Silvertone 1236 Series User manual

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GENERAL INFORMATION
The Silvertone Model 1236 is a two-speed, quarter-track tape recorder. Reels or cart-
ridges can be used-
Pushbuttons areprovided for each mode of operation. A VU meter isused for recording
level and a digital tape counter is used for Iogging various sections of the tape.
The Model1236 will play and record monaural and stereo on quarter-trackor half-track
on either reels or cartridge.
Recordings can be made from a radio, television, or phonograph as well as those made
directly from the microphone.
This recorder is to beconnected to an outlet supplying 110-ll? volts, AC, 60 cycles only.
Supplied By:
Sears, Roebuck & Company
925 South Homan Avenue
Chicago 7, lllinois
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HOWARD W. SAts &
The lieting of any available replacement part herein does
not constitute in any case a recommendation, warranty or
guarantyby Howard W. Samg & Co. , [nc., as to the quallty
and suitability of such replacement part. The numbers of
these parte have been compiled from tnformation furnished
to Horard W. Sama & Co., tnc., by the manufacturers of
cQ5l0
(C (o.r I t G. lndlanapolls Ci, tndlana
the particular type of replacement part listed. Repro-
duction or use, without express permission, of edltorial or
pictorial content, in any manner, is prohibited. No patent
liability is assumed with respect to the we of the lnforma-
tion contained herein. @ 1962 Howard W. Sams & Co. , Inc. ,
Indianapolis 6, Indiana.
DATE 6- 62
Printed in U.S. of Amerlca
stT 583
SITVERTONE MODET 1236
(ch. 529.59t50, 529.59550)

FlG. I T0P VIEW 0F MECHANISM WITH COVERS REMIOVED
FUNCTION OF CONTROLS AND JACKS
On-Off-Tone Monitor and A2B2 position is tor monaural,and stereo position
Rotate in a clock\rrse dtrec o! to turn the re- ls for stereo recordinS 0r playback'
corder on. Further rotatlon increases. the volum€ for LgVel lndiCatOf
monitoring while recording. Dlrlng playback, clock-
n'iae rotation emphasizes treble; counterclockrri8e Indicates the recording levelnihen making a re_
lotation emphasizes bass. cording. During playback, -it ts a balance indicator
for the tvo channela fo! stereo tapes.
Volume - Channel one
channel one volume control is the inner knob. Selector Switch
This controls tie volume level of Donaura] tapea and Selects mode for reel operatjon or cartri@e
channel one of stereo tapes" Rotate clock$,ise to in- operation. Move to tlle right - ior reel and to theleft
crease tlle volume and counterclock'rlse to decrease lor cartridge.
the volume.
volume - channel Two Speed
channel Tvoo volume controt is the outer knob. B V4 [t]"#"pt""Jn il*]* iV, iiled knob up ror
This control r€gulates the volume on channel t$o fo!
stereo tapes. Clockvise rotation increasea the vol- Dt-r,
ume and counterclockwise rotatlon decreasea the rloy
volume. When depre86e4 it engages the daive mechan-
lsm and starts the tape moving.
Record - Play
To place the recorder in record mode, turn the Stop
control counterclockwise and depress the play control. When depresse4 it releases any button that is
W}len the stop control ls depreased, the Record-Play depressed and disengalee the drlve mechanism.
control n'ill return to the Play mode. Fast Forward
Track Selector
selects tl'e portlon or tape that monaurar.-or "n""ul"oii"Tji?To"$$il;"SiiltfjJ.-ceat arapid
stereo sound $,i11 berecorded on or played back. AIBI
PAGE 2

Fast Rewind
When depressed, the tape is rewound at a rapid
speed-
Cartridge Rewind
When depressed, the tape is rewound at a med-
ium speed from the take-up hub.
Mike - Channel I
This jack is the input for the microphone for
making monaural recordings or for channel 1 when
making stereo recording.
Mike - Channel 2
This jack is the input for the microphone for
making stereo recordings.
Radio -Phono - Channel I
This input is for making direct monaural re-
cordings from a radio, television, or phonograph.
It is channel I when making a stereo recording.
OPERAT I NG
Threading the Tape
1" Make sure the stop button is depressed.
2. Placean empty reel on the take-up spindle(left)
and a full reel on the supply spindle (right).
3. Unwind approximately 12 to 18 inches of tape
from thefeed reel, hold asection tautand insert
it into the tape slot.
