Norelco EL3542 User manual

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GENERAL INFORMATION
The Norelco Model EL3542 is a four-track monaural recorder. Stereo tapes rhay be
played back on this tape recorder.
Recordings may be made from a microphone, radio, or phonograph. The unit may also
be used as a public address system.
This model has three tape speedsl 7 I/ 2, 3 3/ 4, and I ?/ 8 ips. Using a four-track tape,
recording times are as follows:
Length
1200 fr.
1800 ft.
2400 ft.
7 t/2 ips
I hour
I /2 hours
2 hours
3 3/4 ips
2 hours
3 hours
4 hours
I ?/8 ips
4 hours
6 hours
I hours
This recorder is designed to operate on ll0, L27, 220, and 245 volts AC, 60 cycles.
tSupplied By:
North American Philips Company, lnc.
High Fidelity Products Division
230 Duffy Avenue
Hicksville L. l. , New York
HOWARD W. SAilts &
The liating of any available replacement part herein does
not constitute in any case a recommendation, warranty or
guarantyby Howard W. Sams & Co. , Inc. , as to the quality
and euitability of euch replacement part. The numberg of
these parts have been compiled from informatlon furnlehed
to Howard W. Sams & Co., Inc., by the manufacturera of
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G (o., I il (G. lndlanapolls 6, lndtana
the particular type of replacement part listed. Repro-
duction or lute, without express permlssion, of edltorlal or
pictorial content, in any manner, le prohlbited. No patent
Itability is aseumed wlth reapect to the use of the lnforma-
tion contained herein. G) 1962 Howard W. Sams & Co. , Inc. ,
Indianapolis 6, Indiana.
DrTt 10 - 02
Printed in U.S. of Amerlca
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l. Remove the lid from the carrying case.
2. Place the recorder at a convenient height where
the eontrols are accessible.
3. Remove the AC cord from the compartment in
PREPARING FOR OPERATION
FUNCTION OF CONTROLS
the bottom of the case. plug the cord into a
convenient AC outlet of proper rating.
4. The recorder is now ready for use. Before
operating, the operator should familiarize him-
self rvit}t the controls.
Play
Sets the recorder for playback of a recording
when depressed with one of the speed keys.
Record
Depressing this key simultaneously with the
Record Lock button places the recorder in the record
mode.
Pause
The Pause key temporarily stops the tape mo-
tion.
Pause Release
Depresslng this button releases the pause key
allowing the recorder to continue operation.
Rewind
The Rewind key (teft side of Stop key), when
depressed, rewinds the tape at a high speed.
STOP
When this key is depressed halfway, it stops
the tape motion. Depressing the key all the way down
allows the recorder to be used as a public address
system.
Fast Forward .
The Fast Forward key (right side of Stop key),
when depressed, winds the tape onto the take-up reel
at a high speed.
Off Button
This button, whendepressed, turasoff thepower
to the recorder.
Speed Keys
Depressing any one of the three keys turns the
recorder on. Tape speed will be set for I 7/ 8, 3 3/ 4,
or 1 I/ 2 ips, depending on the key depressed.
Volume
There are two Volume controls for setting the
recording level during Record and the volume during
Play. The upper control is used when recording from
a microphone. The loper control is used when re-
cording from a radio or phonograph.
Super lmpse
This switch permits recording sound on sound
when moved to the '1n" position.
Record Level
The Record Level indicator indicates the re-
cording level during Record.
Track Selector
This control selects the tracks to be recorded
on, sueh as I or 4 and 2 or 3.
Automatic Stop
The recorder will be automatically stoppedwhen
the metallic control foils on the ends of the recording
tape pass through the tape stop. The foil actuates a
relay circuit which in turn stops the unit. This fea-
ture will work only on tapes provided with control
foils.
lndex Counter
When starting a new recording, set the index
counter to zero. Logging the tape at different points
makes it easy to locate any given part of a recording.
OPERATI NG I NSTRUCTI ONS
l.
2.
3.
Place a reel of tape on the left-hand turntable
and an empty reel on the right-hand turntable.
Unwind about 12" of tape from the supply reel
and hold a section of it taut. Insert this section
into the tape slot, making certain the dull-coated
side faces the rear of the recorder.
Insert the free end of the tape into one of the
radial slotsin the hub of the take-up reel. Turn
the reel several turns to secure the tape to the
reel and take up all slack between reels.
To Record f rom Microphone
l. Thread the tape.
2. Set the index counter to zero.
3. Depress correct speed key. (This also turns
on the recorder. )
4. PIW microphone into Microphone jack.
5. Depress the Stop key.
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6. Depress the Pause key.
7. Place track Selector at L-4 position.
8. Depressthe Record keyand Record Lockbutton.
9. Adjust the recording level using the upper vol-
ume control.
10. Press the Pause Release button to start the
recording.
ll. When traek I is recorded, turn the full reel over
and place it on the left spindle. This places
track 4 in position for recording. After track 4
is recorded, turn the full reel over and place it
on theleft spindle. Place the Selectorin the 2-3
position and repeat the previous procedure.
