Philips Compact Cassette Recorder Models
 

Hi,

Is there a easy way to ID a Philips Compact Cassette recorder? I have one in need of new drive belts but can't find a model number on the unit or the carrying case for it, just "Made in Austria" next to the logo. I found several photos on Google but not all are labelled.

Thanks

Roger

Sorry, title should read "Recorder"!

Re: Philips Compact Cassette Reecoder Models
 

There should be a small paper label (with model/type and a unique serial number), fixed somewhere inside the recorder.

It is often stuck inside the battery compartment. If it's an early model, with a black plastic sheet showing how to correctly install the five 1.5Volt batteries, it is underneath this, on the metal chassis.

If you post a photo, we can ID it for you.

Re: Philips Compact Cassette Reecoder Models
 

Hello,

Thanks for the fast response. This recorder does indeed have the plastic flap with the batteries shown but I'm unable to find any marks or labels. Couple of pix attached.

Cheers

Roger

Re: Philips Compact Cassette Recorder Models
 

That is a model EL3302, but there were several production changes, such as the move from Germanium to Silicon transistors.

Have you looked where I advised, on the metal chassis, visible when you lift up the black plastic sheet that has the position of the five C cell batteries marked on it?

Re: Philips Compact Cassette Recorder Models
 

You're absolutely right, I hadn't realised that the the battery sheet was detached inside the case and the label is in place. The model number is EL3022A/15D with a 7.5V supply and S/N 396686.

I'd be interested to know if it is germanium or silicon due to the unreliability of Ge and can you or other member recommend a belt supplier? The old belts have long since fell apart.

Thanks again,

Roger

Re: Philips Compact Cassette Recorder Models
 

According to my notes, the EL3302A/15D uses entirely Germanium transistors. However, even the later versions on the EL3302 used Germanium devices in the (playback) audio driver and output stages.

Have a look at post #38 in this thread: https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...t=75160&page=2

I'm not sure about sourcing new belts, but I'm pretty sure that this has been discussed on the forum in the past.

Re: Philips Compact Cassette Recorder Models
 

I thought everyone knew the 3302!
;)
According to my records, main belt is a 71mm, 1.2 x 1.2 square section. Molgar p/n cc-017. Small belt for spooling is 20mm, Molgar p/n cc-001. Or just use an o-ring from a pack from the pound shop, wilkos etc

Re: Philips Compact Cassette Recorder Models
 

I agree, "the" definitive portable cassette recorder. But there are absolutely loads of variants, re-badged versions, machines using the same mech, and even Russian clones to confuse us.

Re: Philips Compact Cassette Recorder Models
 

Thanks very much for the info, chaps. I'll get a pair of belts and take it from there. Engaging the play bar gives some hiss at full volume so there's still some life in there!

I'll follow-up the previous thread on the topic of belts.

Cheers

Roger

Re: Philips Compact Cassette Recorder Models
 

IMSMC, one of the belts is quite small. On the advice of a forum member I used a band intended for dressing horse manes! They're available from horse tackle shops. Works great.

I do hope you don't have sticky goo to contend with :( My belts were reduced to outlines on the pulley/chassis, rather like those crime scene chalk marks.

Re: Philips Compact Cassette Recorder Models
 

Is there another small label, probably starting with the letter combination WR? This will give the exact revision level and the production week.

If not visible from the battery compartment, it will be somewhere on the mechanism. In that case you'll encounter it when you replace the belts.

Re: Philips Compact Cassette Recorder Models
 

Too true. That N2202 you gave me a few years ago being one ;D It still sees a bit of use, especially when I want to record things out and about, using manual record level. It (and by extension the 3302 et al) is much better quality than most dictaphones, and smaller than the Marantz PMD series.

I think I must have about 7 Philips recorders using that mech!

Re: Philips Compact Cassette Recorder Models
 

Even the first implementation of pushbutton operated decks was this exact deck with a pushbutton assembly bolted on that operated the control lever.

Re: Philips Compact Cassette Recorder Models
 

Just taken delivery of an EL3301. Not seen this one before as have an EL3301T which think is a later machine from 1966. Had no idea of variants of this model, learning all the time. Have to say amazed it survived being posted in a jiffy bag.

Re: Philips Compact Cassette Recorder Models
 

At one time Philips made a Car Cassette player which used the EL3300 series mechanism mounted sideways on with adaptors to allow the play/FF/REW mechanism to be operated. I can't recall the model no, and unfortunately don't have any pictures, but maybe someone else does.

Re: Philips Compact Cassette Recorder Models
 

I have fond memories of an N2202 we had in the family many years ago. It was the first recorder that I actually made recordings on. When the family advanced to a stereo machine I took over the N2202. It felt more upmarket than the EL3302 with its push button operated eject and metal-over-plastic paneling.

I remember doing all sorts of tricks with it, like not pushing the operating lever all the way in so that the pinch roller didn't make contact with the capstan, for playing tapes at high (albeit uneven) speed (oddly, it felt like there was some form of detent in the mechanism so that it could remain in this position by itself fairly reliably), or slipping a strip of paper in front of the erase head before closing the cassette holder in order to prevent erasure and thus allowing a new recording to co-exist with an already existing recording on the tape.

After the N2202 I upgraded to reel to reel. Can't remember now what actually happened to the machine. I think the bias oscillator failed and at the time I didn't manage to repair it so it might have been taken to bits.

Re: Philips Compact Cassette Recorder Models
 

The EL3302 was a great little machine. First thing I bought with my student grant back in 1969! It followed me all round the UK and was the only thing that kept me sane stuck in daily traffic jams in Turin in the 70's. Long gone now, sadly.