4. Insert the free end into the slot of the take-up
reel.
5. Turn the take-up reela few turns in aclockwise
direction to take up all slack between reels and
secure the tape to the reel.
Loading the Cartridge
l. Make sure the stop button is depressed.
2. Make sure all slack is taken up between hubs
by turning the left hub counterclockwise and the
right hub clockwise simultaneously.
3. Insert the cartridge so the opening at the rear
center is aligned with the brake release post.
4. Press the cartridge down on each side so it is
seated properly on the recorder.
Monaural Recording - Half Track
I. Thread the tape, see "Threading the Tape".
2. Depress the stop button.
3. Turn the On-Off-Tone-Monitor control clock-
qise to turn the recorder on.
FUNCTION OF CONTROLS AND JACKS ( CON'T. )
Radio-Phono - Channel Z
This input is the stereo channel when
directly from a stereo source.
External Speaker - Channel I
recording
I NSTRUCT I ONS
Select the speed;. speed controlup for 3 B/ 4 ips,
and down for ? /2 ips.
Set the track selector to AlBl.
Move tfie meter switch to the left for channel l.
Move the selector switch to t}le right for reels
and to the Ieft for cartridge.
Plug the microphone into channel I mic jack.
Turn the Recordr/ Play control counterclockwise
and hold and adjust the volume control so the
needle of the recording level indicator fluctuates
in the normal range and then depress the play
control.
Depress the stop control when the recording is
completed-
lvionaural Recording - Quarter Track
l. Repeat steps I thru 4 under 'Monaural Record-
ing - Half Track".
Set the track selector to AlBl.
Move the meter switch to the left to channel I
position.
Move the selector switch to the right for reels
or to the left for cartridge.
Plug the microphone into channel I mic jack.
Turn the Reeordr/ elay control counterclockwise
and hold and adjust the volume control so the
needle of the recording level indicator fluctuates
This is used when an external speaker is use*
in place of the built-in speaker.
External Speaker - Channel 2
This is used to connect the stereo speaker en-
closure to play back channel 2 of stereo tapes.
External Amplif ier - Channel I
When a greater power output is desired, con_
nect an external amplifier to this jack.
External Amplifier - Channel Z
- When a greater poqrer output for stereo opera_
tion is desired, connect an external amplifier of the
same po\per rating as that used for channel I to tlis
jack.
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ( CON,T. )
in the normal range and then depress the play turn them over, rethread the tape or reload the
controtr. cartridge, and proceed as before.
7. Depress the stop control when the recording is 10. After the second track has been played, depress
completed- the stop button, move the track selector switch
to A2B2, and follow the same procedure used
8. Remove the reels or cartridge, turn them overl for playing tracks AlBl.
place on the reel spindles or reload the cart-
ridge, and proceed with the reeording. StefeO ReCOfd - TWO TfaCk
9. Depress the stop button when the recording is l. Thread the tape or load the cartridge.
completed. 2. Depress the stop button.
10. Remove the reels or cartridge, turn them over
and rethreadthe tape or reloadthe cartridge. 3. Turn the On/Off-Tone-Monitor control clock-
wise to turn the unit on.
11. Set the track selector to 4282. 4" Select the correct tape speed-
12. Proceed as outlined above. 5. Set the track selector to Stereo.
Monaural Playback - Half Track 6. Move the meter switeh to t]te left for channel I
l. Depress the stop button. and to the right for channel 2.
2. Thread the tape or load the cartridge. 7. Move the selector switch to the right for reels
and to the left for cartridge.
3. Turn the On/Off-Tone-Monitor control clock-
wise to turn the unit on. t. :t* the microphones into channel I and 2 mic
inputs.
4. Select the correct tape speed. 9. Turn theRecordr/Play control counterclockwise
5. Set the track selector switch to AlBl. andhold and adjustchannels I and 2 volume con-
trols so the needle of the recording level indi-
6. Move the selector switch to right for reels or cator fluctuates in the normal range for each
to the left for cartridge. channel and then depress the ptay control.
7. Recordr/Play control in Play position. 10. Depress the stop control when the recording is
completed.
