IS THIS A WIND-UP? |
A CLOCKWORK
SOUND RECORDER - From Reg Sutton’s Collection | 
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The Maihak Reportofon MMK3 magnetic tape recorder was a self-powered machine designed for simple operation completely independent of the electrical mains power. It fitted in an elegant leather case which could be carried by handle or shoulder strap. A single five position switch, located below the handle, controlled both tape mechanism and amplifier. The tape transport was driven by a powerful double wound governed spring motor, and the three midget valve amplifier by dry batteries. |
The recording level was controlled by three fixed settings - (1) maximum gain, full frequency (2) gain attenuated by 9dB, full frequency (3) gain attenuated by 9dB with 400Hz HP filter. HT and LT batteries could be checked by a voltmeter mounted on the front panel which also had output terminals for reproduction. The case lid was subdivided with the upper half covering the front plate, and the lower half, the amplifier and batteries. For lip synch the Maihak pilot system accepted a pilot frequency signal from a generator on the camera. | 
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SPECIFICATIONS:Double wound governed spring motor Maihak pilot frequency system LT dry cells - 1.5V load l5OmA HT dry cells - 100V record load 5mA
replay load 3mA Size - 320 x 240 x 115mm Frequency response 60-6500 Hz, linear
with max deviation +- 2dB
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During my career I often worked for Mining Review, films made of and for the Coal industry by Data Films. The spring driven Maihak Reportofon MMK3 was the only recorder allowed underground as safety regulations barred the use of electric motors on cameras or recorders. The spring driven Maihak with its pilot tone system was used in conjunction with a spring driven Newman Sinclair 35mm camera suitably fitted with pilot generator. The pictures shown here are of the Maihak in my collection of vintage sound equipment. REG SUTTON |
