Webster Electric EKOTAPE 205 User manual

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Figure 1
GENERAL INFORMATION
TheWebster Electric Ekotape Recorder Models 205 and 206 are essentiallyalike in basic
design and construction. Both are twin-track, two speed-models, operabing at tape speeds of
either 3 3/4 or 7 L/2 inches per-second. Both models are porta.ble. The accesiories are
interchangeable between the two models. Both models use class A amplification with the same
type tubes.
The Ekotape is designed to record and playback two tracks of sound on a standard reel of
tape. This allows two full, one hour programs to be recorded on a ?" reel at the 3 3/4" speed.
Two half -hour programs may be recorded on a 7" reel at the ? 1/2" speed,
The main difference between Models 205 and 206 lies in the power input application. The
Model205 operateson 117 voltsat 60 cycleper second, while the Model 206operiles on lts/230
volts at 50 cycles per second.
CAUTION: Severe damage may result if connection is made to a direct current (DC) line.
Check serial nameplate for proper current and voltage application.
Manufactured by:
Webster Electric Company
Racine, Wisconsin
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EKOTAPE
MODELS 2O5,
fhis molerial compiled ond published by
SAIYI 5 & CO., INC., INDIANAPOLIS,
Copyright 1954 . All Rights Reserved
INDIANA
DATE I-54 sET 228 TOTDER 8
HOWARD l^f.

Figure 2
CONVERTING MODEL 206 FOR 115
VOLT OPERATION
Model 206 employs a large power transformer,
with a primary tapped for selection of 115 or 230 volts .
Thismodel is shippedfor 230 volt operation. To con-
vert from 230 bo 115 volt operation, proceed as fol-
Iows:
Remove the short between the two center termi-
nals, as shown on the schematic diagram, and solder
a jumper wire from terminal with a black lead to ter-
minal with a red iead. Solder a jumper from terminal
with a green lead to terminal with a white lead. After
making change of voltage operation, mark the name-
plate in the cover of the carrying case for future ref-
erence.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Preparing The Ekotape For Recording-
1. Insert the AC power cord into the receptacle
on the right side of the cabinet.
2. Plug t h e AC cord into a convenient wall re-
ceptacle of the proper rating.
3. Place a reel of tapeon the ieft hand or "sup-
ply" spindle (9) in a manner so that t h e tape wiII un-
wind in a clockwise direction.
NOTE: TheEkotape isdesigned touse Type "A"wound
tape, i. e. the duII magnetic coated side faces
inward on the reel. If t h e tape used i s Type
"B" (coated sidefacing outward) the recording
will be made at a very low sound level and the
playback will be almost inaudible.
Page 2
4. Place an empty reel on the right hand or
"take-up" spindle.
5. Unwind approximately 10" of tape and, while
holding a section of tape straight with both hands, in-
sert the tape in the tape slot making sure the dull
coated side of the tape faces the front of the recorder.
6. Insert the free end of the tape through to the
hub of the "take-up" reel, f or cing it into one of the
three radial slots. While holding bhe tape in this po-
sition, turn the reel several turns (clockwise) until
the lape is secured to the r e e I and aII slack is baken
up between reels.
To Make A Recording-
1. After the recording tape has been properly
threaded, turn the "On-Off-Tone" control to the "On"
position.
2. Turnthe mechanismcontrol knob(2) to"For-
wa.rd".
3. Turn the "Record-Listen" selector knob to
the "Record" position.
NOTE: The "Record-Listen" selector knob will stay
in the "Record" position only when the mech-
anism control knob (2) is in the "Forward" po-
sition.
4. Turn the "Volume" control clockwise until the
incoming signal causes the "Record Indicator" to
flicker occasionally. A recording is now being made
on the tape.

To Record From Microphone-
1. Insert the microphone plug into the "Mic. "
jack, located on the left side of the top panel.
2. Followthe instructions under the heading of,
"To Make A Recording".
