[SBE] used equipment wanted

[Vinny Lopez]

I received this from Jay Ballard at ABC in NY.  Posting it on his behalf.


Recently, a group of serious broadcast equipment collectors has 
established a museum in Rhode Island with the aim of preserving the 
hardware used in our industry.  The emphasis is on North American 
produced studio equipment, but there is some European and a lot of 
Japanese gear in our archive.  It is mostly RCA, Ampex, with some 
DuMont, but presently no GE. Recently, 503 (1) (c) non-profit status has 
been granted by the IRS.  The website is www.wmbt.org 
<http://www.wmbt.org/>, although the pictures have not yet been 
updated.  We do not yet have a public occupancy permit, as that requires 
ADA compliance, etc, and the principals all have day jobs.

We have been unsuccessful in seeking some key items that we believe 
played a key role in television broadcast history.  Among them are an 
RCA TR-70 2" VTR, RCA TCR-100 videcassette machine,and an Ampex ACR-25 
video cassette machine.  Also a GE color camera, such as a PE-250, 350, 
or 400, with CCU. Norelco PC-70 CCUs are needed.  Also any parts for 
RCA, Ampex, Conrac, Norelco and GE studio gear. A small 
transmitter/exciter (under 1 KW) should be on our radar screen.  As we 
are located in the Northeast, reasonable proximity to the Museum is 
desirable, but for rare items, there would be no restriction on pickup. 

My point in writing to you is to ask if you could enlist the assistance 
of SBE chapter chairs, via email, to assist in our search, or whatever 
other means that you suggest.  Again, we are strictly non-profit and our 
goal is to establish a repository for the broadcast equipment industry, 
especially the domestic segment. One goal is to demonstrate for future 
generations that equipment was made in the US, and the industry did not 
begin with offshore Asian suppliers  in the 80s.

I realize that the last thing during the tumultuous DTV transition that 
a Chief needs is a group of collectors pestering them, but it may be the 
ideal time, as Tx sites will be cleaned out.

With best wishes,

Jay Ballard