8. Adjust channel I volume control to the desired
level. Stereo Record - Four Track
9. After the recording has been played back, de- I. Repeat steps I thru 9 under "Stereo Record-
press the stop button, remove the reels or cart- Two Track".
ridge, turn them over and rethread the tape or
reload the cartridge and proeeed as outlined 2. At the end of ttre reel or cartridge, turn them
above' :ff-""TS"::1;"*'* TffJJ.","i"?,$il!""?ii:
Monaural Playback - Quarter Track cord-Two Track".
l. Depress the stop button. StereO PlaybaCk - TWO TfaCk
2. Thread the tape or load the cartridge. l. Thread the tape or load the cartridge.
3. Turn the on/off-Tone-Monitor control clock- 2' Depress the stop button'
wlse to turn the unit on' 3. Turn the on/off-Tone-Monitor control clock-
4. Select the correct tape speed.
5. Set the track selector to AtSt"
6. Move the selector switch to the right for reels
or to the left for cartridge.
?. Record,/Play control in Ptay position.
8. Adiust channel I volume control to the desired
level.
9. After the recording has been played, depress
the stop button, remove the reels or cartridge,
PAGE 4
wise to turn the unit on.
4. Select the correct speed.
5. Turn the track selector switch to Stereo.
6. Move the meter switch to the left and adjust
channel I volume control; then move the meter
switch to the right and adjust channel 2 volume
control to match channel l.
7. Move the selector switch to the right for reels
or to the left for cartridge.
8. Depress the play button.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ( CON'T. )
9. Depress the stop button when the playback is
completed.
Stereo Playback - Four Track
l" Thread the tape or load the cartridge.
2. Depress the stop button.
3. Turn the Onr/Off-Tone-Monitor control clock-
wise to turn the unit on.
4. Select the correct speed.
5. Turn the track selector to Stereo.
6. Move the meter switch to the left and adjust
channel I volume controll then move the meter
switch to the right and adjust channel 2 volume
control to match channel l.
7. Move the track selector to theright for reelsor
to the left for cartridge.
8. Depress the ptay button.
9. Depress the stop button when the playbaek is
completed.
To Record f rom Radio, Phonograph, 0r Television
Recordings may be made by one of three ways.
t. Direct Connection to Volume Control - Connect
e control.
Plug the other end intochannel I nR.adio-phono"
jack. Proceed as deseribed under 'Monaural
Recording".
N0TE: Make this connection on AC type units
only.
2. Direct Connection to Speaker - Connect a cable
across the voice
coil terminals of the speaker. Insert the plug
end into channel I 'Radio-Phono" jack. When
recording stereo, connect another cable across
the channel 2 speaker and insert the plug end
into channel 2 'Radio-Phono" jack. Adjust the
volume and tone controls of the sound source
and proceed as under "Stereo Record".
NOTE: Make this eonnection on AC type units
only.
3. Plcku! from,Loudsp icrophone -
Place the microphone 6 inches tb 2 leet in libnt
of the speaker. Turn the tone control to treble
or high. Adjust the volume control to a normal
listening level. Set therecording level and pro-
ceed as described under 'Monaural or Stereo
Recording".
Playing Phonograph Records through Amplif ier
I. For monaural records, plug the reeord ptayer
or changer into the channel I "Radio-phono"
jack.
2. For stereo records, phg the record player or
changer into channel I and 2 'Radio-phono"
jacks.
NOTE: Therecord playeror changermust have
a high impedance cartridge.
3. Turn PLay/ Record control to play.
4. Adjust the volume and tone control to a desired
level.
External Speaker or Speakers
Plug the external speaker or speakers into
channel I and 2 speaker jacks to improve the low
frequency tone quality. Use 8-ohm external speakers
to match the 8-ohm impedance of the recorders audio
output transformer.
NOTE: The internal speaker or speakers are
disconnected when using external speakers.
Do not connect a plug into an external
speaker jack without a speaker attached.
External Amplifier
For more power output, plug an external ampli-
fier into channel I external speaker jack on monaural
recordings. Plng an external amplifier into channel 2
external speaker jack as weII as channel I for stereo
recordings.
Fast Forward
To advance the tape at a high rate of speed to a
desired spot on the tape, depress the fast forward
control. To stop the tape movement and to release
the fast forward control, depress the stop control.
Fast Rewind
To rewind the tape at a high rate of speed, de-
press the fast rewind control. To stop the tape move-
ment, depress the stop control.
Cartridge Rewind
To iewind the tape in the cartridge at a medium
speed, depress the cartridge rewind controt. To stop
the tape movement, release the control.
Splicing Reel Tape
l. Overlap the broken ends and cuton a diagonal.
