Howard Photofact Columbia 461 User manual

PnoToFACT* FolJ"* COLUMBIA
MODEL 461
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PLAY
RECORD
CONTROL
FAST
FORWARD
tvltKE
INPUT
RADIO
PHONO
INPUT
VOTUME
CONTROT
TONE
CONTROT
FAST
R,EWIND
RECORD
TEVEL
INDICATOR
OUTPUT
JACK
AC
RECEPTACTE
Figure 1
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Columbia Model 461 Tape Recorder is designed to record and play back two tracks
of material on standard width recording tape, which doubles the playing time of a reel of tape
with no loss of frequency response or quality. Recordings can be made from a radio, television
receiver or phonograph, in addition to those made directly from the microphone. Recordings
canbeplayed back through the self-contained speaker or an external speaker through use of the
Output Jack.
Model 461 is designed for a tape velocity of 7 lf 2" per second. Using both channels of
the tape, the recording time is as follows:
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Size ReeI
5" (600 ft.)
?" (1200 ft. )
This recorder is designed to operate
Speed 7 tf2,,
t/2 hour
t hour
on 60 cycle, 110-120 volts, AC supply only.
CAUTION: Severe Damage WilI Result If Connection Is Made To A Direct Current (DC) Line.
Manufactured by:
Columbia Records
?99 Seventh Avenue
New York, N.Y.
fhis moterial compiled ond published by
SAmS & CO., lNC., INDIANAPOIlS,
Copyright 1956 . All Righrs Reserved
IIATE 5 - 5O
INDIANA
srT 315
HOWARD w.
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SPECIFICATIONS
Controls: On-Off Tone, VoIume, Record-playback,
Fast Forward, Fast Rewind.
Tubes: 12AUTA, l2A){7,6V6GT, 6Xb.
Frequent Response: 65 to 10,000 cycle per second.
Power Requirements: 110-120 volts - 60 cycle A.C.
only @ 70 watts.
Power Output: 2 watts undistorted - 3 watt maximum.
Inputs: Mike - 1 Meg.Imp., Radio-Phono. 5 Meg.Imp.
Output: Int. 5" Speaker, Ext. 3.2f1 Speaker, Ext. 1
Meg.Imp" for Ext. Amp. or Monitor in record.
Bias & Erase Frequency: 50KC.
OPE RATING INSTRUC TIONS
Threading The Tape-
1. Place a reel of tape on the right reel plate
(2A)andan empty reel on the left reel plate (28) mak-
ing sure the reel slots engage the pins on the reel
plates.
2. Unwind about 10" of tape from the reel. Hold
asectionof thetape straight with both hands and insert
the tape in the tape slot making sure the dull coated
side faces the rear of the recorder.
Page 2
2
3. Insert the free end of the tape into one of the
three radial slots in the hub of the empty reel. Turn
the reel several turns, clockwise, until the tape is
secured to the reel and all slack is taken up between
reels.
To Record From Microphone-
1. Turn the On-Off Tone Control clockwise until
a click is heard and allow about thirty seconds for the
tubes to warm up.
2. Insert the microphone plug into the "Mike"
jack.
3. Depress the play-record control knob (3) as
far as it wiII go, turn clockwise until it locks while
holding it down.
4. HoId the microphone about six inches from
your mouth and speak in a normal voice. Adjust the
"Volume" control until t h e record level indicator
flashes on the loudest sounds.
NOTE: Correct recording volume is very important.
Too weak a signal, which does not cause the
record level indicator to flash, will result in
weak playback and high background noise.
Too strong a signal, causing the level indicator
to flash continuously, will result in distortion
during playback.
To Record From Radio-
Recordings from
of three ways:
a radio may be made by one

Figure 3
1. Place the microphone about 6" to 12" in front
of the radio speaker. Turn the radio volume control
to a normal level. Setting it too high wiII cause dis-
tortion. Turn the radio t o n e control to maximum
treble. Set the recording level and proceed with
recording as described under "To Record From
Microphone". This type of recording may not be sat-
isfactory as other sounds may be picked up by the
microphone which as a result wiII be recorded on the
tape.
