Audiomatic A-900 User manual

PuoToFAcr' FolJ"r AUDIOMATIC

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GENERAL INFORMATION

The Audiomatic Modei A-900 is a dual-track monaural tape recorder and player. It wili

play two or four track prerecorded stereophonic tapes.

Model A-900 features push-button control for each tape transport mode. These modes

are: Rewind, Record, Stop, Play, and Fast Forward.

Double track recording is used, giving two fuli length recordings on a reel of tape. Any

size reel up to ?" can be used. A record level indicator is provided to simplify the record

level settlng. New recordings can be made on previously recorded tape since the erase head

is automatically positioned when the record button is depressed. Monaural recordings can be

made from a radio, televj.sion receiver, or phonograph in addition to those made directly from

the microphone.

This recorder has two tape speeds, ?.50 inches per second, and 3. ?4 inches per second.

Using both tracks, the recording time is as follows:

Reel Size

5" (600 ft. )

?" (1200 ft. )

HCDWARD W. SAlUtS &

The lieting 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 suitability of such replacement part. The numbers of

these parts have been compiled from information furnished

to Howard W. Sams & Co., Inc., by the manufacturers of

cQ4??

3.75 Speed

I hour

2 hours

?.50 Speed

l/ 2 hour

I hour

Connect this recorder to a ll? volt, 60 cycles, AC supply only.

Supplied By:

Continental lambic I nc.,

6842 W. Archer,

Chicago, lllinois

G O.r I N |E. lndianapolis 6, lndiana

the particular t1rye of replacement part listed. Repro-

duction or use, without express permission, of editorial or

pictorial content, in any manner, le prohibited. No patent

liability is assumed wlth reepect to the uee of the lnforma-

tion contained herein. @ tgOt Howard W. Sams & Co. , Inc. ,

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Indianapolis 6, Indiana.

DATI 12 - 61

Printed tn U.S. of Amerlca

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sET 558

SPEED CONTROL

SPEAKER

MONITOR

RECORD LOCK

LEFT CHANNEL

CONTROLS RECORD LEVEL

INDICATOR

TONE

VOLUME

TAPE INDICATOR

REWIND RECORD STOP PLAY FAST FWD.

Fig. l. Audiomatic A-900 with cabinet top removed.

TECHN I CAL SPECIF I CATI ONS

AUDIOMATIC MODEL A.9OO

Amplifier Ext. spkrs:

For earphone monitoring or operation of external

Stereo Input: speaker system. Also can be used as variable

InSTOP position, both serve as low level inputs outputs for feeding external amplifier or built-

for using the recorder as a complete amplifier' in Hi-Fi systems.

For stereo, both are used; monaurally, either

can be used. Volume Controls (Two):

Bothbass andtreble compensated. Independently

Recording Input: controls output of each channel.

For recordingdirectlyfrom radio or TV or from

the Model P-902 phonograph. Output:

6 watts peak (stereo).

Sing A-Long InPut:

Permits use of microphone when playing tape or

reeords"

Fig. 2. Top View of mechanism with baseplate overlay removed.

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Tube Complement:

1--5y3, 2-- ECC82 /L2AV7, 2--ECL82/68M8.

Power Supp1y:

Heavy duty, transformer type, hum and noise

shielded. 11?VAC, 112 watts.

Frequency Response:

40 to 15,000 cps @ 7 L/2 ips + 3 db.

Record Indicator:

Easy view, tube type (tuning eye).

Harmonic Distortion:

5% at peak output.

Speakers:

2--5" x 7" heavy permanent magnet, extended

range matched speakers. Acoustically baffled

with On-Off monitoring switch"

Chassis:

Heavy aluminum, fully shielded.

Signal To Noise Ratio:

40 db minimum"

Bias Frequency:

80r000 cycles, for distortion-free recording.

Tone Controls (Two):

Full range, from maximum brilliance to rich

bass tone. Independent control of each channel

for best listening pleasure.

General

Size: L87/9"xg 3/4,'x15L/4"

Weight:

39 lbs.

Storage Compartment:

For tape, reels, AC cord, and microphone.

Public Address System:

Can be used while recording.

AC Outlet:

Located on rear panel. Provides AC outlet for

phonograph, etc.

Duplicating Tapes:

Using two units exact copies can be made.

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Standard Accessories:

l-Humi-Seal Crystd Microphone, 1-?" empty

reel, 1-5" reel of tape, f-instruction bookr 1-

warranty certificate.

