View Single Post
Old 19th May 2017, 8:04 am   #14
Station X
Moderator
 
Station X's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4, UK.
Posts: 21,289
Default Re: Citroen (Freeman) 550 tape recorder- bad capacitor?

In the text of the thread I linked to it says;-

Quote:
They both use the same mechanism and the schematic and manual covers both models and a 550 model that I have never yet seen.
OK, it's not quite clear that the 550 model is covered, but surely it's worth a try? In any case when working on vintage equipment it's often necessary to use a service sheet for a similar model, taking into account minor differences.

Why not compare the circuit with what you have in front of you? Is the transformer and transistor count the same? Are the transistor types the same or equivalent?

The reason I suggested cleaning the contacts of the slide switch is that in record mode it supplies 9V to the bias oscillator circuit (the two transistors at bottom left of the diagram) and the erase head. Easily checked with a meter even if you know nothing at all about how the circuit operates.

If 9V is present then check the voltages on the transistors in the bias oscillator and report back. If you have a scope you could check whether a bias waveform is present.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	Freeman1.jpg
Views:	118
Size:	87.4 KB
ID:	142786   Click image for larger version

Name:	Freeman2.jpg
Views:	112
Size:	87.7 KB
ID:	142787  
__________________
Graham. Forum Moderator

Reach for your meter before you reach for your soldering iron.
Station X is offline