2. Have a shielded cable made up with a two
conductor phone plug on one end and two alligator
clips on the other end. Connect the alligator clips
across the voice coil terminals on the radio speaker
and insert the cord plug into the "Radio-Phono" jack.
Set the radio volume and tone controls as described
above. Set the reqording level and proceed as des-
cribed under "To Record From Microphone".
3. Have a shielded cable with a two conductor
phone plug on one end and the other end connected
across the radio volume control. Insert the phone
plug into the "Radio-Phono" jack. Set the recording
Ievel and proceed with the recording as described
under "To Record From Microphone." The position
of the radio volume and tone controls has no effect
on this setup and may be set anywhere.
To Record From Phonograph-
1. If the phonograph being used has a phone type
plug on the pickup leads, insert it into the "Radio-
Phono" jack. Set the recording level and proceed with
the recording as described under "To Record From
Microphone".
which is more common, an adaptor is needed. Insert
the pin plug into the adaptor and plug the adaptor into
the "Radio-Phono" jack.
To Record From Television Receiver-
1. Use one of the three methods described under
"To Record From Radio" and proceed with the record-
ing as described under "To Record From Microphone".
Dual Track R6cording-
The Columbia is designed so that only one-half
the tape width is recorded at a time; thereby resulting
in two track recording. This two track operation is
accomplished in the following manner:
1. After a reel of tape has been recorded, i.€.
aII of the tape wound on to the tape-up reel, turn the
play-record control (3) to idle.
2. Remove the reels from the recorder, turning
the full reel over and placing it on the right reel plate
(2e) and the empty reel on the left reel plate (2B).
3. Properly thread the tape and proceed with the
recording.
4. After this track has been recorded the first
track of recording is ready to be played without rewind-
ing, by reversing the reels as described in step 2
above.
Fast Forward And Fast Rewind-
High speed forward or
by pressing the desired knob
reverse can be obtained
(4A or 48) toward the
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2. Ifthe phonograph has a standard pin type plug
Page 3

head cover. Movement of these controls will wind the
tape on the desired reel at a high speed as long as the
control is held in this position. These are used pri-
marily in locating a desired portion of a recording in
a few seconds.
CAUTION: Do not attempt "Fast Forwardt'or "Fast
Rewind" with the play-record control (3)
on anything but idle position, as damage
to the unit or breaking of the tape may
result.
Braking-
The Columbia is equipped with a quick stop
when in high speed, either direction. Move both "Fast
Forward"and "Fast Rewind" controls toward the head
cover and then release both at the same time. For
example: when in fast forward speed, continue to hold
control and with the other hand move "Fast Rewind"
control toward head cover. When machine stops,
release both controls at the same time. If a coasting
stop is desired, release control in motion and tape
will glide to a momentum stop.
To Plav A Recordins-
1. Thread tape as described under 'Threading
The Tape".
2. Turn play-record control (B) clockwise without
depressing until it locks.
3. Adjust the "Volume" and ,Tone" controls for
desired listening level.
To Use An External Speaker-
1. You may want to use a larger speaker than
the one in the recorder. To do this you wiII need a
three conductor phone plug connected as shown in
sketch.
2. Plug this into the Output jack and play the
recorder thru the external speaker. The internal
speaker is cut off.
CAUTION: Do not connect three conductor plug into
Output jack without external speaker
attached; as damage to the output tube,
transformer, and "Tone Control" may
result.
To Edit And Splice Tape -
NOTE: Since it is impossible to edit and splice one
track without affecting the other, recordings
which are to be edited should be limited to
one track only,
1. Thetapemaybeedited by cutting out unwanted
portions, or by joining selections into another
sequence. Announcements may be inserted between
selections, etc. Unusedsections of tape can be spliced
together for re-use.
