This Webcor 2110 reel to reel deck was an excellent candidate for a relatively easy restoration - it was in good physical condition, and nothing was missing. There was a schematic inside the case, and, of course, the world wide web is your informational friend. http://www.tapeheads.net is a great resource for anything tape related.
After the cleaning and initial evaluation, as in the previous post, I ordered and replaced the paper/wax capacitors, as well as the Bumblebees - see previous post - and one resistor that was obviously heat-stressed.
I like to keep things as 'original' in appearance as possible, although the goal is function - and this stuff is hidden from view. Still, neatness counts 😁
Component values used in old electronics are often a little different than the modern parts that are typically available. This site has a great selection of parts that match original values - https://www.tubesandmore.com
There are endless, and sometimes ridiculous discussions about capacitor choices for audio circuitry. Search away. There were some component choices that could improve the audio performance.
My take? The heads are worn - I have a decent 'hi-fi' deck - the Revox - see earlier posts - and this thing is a monophonic marvel with a frequency response in the order of 70 - 10Khz - I don't expect it to rival some hi-fi wonder. I plan on recording some vintage shows, so it is fine without extensive mods.
Here are some parts-is-parts images, and the first light-up video.
Three for One! The yellow, gummed-up thing is a multi-section capacitor, with three caps inside. There are modern versions; however, because of the odd combination of values, I will use three separate parts.
Some of the caps are hiding under a mess of other stuff, and can be somewhat annoying to replace.
The only other type of component replaced was a toasty resistor - the middle of the body had been cooked - the three bands should be yellow, violet, and red - and measuring the value shows that it is way off - compared to...
...this value, which is correct.
It's ready to fire up. Ideally, I'd ramp up the voltage with a variac - 70-something year old components can be a bit unpredictable 🔥🧯🧨 😜
First function check....
Play and record, both directions, FF and REW, and the eye tube work. I still need to get some felt on the tape head pressure arms - cotton balls used to protect the forward and reverse play heads - and see if it actually handles the tape properly, and records and plays back. The heads were quite nasty looking!
Next: The reel (so to speak) test!