Acces sories Available:

Patch cords - for recording from radio, phono,

TV. Duplicating cords - for copying tapes.

Tape.Transport d

Tape Speed:

3 3/4 and 1 L/2 ips. Rapid forward and rewind.

Tape Reel Size:

3tt, 5tt, or ?tt.

Record Lock:

Safety feature to prevent accidental erasure.

Erase:Patented permanent magnet, diagonal gap, pos-

itive, automatic.

Controls:

Fult pushbutton operation, all modes.

Speeds:

3-speed manual turntable-33 l/31 45.- and ?8 rpm.

Cartri{ge:

Stereophonlc cartridge with turnover needle.

Neutral Fosition:

To prevent drive wheel '{l.at spots'when not in

use.

Cables:

For either monaural or stereophonic reproduc-

tion.

Wow and Flutter:

.35% or less-? t/2 ips speed.

Tape Indicator:

By integral numbers, easily reset, giving in-

stantaneous s election.

Record-Playback Head:

Stacked in-Iine, combined t/4 or L/2 ftack,

fully shielded .0002 gaps.

Motor:Dyn a m i c all y balanced, vibration free. Heavy

duty, constant speed, 4-pole shaded--l?00 rpm.

Contains lifetime, self-aligned, select fit oilite

bearings. Motor mounted on special isolation

type floating mounts.

Flywheel:

Balanced, zinc die cast.

Unit Mounting Plate:

Sturdy one piece aluminum die-cast metal--

other parts placed for protection.

Cooling:

4" fan, forced ventilation.

Weight:

Approximately 8 lbs.

Size: 14tix8ttx5il.

Case: Portable with cover and handle.

SPECIFICATIONS

MODEL P-902 STEREOPHONIC PHONO DI SC.TURNTABLE

( ACCESSoRY )

SPECIF ICATIONS

MODEL S-9OI DUAL EKTS{SION SPEAKIR5

( ACCESSORY )

Carrying Case:

Portable, separates into two separate tone bal-

anced speakers.

Case Complement:

Each unit consists of one-8" permanent magnet

speaker and one-3" tweeter. Crossover net-

work used in each unit.

lO-Foot Leads:

2-used, for plugging into Audiomatic extension

speaker jacks.

E<tra Speaker jack:

Erables use of both speakers monaurally for

greater volume and coverage.

Weight:

Approximately 18 lbs.

Size: L5 l/2" x 14" x 12".

FUNCTIONS OF CONTROLS & PUSHBUTTONS

0n-0ff, Tone, Volume - Right Channel Rewind Button

This is a dual control located at the extreme

Iower right side of the top panel. The large outer rim

controls the volumeof the sound from the right channel

speaker when playing stereo. The small inner knob

turns the Audiomatic 'bn" and also is used to adjust

the tone from the right channel spealer.

Speaker Monitor

This controlislocated to the left of the ON-OFF

switch. Itservesas a monitor control so that Jrou czul

listen to sound as it is being recorded monaurally.

Turning this control to the right (clockwise) turns on

the left internal speaker. Turned to the left, the speaker

is disconnected. TheSPEAKffi. MONITOR switch does

not control the right internal speaker or extension

speakers.

Tone, Volume - Left Channel

This, also, is a dual control, located at the ex-

tre'meleft on the top panel. The large outer rim con-

trols the volume of the left channel speaker. The small

innerknobisusedtoadjustthe tone from the left chan-

nel speaker.

Record Lock

This knob serves to prevent recordings from

being accidentally erased by pressing the RECORD

pushbutton by mistake.

NOTE: THIS KNOB MI'ST BE TURNED TOTHERIGHT

(CLOCKWTSE) BEFORE THE RECORD BUT-

TON CAN BE DEPRESSED.

Speed Control

The SPEED knob should point to ?.50 or 3.?5

according to the speed desired. The Audiomatic has

two tape speeds, 7.50-inches-per-second and 3.75-

inches-per-second. Insofar as quality of recording

reproduction is concerned. Speed is an important

factor. The higher the speed, generally, the greater

will be the fidelity.

Caution: DonotturntheSPEED knob unless the

STOP button'is depressed.

REAR PANEL

Ext. Spkrs. - Left and Right

These jacks provide a connection for external

speakers. When external speakers are used, the in-

ternal speakers are automatically disconnected.

Sing A-Long

By inserting the microphone plug into the Sing

This button is used to transfer the tape rapidly

from the right (ta.ke-up) reel to the left (supply) reel

at high speed.

