Nov.2006 We now have a new Japanese made source that uses the same technology that was used by the obsolete 3M Blackwatch headcleaner which is recommended in the ADAT owner/service manuals. That being, concentrated dry cleaners embedded directly on normal video tape. This is the safest method to clean heads as it is no more dangerous/damaging than playing a regular VHS tape.
Aug2006 Update:
We have under 4 of the genuine Blackwatch VHS-C cleaner tapes. This would require a VHS-C adaptor to be used in an ADAT machine. A VHS-C adaptor can be had on Ebay for under about $20. Just do a search on Ebay for "vhs-c cassette adaptor" or similar. This adaptor was used 'back in the day' to play a camcorder tape that used the vhs-c format (c=compact vhs) in a standard VHS VCR. Therefore since the ADAT machines use stantard VHS sized tapes, this Blackwatch VHS-C will work fine with the aforementioned adaptor.
In the fall of 2006 we will start carrying a cleaner out of Japan that uses the same technology that 3m used in the Blackwatch type cleaners, that being super-concentrated dry cleaners embedded onto standard video tape with a video recording included.
July 2005 update:
For those of you looking for the BlackWatch headcleaner tape recommended for the VHS Alesis ADAT digital audio recorder units, the only solution left is the Scotch brand headcleaner also made by 3M. It has the exact same tape as the Black Watch just less of it! The BlackWatch line has been totally discontinued some time ago. You will received the same tape inside the cassette, but it will say Scotch VHS head cleaner on it. The tape currently being sold says "good for about 30 head cleanings".
Previously Released info:
Recommended for ADAT recorders!
As a servicer of Camcorders and VCRs since 1992 AVCR Electronics only recommends Scotch (consumer quality) or BLACK WATCH (industrial quality) head cleaner tapes, both made by 3M. These tapes are the only ones that have dry cleaners embedded onto actual video tape inside the cassette, rather than an abrasive cloth which we have seen damage or even destroy costly video heads by 'snagging' the brittle head tip with the non-video tape head cleaners and snapping it off. Your VCR is only designed to have video tape run through it!
The 3M® BLACK WATCH head cleaner has been rated #1 by NESDA, the National Electronics Dealers Association, which is the trade organization for consumer electronics servicers. "The ONLY head cleaner endorsed nationwide by the National Electronics Service Dealers Association."
Because 3M® head cleaners use real video tape they have a recording on them allowing you to see if/when your heads become unclogged without having to remove the head cleaner and insert another tape to determine if the head cleaner has solved the problem. We sell only the Blackwatch version which was good for up to 400 cleanings, originally but recently 3M quietly reduced the length of the tape by up to 75% and it now says "Good for over 100 cleanings". We are not happy about this. If you would like to contact 3M the info on the package is: 888-221-5048 innovation@mmm.com
