Fidelity Playmaster tape recorder. - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

jennysue · 14th Mar 2017, 2:01 pm

I have a 4 track Fidelity Playmaster which was last used about 40 years ago, and it still works. However I have lost the instruction booklet and can't remember how to play two of the tracks! I seem to remember it went backwards to play tracks 2 and 4? I can play from L - R ok but don't know how to reverse it. Am I being dim?? Maybe it only plays from L - R and I have to spool back in between? Can anyone advise me please?

Station X · 14th Mar 2017, 2:20 pm

Hello and welcome to the forums.

To play the other two tracks you simply turn the tape over by reversing the reels. ie the LH reel is placed on the RH spindle and vice versa.

Phil G4SPZ · 14th Mar 2017, 2:51 pm

It can appear confusing at first, especially if you are more familiar with cassette tape tracks and heads. Starting with the full reel on the left hand spool and the empty reel on the right-hand spool, the tape always plays from left to right. Assume that the reels are marked 'side A' and 'side B'. You will also have a switch marked something like "1-4" and "2-3".

The tape can be imagined split into four tracks, each 1/16" wide, along its length and numbered 1, 2, 3 and 4 from top to bottom. The record/playback head has two separate recording heads within it, corresponding in position to track 1 and track 3. In a mono recorder these are selected by the track switch. In a stereo recorder, they are used together. This differs from stereo cassette heads where the two tracks are adjacent in positions 1 and 2 to maintain compatibility with mono machines.

As the tape passes the head, switched to "1-4", you are recording on the upper quarter of the tape, which is track 1. At the end of side A, you turn over the reels, and the tape runs again from left to right but now it's upside down and you're recording on track 4, i.e. the bottom quarter of the tape. At the end of side B, you now turn the reels over again, but switch to "2-3". The machine records on track 3, three-quarters down the tape. One final reversal and you're recording track 2. You can pack a serious amount of recording time onto a single reel of tape.

I hope I've not confused you even more!

14th Mar 2017, 2:01 pm	#1
jennysue Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Wimborne, Dorsetshire, UK. Posts: 1	Fidelity Playmaster tape recorder. I have a 4 track Fidelity Playmaster which was last used about 40 years ago, and it still works. However I have lost the instruction booklet and can't remember how to play two of the tracks! I seem to remember it went backwards to play tracks 2 and 4? I can play from L - R ok but don't know how to reverse it. Am I being dim?? Maybe it only plays from L - R and I have to spool back in between? Can anyone advise me please?

14th Mar 2017, 2:20 pm	#2
Station X Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4, UK. Posts: 21,287	Re: Fidelity Playmaster tape recorder. Hello and welcome to the forums. To play the other two tracks you simply turn the tape over by reversing the reels. ie the LH reel is placed on the RH spindle and vice versa. __________________ Graham. Forum Moderator Reach for your meter before you reach for your soldering iron.

14th Mar 2017, 2:51 pm	#3
Phil G4SPZ Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bewdley, Worcestershire, UK. Posts: 4,748	Re: Fidelity Playmaster tape recorder. It can appear confusing at first, especially if you are more familiar with cassette tape tracks and heads. Starting with the full reel on the left hand spool and the empty reel on the right-hand spool, the tape always plays from left to right. Assume that the reels are marked 'side A' and 'side B'. You will also have a switch marked something like "1-4" and "2-3". The tape can be imagined split into four tracks, each 1/16" wide, along its length and numbered 1, 2, 3 and 4 from top to bottom. The record/playback head has two separate recording heads within it, corresponding in position to track 1 and track 3. In a mono recorder these are selected by the track switch. In a stereo recorder, they are used together. This differs from stereo cassette heads where the two tracks are adjacent in positions 1 and 2 to maintain compatibility with mono machines. As the tape passes the head, switched to "1-4", you are recording on the upper quarter of the tape, which is track 1. At the end of side A, you turn over the reels, and the tape runs again from left to right but now it's upside down and you're recording on track 4, i.e. the bottom quarter of the tape. At the end of side B, you now turn the reels over again, but switch to "2-3". The machine records on track 3, three-quarters down the tape. One final reversal and you're recording track 2. You can pack a serious amount of recording time onto a single reel of tape. I hope I've not confused you even more! __________________ Phil Optimist [n]: One who is not in possession of the full facts Last edited by Phil G4SPZ; 14th Mar 2017 at 2:54 pm. Reason: Clarity