2. Forbestresul.ts, cut tape at a slight diagonal,
join ends together with splicing tape on the glossy
side and trim off any excessive width.
Page 4
Erasing Recorded Material-
In the record position any recording on the tape
is automatically erased before a new recording is put
on the tape. If it is desired to erase a recording
without putting anything on the tape follow the normal
recording procedure, but leave the "Volume" control
set at its extreme counterclockwise position.
To Use As A Public Address System-
1. Insert the microphone plug into the "Iladio-
Phono" jack.
2. Leave the play-record control (3) in idle
position.
3. Speak into the microphone and adjust the
"Volume" and ilTonet' controls for desired level.
4. Do not have the microphone too close to the
speaker or a feedback howl will result.
ADJUSTMENTS
Removing Unit From Case-
All service work except cleaning of the head
and pressure roller and adjustment of the head and
pressure pad assembly require removal of the unit
from the carrying case.
1. To remove unit from carrying case, dis-
connect power cord and remove the four phillips head
screws from bottom of case and carefully lift unit
straight up and out.
Spindle (9A and 98) End Play Adjustments-
The spindles should have from L/32,, to L/I6,,
of up anddownmovement. Loosen the set screw in the
pulley (36 or 4?) and move the pulley up or down until
the correct amount of end play is obtained.
Tape Up And Feed ReeI Drag Adjustment-
When t}te play-record control (3) is released,
the reels should stop right away to prevent looping of
the tape. Also when in fast forward or rewind and the
control is released the reels should coast to a stop
witlout looping the tape. The stop arms on the motor-
board (point ttBt'i on exploded view) that the take-up
and feed reel arms (31 and 52) rest against when tfie
tape is not moving are what govern this. The stop
armsshouldbe bent to forcethetake-up reel arm (b2)
and the feed reel arm (31) over for enough to take up
enough belt tension so that the spindles just start to
revolve without the reels in place. The play-reeord
control (3) should be in its extreme counterclockwise
position when making this adjustment. With the reels
in place the spindles should not revolve. If one or the
other dose, force the stop arm (point "8" on exploded
view) over until it stops revolving.
Lifter Arm (16) Adjustment-
This adjusts the distance that the contact strip
on the play-record switch will move when going into
the record position. If an adjustment is necessary,

Figure 4
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depress and turn the play-record control (3) clock-
wise. Loosen the set screw in the Iifter arm (16) and
rotate control knob (3) to the left or right to center
the contact strip with the contacts on the left end of
the switch. Make sure lifter arm (16) is down as far
as it will go and tighten its set screw.
Play-Record-Erase Head Adjustment-
It is very important that the head (8) be lined
up perfectly with the tape. If it is not, Iow output,
Ioss of high frequencies, or track overlap may result.
If head (8) requires replacement the complete assembly
comprised of head (8) and head holder (7) should be
replaced. The head holder (?) is adjusted individually
to each head (8) and sealed at the factory. When
installing head (8) observe the following precautions:
1. One is the head height. This is set by placing
a .1?9" gauge (between llf64" anO 3/16") near the
mounting bracket and between base plate (25) and
bottom of head holder (7). Push down on head (8) and
tighten screw (26). Withdraw gauge.
2. The second adjustment is for output and fre-
quency response. To make this adjustment a tape
on which a 3000 cycle note has been recorded by a
unit known to be in good operating condition will be
required. Connect an output meter or an A.C. volt-
meter across the speaker voice coil of the unit to be
adjusted. While playing back the 3000 cycle note tape,
pivot head (8) back and forth on mounting screw (26)
until maximum amplitude on output meter is achieved.
Make sure that head (8) has not changed its height.
If a3000cyclenote tape cannot be made, use a record-
ing with high note content and make the adjustment
described above.
