Tape recorder assistance required near Montrose. - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Reelman · 12th May 2020, 4:41 pm

I hope that this post complies with the rules as set out in the “sticky”

A friend of mine has recently asked me to speak to a gentleman (Jim) who has a problem with his Grundig TK5 tape recorder owned from new since circa 1956. Whilst he is keen to try and repair it himself he feels that it may be beyond him. I said I would ask if there is a forum member or restorer prepared to physically repair or assist him.

Is there anyone in the Aberdeen area prepared to go and help please?

I have not discussed with Jim about the possibility of sending it for repair, I don’t think that would be economic for such an old and basic machine.

This machine is completely original and has had nothing replaced over the last 60 years. The symptoms are low output, no recording and no glow in the EF86.
Jim has already replaced the EF86 with no success, it has its own heater winding on the transformer. He is going to investigate this with his meter. I have also suggested that the paper caps require checking/replacement. Obviously if the electronics are fixed then new drive belts will probably be necessary. I have supplied him with the circuit.

If anyone can physically assist at some time (not just advice over the phone, I can do that) then please, in the first instance let me know.

Many thanks,

Peter

David Simpson · 22nd May 2020, 10:49 am

Peter, PM sent. Regards, David

Reelman · 22nd May 2020, 12:50 pm

Thanks for the PM David, I’ll speak to Jim first then get in touch.
Good of you.
Peter

David Simpson · 22nd May 2020, 4:00 pm

That's fine Peter, I'll wait and see if your pal Jim gets in touch. I looked up the TK5 and found an excellent Forum archive document by Tim Pullin back in 2004. If the owner is a novice, electronics-wise, he'll have his work cut out. I'm glad you'll be able to mentor him.

Regards, David.

Reelman · 22nd May 2020, 4:39 pm

On speaking with Jim today it seems he actually lives south of Aberdeen in Montrose which is a long way from David.

So any volunteers in the Montrose area please? Jim is struggling to fix it himself.

Many thanks,

Peter

12th May 2020, 4:41 pm	#1
Reelman Heptode Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Rotherham, South Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 976	Tape recorder assistance required near Montrose. I hope that this post complies with the rules as set out in the “sticky” A friend of mine has recently asked me to speak to a gentleman (Jim) who has a problem with his Grundig TK5 tape recorder owned from new since circa 1956. Whilst he is keen to try and repair it himself he feels that it may be beyond him. I said I would ask if there is a forum member or restorer prepared to physically repair or assist him. Is there anyone in the Aberdeen area prepared to go and help please? I have not discussed with Jim about the possibility of sending it for repair, I don’t think that would be economic for such an old and basic machine. This machine is completely original and has had nothing replaced over the last 60 years. The symptoms are low output, no recording and no glow in the EF86. Jim has already replaced the EF86 with no success, it has its own heater winding on the transformer. He is going to investigate this with his meter. I have also suggested that the paper caps require checking/replacement. Obviously if the electronics are fixed then new drive belts will probably be necessary. I have supplied him with the circuit. If anyone can physically assist at some time (not just advice over the phone, I can do that) then please, in the first instance let me know. Many thanks, Peter

22nd May 2020, 10:49 am	#2
David Simpson Nonode Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Aberdeen, UK. Posts: 2,122	Re: Tape recorder assistance required near Aberdeen. Peter, PM sent. Regards, David

22nd May 2020, 12:50 pm	#3
Reelman Heptode Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Rotherham, South Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 976	Re: Tape recorder assistance required near Aberdeen. Thanks for the PM David, I’ll speak to Jim first then get in touch. Good of you. Peter

22nd May 2020, 4:00 pm	#4
David Simpson Nonode Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Aberdeen, UK. Posts: 2,122	Re: Tape recorder assistance required near Aberdeen. That's fine Peter, I'll wait and see if your pal Jim gets in touch. I looked up the TK5 and found an excellent Forum archive document by Tim Pullin back in 2004. If the owner is a novice, electronics-wise, he'll have his work cut out. I'm glad you'll be able to mentor him. Regards, David.

22nd May 2020, 4:39 pm	#5
Reelman Heptode Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Rotherham, South Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 976	Re: Tape recorder assistance required near Aberdeen. On speaking with Jim today it seems he actually lives south of Aberdeen in Montrose which is a long way from David. So any volunteers in the Montrose area please? Jim is struggling to fix it himself. Many thanks, Peter