Born Again Tape Recorder! - TrueTone 4DC7870 Vintage Cassette Recorder

What do you do with a dead cassette tape recorder? Give up, or get help?

Sometimes help is closer than you think!

In this video, you will see an amazing restoration of a DOA (dead on arrival) vintage cassette recorder made by TrueTone. It dates from the late 1960's and was sold by Western Auto Supply which trademarked the TrueTone brand name for many years (source: US Patent & Trademark Office). The restoration almost did not happen, but thanks to the Dream Angel Oracle computer program, the answer to the problematic motor and controller board was provided. The video documents how this happened -- it's rather remarkable!

*********

Sponsored by:

Dream Angel Oracle Computer Program. Release the power of your subconscious mind by working with your own personal Dream Angels for a better, happier, life! Read more about the Dream Angel Oracle Computer Program on our Web page at:

http://www.clydesight.com/DAO

*********

The TrueTone model 4DC7870. uses a Philips/Norelco transport design complete with a transistor PWM circuit controller. This is unusual in a Japanese machine, which tended to use governor controlled motors. Unfortunately, the motor and control board failed on this unit.

In fact, the entire machine was in sad shape when it arrived as a DOA from E-Bay.

Besides the motor/controller problems, the cassette spindle caps were gone, so the spindles could not lock into their proper positions. Worse, the spindles themselves were not properly made-- the fins that engage the cassette hubs were so small they could not do their job. The belts had stretched and failed, and the styrofoam packing material had a chemical reaction with the machine, causing some of the packing to melt and scar the beautifully designed tape recorder case, microphone and carry strap!

These problems were all fixed.

Copper wire clamps replaced the spindle caps, the fins were "beefed up" with new plastic shims, the belts were replaced and a good and thorough cleaning with WD-40 and lot's of elbow grease got the "skin" of Styrofoam off the case, microphone and strap.

The restored machine is remarkably stable, with very low wow and flutter, and it has a powerful amplifier, AC bias, auto level recording and an extremely fast rewind function. It rewinds a C-60 cassette in 30 seconds! Add to that an extremely innovative and clever attractive case with unique battery and microphone storage and it is easy to see that this TrueTone cassette recorder was an excellent buy in its heyday.

It was killed by time and neglect, but reborn, thanks to the inspiration released by the Dream Angel Oracle (watch the video to find out how that works) and careful reconstruction. The sound is wonderful.


Enjoy the video.


*********
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 opening music is called "Dream Angels" by Tim Thompson and his XV Orchestra and is the property of Tim Thompson and ClydeSight Productions.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• clydesight
• TrueTone
• 4DC7870
• Western
• Auto
• Supply
• vintage
• cassette
• tape
• recorder
• Dream
• Angel
• Oracle

[EdwinMaruriFILM]

Can somebody tell me where I can find the type of cassette tape shown in this video...???

[clydesight]

@EdwinMaruriFILM

Look on E-Bay for "reel cassettes". 

[CassetteMaster]

Heh, heh, I had a dream that gave me an idea for a movie. And boy would it be weird!!

[clydesight]

Dreams can be very revealing (ask a Freudian!)

In my case, I had bought the motor and board quite some time ago from a surplus electronics shop. Without a schematic, could not figure out how to get it to work.

I oput it away thinking (hoping?) someday I'd figure it out. And that day did come.

So you just never know what life has in store for us. I think that's why every day is called: "the present" (sorry could not resist.)

[dmstealth]

True. But yeah sometimes (like in your case) therein lies the answer. Fancy having the motor AND board more or less surplus ready to install!

[clydesight]

Well, in the end, only you can know what your dreams mean. I just suggest keeping an open mind, looking at opportunities that open up and enjoying them.

[dmstealth]

Either that or it's eBay as it was for you and that recorder that made an appearance in your slumber.

I still think it's wishful thinking (that doesn't sound right, I think I think XD). I guess it's another rare I'd like to own someday.

[clydesight]

I do believe the selected transistors are made of fine Corinthian Leather.

If you dream of a special store, it might exist somewhere, or sometime. Just keep your eyes open. You'll be surprised what you discover.

Of course, not all dreams are like that, some are just working things out in your head. So what does a jukebox mean to you? There may be something hidden there!

[clydesight]

Thanks, Tribalmasters, Our dreams are wise, so if yours tell you to run away from PCB, maybe the thing has a short waiting to shock you! Trivia: What famous inventor had a cot in his lab so he could take cat naps for inspiration? Answer: Thomas Edison (this trivia may be apocryphal) More Trivia: What famous horror novel was inspired by a dream? Ans: Mary Shelly's "Frankenstein". She even tells the story in the forward to the book.