You should not need a VXR console to read the tapes.
For starters, Varian Gemini consoles were based on the VXR architechture,
with similar tape drives. I recall reading tapes from a VXR onto the Gemini
system once without any problem. A gemini should be a little easier to find
still in existence than a VXR!
Also, it is possible, with some effort, to read the tape on any standard
Unix system equipped with the 1/4" tape drive. You will need access to a
program that reads the Varian-format tape, and dumps out data and text files
on the unix system. I recall reading a tape from a Gemini system onto an SGI
using this method, where the facilitating program had been supplied with a
version of the off-line processing software, Felix.
Once you have the data files on the unix system, then they need to be
converted into a format readable by whatever off-line software will be used
to process the data.
While finding 1/4" tape drives may be the hardest part, some of them still
do exist. GE Omega NMRs are equipped with drives, and a standard Sun unix
computer. Bruker AMX's also have these tape drives, but the non-standard
unix of the AMX console will probably prevent the succesful use of the
program that reads the Varian format tape. ANy old Sun or SGI lying around
should be able to read the tapes. So, that gives you a few options for
finding ta system with the tape drives.
I'm not sure where to find the software, however. (I did this ~ 7-8 years
ago). Steve Silber at Texas A+M Uni produced software for reading Varian
formatted 5 1/4" floppy disks on a standard PC, and may have also had a hand
in the methods for reading Varian formatted tapes.
Good luck,
Ross
> Dear AMMRL Members,
> A colleague here has asked me to post this question for him. Does anyone
> have access to the old 1/4 inch tape drives on Varian VXR systems. He has
> several tapes with data from a VXR 200, which he needs to read and process.
> The instrument is long gone and he can not find anyone locally (or in the
> state!) who still has a VXR.
>
> Thanks very much in advance for your help.
>
> Mazi.
> Mazi Sardashti, Ph.D.
> Phillips Petroleum Co.
-- Ross Mair Visiting Scientist Office Phone: (617) 495 7218 Harvard-Smithsonian Centre for Astrophysics Office Fax: (617) 496 7690 60 Garden St, MS 59, email: rmair@cfa.harvard.edu Cambridge, MA 02138 NMRlab Phone: (617) 278-0638 USA (at Brigham and Women's Hospital)