3. Best results wi. ll be obtained if the micro-
phone is kept closer to the source of sound thari to any
walls in the recording area to prevent echos of the
sounds as they rebound off the walls.
NOTE: The rrricrophone should be kept at least three
feet away from the loudspeakerduringrecord-
ing unless the "Speaker" controlknob is in "Off"
position.
To Record Frorrr Radio Or
Television Receiver-
Recordings can be m a.d e from a radio or tele-
vision receiver by placing the microphone near the
Ioudspeaker; however, this type of recording may not
be satisfactory as other sounds may be picked up by
the mierophone which as a result rrlay be recorded on
the tape. A superior quality recording can be made.
byuse of Radio Cord Attachment accessory (Part No.
SS4??A). Connect attachment cord as foilows:
1. Connect the cord clips across the voice coil
terminals on the radio or television speaker.
2. Insert the cord piug into the "Phono-Radio"
input jack located on the left side of the top panel .
3. Set the radio or televislon receiver for soft
playing, then operate the Ekotapecontrols as
described under "To Make A Recording".
To Record From Phonograph-
L. Connect the atligator clips of the Radio Cord
Attachment to the ends of the pickup leads of the phono-
graph and then insert the c o r d plug into the "Radio-
Phono" jack. Proceed wlththe recordingasdescribed
under "To Make A Recording".
NOTE: Shoulda hum develope from the above connec-
tions, reverse the cord clips on the pickup
leads.
To Rewind-
Turn the mechanism control knob (2) counter-
clockwise into the "Rewind" position. When the re-
winding is completed move the mechanism control
knob (2) into "Stop" position and allow the tape to come
to a complete stop before moving the mechanism control
knob to any other function.
Twin Track Operation-
Models 205 and 206 are twin-track units, which
record on approximately half the width of the tape at
one time.
1. To record a second piogram on the same tape ,
lift the full reel from the right hand spindle,
turn it over, and place itonthelefthandspindle.
-
properly thread the tape, and continue your re-
cording as described under "To Make A Record -
ing".
NOTE: Since it is impossible to edit and splice one
"track" withoutaffecting the other, recordings
which are to be edited should be limited to one
track only.
To PIay A Recording-
1. With the tape properly threaded, turn the
mechanism control knob (2) to the "Forward" position .
2. Adjust the "Volume" and "Tone" controls to
suit.
3. Besure thespeaker "On-Off" switch, Iocated
on the right side of the top panel, is in the "On" po-
sition.
Fast Forward-
If it is desired to reach a recording near the
endof atape ina few seconds, turn rrrechanismcontrol
knob (2) to the "Fast Forward" position. In the "Fast
Forward" position the tape moves ahead approximately
15 timesnormaliisteningspeedof 3 3/4or ? 1/2inches
per second. The most rapid fast f orward speed is
therefore obtained with the speed control set at 7 L/2 .
REMOVING UNIT FROM CASE
All service work with the exception of cieaning
the head assembly, adjustment or replacement of brake
Iever assembiies (45 & 54), remote lever assembly
(51), pinch roller and Iever assembli.es (22), (23) and
(18), pressure padassembly (28), will not require re-
moval of unit from the carrying case.
1. To remove the back cover (5) for cleaning of
the head remove all control knobs, and remove
two screws Iocated under mechanism control
knob (2). Move back cover (5) about 1,/16 inch
toward the front of the un i t and lift straight up
and off.
2. To remove record head cover (?), remove
one attaching screw and lift off.
3. For removal of the top panel assembly (13),
follow the above instructions and remove seven
screws on panel a nd two under back cover (5) .
Lift panel straight up and off.
4. Toremove recorderfrom carryingcase, omit
paragraph 1, 2 and 3, detach the AC line cord,
remove two screws loca.ted on each side of the
top panel. Carefully lift unit straight up and out ,
detaching speaker plug from amplifier t o com-
pletely free unit.