3. Track overlaprthis should be checked by first
making a recording on a blank tape with the unit being
checked. Do not rewind the tape, but merely reverse
the reels and playback the other track. There should
be no sound but, if what is heard is backwards, there
is track overlap. Tocorrect this, it will be necessary
to adjust the tape guide on side of head holder (7) by
bending it upwards. This should move the tracks
further apart.
NOTE: When ordering a replacement head, be sure
to get the complete assembly of head, plug
and bracket. The bracket is adjusted to the
individual head and sealed at the factory.
AIso, when ordering a replacement motor,
be sure to get the complete assembly of
motor, pulley and plug. The pulley is turned
down on the individual motor and is not
interchangeable.
Hum Balance Adjustment-
If tube Vl or V2 is replaced or the head changed
the setting of the hum balance pot (R3) should be
checked. To do this, connect an external speaker to
the unit as described under "To Use An External
Speaker". Connect an A.C. voltmeter with a .1 volt
A.C. scale across the speaker voice coil. Turn the
"Volume" and "Tone" controls glockwise. Place the
play-record control (3) in "Play" position. Put the
Page 5

A PHOTOFACT "EXPLODED' VIE\T
@ Howard W. S.rs & Co., lnc. 1956
Figure 5A. Exploded View OfParts A@
Page 6

A PHOTOFACT "EXPLODED' VIE\T
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Figure 58. Exploded View Of Parts Below Baseplate.
Page 7

lzAUTA I?AX7 6X5GT 6V6GT
Top View Of Amp. Chassis,
Bottom View Of Amp. Chassis.
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-\
A.C. meter on the .1 volt scale and adjust the hum
pot. (R3), which is located between tubes V1 and V2
ontopof the chassis, toits minimum reading. It should
notexceed.l volt. This isthe only adjustment required
in the amplifier.
LUBRICATION
The Iubricants applied at time of manufacture
shouldbe sufficient for a long period of time. Approx-
imately once a year, or in the event that parts are
replaced, Iubricate the unit as follows:
With No. 20 Motor Oil-
1. Take-up reel arm (52) bushing.
2. Feed reel arm (31) bushing.
3. Spindle (9A and 9B) bearings.
4. Flywheel (41) bearings.
With Staput No. 312 Grease Or Lubriplate-
1. Pressure plate (19) at the slide button and
the guide on the right side.
2. On the stud of the lifter arm (16).
CAUTION: Do not oil the motor bearings unless
absolutely necessary as excess oil will
only be thrown off and cause slipping of
the pulleys and rollers. Always use as
little oil as possible. If oil should get on
the pulleys and rollers wipe off with a
petroleum solvent, such as alcohol. Do
not use carbon-tetrachloride.
TROUBLES
Won't Take Up Tape Properly-
1. Spindle (9A) binding.
(a) Lubricate.
2. Belt (44) slipping.
(a) Clean motor pulley and pulley (4?).
3. Belt (44) broken.
(a) Remove bracket (42) and replace belt.
4. Set screrv loose in pultey (4?).
(a) tighten and leave L/32" to 1,/16" end
play in spindle.
5. PuIIey (4?) broken.
(a) Replace pulley.
Fast Forward Won' t F.u_rylglelgpgllX-
1. See above except for step 2.
Fast Rewind Won't Fun:.!!sl_Prepe4y-
1. Spindle (9A or 98) binding.
2. Belt (43) slipping.
(a) Clean motor pulley and pulley (36).
3. Belt (43) broken.
(a) Remove bracket (42) and replace belt.
4. Set screw loose in putley (36).
(a) tighten and leave l/32" to 1/16" end
play in spindle.
5. Pulley (36) broken.
(a) Replace pulley.
Speed Variation Or Wow-
1. Slippage
(a) Clean motor pulley, flywheel and capstan
(41) andpressureroller (12) wittr a petroleum
solvent, not carbon-tetracholoride. Replace
rubber rollers if they appear oil soaked.