To Record f rom a Radio or Television Receiver
Recordings may be made by one of the following
methods:
1. MicrophonePickup fromRadio SPeaker - Place
front of
the speaker. Turn the radio volume control to
a normal level. Turn the radio tone control to
treble or high. Set the recording level of the
recorder, using the upper volume control, and
proceed as described under "To Record from
Microphone".
2. Across Volume Control of Radio - Prepare a
shielded cable with alligator clips on one end
and phono plq on the other end. Connect the
clips across the radio or TV volume control and
the phono plug to the Radio/ Phono input jack on
the recorder. Set the recording level, using
the lower volume control, and proceed as des-
cribed under "To Record from Microphone".
3. Direct Connection to Loudspeaker - Make a
lips on one
end and a phono plug on the other. Connect the
alligator clips to the speaker terminals and in-
sert the phono plug into the Radio/ Phono input
on the recorder. Set the recording level, using
lower volume control, and proceed as described
under "To Record from Microphone".
To Record from Record player
Connect the record player to the Radio/ Phono
input of the recorder. Set the recording level and
record as described under 'To Record from Micro-
phone".
To Play a Recording ( Monaural)
l. Thread the tape.
2. Set the counter to zero.
3. Press desired speed key.
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4. Set Selector to l-4 position.
5. Press Play key.
6. Adjust volume control for desired listening level.
7. After tracks I and 4 have been played, move tlre
Selector to the 2-3 position and repeat playback
procedure.
To Play a Recording ( Stereo)
The output of t}re record-playbackheadis con-
necteddirecily to theStereo jackon the left sideof t}te
recorder. Connect an external amplifier to tlte jack
for reproduetion of stereo tapes. Turn the Volume
control on t}te recorder fully counterclockwise. Follow
the Monaural playback instructions for Stereo play-
back.
Public Address
The unitmay be usedas a publicaddresssystem
by depressing the Stop key all the way down simul-
taneously with one of the speed keys (preferably
7 V 2 ips). When using the microphone input, the
upper volume control varies the output level. When
using the Radio/Phono input, the lower volume con-
trol varies the output level.
Erase
Previous recordings are automatically erased
when a new recording is made. If a tape is to be
erased without putting a new recording on the tape,
proceed as with a regular recording except leave the
microphone and Radio/Phono inputs disconnected and
turn both volume controls to their extreme counter-
clockwise position.
D ISASSEMBLY
To Remove Recorder from Case
l. Remove two push-on knobs.
2. Remove plastic ornamental plate andhead cover
by pulling up gently.
3. Remove three ornamental screws and two sheet
metal screws holding the steel top plate to ttte
transport. Remove the plate.
Remove the four nuts holding the tape transport
to the case.
Pull t}te tape transport out of the case far enough
to disconnect the speaker and to remove the line
cord from the bottom compartment.
To reassemble, reverse the above procedure.
4.
5.
6.
ADJUSTIVIENTS
Record-Playback Head
l. Adjust the head height until the top of the upper
coreof the head is in line with theupper edge of
the tape.
2. Insert a new blank tape in the recorder.
3. Place the track Selector in the l-4 position.
4. Record a 1000 cps (f00b modutation) signal.
5. Invert the tape and play it back with the track
Selector in the 2-3 position. The 1000 cycle
signal should not be audible. If the signat is
audible t]te head must be raised.
Erase Head
The erase head should be adjusted so that the
upper edge of the core is approximately even with the
upper edge of the tape. Record a 1000 cps (10ffi mod-
ulation) with the track Selector in l-4 position. Re-
wind the recording. Connect a voltmeter to the output
of the recorder. Play back the recorded tape and note
the meter reading. Invert thetape andpass there-
corded portion through the recorder with the Selector
in the 2-3 position and the unit in Record. (Leave the
microphone input and Radio/ Phono input discon-
nected. ) Again invert the tape, move the track Selec-
tor to the l-4 position, and replay the tape. Cheek the
output on the meter. Attenuation of the signal must
not be greater than 1.5 db. Repeat this test to deter-
mine proper head adjustment.
Tape Pressure Pad
This pad must press the tape firmly against the
gap of the record-playback head.
l. Thread the tape through the record-playback
head but not past the pressure roller.
2. Press Play key.
3. Place a knot in t}re end of the tape and pull the
tape to the right past the head. The tape tension
as it moves through the head should be between
0.525 and 0.8?5 ozs.
4. Bend the spring of the protection cap to obtain
correct tension.
Tape Guide
The pointed end of the tape guide should be point -
ing toward the center of the capstan.
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Bias Adjustment
l. Connect a signal generator to the Mic. Input
jack, Tune generator for 1000 cycles at 6. b
millivolt output.
2. Corxrect a DC VTVM between point @ and
ground.
3. Adjust Al and A2 for ?0 millivolts. A compro-
mise may be requiredbetween the bias frequency
and distortion.
REPLACEMENT OF PARTS
Bearing Support with Pulley ( 102}
l. Remove drive belt (8).
2. Remove mounting screrps holding bearing sup-
Port.
