TRACK CONFIGURATIONS

The term single-track recording indicates that only one track is being recorded on the tape. We might have a dual-track tape, but if only one track were utilised, it would be a single-track recording.

The width of standard reel-tape is ¼ inch (250 mils.). Usually single-track recordings do not cover the entire width of the tape. If they did, we might not be able to erase the tape completely. Thus single-track recording widths usually vary anywhere from 0.118 to 0.245 in (118 to 245 mils), whereas the erase track is always about 0.006 in (6 mils) wider. If both the record and erase tracks were exactly alike in width, any misalignment would prevent complete erasure. Also by making the erase track wider we make sure that any ...

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