5. When reassembling the unit, reverse the
above procedure; plug the speaker plug into the
amplifier. Be sure the speaker leads clear all
moving parts before lowering into place.
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2. Place the empty reel on the right hand spindle ;
Page 3

Figure 3
TR,OUBLES AND REMEDIES
toXelo* And Arrrpiifier Do Not Operate
1. {liiec}r fuse to see if it has blown.
2. Cliech to see if power is reaching recorder.
S" Damaged power cord.
(a) Repair or replace.
4. Damaged "On-Off-Tone" control switch.
(a) Replace tone control and switch assembly.
1. Dirty head.
(a) Check the record head (90) t o see if it is
dirty. The recording head is subject to an
accumulation of tape coating residue, which
is worn off the tape as it passes the head.
This should be periodically removed since it
may cause faint recordings and poor playback .
Wipe off the record and e r a s e head contact
gurfaces carefully with a clean cloth. If dirt
is caked or hard and will not come off with a
dry cloth, dampen the cloth slightly with
carbon tetrachloride.
NOTE: Do not use a brush or excessive amount of
solvent on the head surfaces. 2.
2. Over recorded or under recorded tape.
(a) Correct recording volume is very impor-
tant. Too weak a signal, which does not cause
the recordlevel indicator to flicker, will re-
sult in weak playback and high background
noise. Too strong a signal, causing the in- 3.
dicator to g I o w continuously, will result in
distortion during playback.
Page 4
3. Arr.plifier trouble.
4. Worn or dirty pressure pad. See "Pressure
Pacl And Lever Adjustments".
5" Pressure pad spring (29) loose or missing.
(a) fn'.e pne s sure pad lever assembty (28)
should appiy pressure against the tape, thus
holding the tape f i r m against the recording
head. If this is not true, check the pressure
padspring (29); if loose or missing, replace.
Erasing Incomplete Or No Erase-
1. Dirt on face of play-record head.
(a) Clean with soft cloth and carbon tebrachlo-
ride.
2. Oscillator coil assembly or tube not operating.
(a) Check erase voltage w i t h an AC vacuum
tube voltmeter. There should b e a reading
of approximately 45 volts.
3. Defective erase coil in head.
(a) Check erase head continuity.
4. Pressurepads worn ornot properlyadjusted.
See "Pressure Pad And Lever Adjustments".
Failure To Record-
1. Record coil open.
(a) Replace play-record head (30).
Insufficient bias voltage.
(a) Check bia.s voltage across play-record
head w ith an AC vacuum tube voltmeter.
There should b e a reading of approximately
100 volts.
Dirt on face of play-record head.
(a) Clean with soft cloth and carbon tetrachlo-
ride.

4.
adjusted"
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Pressure pad worn, defective or not properly
(a) Adjust pressure pador replace. See
"Pressure Pad And Lever Adjustments".
Play Back-
head.
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Open coil in play-record
(a) Replace head.
2. Cpen input circuit.
(a) Check circuit.
HowI Or Ringing Sound-
1. Microphonic tube.
(a) Replace defective tube.
Trouble Common To Radio Receivers-
1. Defective components.
(a) Check and replace in accorclance with
standard practice.
Rewind Inoperative, Noisy Or Irregular-
1. Defective motor pulley assembly (94).
(a) Replace.
2. Supply reel shaft support assembly (55), dirty
or defective.
(a) Clean, lubricate or replace.
3. Suppty reel support spring (60) is broken.
(a) Replace.
4. Brake (45) dragging on take-up reel.
(a) Adjust brakes. See "Adjusting Brake
Lever Assembly".
Tape Overruns From Rewind To Stop-
1. Take-up reel brakes (45) not functioning pro-
perly, worn or improperly adjusted.
(a) Replace orreadjust. See "Adjusting
Brake Lever Assembly".
Talre -Up Or Fast Forward Inoperative ,
1. Iake-up clutch worn or out of adj,ustment.
(a) Adjust or replace. See "Correcting Take-
Up And Fast-Forward Troubles".
