Elpico Impresario tape deck TR150 help needed

[FIXITNOW]

pick this up this weekend its a 3 speed deck BUT and these always one
there should be a sleeve to go on the capstan shaft to select between 2 of the speed acording to the user guide (which i have) 3 3/4 to 7 1/2
sadly its missing does anyone have one of these machine and able to measure the asaid item (or have a spare one)
thanks
also any one got any service info know what deck type is used

many thanks
vince

[julie_m]

Usually a capstan sleeve has the outside diameter double that of the capstan, so the tape moves twice as far for each turn of the capstan. That's certainly how it is on the Akai machines, anyway. With the capstan "naked", the tape runs at 9.5 cm/s; fitting the sleeve doubles this to 19.0 cm/s.

Any local engineering firm should be able to turn you up a replacement. Just measure the capstan as accurately as you can (bearing in mind that you can only read a micrometer or digital caliper to two decimal places; if the capstan diameter is around 4mm. then that is about ± 0.25% tolerance), then drop by one lunchtime and ask one of the guys having a fag outside the workshop.

The other thing is, have you got the fixing nut that holds the sleeve on? Matching the thread could be a bit of a bache.

[FIXITNOW]

cheers for that got a guy i work with thats a model maker and has a lathe but yes will need to find out about that thread the capstain has a internal thread so should just need a thumbscrew

[brenellic2000]

Sounds like you have the Brenell Mk.II deck version of the Impressario - see my Brenelltape.co.uk webite. If so I'll measure mine, but I don't recognise the TR150 model number.

Photo please!
Barry

[FIXITNOW]

thanks barry
if i can 1 machined what should i get it made from as i guess the original is plated

i will try and do some pictures as it does not look the same as the ones on your site
cheers
vince

[brenellic2000]

Thanks Vince,

The most accurate capstan wheels are those centre turned with a sweated in/soldered in centre screw - this ensures there is no eccentricity which can cause wow (speed variation). The other types are sliding fit and held by grubscrews; these can give a eccentric drive if too loose (the grub screw pushes them off-centre).

The capstans are usually 2:1 ratio, so a 3-speed deck (1-7/8, 3-3/4, 7-1/2ips) with a capstan gives you 3-3/4, 7-1/2; 15ips, but some 2-speed decks use a stepped pulley under the deck in combination with a capstan to give you 3 speeds. It all depends on whose deck you have! The option was a Brenell or Truvox MK.III on the early Impresario.


Barry

[FIXITNOW]

pictures as promised

[FIXITNOW]

user guide

[brenellic2000]

Thanks Vince,

Not seen that one before but it is the Brenell Mk.II despite the madmoiselle's boudoir front panel and Elpico badge. The 2 speed high-low ratios are set on a pulley below the deck (1/4" dia rubber o-ring). The capstan and sleeve (1/2" dia from memory) gives you the operating speeds.

The theory is that the user will normally use only one speed, so no need to access the underdeck pulley; it was factory set at 3-3/4 + 7-1/2ips low ratio. High ratio gave 7-1/2+ 15ips. It is a very reliable deck.

Barry

[ronbryan]

Here is a picture of the required brass capstan sleeve, taken from a Brenell Mk II deck. It is screwed on to the end of the flywheel, shown upside down in the photo.

The second picture shows the sleeve installed.

Ron

[FIXITNOW]

thanks for the pictures Ron

[FIXITNOW]

This has now gone to brenellic2000 as he express an interest in it
To add to his collection of all things Brenell
vince

[brenellic2000]

Thanks Vincent... do you have the missing capstan sleeve?!!

[FIXITNOW]

no sleeve that what this help needed was about
was either looking for one. or measurement to see if i could get one made
ajs_derby gaves some size info