Abstract: A magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus with a drum positioning mechanism is provided. The drum positioning mechanism performs track correction to rotate a tape guide drum about a given axis of rotation according to a travel speed of a magnetic tape to orient a head path of magnetic heads at a given angle relative to a lead member which guides movement of a lower edge of the magnetic tape wrapped about the tape guide drum so that the head path coincides with tracks recorded on the magnetic tape correctly. The drum positioning mechanism also performs lead correction to rotate the lead member through a given angle relative to a drum base to eliminate a shift of the lower edge of the magnetic tape from the lead caused by the track correction so that the lower edge of the magnetic tape follows the lead completely. The magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus may also be employed in a recording mode.

Abstract: A device for detecting the position of a recording/reproducing element, which is provided with two position detecting elements having the same input/output characteristics and a device for generating a difference signal representing the difference between output signals of the two position detecting elements. Further, the outputs of the position detecting elements vary correspondingly to change in position of the recording/reproducing element in such a manner to be complementary to each other.

Abstract: A magnetic head actuator for displacing a magnetic head on a rotary magnetic head drum in a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus includes a hollow cylindrical yoke housing a permanent magnet and a central pole therein, providing a magnetic circuit having an air gap. A support shaft axially movably extends through the yoke and has opposite ends positioned outside of the yoke. A coil bobbin is attached to the end of the support shaft which is positioned outside of the open end of the yoke. The coil bobbin supports a coil which is axially movably positioned in the air gap. Two parallel resilient suspension support wings are mounted on the yoke and attached respectively to the opposite ends of the support shaft. A magnetic head holder supporting a magnetic head is mounted on the end of the support shaft near the bottom of the yoke.