HISTORY:
Oh my! An old Archer video enhancer from the 1980's I seem to recall and intended for the domestic market where the video or audio signals may be a little low and in need of amplification and create a 'pseudo' video sharpness ability. I 'think' we had this while experimenting with old Beta and VHS machines, transferring tapes between machines. None of the 'fancy' features such as you could expect from a professional video interface system but it does the job within it's design limits.
ARCHER (USA) - Analog Audio & Video Enhancer
Made in Taiwan under licence
Model: 15-1955A
2x audio channels (left & right)
1x analog composite video channel
Runs off a 12V DC supply, the power pack (not an Archer) is supplied with the Enhancer
All plastic case - no metalwork
Front controls are about as basic as you can get i.e AUDIO GAIN & VIDEO ENHANCE
Rear ports are the audio 2x channel inputs, 1x video input, 2x channel outputs and 1x video output
All of these ports are RCA female connectors
The only other socket on the rear panel is for the DC plugpack
TESTING:
Worked 40 years ago! but that was then and this is now ... so I connected an old video source to my old video monitor (I have a LOT of old things here!) and yes, it still works fine on both audio and video
The DC supply only requires 100mA so the plug pack is way over rated at 2A capable (switchmode type) but this will in no way affect the performance anyway.
TECHIE BOFFINS INFO...
Inside this 'hi tech' beast is a number (actually 4) Hitachi 2SH945P small signal transistors and 1x 2N2906 (in the video amplifier)
All components are discrete, through-hole, this is well before the days of ic's
The PCB is single-sided
I have seen online that some folks like the play around with these old enhancers to create weird and wonderful video effects, I think they call it circuit bending.
COSMETIC CONDITION:
USED
CLEAN
Practically unmarked casing and front/rear panels
All labelling is clear and easy to read
Knobs are both pristine
RCA sockets at the rear are clean and not oxidised
DC Plug pack is actually new, old stock
Just ONE MINOR ISSUE ... One of the base 'button feet' is missing so it sits on three feet at the moment and still remains quite stable. The button feet are easy to get, these are type which are like small circles of foam material with one side being adhesive.
Nice little unit that does its design function fine, just don't expect too much from such a box. Since my photo taking, description write-up and testing I have now placed this unit along with the plug pack into a sealed clear plastic package ready for someone to use with THEIR old video equipment.
