Vortexion CBL 6

[Diabolical Artificer]

After re-reading your first post it can't be the amps, the signal from the tape head/s to the RH amp is getting lost of attenuated somewhere, so, first check the head is ok, IE that the LH & RH signal is the same amplitude. You'll need to record a test tape preferably on another working machine with a sinewave on it, play it, whilst scoping the OP of the head or IP's the the ampboards at T3.

If both are the same, check the signal on V1 both amps, are they the same? Whilst your at it check voltages around V1, EG anode, g2 and g1 ,& cathode (voltage across the 10r cathode resistor)

Andy.

[Primaveppy]

Hello again, 

The support is much appreciated. I injected a fixed sine wave into the tape head preamps on both sides and the signals were the same on the oscilloscope at various points. So V1 circuitry was actually fine. Next stop is V7 and I realised that stupidly I'd replaced a 1.5k resistor with a 1.2M on one cathode of the ECC85. Now the playback output is fine! I think there may be an issue with one of the bias oscillators but I'll get to that in a few days.

[Diabolical Artificer]

I realised that stupidly I'd replaced a 1.5k resistor with a 1.2M.

Easily done. Glad your making progress, happy to help...Andy.

[Barney]

Hello,
I am a new member and my current project is a Vortexion CBL 6. I note that Primaveppy posted some schematics which have now expired.
Is there any possibility you might re-post them as my model has been attacked in the past and a few connections are broken in the loom.
This machine came from a school and has been languishing in a damp shed for a long time . The case is full of worm and all the mechanics are stiff and dirty. it is going to be a long restoration. Thanks in advance for any help you may be able to send. Barney in Suffolk

[Diabolical Artificer]

The member in question hasn't visited since 2021 but you could try sending them a PM - private message. I've a WVB I'm bringing back to life, not sure if the circuitry is the same, I'd guess it isn't that dissimilar. In my case I went through the whole thing replacing electrolytics and off spec Erie resistors. The tricky bit is the wiring which go to tag strips marked A - K and 1 - 12, I think.

Here's a wiring schematic for the WVB , it might help. I have other WVB schematics if needed, tried attaching them but the attaching voodoo machine is playing up.

Andy.

[Barney]

Many thanks Andy. I'll let you know how I get on.

John

[philp]

Vortexion recorders still hold their magic. I do have a schematic for a CBL/6 for Barney but I can't work put how to attach it. 
I have just embarked on restoring a CBL 5 which has been kept in a damp location. I want to do it in a sympathetic and careful manner but I am encountering problem after problem. I am working on the left amplifier out of the deck first. I found a schematic but I could only find a complete manual for a CBL 6 which I downloaded at a small cost. So far I have reformed two of the double 32 mF electrolytics (leakage around 200 micromaps) and replaced the other. I have replaced some other electrolytics and the other capacitors seem OK. The heaters on the valves have been checked - only a few Mullards plus some CV numbered valves. I have tried to insulate the crumbling rubber wires where in can and I got to a point where I felt able to apply mains by soldering directly to the 9 pin socket. Nothing happened so with some further investigation found the voltage selector corroded and then no continuity across the primary. I wanted to push on so I connected a replacement transformer and wired it up. I managed to get the HT to 330v but no sound – hum or crackling - via the external speaker jack. I will continue to battle but here are specific questions –
1. What is the voltage across the transformer taps 9.7 and 9.5?
2. Are the rubber wires into the transformer casing subject to breaking?
3. Does anyone know where to find a manual?

Thanks for any information
Phil

[Diabolical Artificer]

"What is the voltage across the transformer taps 9.7 and 9.5" - no idea as haven't a clue to what schematic your referring to, but as a guess I'd say your referring to the primary of the mains tfmr. If it's like mine in the WVB and most mains tfmr's of this era then one primary winding has taps denoted -10v 0v 110v, 120v, 220v, 230v & 240v. If you do a DC resistance test each tap will have a higher and higher resistance, just connect to the highest resistance taps. If your unsure of what's what, use a lamp limiter to apply power, if the lamp glows bright your not on the right tap.

"Are the rubber wires into the transformer casing subject to breaking? " Yes most definately. I had to strip my WVB right down and replace all heater windings, several mains and EHT winding. To further micturate in ones handbag the audio tfmr's are also prone to insulation breakdown, mine died, luckily I have a replacement.

"Does anyone know where to find a manual?" Confused, you say previously.... " I found a schematic but I could only find a complete manual for a CBL 6 which I downloaded at a small cost." As mentioned the CBL 5 & 6 are the same, but different, in that the circuits are the same.

Andy.

[philp]

Andy - thanks for reply.
1. I was referring to the CBL 5 circuit diagram which I found on this forum. Presumably taken from the manual which I don't have (I found the one for the CBL 6 though). I f you study the primary of the mains transformer tappings, the top of the primary is labelled 9.5 which connects to pin 5 on the side socket. The next tap down, labelled 9.7 is connected to pin 7 of the socket. Pin 9.7 connects to the tape deck pin 4 which seems to be connected to a switch associated with a solenoid. What I was trying to understand was the voltage value tapped of the mains transformer and why?
2. I am dreading having to stripping back to the chassis and replace most of the wiring but it seems that is what I will have to do. Also I think I will have to take the transformer casings off and see what is inside.
3. There are differences between the circuits of the CBL 5 and 6 e.g. no capacitors on the meter, etc but not large. The operation is probably similar between the two models but I was just trying to find the properly manual for the CBL 5.

Phil

[Diabolical Artificer]

The mains transformer is being used as an auto tfmr to reduce voltage to various components, at this moment I'm not sure exactly what to. At a guess maybe the motors, having said that I could be wrong and those taps just go to the voltage selector. I'll try and dig the notes I made when working on my WVB but I know I spent a few happy hours tracing out the circuit trying to figure out where all the spaghetti went which I've now gone and forgotten : )

It's not too bad, take loads of pictures and notes of what wires go where then pull it apart, you'll be happier in the end knowing it's all safe and you've done a good job.

AFAIK all Vortexion models are pretty much the same but with tweaks to the circuit. Once you start getting your head round the things it starts to make sense.

Good luck, Andy.