Philips LFH 0085/15 rewinds, but won't play back - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Sirfara · 24th Jul 2020, 5:21 pm

Hi everyone,

I found in the office an old Philips LFH 0085/15, with some tapes belonging to a teacher who passed away some years ago.

The recorder wouldn't work, when the play button was pushed, it made some noise. I bought another LFH 0085/15 on Ebay, but it had the same problem, so I decided to open them up only to find that the reel belts were completely melted in both recorders. So, I bought some replacements, and now I can rewind the tapes as much as I want, but neither of the recorders will play them. It feels like they are not strong enough to play, but they are to rewind.

Any ideas? I ended trying to restore this gals by pure chance, so forgive me if I'm asking something obvious.

TIMTAPE · 25th Jul 2020, 5:26 am

I serviced these in the 80's. Minicassettes dont use a capstan and pinch roller but the tapes are pulled through solely by the take up spindle. It's called "rim drive".

Possibly the rubber drive ring stretched around the take up turntable has failed. You might be able to replace it with a suitable small drive belt.

Philips made a whole range of Minicassette models including office desktop types. Some only played the tapes back.

ben · 28th Jul 2020, 11:38 pm

Roughen up the ruuber rim of the takeup spool with fine sandpaper (papel de lijar)

TIMTAPE · 29th Jul 2020, 11:44 am

Yes cleaning and even roughening the tyre is a good move. Just try to do any roughening evenly to avoid a flat spot or "out of round" as since it's rim drive, not capstan drive, this can affect the tape speed stability.

henrymarpla · 13th Aug 2020, 9:38 pm

I have this Philips LFH 0085, when disassembling I found these loose parts, any idea what part they could be ...? Thanks.

ben · 14th Aug 2020, 10:32 am

Return leaf for rewind segment of tranport control?

henrymarpla · 14th Aug 2020, 5:05 pm

I would have to see a photo to guide me ...

24th Jul 2020, 5:21 pm	#1
Sirfara New Member Join Date: Jul 2020 Location: Madrid capital, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain Posts: 1	Philips LFH 0085/15 rewinds, but won't play back Hi everyone, I found in the office an old Philips LFH 0085/15, with some tapes belonging to a teacher who passed away some years ago. The recorder wouldn't work, when the play button was pushed, it made some noise. I bought another LFH 0085/15 on Ebay, but it had the same problem, so I decided to open them up only to find that the reel belts were completely melted in both recorders. So, I bought some replacements, and now I can rewind the tapes as much as I want, but neither of the recorders will play them. It feels like they are not strong enough to play, but they are to rewind. Any ideas? I ended trying to restore this gals by pure chance, so forgive me if I'm asking something obvious.

25th Jul 2020, 5:26 am	#2
TIMTAPE Octode Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 1,969	Re: Philips LFH 0085/15 rewinds, but won't play back I serviced these in the 80's. Minicassettes dont use a capstan and pinch roller but the tapes are pulled through solely by the take up spindle. It's called "rim drive". Possibly the rubber drive ring stretched around the take up turntable has failed. You might be able to replace it with a suitable small drive belt. Philips made a whole range of Minicassette models including office desktop types. Some only played the tapes back.

28th Jul 2020, 11:38 pm	#3
ben Dekatron Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Madrid, Spain / Wirral, UK Posts: 7,498	Re: Philips LFH 0085/15 rewinds, but won't play back Roughen up the ruuber rim of the takeup spool with fine sandpaper (papel de lijar) __________________ Regards, Ben.

29th Jul 2020, 11:44 am	#4
TIMTAPE Octode Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 1,969	Re: Philips LFH 0085/15 rewinds, but won't play back Yes cleaning and even roughening the tyre is a good move. Just try to do any roughening evenly to avoid a flat spot or "out of round" as since it's rim drive, not capstan drive, this can affect the tape speed stability.

13th Aug 2020, 9:38 pm	#5
henrymarpla Triode Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Mar del Plata, Argentina Posts: 47	Re: Philips LFH 0085/15 rewinds, but won't play back I have this Philips LFH 0085, when disassembling I found these loose parts, any idea what part they could be ...? Thanks. Attached Thumbnails

14th Aug 2020, 10:32 am	#6
ben Dekatron Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Madrid, Spain / Wirral, UK Posts: 7,498	Re: Philips LFH 0085/15 rewinds, but won't play back Return leaf for rewind segment of tranport control? __________________ Regards, Ben.

14th Aug 2020, 5:05 pm	#7
henrymarpla Triode Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Mar del Plata, Argentina Posts: 47	Re: Philips LFH 0085/15 rewinds, but won't play back I would have to see a photo to guide me ...