Reflectograph - what is this switch for? - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Pamphonica · 29th Sep 2018, 4:07 pm

This "Model S" Reflectograph tape recorder, which I have never heard of, or have details for, has an interesting switch on the main deck, marked TT, BT, RT.
There is no similar switch on any of the models I do know - (models A, B, D).
Any suggestions anyone?
thanks
Jeremy

Ted Kendall · 29th Sep 2018, 4:41 pm

I wondered about this when the photo appeared - I think this may be a stereo playback machine (see the twin head out sockets) - maybe two of the positions are "top track" and "bottom track" ?

Pamphonica · 29th Sep 2018, 4:44 pm

Yes, I did wonder if the "S" was stereo. So what is "RT"?

Goldie99 · 29th Sep 2018, 4:53 pm

There's a brief description in the following pdf that may clarify a bit (top of page marked 101):

http://www.pamphonic.co.uk/HFYB_1964.pdf

Pamphonica · 29th Sep 2018, 5:28 pm

Goldie, you get the gold star! That's a scan from my own website and I missed it -

So it's a half-track stereo recorder but with the ability to play back on one track and record/playback on the other. Quite neat!
Thanks
Jeremy

Pamphonica · 30th Sep 2018, 11:31 am

A closer read reveals that it's not stereo at all. There is no stereo amp or inputs, just two outlets from the upper and lower tracks, and the ability to listen to both tracks combined.
Presumably designed for some very basic multi-track recording. RT may well stand for Record Top track (while listening to bottom track). More of a curiosity really.

It's interesting to note in the same year book (1964 - very close to the demise of Reflectograph/Pamphonic) that the 1/4 track Reflectograph Model B was "now only to special order". Oh dear, the evolving stereo tape revolution has somehow been missed by dear old Pamphonic! The stereo Revox 736 with great features was offered at just £5 more than this Reflectograph Model S.

brenellic2000 · 30th Sep 2018, 11:49 am

The 'S' was essentially a 1/2 track 'studio' variant of the Model 248 'A' having 600ohm line compatibility. It had a 'Repeat track' facility which cut out the erase circuit on the upper track allowing the lower track to be edited/recorded at will, such as in a language lab.

29th Sep 2018, 4:07 pm	#1
Pamphonica Nonode Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Virginia Water, Surrey, UK. Posts: 2,877	Reflectograph - what is this switch for? This "Model S" Reflectograph tape recorder, which I have never heard of, or have details for, has an interesting switch on the main deck, marked TT, BT, RT. There is no similar switch on any of the models I do know - (models A, B, D). Any suggestions anyone? thanks Jeremy Attached Thumbnails __________________ Jeremy, G8MLK, BVWTVM Friend, VMARS, BVWS Secretary. www.pamphonic.co.uk www.bttt.org.uk

29th Sep 2018, 4:41 pm	#2
Ted Kendall Dekatron Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Kington, Herefordshire, UK. Posts: 3,675	Re: Reflectograph - what is this switch for? I wondered about this when the photo appeared - I think this may be a stereo playback machine (see the twin head out sockets) - maybe two of the positions are "top track" and "bottom track" ?

29th Sep 2018, 4:44 pm	#3
Pamphonica Nonode Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Virginia Water, Surrey, UK. Posts: 2,877	Re: Reflectograph - what is this switch for? Yes, I did wonder if the "S" was stereo. So what is "RT"? __________________ Jeremy, G8MLK, BVWTVM Friend, VMARS, BVWS Secretary. www.pamphonic.co.uk www.bttt.org.uk

29th Sep 2018, 4:53 pm	#4
Goldie99 Heptode Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Boston, Lincolnshire, UK. Posts: 995	Re: Reflectograph - what is this switch for? There's a brief description in the following pdf that may clarify a bit (top of page marked 101): http://www.pamphonic.co.uk/HFYB_1964.pdf

29th Sep 2018, 5:28 pm	#5
Pamphonica Nonode Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Virginia Water, Surrey, UK. Posts: 2,877	Re: Reflectograph - what is this switch for? Goldie, you get the gold star! That's a scan from my own website and I missed it - So it's a half-track stereo recorder but with the ability to play back on one track and record/playback on the other. Quite neat! Thanks Jeremy __________________ Jeremy, G8MLK, BVWTVM Friend, VMARS, BVWS Secretary. www.pamphonic.co.uk www.bttt.org.uk

30th Sep 2018, 11:31 am	#6
Pamphonica Nonode Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Virginia Water, Surrey, UK. Posts: 2,877	Re: Reflectograph - what is this switch for? A closer read reveals that it's not stereo at all. There is no stereo amp or inputs, just two outlets from the upper and lower tracks, and the ability to listen to both tracks combined. Presumably designed for some very basic multi-track recording. RT may well stand for Record Top track (while listening to bottom track). More of a curiosity really. It's interesting to note in the same year book (1964 - very close to the demise of Reflectograph/Pamphonic) that the 1/4 track Reflectograph Model B was "now only to special order". Oh dear, the evolving stereo tape revolution has somehow been missed by dear old Pamphonic! The stereo Revox 736 with great features was offered at just £5 more than this Reflectograph Model S. __________________ Jeremy, G8MLK, BVWTVM Friend, VMARS, BVWS Secretary. www.pamphonic.co.uk www.bttt.org.uk

30th Sep 2018, 11:49 am	#7
brenellic2000 Octode Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Rye, East Sussex, UK. Posts: 1,647	Re: Reflectograph - what is this switch for? The 'S' was essentially a 1/2 track 'studio' variant of the Model 248 'A' having 600ohm line compatibility. It had a 'Repeat track' facility which cut out the erase circuit on the upper track allowing the lower track to be edited/recorded at will, such as in a language lab.