2. Drive pin (6?) missing.
(a) Repl.ace.
3. Brakes dragging on supply reel.
(a)Adjust brakes. See "Adjusting Brake
Lever Assembly".
4. Take-up reel support plate (62) dirty or dam-
aged. (a) Clean, lubricate or replace. S e e "C or -
re cting Take - Up A n d Fa st - Forward T rou -
ble s ".
Noisy, take-up or fast forward.
(a) Clean, Iubricate or replace.
Defective idler wheels (?6 or 86).
(a) Replace. S e e "Correcting Take -Up And
Fast - Forward Troubles ". (Paragraph 4 ).
ReeI take-up support plate spring (61) broken .
(a) Replace,
Tape Overruns From Fast Forward
1. Supply reel brakes not functioning properly,
worn or out of adjustment"
(a) Replace or r e ad j u st . S e e "Adjusting
Brake Lever Assembly".
2. Pinch roller (18) damaged or out of adjust-
1.
5.
6.
7.
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Page 5

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A PHOTOFACT "EXPLODED'' VIEW
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Figure 5A. Exploded View Of Parts Above Baseplate.
Page 6

A PHOTOFACT "EXPLODED'' VIEW
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Figure 58 . Exploded View Of Parts Below Baseplate.
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Frorn Stop To Forward Position-
1. Dirty or defective pinch roller (18).
(a) Clean, lubricate or replace. S e e
recting Take-Up And Fast-Forward
bles t t.
2. Pinch roller lever assemblies (22 and
of adjustment or darnaged.
Page 8
7
(a) Ad j u s t or replace. S e e "Pinch Roller
Adjustment".
Mechanism Control Knob (2) Inoperative-
1. Loose set screw in knob.
(a) Tighten.
2. Loose set screws in pinch roller cam assem-
bly (35). (a) Adjust and tighten.
Spbed Selector Not Functloning-
1. Broken springs (74 and 75) on drive idler
assemblies.
(a) Replace.
Speed Equalization Switch Not Functioning-
1. Switch carn assembty (52) loose or broken.
(a) Tishten or repLaee.
Figure
See "Pinch Roller
(a) Repair or replace.
Adjustment".
Noisy Running In Stop And
Forward Positions -
1. Defective idlers, d r y
on idlers.(a) CLean, lubricate or
recting Take-Up And
ble s t'.
Tape Spills Out Cf Supply ReeL
bearings or flat spots
repl.ace. See "Cor-
Fast- Forward Trou-
t'Cor -
Trou-
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rative When Mechanism
2. Switch contacts worn, dirty or broken.
(a) Clean contacts or replace. See "Speed
Equalization Switch Adjustment".
1. Damaged or worn cam and shaft assembly
(35A). (a) Replace.
ADJUSTMENTS
Pressure Pad And Lever Adjustments-
Cleaning, adjusting or replacing pressure pad
assembly and lever assemblies should be done in the
following manner:
1. To adjustpressure padassembly(28), remove
back cover (5) and top panel (13). To remove
assembly f or cleaning, repair or adjustment,
remove spring (29) and retaining ring (2?). Ro-
tatethe pressurepad assemblyslightly counter-
clockwise and lift off. Reassemble in reverse
orderand lubricate (see "Lubrication"). Adjust
by turning cam and shaft assembly (35A) to "For-
ward" position and check to be sure pressure
pads engage groove of head properly.
NOTE: Be sure flat of pad presses against the erase
and record pole pieces. To adjust properly,
bend levers accordingly.
Improper Rewind Operation-
Ifthe unit doesnot perform the rewind operation
properly, check.as follows:
1. Adefectivemotorpulley(94) maybe the cause
of improper rewind. To replace a defective
motorpulleyassembly, remove the three mount-
ingscrews (103) from motor and plateassembly
(104). Carefully remove theassembly so as not
to damage the drive idler assemblies (?6 and 86).