Record Button

This button is used to start the Audiomatic re-

cording any sound being fed to the tape from micro-

phone, radio, TV, phonograph, or telephone.

Note: TIIE RECORD LOCK MUST BE TURND BE-

FORE THE RECORD BUTTONCANBEDE-

PRESSED.

Stop Button

This button is us ed to stop tape travel after being

ineitherthePLAY, RECORD, FORWARD, or REWIND

modes. It is also a safety feature and must always be

left pressed down when the recorder is not in use.

Play Button

This buttonis used to start the Audiomatic play-

ing back any recording that is on the tape, monaural

or stereophonic.

Foruard Button

This button is used to transfer the tape rapidly

from the left reel to the right reel without recording

or playing back"

Tape I ndicator

Setthe counter to zero by turning its reset knob

toward the rear of the recorder when starting to re-

cord or play back a reel of tape. If the reading of the

counter is nqted at various points in the tape travel,

newprogram selections can be indexed, or previously

recorded selections can be located with great accuracy.

Record Level lndicator

The RECORD LEVEL indicator gives a visual

analysis of the correct volume setting for the RE-

CORD function. Adjustthel EFT CHANNEL VOLIJME

control to the point where the RECORD LEVEL in-

dicator does not quite close on peak passages.

CONNECTIONS

A-'Long jack, the operator can aecompary phonograph

recordsormonaural tapes without his voice being re-

corded on the tape.

Mic. lnput

The microphone may be plugged into this jack

for recording or for public address use.

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Recording lnput

This jaek is designed to connect the audio sig-

nals from a radio, phonograph, or television receiver

to the recorder for recording purposes.

Stereo lnput

These input jacks are designed for connecting

thetwophonopick-up cables from a stereo phonograph

to the recorder for playing stereo records.

OPERATI NG I NSTRUCTIONS

Preparation For Operation

1. Remove the AC power cord, reel of tape, empty

reel, andthe microphone from the rear compartment.

2. Depress the STOP birtton.

3. Plug the AC cord into a convenient wall receptacle

of the proper rating.

4. SetSPEEDcontrol lmob in the 3.75 or 7.50 position

as desired.

Caution: DonotturnSPEEDcontrol knob unless STOP

button is depressed.

When the forward or reverse buttons are de-

pressed, the RECORD and PLAY buttons are locked

io that they cannot be pressed down, with, the possi-

bility of spilling tape. The buttons should always be

pressed down firmly until they latch. The STOP but-

ton must be depressed before changing functions or

speeds of the recorder.

Important: Always depress the STOP button when the

recorder is not in use.

Threading The Tape

1. Placea reel of tape on the supply pan (left) making

certainthereel slots catch the protrusions of the pan.

2. Place an empty reel, the same sizeor larger, on the

take-uppan (right). Again make certain the reel slots

catch the protrusions of the Pan.

3. Releasethe STOP button by pressing lightly on any

one of the other four pushbuttons so that all buttons

are in the released position. This releases the tape

brakes, simplifying tape threading.

4. Unwind about 14-inches of tape from the supply

reel. Hold a section of tape straight with both hands

and insert the tape in the tape slot making sure that

the dull coated side of the tape faces away from the

operator (toward rear of unit).

5. Insert the free end of the tape into the slot in the

hub of the empty reel. While holding the tape in place,

give the reel two or three turns to secure the tape to

the reel.

Note: Do not route tape around tape post.

To Record From Microphone

1. Insert the microphone plug into the MIC. jack 1o-

cated on the rear Panel.

2. With the STOP button depressed, turn the ON-OFF

TONE control to the right (clockwise) until a click is

heard. Allow the recorder to warm-up until the RE-

CORD LEVEL indicator glows green.

3. Place the SPEED knob in the position desired. As

a general rule, 3.?5-inches per second for voice, and

?.50-inches per second for music.

4. Turn the RECORD LOCK to the right with the left

handandwiththe right hand depress the RECORD but-

ton--then release the RECORD LOCK.

5" While holding the microphone about 3-4-inches away

from the mouth, speak in a normal tone of voice and

adjust the LEFT' CHANNEL-VOLUME control to the

point where the RECORD LEVEL indicator does not

quite close on Peak Passages.

Note: To monitor the sound being recorded, turn the

SPEAKffiMOMTORcontroltothe right. Care

must be taken to keep the microphone f ar enough

from the recorder to prevent squeal due to a-

coustic feedback.

