Belt dimensions Philips N4418 etc and N4504 etc - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

ricard · 15th Jan 2016, 8:20 pm

Does anyone have the specifications of the belt dimensions for the Philips N4418 (N4414, N4416 and probably a few more), and also the N4504 (N4506 etc). (Although the basic mechanical design is virtually identical on these two series I believe that the differences there are mean that one or more of the belts are not the same).

I know there are sellers on eBay for instance selling complete belt kits, but I've found a local source of belts, however, they are sold by dimension, and the the seller has no idea which machines they fit. They all seem to be 1.2 mm square cross section which seems about right.

Edward Huggins · 16th Jan 2016, 5:12 pm

Only a few years back these were in good supply. As long as size and tension are the same, I would try one even though they are not a round section. If may work and will have not cost you much. However as the profile is not the same they may not wear well over time. All the units you mention are good tape recorders - Philips built some of the very best in the mid-price range. Edward (ex Pye/Philips)

Phil G4SPZ · 21st Jan 2016, 5:53 pm

For what it's worth, I recently took a flyer and ordered a set of belts for the N4418 from a supplier in Germany. There are numerous sellers all offering ostensibly the same item at varying prices! Mine cost £8-something plus modest postage.

The original belts were square section, and quite loose. The ones that have arrived are round section; three are the same unstretched diameter, and the remaining counter belt was smaller of course in both diameter and cross-section. I found that the capstan belt fitted fine, but the winding reel belts needed to be stretched slightly more to get them to fit. The material looks good quality, but only time will tell I suppose. What I don't know is how much the originals have stretched over the years. The old counter belt had turned to goo.

The machine works fine now.

mike3300 · 22nd Jan 2016, 8:32 pm

In the webstore of mfb freaks you can order also belts and lots of other stuff. The belts are square section and the size is perfect. I don't know if this shop also sends to destinations outside Holland... http://www.mfbfreaks.com/ecommerce-s...keyword/n4418/

Regards mike

15th Jan 2016, 8:20 pm	#1
ricard Octode Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Lund, Sweden Posts: 1,632	Belt dimensions Philips N4418 etc and N4504 etc Does anyone have the specifications of the belt dimensions for the Philips N4418 (N4414, N4416 and probably a few more), and also the N4504 (N4506 etc). (Although the basic mechanical design is virtually identical on these two series I believe that the differences there are mean that one or more of the belts are not the same). I know there are sellers on eBay for instance selling complete belt kits, but I've found a local source of belts, however, they are sold by dimension, and the the seller has no idea which machines they fit. They all seem to be 1.2 mm square cross section which seems about right.

16th Jan 2016, 5:12 pm	#2
Edward Huggins Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Southwold, Suffolk, UK. Posts: 8,340	Re: Belt dimensions Philips N4418 etc and N4504 etc Only a few years back these were in good supply. As long as size and tension are the same, I would try one even though they are not a round section. If may work and will have not cost you much. However as the profile is not the same they may not wear well over time. All the units you mention are good tape recorders - Philips built some of the very best in the mid-price range. Edward (ex Pye/Philips)

21st Jan 2016, 5:53 pm	#3
Phil G4SPZ Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bewdley, Worcestershire, UK. Posts: 4,748	Re: Belt dimensions Philips N4418 etc and N4504 etc For what it's worth, I recently took a flyer and ordered a set of belts for the N4418 from a supplier in Germany. There are numerous sellers all offering ostensibly the same item at varying prices! Mine cost £8-something plus modest postage. The original belts were square section, and quite loose. The ones that have arrived are round section; three are the same unstretched diameter, and the remaining counter belt was smaller of course in both diameter and cross-section. I found that the capstan belt fitted fine, but the winding reel belts needed to be stretched slightly more to get them to fit. The material looks good quality, but only time will tell I suppose. What I don't know is how much the originals have stretched over the years. The old counter belt had turned to goo. The machine works fine now. __________________ Phil Optimist [n]: One who is not in possession of the full facts

22nd Jan 2016, 8:32 pm	#4
mike3300 Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Alphen aan den Rijn, The Netherlands Posts: 8	Re: Belt dimensions Philips N4418 etc and N4504 etc In the webstore of mfb freaks you can order also belts and lots of other stuff. The belts are square section and the size is perfect. I don't know if this shop also sends to destinations outside Holland... http://www.mfbfreaks.com/ecommerce-s...keyword/n4418/ Regards mike