Tape Speed Control Stuck on UHER 4000 Report IC.
 

Hi everyone.

My first time posting here. I bought a UHER 4000 Report IC a couple of years ago for a pretty good price. It's sat there for a while not doing anything, now I'm trying to use it and the speed control (19, 9.5, 4.7, 2.44) seems stuck, there's no shifting it. It's a BBC model and I heard that sometimes they would fix the tape speed control - could that be true? Any ideas?

Thanks very much.

Re: Tape Speed Control Stuck on UHER 4000 Report
 

I believe that the BBC normally locked their UHERs in 7.5 ips mode, we certainly did where I worked, (another broadcast organisation) by means of a screw in the speed change gate to stop the lever being moved.

Re: Tape Speed Control Stuck on UHER 4000 Report
 

The BBC certainly did do this - running at any slower speed was pointless with the need for editing, and it was one control fewer for the preoccupied journalist to deal with.

Re: Tape Speed Control Stuck on UHER 4000 Report
 

Diplomatic!

Re: Tape Speed Control Stuck on UHER 4000 Report
 

On my 4000 Report-L, there is also the option to lock the speed change 'gear stick' by rotating the knob 90 degrees. One can't then change speed unless the knob is unlocked by turning it back again.

Re: Tape Speed Control Stuck on UHER 4000 Report
 

Hi,
Well, I didn't know that!
My Report-L needs the knob pushing in a little before moving it, but I didn't know it could be locked. I'll go and try it straight away!
Thanks.:thumbsup:
Pete.

Re: Tape Speed Control Stuck on UHER 4000 Report
 

I'm with Pete here - I've just checked mine and it certainly is the case. You live and learn - thanks Uncle B!

Re: Tape Speed Control Stuck on UHER 4000 Report
 

Unfortunately this is not the case with the Report IC series which has a unturnable cylindrical speed change knob. In addition there is no off position which means that the rubber of the drive wheel is always in contact with metal which can lead to damage of the rubber.
I seem to remember that the BBC monograph on mutilating the speed change is available on the net somewhere, might be a help...

Re: Tape Speed Control Stuck on UHER 4000 Report
 

I've also heard that commercial users used to lock the speed control to one speed to make the editing of tapes easier if they were all recorded at the same speed.

Occasionally some were left with the speed control unlocked.

http://www.dustygizmos.com/arcpages/...er%204000%20RM

Re: Tape Speed Control Stuck on UHER 4000 Report
 

I'm glad to be able to put something back rather than just sup from the forum's pool of knowledge!

A shame it's not the same for the Report-IC, but as we've heard nothing more from the OP, perhaps they've sorted it...

Re: Tape Speed Control Stuck on UHER 4000 Report
 

I think the Report IC is basically the same - it's the Report Monitor that has the rotary speed control. It has detents between each speed to avoid the damage mentioned, but obviously the rather heavy-handed BBC mod pays no attention to this - or to battery life!

Re: Tape Speed Control Stuck on UHER 4000 Report
 

I often use ElektroTanya for finding manuals, and noticed that there's one here for '4000 Report IC BBC modifications'. I've not downloaded it, but this could be useful for the OP...

https://elektrotanya.com/uher_4000_r.../download.html

Re: Tape Speed Control Stuck on UHER 4000 Report
 

I downloaded that document a little time ago. It says precisely nothing about disabling the speed change! As the OP has not rejoined the debate, I presume, like somebody did earlier, that he/she has found a solution to the problem.

Re: Tape Speed Control Stuck on UHER 4000 Report
 

The one I had was seriously bodged with the speed control shaft actually chopped off with a cutter, see this post:

https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...ight=Uher+4000

Neil

Re: Tape Speed Control Stuck on UHER 4000 Report
 

It's likely the cut print means that the motor is only switched on when a key is pressed, though I suspect there may be a couple of other 'modifications' to enable this.

Re: Tape Speed Control Stuck on UHER 4000 Report
 

The last two posts seem to have gone back to discussing BBC modifications of the Report Monitor not the Report IC which is the topic of this thread.

Re: Tape Speed Control Stuck on UHER 4000 Report
 

Hi All - Mine is the same - does anyone know if it's possible to change this. I'm loath to take the front cover off, but might give it a go.

Re: Tape Speed Control Stuck on UHER 4000 Report IC.
 

If you're talking about the normal function of the Report-L (not the BBC modification where the knob is locked in position) then there is no need to remove the panel. The square knob on the end of the 'gear lever' simply has to be rotated to let the lever be moved to a different speed. I think there's a line embossed on the knob so you can see when it's been turned or not. It doesn't require any force, and just stops it moving if it gets knocked when in use.

Re: Tape Speed Control Stuck on UHER 4000 Report IC.
 

Hi there,
Thanks for taking the time to reply. It's the BBC mod, so the speed change has been fixed stuck in one position basically. I can't figure out how they've done it or whether it's a fairly easy fix. Tried taking the front off this morning but couldn't remove it due to the buttons, (vol etc.).
Frustrating as I bought it for experimental music involving changing the speed.
Thanks in advance for any help.

Re: Tape Speed Control Stuck on UHER 4000 Report IC.
 

Which model are you talking about? If it's the 4000.4200/4400IC series you don't have to remove the front panel to get at the speed change. You take off the bottom and open up the hinged circuit board. Then you can see what the BBC have done...if they have done anything. As I have said above you can't lock the speed knob on the IC models and there is no information on the internet about the BBC modifying the speed change on this model.