Retro SciFi Tape Recorder - Columbia Bell & Howell Model 350 B (1955) - Part 2 - The Motor System

Retro SciFi Tape Recorder - Columbia Bell & Howell Model 350 B (1955) - Part 2 - The Motor System.


It is rare to find a working tape recorder from 1955, even rarer to find one with a vintage retro look that matches some of the designs from the sci fi moves of the time. But the Columbia Bell & Howell Model 350 is just that, a retro sci fi looking tape recorder -- and it still works! With all metal construction and three motor direct drive, it is a futuristic tape recorder similar units from TEAC and others did not appear for another 10 years!

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Sponsored by:

"The Wroussara Trilogy" science fiction novel from ClydeSight Productions. Not all alien encounters are abductions -- some are invitations! Your sci fi adventure begins as an ebook download on our Web pages at:

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This is the second of a series of videos documenting the condition and restoration of the Columbia Bell & Howell vintage reel to reel tape recorder dating from 1955. In this video we see the construction of the three drive motors as well as the capstan system and the solenoid that engages and disengages the pinch roller and pressure pads.

The machine currently is operational, but extremely noisy due to damage (it was apparently dropped and dented) and possible design flaws in the venting system. When it arrived from E-Bay, it could not properly fast forward or rewind because the drive motors needed to be cleaned and relubricated. Hence, I took them out of the machine (which is modularly designed, a pioneering idea that did not re-appear until the personal computer came along).

It features a three motor design, solenoid operation and almost none of the mechanical linkages that were characteristic of later reel to reel tape recorders. A monophonic machine, it has a 10 inch "full range" speaker mounted to a hinged back plate and an 8 watt, 7-tube amplifier with separate pre amp and amp sections, all entirely hand wired!

The tape recorder amplifier needs a complete "re-capping" - replacement of the 15 paper and electrolytic capacitors which are failing. While it currently does work, it is undependable and tends to "drop out" from time to time.

To see other parts of the series please use these links or the links posted within the video itself:

Part 1 - Overview at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfg8pEMUhOI

Final - Heads and Reassembly at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwOM3wjK8gs




Enjoy the video.


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Copyright Disclaimer:

This is an educational video, a critique, and report on an historic piece of vintage audio electronic equipment that is no longer manufactured or sold in stores. It is covered by the Fair Use Section of U.S. Copyright Law:

"Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use."

The video's music is a recording made on the Columbia Bell & Howell vintage reel to reel tape recorder of a vintage LP private recording of a performance of G.F. Handel's "Let Their Concerts All Unite", performed by New England Preparatory School Music Festival Chorus with the Cambridge Festival Orchestra, Alfred Nash Patterson Conducting - Boston Symphony Hall 1963. It is royalty free, copyright free and used with permission.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• clydesight
• vintage
• reel
• to
• tape
• recorder
• retro
• sci
• fi
• Wroussara
• novel
• ebook
• Columbia
• Bell
• Howell

[amberola1b]

that is`nt there any more to get the proper fit and size needed for a replacement. I swear (but not literally) that these guys don`t know what I`m trying to get at in explaining what I need. Maybe you could some day even make up a short video on how to estimate a belt size by the string method and then measuring it the proper way. I keep trying to tell them and tell them but like I said, we just don`t seem to be on the same page as to what i`m talking about. PLEASE HELP ME. Ed.

[clydesight]

@amberola1b

For a question such as this you should send me a PM via YouTube. I can better help you that way. BTW, your procedure is correct for measuring. I think the vendor is confused. Send me a PM and I can return with links to a place that will help you out.

Thanks for the belt replacement video suggestion. Good idea!

[pimpachu]

I got a B&H 2433a (early 60's solid state) that I'm looking to clean up (already works and is relatively clean). What types of oil are suitable to lubricate the motor(s)?

[clydesight]

@pimpachu

I prefer Marvel Mystery Oil. It is a cleaning and lubricating oil that works at a range of temperatures. It is red in color and a thin oil. You can get it in most USA hardware and auto stores. Google Marvel Mystery Oil to see them on the Web!

[pimpachu]

I was meaning something like: what properties do you look for in an oil for this purpose? See, I've got quite a few oils, around the house, already. I just didn't want to spend any extra money. I got wd-40, 3-in-1, and teflon infused, high-purity , synthetic (bought from radioshack).

[clydesight]

Well, those are all good oils, but they tend to be very general purpose. WD-40 is great for cleanign and polishing cases and plastic, 3-in-one is a bit thick, I don';t know the RS oill. The Marvel is designed for car engines and as a gas additive. It works very well under high heat conditions. Some TR motors get very hot, and the Marvel doesn't change characteristics with temperature. It isn't expensive. If I didn't have that, I might try the RS oil. WD tends to dry out.

[amberola1b]

could`nt send it to them for a refit. So I tried to tie a string around the drive system and took it off to measure it. I measured it to be around 7" long, but when they sent me the replacement belt it was only about barely 3" long. So I sent it back with a note explai ning it was the wrong size and they said they could`nt understand what I was talking about that it WAS 7" long. Now maybe I don`t get it. but could you please explain it to me as to how you measure a belt

[amberola1b]

Dear Clydesight, I was wondering if you could tell me where you get your replacement tape recorder drive belts from. I`ve been trying to deal with an on line company called Vintage Electronics, and they are aggravating the heck out of me by not understanding what size of belt I need. I`ve emailed them over and over, and they still don`t seem to get it. I need a belt for an R.C.A. Victor large tape cartridge tape recorder and the belt it took was melted and deteriorated and

[pimpachu]

@clydesight Thanks, man! I'll just use my Radioshack oil.

[clydesight]

@coolbluelights,

Thank you!