Demagnetizer

[Aaron Bates]

It's funny that I searched this forum using various forms of the word demagetizer (ing, ed, etc) and only one result came back. So i picked up a demagnetizer (for my Elmo ST-600) from Steve Osborne and I was told to touch the sound heads 10 - 15 times and that's it. I assume unplug the projector first. Anyone do anything different? I know with audio tape heads you don't actually touch the heads but hover closely. I also googled demagnetizer + super 8mm projector and other various searches and I was surprised that nothing really popped up (even youtube) in terms of how-to. Seems like for someone getting into this hobby this particular piece of the puzzle could use more readily available info. I would have thought there would be a youtube video on it by now. Thanks for any and all replies. P.S. I met Steve yesterday and got to spend some time watching films and chatting with him and others. Had a really enjoyable evening.

[Maurice Leakey]

Aaron
Do these instructions help you?
Tape head demagnetiser - UK - £3.00 | Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum

[Steven J. Kirk]

Make sure the amp is off and certainly DO NOT be wearing headphones. The demagnetising of the heads causes a huge sound if amp is left on. No kidding.

[Steve Klare]

I have one, and have never noticed a spectacular difference using it. I rotate machines in and out of service and demagnetization is part of the routine when one is coming back in. (It's all of 30 seconds end to end, so why wouldn't I?)

It can be a useful troubleshooting tool. If you energize the sound circuit and carefully approach the head (-never any closer than an inch away), you get a bass tone if the circuit is working. If for example the problem is the stripe isn't being pressed down on the head, this might give a clue. It would also help check out an external sound circuit.

[Nick Regan]

The official name for thes tools are "Deguasing tools / guns" used for demagnatising sound heads and other electronc / electric equipment. A search on the net willl come up with lots of info on thier use etc..



Nick

[Mike Newell]

I think you hover but try not to touch the sound-heads. Bit like the game Operation or Buckaroo. They were flavour of the month Derann must have acquired thousands of them. I did notice a bit of difference in sound. I kept my projector plugged in when doing task as it added to the excitement so you heard the buzz through amplifier speakers. Never used headphones. Was part of the old maintenance programme with cotton buds and surgical spirit or alcohol 🍺 no not that type.🤪