2, To much feed reel drag.
(a) Chect<adjustment as described under
"Take-Up And Feed Reel Drag Adjustment".
3. Flat spot on rubber roller (12).
(a) A rapid thumping sound while the unit is
running may indicate a flat spoton the rubber
tire. If this condition does not clear up after
several minutes of running time replace the
ro11er.
(b) Ii tne surface of the rubber roller is not
smooth and even, replace the part.
(c) Should the bearings on the rollers show
signs of excessive wear or be extremely
wobbly, the rollers should be replaced.
4. Tight feed of take-up spindle (9A or 98).
(a) Ctrect adjustment as described under
"Spindle End Play Adjustment".
(b) Lubricate.
5. Tight pressure roller (12).
(a) Lubricate.
6. Tight flywheel shaft (41).
(a) Lubricate.
Tape Creeps Out Of Slot-
1. Head (8) improperly adjusted.
(a) "See" Play-Record-Erase Head Adjust-
ment."
CLEANING
The record playback head (8), capstan shaft and
pressure roller (12) are subject to an accumulation of
tape coating residue, which is worn off the tape as it
passes these parts. This can cause distortion, weak
output and poor erasure. Use a soft cloth and alcohol
to cleanthe bead surfaces; capstanand pressure roller.
Page 10

7
MECHANICAL PARTS LIST
Ref .
No.
Part
No. Description
Ref"
No"
Part
No" Description
1
2L
2B
3
4A
4B
5
6
7
I
9A
9B
10
11
t2
13
t4
15
16
1?
18
19
20
2l
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
460162
310314
3103 14
3 10300
3 10299
310299
012498
3 10301
01 131 1
011319
011319
4601 1 1
580143
01 1236
600243
200288
012328
012329
600247
01 1316
012381
420174
580141
420111
460018
580141
012325
60013?
580056
420109
Reel Holder Retainer
Feed Reel Holder
Take Up Reel Holder
Play-Record Knob
Fast Rewind Knob
Fast Forward Knob
Top Plate
Volume & Tone Knobs
Head Holder (Part Of Head)
Head (inc. 7)
Take Up Reel Spindle
Feed Reel Spindle
Pressure Roller Retainer
Cloth Washer
Pressure Roller
Screw #6-32 x 1/4" (3)
Slide Button (3)
Pressure Roller Arm
Lifter Arm
Set Screw
Pressure Shoe, Inc. Felt Pads
Pressure Plate
Capstan Pressure Spring
Washer
Pressure Plate Spring
Shaft & Flywheel Retainer
Washer
Base Plate
Retains Head Screw
Washer
Record Release Spring
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
4l
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
100660
01 1?23
01 1 330
420t'r3
580156
4601 10
600247
01131?
011692
011321
580141
49008?
01 1694
01 173S
490089
490089
580056
600256
01 131?
100809
200288
600243
420161
01 1 329
420t72
580156
4601 1 0
460117
60011 1
Control Shaft Bracket
Control Shaft
Rewind Arm
Rewind Arm Brake Spring
Washer
Retainer
Set Serew
Feed Reel Pulley
Motor, 115V, 60 Cycle, Inc, Pulley,
Cable & Plug.
Fan
Washer
Rubber Belt
Flywheel & Shaft Assembly
Motor Mounting Bracket
Feed Reel Drive Belt
Take Up Reel Drive Belt
Washer
Screw
Take Up Reel Pulley
Take Up Lever
Washer
Screw
Take Up Spring
Take Up Arm
Take Up Lever Brake Spring
Washer
Retainer
Retainer
Screws
ELECTRICAL PARTS LIST
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Ref.
No.
Part
No. Description
Ref.
No.
Part
No. Description
vl
v2
v3
v4
clA
clB
clc
C2
c3
c4
c5
c6
c7
C8
C9
cl0
cn
CLz
c13
c14
?70088
7?0003
??009?