Before removing the motor pulley measure and
note distance from hub to motor. Loosen the
twoAllen head set screws andremove themotor
pulley a.ssembly. Reassemble witha irew pulley
inreverse order. Be surepulley hub is correct
distance from motor as previously noted.
2. Adirty or defective supply reelshaft support
assembly (55) may be responsible for improper
rewind. To correctfaulty operation, clean, re-
pair or replace any damaged or worn parts.
Adjusting Brake Lever Assembly (45 and 54)-
If tape overruns from "Rewind" to "Stop" posi-
tion, adjust, clean or replace brake lever assembly
(45).
1. To ad just brake lever assembly (45), turn
camand shaft assembly (35A) to"Rewind" posi-
tion. Adjust either by bending the brake lever
assembly (45) or by slightly bending the stop on
mechanism panel just enough to clear the cup
disc on reel shaft (10). Clearance should not
exceed 1/64 inch. Adjust brake lever (45) so
that remote lever (51) returns to "Stop" posi-
tion. Check to be sure brake lever (54) on the
supply reel (9) is being held in its stop position
Page 10
by the remote lever assembly (51). If not, turn
camand shaftassembly (35A) to "Fast Forward"
andadjust brake lever assembly(54) as outlined
above. Before reassembly of top panel, thread
recorder with tape and checkunit for any further
trouble.
2. If tape overruns from "Fast Forward" to
"Forward", check operation of bral<e lever (54)
as explained in above paragraph with this ex-
ception; turn cam and shaft assembly (35A) to
"Fast Forward" position and adjust brake Iever
(54) on the supply reel (9). Check brake lever
(45) on the tale-up reel to be sure it is held in
its stop position by the remote lever assembly
(51). If not, turn cam and shaft assembly (35A)
to "Rewind" and adjust brake lever as covered
in above paragraph.
Adjusting Brake Arm Assembly (113)-
If af ter completing adjustments as covered in
"Adjusting Brake Lever Assembly", the overrun on
"Rewind" and "Fast Forward" is not corrected, re-
move the unit from the case and check as follows:
1. Check "Rewind" position first and adjust or
replace brake arm assembly (113). First be
sure brake pad is still attached to arm. Turn
cam and shaft assembly (35A) to the "Rewind"
position and adjust the brake arm (113) so pad
just clears the reel pulley assembly (?0) but by
no more than 1/64 inch.
2. Check "Fast Forward" position and adjust or
replace brake arm assembly (113). First be
sure brake pad is still attached to arm. Turn
cam and shaf t assembly (35A) to "Fast For-
ward" position and adjust bral<e arm (113) so
thatthe pad clears reel pulley assembly (Ba) by
no more than 1/64 inch.
Correcting Take-Up And Fast
Forward Troubles-
If take-up and fast forward drive does not func-
tion properly, r e m o v e unit from case and check as
follows:
1. If the take-up or fast-forward drive is weak,
screw the self-locking wing nut (?3) on the reel
shaJt (10) s o spring (?2) witt produce a greater
friction drive,
2. lf af.ler adjusting the self-locking wing nut
(?3) a weak drive still exists, then remove wing
nut, spring (?2), washer (?1) and reel pulley
assembly (70) and check f e I t pad on pulley. If
pad is worn badly, replace assembly (70), but
if pad shows no excessive wear, remove clutch
disc (68) and check to see if drive pin (6?) is in
place. Replace pin if missing and reassemble
in reverse order and adjust wing nut.
3, If unit i s noisy in "Forward" or "Fast-For-
ward" position, check to s e e if idler assembly
(110) isdirty or damaged. Or it may be the re-
sult of dirty bearings on the take-up shaft or
pulley assembly. To check, inspect idler
assembly (110) and determine if dirty or defec-
tive. Remove retainingring (112), fibre washer
(111), idler assembly (110), and fibr e washer
(111). Clean any dirt or oil from idler tire and