3. Hold the motor fan stationary and turn the pul_
ley (102) cowrterclockwlse. At the same time
pull tlte spindle out of ttre coupling sprlng.
4. Insert new bearing support and pulley. Turn
pulley so that coupling spring goes back in
place.
5. Make certain that motor and pulley run freely
before replacing drive belt.
Upper lntermediate Wheel ( 751
l. Remove the bracket holding the record level
indicator tube.
2. Remove grease cap (?2) and "C" washer from
top of wheel.
3. Loosen right-hand screw of speed selector
assembly.
4. Pull pushbutton assembly toward front of re-
corder far enough to remove intermediatewheel
(75).
5. To reassemble, reverse the foregoing proced_
ure.
Middle lntermediate Wheel ( 79 )
l. Remove intermediate wheel (?b) as ouilined
previously.
2. Loosen two set screws of speed selector as_
sembly and pull assembly towards front of
recorder.
3. Lift guide bracket (??) out.
4. Remove intermediate wheel (?9).
5. Be certain that wire spring of bracket holder is
pushed between middle and lower intermediate
wheels when reassembling.
Lower lntermediate Wheel (80)
l. Loosen speed selector assembly.
2. Swing line frame assembly with bracket and
intermediate wheels outward.
Remove intermediate wheel (80).
When reassembling, be sure wire spring is be_
tween lower and middle guide brackets.
To reassemble, reverse the foregoing proced_
ure.
Flywheel ( ll3)
l. Remove counter drive belt (38) and drive belt
(8).
2. Remove spring (26).
3. Remove turntables (3), driving discs (4) and
(48), coupting wheels ('i) and (Sb), tate_up arm
(23), and supply arm (63).
4" Unsolder leads from heads (29) and (3?) and
switch.
5. Remove three serews holding upper plate (24),
and remove plate.
6. Remove fiywheet (ll3).
7. Makesure newflywheel isproperly centeredand
does not bind at any point.
8. To reassemble, reverse the foregoing proced_
ure.
9. Start the recorder. Check to seeif the mechan_
ism is binding. Shut the mechanism off. The
flywheel should coast for about 2| to 3 minutes.
Motor
l. Unsolder the leads.
2. Remove the driving belt (S).
3. Remove themounting screws holding the motor.
4. Loosen the mounting screws holding the bearing
support (105).
5. Remove clamp spring and fan.
6" Turn the pulley (102) counterclockwise and pull
the spindle out of the coupling spring.
7. Insta[ new motor and reverse foregoing to re_
assemble.
3.
4.
5.
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CLEAN I NG
The tape guides, capstan, and pressure pad Clean the erase and record-playback heads with
should be cleaned with a soft brush and alcohol to a soft, lint-free cloth saturated with any good com-
remove tape residue. mercial head cleaner.
LU BR I CATI ON
The mechanism should be lubricatedafter every Lubrlcate the follorring surfaces with a good
1000 hours of operation or when moving parts have quality commercial grease:
been replaced. When lubricating the mechanism do
not get any oil or grease on the heads, rubber sur- l. Flywheel bearing seats.
faces, or any part that touches the tape. 2. The bearings of the three intermediate wheels.
Lubricate t}te following parts with one or two 3. The sides of the record, play, wind, and re_
drops of oil. wind pushbuttons.
4. The sliding brackets in the pushbutton assem-
l. Flywheel bearings. blies.
2. Motor bearings. 5. The idler rvheel bracket.
3. Pressure roller bearing. 6. The moving levers in the transport mechanism.
4. Pulley bearings. 7. The right and left hand spindles.
TROUBLE CHART
SYMNOM CAUSE REMEDY
Recorder speed slow. I. Intermediate wheels (75), (79), 1. Clean or replace appropriate
or (80) dirty or worn. wheel.
2. Oil or dirt on driving surface 2. Clean pulley or flywheel surface
of pulley (i02) or fiywheel (113). with alcohol.
Recorder does not operate l. Defective line switch.
with speed key depressed. 2. Defective motor. l. Replace line swi.tch.
2. Replace motor.
3. Defective power transformer. 3. Replace power transformer.
4. Defective fuse on porper trans- 4. Replace fuse.
former.
Tape rewinds too slowly. l. Drive belt (8) greasy or l. Clean or replace drive belt.
stretched.
Tape loops. l. Spring(26)improperlyadjusted. l. Adjustspring.
Reels wobble. 1. spindle (6) or (49) bent. t. check guiding bracket.
2. Unused intermediate wheels 2. Check guiding bracket.
touching pulley (102).
Tape speed too slow. l. Dry flywheel bearing. I. Lubricate flywheel bearing.
2. Linevoltageselector setwrong. 2. Check to see that it is set for
proper Iine voltage.
Idler wheel (142) squeals. l. Idler wheel bearing dirty. l. Clean and lubricate idler wheel
bearing.
Automatic stop does not l. End of tape switch misadjusted. l. Readjust end of tape switch.
function. 2. Relay open or shorted- 2. Replace relay.
Counter does not function. l. Drive belt (35) off or broken. l. Replace drive belt.
2. Gear mechanism jammed" 2. Free gear mechanism.
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