??0090
??0090
770095
??0095
?70096
??0094
??0095
7?0095
??009?
??0090
??01r0
I2AU?A, Pre-Amp.
I2A){7, AF Amp.
6VGGT, Audio Output-Bias Osc.
6X5GT, Rectifier
Elect. Cap. , 40MFD @ 300V.
Elect. Cap., 40MFD @ 300V.
Elect. Cap., 40MFD @ 300V.
Elect. Cap. , 25MFD @ 25V.
Cap. Ceramic Disc, 75MMF
@ 4oov.
Cap. Ceramic Disc, 470MMF
@ 400v.
Cap. Ceramic Disc, 470MMF
@ 4oov.
Cap. Ceramic Disc, 20000MMF
@ boov.
Cap. Ceramic Disc, 20000MMF
@ 500v.
Cap. Ceramic Disc, I0000MMF
@ 500v.
Cap. Ceramic Disc,
@ 400v.
Cap. Ceramic Disc,
@ 500v.
Cap. Ceramic Disc,
@ 500v.
75OMMF
20000MMF
20000MMF
Cap" Ceramic Disc, ?5MMF
@ 400v.
Cap. Ceramic Disc, 4?0MMF
@ 400v.
Cap. Ceramic Disc, 20000MMF
cl5
cl6
c1?
clB
c19
R1
R2
R3
R4
R5
R6
R?
R8
R9
Rl0
Rll
R12
Rl3
Rr4
Rl5
Rl6
Rl?
Rl8
Rl9
R20
R2l
7?00?l
??00?1
7?0090
770110
?40051
740052
740045
?60001
760017
?60036
76003?
?6003?
?6001?
?60036
?60003
?600r0
760052
?60036
760047
?60010
?60040
?60040
?60001
76003?
?60019
@ 1500v.
Cap. Ceramic Disc, I0000MMF
@ 1500v.
Cap. Ceramic Disc, I0000MMF
@ 1500v.
Cap. Ceramic Disc, 4?0MMF
@ 400v.
Cap. Mica, 3000MMF @ 400V.
Cap. Ceramic, 2000MMF
@ lboov.
Volume Cont. , 500K
Tone Cont. & Sw., 500K
Hum Cont. , 200f,) W. W.
Resistor, lMeg, l/2W.
Resistor, 4.7K. 1/2W.
Resistor, 220K, l/2W.
Resistor, 470K, I/2W.
Resistor, 470K, I/2W.
Resistor, 4.7K, l/2W.
Resistor, 220K, l/2W.
Resistor, I.5K, l/2W.
Resistor, 100K, l/2W.
Resistor, 210K, I/2W.
Resistor, 220K, I/2W.
Resistor, 2.2K, l/2W.
Resistor, 100K, L/ 2 W.
Resistor, 2.2Meg, l/ 2W.
Resistor, 2.2Meg, V 2W.
Resistor, lMeg, 1/2W.
Resistor, 410K, l/2W.
Resistor, LOK, V2W.
Page 11

ELECTRICAL PARTS LIST (Cont. )
Ref.
No.
Part
No. Descri.ption Ref.
No.
Part
No- Description
P.22
R23
P"24
R25
R26
F.27
R28
?60304
?60039
?60013
760062
?60064
?60054
?60115
Resistor, 1000q 5W.
Resistor, 560K, l/2W.
Resistor, 47K, l/2W,
Resistor, 68K, l/2W.
Resistor, IIOK, I/ 2W.
Resistor, 5.6Meg, l/ 2,W.
Resistor, 2?0q lW"
T1
T2
LI
M1
M2
SPI
?00054
?00055
?00080
740053
?30006
Power Transformer
Output Transformer
Osc. , Coil
Play-Record Switch
Record Level, Lamp, Neon
NESI
PM Speaker 5 L/ 4t\
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