It was on ebay when I spotted this machine coming up the other day. Clearly visible is the missing lid closing mechanism, some cracks in the lid, as specified by the seller.
The photos showed a huge inwards dented right side when looked at closely. You don't see this in the above photo but it is the original ebay photo.
Read the story in html version
The html pages are just a gif output so the quality gets lost in favour for information.
However for those how would like to see detailed pictures should download the pdf version, which isn't here yet.
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The Nagra-IS Idioten Sicher is a machine with a different way to use it. Basically it literally means that even an idiot can operate this machine.
For the one who needs it, here's the Operating Manual
I do have the schematics of the machine but since I got them from the Kudelski company I will not post them here
If you are in need of them, first contact Kudelski (Nagra Switzerland) please. Chances are high you'll get them.
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The Nagra-IS is a bit of a strange breed in the Nagra family. This is the only portable recorder Kudelksi made with a three motor setup, brakes release function for easy editing
in test mode, and detachable power boxes. The motor setup is very similar to the QGB adapter, which is also a wonderful piece of engineering. In fact, it helped me solve a few
criteria to develop a motorized ABR adapter for my stellavox sp8.
...
There's a story about an interview with mr. Kudelski on the swedish site filmsoundsweden.se. From this interview there's an interesting detail which I wanted to share.
First of all the year of discussion is 1966(!)
"During this luncheon, Kudelski explained, in some detail, the evolution that is now taking place in his manufacture of recording equipment, His long-range objective is to provide
a recorder which will run for five years without service or trouble. On a still longer range basis. Mr. Kudelski described the new IS Recorder, which is even now in the start of
manufacture. The IS Recorder will incorporate all of the long life and reliability factors which are being incorporated in the Nagra 3D and Nagra 3L, plus a new motor and a
simplified control system. The new motor is driven by a closed loop servo system, somewhat similar to the earlier recorders. However, its new mechanical construction, greater
power, and lower starting inertia, should provide a better tape transport than any other equipment that has ever been manufactured.
The new IS will also have a modernized version of automatic gain control. Instruments of this type will also include all the features that are necessary for complete automation.
Models will include 1/4" stereo or multitrack 1/2" tape handling"
.... Wait a minute ....
Where is that half inch, multitrack version ? Or where is that quarter inch stereo version ?
Oh bly me: A "Three motor, Five-inch-reel, Quarter-inch-tape, Stereo, Portable machine that runs on 8 batteries"
Or: A "Three motor, Five-inch-reel, Half-inch-tape, Multitrack, Portable machine that runs on 8 batteries"
Argh!
....
I have never seen "von of zeese", heard of speaking, or knew of any existance.
There is space left inside to convert it into stereo. Retrofit to half inch ... Oww goodness what a nice dream. However, changing it into a stereo machine is not a dream.
This discussion proves that the IS had over 8 years to develop and truly is an other platform. Don't compare it with the IV and 4.2 series.
The two pound recorder .... perhaps the sn, which became available for the world a "little" later ?
It's in superb condition and it sounds absolutely wonderful !
July 27 2012 this particular Nagra IS with serial number 0702719 has been fully restored
"Only few know that this is a far better machine then everything we have produced before"