this “Dynaport” unit. The Dynaport combined a wire recorder with a disk record player. The user could play records and make a wire recording of the contents. Users could also connect the Dynaport with a radio and record programs off the air.
    The Dynaport did not sell well and Lear turned his attention to other products like small business jets. Years later he redesigned a tape cartridge system and became a driving force in the introduction of 8-track tape players for automobiles.
    This unit includes the recorder, a power amplifier, five spools of recording wire, an empty container for a spool of wire (mounted on the machine), two recording heads, a recording arm, a recording microphone with stand, and a bag of loose parts and tools. Box reads "WR105A".Also included are the owner's manual, wiring schematics for both the recorder and the amplifier, technical information for the recording arm and head, and advertising sheets.

    Location

    Currently not on view

    Credit Line

    from John R. and Helen E. Payne

    date made

    ca 1948

    date ordered, given, or borrowed

    1981-01-15

    ID Number

    1984.0901.01

    accession number

    1984.0901

    serial number

    175

    catalog number

    1984.0901.01

    Object Name

    wire recorder
    recording device

    Other Terms

    wire recorder; Audio Devices

    Physical Description

    plastic (part material)
    metal (recorder material)
    felt (part material)
    glass (part material)

    Measurements

    recorder: 22 cm x 38.5 cm x 36 cm; 8 11/16 in x 15 3/16 in x 14 3/16 in
    power amplifier: 17 cm x 17 cm x 37.5 cm; 6 11/16 in x 6 11/16 in x 14 3/4 in

    location of prior holder

    United States: California

    See more items in

    Work and Industry: Electricity
    Magnetic Recording
    Communications

    Data Source

    National Museum of American History

    Metadata Usage

    CC0

    Link to Original Record

    https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a5-3249-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

    Record ID

    nmah_713623

    Discover More

    Truman holds up newspaper with headline Dewey Defeats Truman

    1948: A Year in the Colletions

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