Rayind (< ) 0r Fast Forward (>)

When it is desirable to play a certain portion of

a tape over again, it is not necessary to revind the

entire reel. By depressing the rewind (<) button the

tapewill reverse at a rapid speed. By depressing the

fastforward (>) buttonthetapewilladvance at a rapid

speed.

To Record From Radio 0r TV

Whileitis possible to record sound from an ex-

ternal source simply by placing the microphone in

frontof thespeaker, thisis not recommended as back-

groun<i noises will be recorded along with the desired

program material.

For noisefree recordings, record directly from

the speaker voice coil terminals of the radio or TV

receiver. For this purpose, a patch cord is available

frorn your Audiomatic dealer.

1. Insert the plug end of the patch cord into the RE-

CORDING INPLII located on the rear panel of the Audio-

matic.

2. Connect the patch cord alligator clips to the radio

or TV receivers voice coil terminals.

3. Adjust the volume control of the radio or TV at

normal roomvolume. Setthe tone control of the radio

or TV at full treble.

4. Proceedwithrecordingas described under rllo Re-

cord From Microphone'i.

To Record From Phonograph

1. Plug one of the phono turntable output cables into

theRECORDINGINPU'I jacklocated on the rear panel.

2. Insert AC cordfromphonographinto 11?V"A.C. out-

let on rear panel.

3. Start turntable and proceed with recording as des-

cribed under rTo Record From Microphone".

Note: Themicrophone should not be connected to the

Audio mati c when recording from another

source. Also, when the recording is played

backo thephonooutputcable should be removed

from the RECORDING INPUT jack.

To Use Second Track

1. Depress the STOP button when the tape has been

wound onto the take-up reel.

2. Removetake-upreel, turn over, andplaceonsuppiy

paJl.

3. Place empty reel on take-up pan.

4. Thread tape and proceed with recording as pre-

viously described.

To Play Monaural Recordings

1. Thread tape as described under "Threading The

Tape".

2. Set the SPED knob to the speed at which the re-

cording was made.

3. Place SPEAKffi, MONITOR control in the "on"

position.

4. Turn the RIGHT CHANNEL-VOLIjME control to

minimum.

5. PressthePlAYbuttonand adjust the LEFT CHAN-

NEL-VOL UME and TONE controls for desired listening

leveI.

To Play Stereophonic Tape

1. Thread tape as described under 'lThreading The

Tape".

DISASSTMBLY

To Remove Unit From Case

( Ref er to Exploded View)

1. Remove push-on type speed shift knob (3), the top

and bottom of dual control knobs (14), (16), (22), and

(23), and the dummy dual control knobs (20) and (2a).

2. Removethetwoscrews, (9) and (10), from the front

escutcheon (11). Remove escutcheon.

2. Set the SPEH) knob to the speed at which the re-

cording was made.

3. Place SPEAKER MOMTOR control in the 'bn"

position.

4. Adjust the RIGHT and LEFT VOLITME and TONE

controls for desired listening level.

Sing A-Long Use With Phono

1. Place a record on the turntable and plug one of the

phono output cables into the jack on the back panel

marked RECORDING INPUT.

2. Insert mic:rophone plug into the jack on the back

panel marked SIIIG A-LONG.

3. Starttheturntableand adjust the LEFT CHANNEL-

VOLUME control for desired listening level.

4. Sing into the microphone and adjust the RIGHT

CHANNEL-VOLUME control until the sounds coming

from the right-hand speal<er blend rvith the music

coming from the left-hand speaker.

Sing A-Long Use With Tape

In addition to accompanying phonograph records,

you can record monaural selections, then play the

tape and narrate at the same time.

1. Playthetapeinthenormal manner, adjusting LEFT

CHANNEL-VOL IJME control.

2. Plug microphone into jack marked SING A-LONG,

sing into microphone and advance RIGHT CHANNEL-

VOLUME control to the point where your voice blends

with the music.

Caution: You cannot record your voice along with the

taped program. If the RECORD button is

depressed, the tape will be erased.

To Use As Public Address System

With the STOP button pressed down, speak di-

rectly into the microphone, setting the LEFT CHAN-

NEL-VOLIIME and TONE controls for desired listen-

ing level and tone"

Caution: Holdthemicrophoneasfar away as possible

from the left speaker to prevent squeal due

to acoustic feedback.

INSTRUCTIONS

3. Remove screw (5) from rear escutcheon (6). Re-

move escutcheon.

