Vortexian reel to reel - reels go in opposite directions. - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

loftus1 · 21st Aug 2017, 8:40 pm

Hi, I am currently trying to repair my Dad's 1950's Vortexian reel to reel. Everything was working fine, then there was a noise, and now it won't play or record. Forward and rewind still function. When I removed the reels I found that when I press play the motors that turn the reels are going in opposite directions. Has anyone got an idea why this is happening? Hoping to listen to some old recordings of my Da playing piano with his band, he had a great ear!

Thanks in advance,

Loftus.

Station X · 21st Aug 2017, 8:51 pm

With most reel to reel recorders, when play or record is selected, WITHOUT A TAPE LOADED the right hand reel rotates anti clockwise and the left hand reel rotates clockwise. The drive is via slipping clutches, so that the tape, which runs at constant speed is always in tension. It should be possible to stop the left hand reel by hand.

Michael Maurice · 21st Aug 2017, 11:18 pm

All the Vortexian machines as far as I know are based on the Wearite deck which uses three motors, one for each spool and one for the capstan.

In FF or Rew, full power is applied to one of the spooling motors.

In playback (and record) reduced power is applied to both spooling motors.

I hope this helps you

BillDWVA · 22nd Aug 2017, 10:37 pm

On the Vortexion both the rewind and take-up motors are energised at a lower voltage in 'Play' and 'Record' by connecting them in series and shunting the rewind motor with a resistor to give a differential torque. I.e. The take-up pulls harder.

If the tape won't run check that the pinch roller is pressing against the rotating capstan and that the motor is actually running. This deck has three motors and the capstan motor is energised in all modes.

21st Aug 2017, 8:40 pm	#1
loftus1 Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Inichicore, Dublin, Republic of Ireland Posts: 1	Vortexian reel to reel - reels go in opposite directions. Hi, I am currently trying to repair my Dad's 1950's Vortexian reel to reel. Everything was working fine, then there was a noise, and now it won't play or record. Forward and rewind still function. When I removed the reels I found that when I press play the motors that turn the reels are going in opposite directions. Has anyone got an idea why this is happening? Hoping to listen to some old recordings of my Da playing piano with his band, he had a great ear! Thanks in advance, Loftus.

21st Aug 2017, 8:51 pm	#2
Station X Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4, UK. Posts: 21,288	Re: Vortexian reel to reel - reels go in opposite directions. With most reel to reel recorders, when play or record is selected, WITHOUT A TAPE LOADED the right hand reel rotates anti clockwise and the left hand reel rotates clockwise. The drive is via slipping clutches, so that the tape, which runs at constant speed is always in tension. It should be possible to stop the left hand reel by hand. __________________ Graham. Forum Moderator Reach for your meter before you reach for your soldering iron.

21st Aug 2017, 11:18 pm	#3
Michael Maurice Moderator Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Wembley, Middlesex Posts: 7,224	Re: Vortexian reel to reel - reels go in opposite directions. All the Vortexian machines as far as I know are based on the Wearite deck which uses three motors, one for each spool and one for the capstan. In FF or Rew, full power is applied to one of the spooling motors. In playback (and record) reduced power is applied to both spooling motors. I hope this helps you __________________ Forum Moderator http://www.michaelmauricerepairs.co.uk/

22nd Aug 2017, 10:37 pm	#4
BillDWVA Pentode Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales, UK. Posts: 139	Re: Vortexian reel to reel - reels go in opposite directions. On the Vortexion both the rewind and take-up motors are energised at a lower voltage in 'Play' and 'Record' by connecting them in series and shunting the rewind motor with a resistor to give a differential torque. I.e. The take-up pulls harder. If the tape won't run check that the pinch roller is pressing against the rotating capstan and that the motor is actually running. This deck has three motors and the capstan motor is energised in all modes.