2. Butt the ends together and splice with splicing
tape.
3. Trim the splicing tape by cutting slighily into
the edges of the magnetic tape.
Splicing Cartridge Tape
l. Remove two serews on front of cartridge and
lift the cover off.
2. Remove the plastic sheet resting on the reels.
3. Press the metal tab at the rear of the cartridge
forward and unwind approximately 3 inches of
'tape from each hub.
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS (CON,T)
4. Usethesame splicingprocedureusedinsplicing wise and the right hub clockwise to remove all
reel tape. slack between hubs.
5. Press themetal tabon rearof cartridgeforward 8. Replace t}re plastic sheet, making certain it is
androtate theleft hub eounterclockrtriseuntil the laying flat and not binding on any parts.
tape is against the front of the cartridge. 9. Replace the top cover making certain the open-
6. Insert the tape into the plastic guides making ings on the bottom cover align with the openings
certain the tape is not twisted and the duII side on the top cover.
is facing out"
7. Simultaneously rotate theleft hub counterclock- l0' Replace the two screws'
PAGE 6
F lG. 2 BOTTONi V ltW 0F MTCHAN ISM

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AMP. CHASSIS BOTTOM VIEW - CAPACITOR &MISC. IDENT.
AMP" CHASSIS BOTTOIV1 VIEW - RESISTOR & INDUCTOR IDENT.
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TROUBLE CHART
Symptom Cause RemedY
No takeup on reel. 1. Tension spring off or broken.
2. Connector rod misadjusted.
3. Idler wheel (108) or motor pul-
ley (r29) oily.
Replace tension spring (50).
See "Supply Reel and Take-up
Reel" adjustment.
Clean with alcohol.
t.
2.
3.
No rewind on reel. l. Tension spring (50) off or bro-
ken.
2. Connector rod misadjusted-
3. Idler wheel (52) or motor pul-
ley (126) oily.
l. Replace tension spring (50).
2. See "Supply Reel and Take-up
Reel" adjustment.
3. Clean with alcohol.
Capstan does not rotate. Drive belt (ll2) broken.
Motor pulley 018) loose on
motor shaft.
Motor (123) defective.
Replace drive belt (Il2).
Reposition motor pulley (ll8) and
tighten.
Replace motor (123).
l.
2.
3.
1.
2.
3.
Automatie shut-off switch
inoperative. Tension spring (63) missing or
broken.
Tension spring (58) mi.ssing or
broken.
Replace tension spring (63).
Replace tension spring (58).
I.
2.
1.
2.
No takeupwhen usinga cart-
ridge. Tension spring (115) off or bro-
ken.
OiI on idler wheel (91), flywheel
(81), or take-up clutch housing
(e6).
Replace tension spring (lI5).
Clean with alcohol.
l.
2.
l.
2.
No rewind whenusing acart-
ridge. Cartridge rewind belt (85) off
or broken.
Oil on flywheel (8I), re',vind
drum (BB), or rewind spindle
assembly (88).
Compression spring (40) broken
or lost its tension.
Replace cartridge rewind belt
(85).
Clean with alcohol.
3. Replace compression spring (40).
l.
2.
l.
2.
3.
Pressure roller arm (ll0)
does notpull pressure roller
against the capstan.
l. Solenoid spring off or broken. l. Replace solenoid spring.
Link and pawl release (64)
does not return to its rest
position.
1. Tension spring (65) off or bro-
ken. l. Replace tension spring (65).
DI SASSEMBLY
Removing the Tape Deck
l. Remove six screws from the bottom cabinet
cover and remove the cover and interlock.
2. Unplug the enterconnecting plug.
3. Remove all control knobs.
4. Remove the head sover.
5. Remove two screws holding the cartridge guide
on, and remove guide.
6. Remove threescrews holding thefront topdress
plate.
7. Remove one hex nut on the channel selector
switc[.
8. Lift front top dress plate off.
PAGE I2
Remove the plastic retainer and reel plate, one
on each side.
Remove three screws from the rear of the back
top dress plate and remove.
Remove four wood screws holding the tape trans-
port on each corner.
Loosen the hex nut on the channel selector and
swing the mounting strap to one side.
Remove two screws from tlte post case on the
rear of the cabinet.
Lift tape transport from cabinet.
Reverse foregoing procedure to reassemble.
9"
10.
ll.
12.
13.
14.
15.