4. Remove tape guide post (15).

5. Remove screws (18) that mount the front escutcheon

mounting brackets"

6. Remove the two scre\rrs holding the unit in the cabinet

(located at top of storage compartment)"

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?. Remove baseplate overlaY (12).

8. Remove the two serewsr located at front of base-

plate, holding unit in cabinet.

9. Removethefour screqrs holding "U" shaped bracket

in storage compartment. Remove "U" shaped bracket

from storage comPartment.

10. Remove the four s crevfs holding the two sub-panels

to the rear panel"

11. Push the two sub-panels through the holes in the

rear of the ca.binet.

12. Lift tape transport and amplifier assembly part-

ially out o] cabinet. Unplug four speaker leads and

speaker monitor plug before removing unit completely'

To Remove Amplifier From Transport Mechanism

1. Remove the motor and power transformer plug from

the amplifier chassis"

2. Remove the four hea.d leads from the play-record

head terminals.

3. Remove tnto screws from each end of amplifier

chassis.

4. Carefullylifttheamplifier away from the transport

mechanism and disconnect the play-record switch arm

link (104).

MECHAN I CAL A DJ U STMENTS

Pressure Pad Adjustment

( Refer to Exploded View)

1, Remove front escutcheon (11).

2. Depress the PLAY button. Do not turn the Audi-

omatic tbn".

3. Useapenciltype postal scale and check the amount

of pressure necessary to just pull the right-hand pad

awayfrom the play-record head (57)" The test should

be made at the right-hand end of ttre pressure pad

mounting spring. If necessary, adjust locked adjust-

ment scielv'(42iuntil a reading of t 3/4'oz. *l/4-oz'

is obtained.

4" The guide post pressure pad (Ieft-hand pad) is ad-

justed by bending the pressure pad spring (35). Ad-

just for minimum pressure against tape.

Erase Head Adjustment

1. With tape properly thr eaded, turn r ecorder'bn " and

depress the RECORD button. Allow tape to run for a

f err seconds then turn recorder 'bff ", but leave RECORD

button depressed.

2. With front escutcheon (11) and rear escutcheon (6)

removed, checkerase tread (52) to see if it is parallel

with the taPe.

3" Check to see if the top edge of the tape coincides

rvith the top end of the diagonal slot in the erase head

TAPE

Fig. 3. Erase head tape Path.

(junctionof long diagonat slot and short vertical slot).

See Figure 3. To adjust the level of the tape, loosen

set screw (44) and rotate tape guide post (45) to move

tape up or down. See H<Ploded View.

Brake Shoe Adjustment

( Ref er to ExPloded View)

1. Withall pushbuttons in the 'tp" position, the brake

pads (90) should clear brake drums (10? and 109) by

approximately t/8",

2. DepresstheSTOP button while observing the brake

pads. Both brake pads must contact the brake drums

at the same time and with equal pressure.

3. If necessary, adjust by bending brake spring (91).

ING

accumulation should be periodically removed since it

will cause faint recording and poor playback' Wipe

these surfaces carefully with a clean cloth. If dirt is

caked or hard and will not come off with a dry cloth,

dampen cloth with alcohol or lighter fluid.

CLEAN

The majority of defects, other than wear or

breakage, can be traced to dirty surfaces. The play-

recordtread (5?), capstan, andpressureroller (67) are

subjectto an accumulation of tape coating oxide, which

is worn off the tape as it passes these parts. This

Fig. 4. Bottom vi€r,v of transport mechanism.

LUBRICATION

All rotating parts are provided with generous

sizeoilitebearings which are factory lubricated" Un-

der normal use no further lubrication is necessary.

In heavy duty service, the following parts should be

lubricated once a ye:rr with a drop of # 10 motor oil:

1. The top and bottom motor bearings"

2. The capstan bearing.

3" Pressure roller (67) bearings.

4. All idler and drive wheel bearings.

5. The reel pan bearings.

The basic rule is - do not over lubricate. Oil

mustbekeptoff all rubber idlers, belts, and periphery

of flyrheelandoff partsthatmighttransfer oil to them.

Always wipe excess lubricant from parts that have been

lubrieated.

An occasional cleaning out of foreign matter un-

der the pushbuttons is desirable, and a drop of oil on

the sliding lever members is advisable.

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Fig. 5. Bottom view of transport mechanism - motor mounting plate removd.

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A PHOTOFACT "EXPLODED" VIEW

@Howrtd V. Srmr & Co., lnc. l96l

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Fig. 6A. Exploded vierv of parts above baseplate.

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