Auto Azimuth Alignment

For their best models, Nakamichi developed a unique Auto Azimuth Alignment system to insure perfect alignment on each and every cassette despite eccentricities in cassette housings.

• With Auto Azimuth Alignment, a precision phase comparator detects the misalignment error and activates a servo motor to pivot the record head until the error disappears. Within seconds, perfect azimuth alignment is achieved, and the full potential of the cassette system is realized.

  

• When in CAL, a 400 Hz, 0 dB sine wave is recorded on each channel. The play head reproduces the tones. Any misalignment of the record head causes the two signals to be out of step (phase error). A phase comparator detects this error. The polarity of the pulses indicates the direction in which the record head is misaligned; the width of the pulses is proportional to the degree of misalignment. The " error" is amplified and used to drive a servomotor in the proper direction to correct the alignment.

• The speed of the servomotor is reduced by a pulley and belt and causes a rack and pinion gear to rotate. This pivots a lever, which causes a wedge to move backward or forward adjusting the record head azimuth until perfect alignment has been achieved. Once the alignment is correct, the two signals are in perfect phase agreement and there is no "error" to drive the motor. The adjustment has been completed within 2 or 3 seconds! Precise recordings can now be achieved for the eccentricities of the particular cassette in use have been corrected!