Synchrodek electronic film/tape synchroniser

Part of collection of amateur sound synchronising equipment: Synchrodek electronic film/tape synchroniser, 1975-1980.

One of the most successful devices that enabled amateurs to show their sound films was the Synchrodek, devised by the engineer Harry Garlick. This was connected to an 8mm projector and to a tape recorder and controlled the speed of the projector so that picture and sound maintained good synchronisation.. The earlier version was electro-mechanical but this is the last, fully electronic, version of the device. This detected differences in speed between recorder and projector, and automatically adjusted the variable resistor in the motor circuit to alter the speed of the projector.

Harry Garlick first licensed his idea to a photographic firm but was so dissatisfied with the standard of the equipment it produced, that he made and marketed the Syncrodek himself, trading as the Craven Instrument Company.