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Vintage Tape (Audio), Cassette, Wire and Magnetic Disc Recorders and Players Open-reel tape recorders, cassette recorders, 8-track players etc. |
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14th Feb 2005, 12:31 am | #1 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 4
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Vortexion WVA4
I have started to restore this recorder that I bought in 1959 for £95. I have two immediate problems; what is the best adhesive for attaching rexine to the (wooden) case?
In the sixties the mains transformer failed and I replaced it with a foreigner beacuse I could not afford Vortexion's price for an original. The chances of finding an original now are very remote but is there a supplier of transformers who might stock one that looks a bit like one? |
14th Feb 2005, 8:04 am | #2 |
Heptode
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Paignton, Devon, UK.
Posts: 802
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Re: Vortexion WVA4
Hello,
I find using wood glue is the best, I have several machines where the covering has come away, gluing it with PVA and supporting a bit of wood over the glue for a few hours (keeping the rexine squashed between the wood and the recorder's case), works real well. The transformer is not an impossibility, I am currently restoring a WVA and the parts are coming off a second WVA I picked up as spares, if your interested in a transformer, let me know. |
14th Feb 2005, 11:59 pm | #3 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 4
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Re: Vortexion WVA4
Thanks for that. I was undecided between PVA and an instant glue. You have possibly saved me several hours work taking the wrong sort off.
I am certainly interested in buying a mains transformer if you have a spare. The circuit diagram tells me that it has has a 275v c.t. secondary and a separate winding for the rectifier in addition to the 6.3V heater winding. I am also missing the voltage selector plug/socket fronm the top centre of the panel and the 6Z30 which I imagine is fairly easy to source. For your information I spent thirteen years in the RAF as a radio fitter and the last forty years as a computer engineer. I am still learning. For my information, where on earth do you keep all those recorders? Bryan |
15th Feb 2005, 7:57 am | #4 |
Heptode
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Paignton, Devon, UK.
Posts: 802
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Re: Vortexion WVA4
Instant glue is thinner than PVA, I found its very difficult to get cloth like material to stick with the stuff, it tends to get absorbed and make a poor bond. PVA is very thick and does the job much better, so long as you have something to keep the rexine in place whilst it dries. I am due to pick up a second WVA this Saturday along with a early Ferrograph, hopefully can find a useful transformer.
Where do I keep them? I have the studio and rare recorders at my house, the domestic are kept in a garage close by and the rest of them in a nuclear bunker. http://www.subbrit.org.uk/rsg/sites/...ove/index.html http://www.jabedesign.co.uk/vr/gallery.htm |
19th Feb 2005, 7:51 pm | #5 |
Heptode
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Paignton, Devon, UK.
Posts: 802
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Re: Vortexion WVA4
Bad News on the transformer, the one I have I powered up today's, all seemed to work, then came the burning smell I think I might be able to get a transformer from a Ferrograph to work, but now I think we are both looking for a new transformer
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20th Feb 2005, 11:16 pm | #6 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 4
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Re: Vortexion WVA4
Shame. My transformer works but leaves no room for the d/diode so long ago I fitted semi conductors. I am now suitably ashamed.
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12th Mar 2005, 7:26 pm | #7 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Cornwall,UK
Posts: 25
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Re: Vortexion Transformer
Hello,
I have a Transformer for a Vortexion for sale. If interested drop me a line. Keith |
13th Mar 2005, 12:07 am | #8 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 4
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Re: Vortexion WVA4
Thanks Keith, but since my last visit I have managed to get a battered stereo recorder that has two of the transformers I needed. Perhaps reel to reel man is interested in yours. Now if you happen to have a 4 x 7 15 ohm elliptical speaker for sale... my battered box has spent a fair amount of time in a puddle which did the cone a lot of no good. Thanks again for the offer.
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13th Mar 2005, 11:29 am | #9 |
Heptode
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Paignton, Devon, UK.
Posts: 802
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Re: Vortexion WVA4
Hello,
I would be interested in a transformer as I still need one for m early W.V.B machine. |