Abstract: A servo system is disclosed for accurately regulating velocity of a rotating drum, preferably for guiding a magnetic tape of a recording and reproducing system. The method and apparatus is characterized in that generation of a ramp signal is commenced in response to a first one of a series of tach signals provided at a rate proportional to the velocity of rotation of the drum, the ramp signal being interrupted for a predetermined time duration and thereafter recommenced, the ramp signal subsequently being monitored upon occurrence of a second tach signal in order to produce an error signal for adjusting velocity of the drum motor means and maintaining the proper drum velocity.

Abstract: A tape timer system is described for indicating the position of recording tape, moved longitudinally by a drive mechanism, relative to a tape head. Periodic first pulses are developed from the drive mechanism by a tachometer system and are used to operate a counter. The counter produces a series of sequences of count pulses, each count pulse being related to receipt of the first pulses. The phase of the count cycle of the counter is adjusted by comparing the phase of the first pulses with the phase of second pulses related to longitudinal spacing of recorded information on the tape (control track pulses). Information as to tape position is developed from the count pulse sequences which have been phase corrected as needed in accordance with the arrival of the second pulses.