Vortexion CBL 6

[BillDWVA]

Apologies, have not been here for a while.

CBL 6 diagram and manual are here:
https://app.box.com/s/shlbm2ja3r1f5jhh0cemxolna8ov3uea

CBL 5 diagram is here:
https://app.box.com/s/a57tuctaqbg0hrncns4liif1jreehjxn

The mains transformer on Vortexion machines supplies the capstan motor via a tapping on the primary side (LH transformer of CBL models). This is to maintain a relatively constant motor voltage over a range of mains voltages, only.

Bill

[radioman]

Thanks Bill for posting these manuals.

Andy

[philp]

And thanks from me too Bill. I really admired your renovation of a CBL 6 and I am setting out to trying to restore a CBL 5 which was stored badly. I have reformed or replaced the large electrolytes and some smaller ones. I have also replaced a few resistors.  However I found the connection to both the mains and output transformers were open circuit on the important left hand amplifier. I haven't got round to removing the transformers from the chassis yet but I got the HT working at least using an external transformer. Of course nothing happened as the output transformer was o/c. 
I am having the dilemma of how far to go now.  When I open the transformer casing heaven knows what I will find. In a better world it could be just the junction better the windings and rotting rubber wire being open circuit. If it the windings themselves do I get them rewound or find equivalent transformers? Or do I give up a use my time on some other project. I like the Vortexion recorders but how far do you go?

[BillDWVA]

Hi Philip
Thanks for your kind comment.
I'm very much a conservationist and have strived to repair any of the sets that I have come across or own.
The mains transformer of my WVA Series 4 burnt out some years ago and in looking around for a replacement eventually had one made and wound by Sowter Transformers at eye-watering cost.  This transformer was too big to fit in the chassis and I fastened to the base of the case under the tape deck. I did careful measurements and calculations to determine the load on, and hence the rating of the required transformer and I feel that the original Vortexion mains transformer is undersized for the load placed upon it, just my opinion.

I looked at rewinding the original transformer and it may be possible for someone with the skill and patience to do so - I haven't.

My advice is to keep a look out for a spare chassis from a scrap machine.
Here's some pics of the Sowter mains transformer installation in the WVA. This was my first Vortexion, in my collection since 1981.
Bill

   
   
   

[Ed_Dinning]

Hi Folks, just a note to say that I offer a transformer rewinding service at much lower cost than original manufacturers.
I can also offer a custom design service for a wide range of magnetic devices

Please PM me with queries

Cheers, Ed

[Diabolical Artificer]

"However I found the connection to both the mains and output transformers were open circuit on the important left hand amplifier. "
Isn't there just one mains transformer to power both channels or is there one mains tfmr per channel? Re the OPT any cheap and cheerful EL84 SE OPT should do the job. Unless you want to use it as a" portable" R2R* it doesn't really matter (ish) if it is kaput as it's only there for the internal speaker, you should still be able to get a stereo out signal from the "monitor" jack and use this as an IP for a stereo amp/monitor setup or hifi.

I find it incredible that 50/60's recorders of folk music etc used to lug R2R's like this on & off trains and walk miles to record people singing old songs in remote countryside. I struggle getting mine downstairs & onto the bench.

Andy.

[BillDWVA]

"However I found the connection to both the mains and output transformers were open circuit on the important left hand amplifier. "
Isn't there just one mains transformer to power both channels or is there one mains tfmr per channel? Re the OPT any cheap and cheerful EL84 SE OPT should do the job. Unless you want to use it as a" portable" R2R* it doesn't really matter (ish)  if it is kaput as it's only there for the internal speaker, you should still be able to get a stereo out signal from the "monitor" jack and use this as an IP for a stereo amp/monitor setup or hifi.

I find it incredible that 50/60's recorders of folk music etc used to lug  R2R's like this on & off trains and walk miles to record people singing old songs in remote countryside. I struggle getting mine downstairs & onto the bench.

Andy.

The CBL models are built as two mono chassis in a single case and have twin everything right down to separate mains switches for L and R sides.  The deck motors are switched from the left side only and the machine will operate with the right side switched off entirely; as a mono half-track set only, of course.

Clearly, Vortexion built it this for economy of design as the CBL shares chassis parts with the mono models albeit with some items made in a mirror image.  The circuit diagram shows just one half, plus deck wiring.

These are seriously heavy machines and the CBL carry handle is a masterpiece in engineering for the weight its designed to support.

Votexion made 'WVA' and 'WVB' models and the early stereo machine was 'WVC'. I've assumed that 'WVA' stood for 'Wearite Vortexion Model 'A', etc. However, where did 'CBL' come from, does anybody know?

Bill

[philp]

               
I have now removed the output transformer on my CBL 5 and hoped that I might find a broken connection to the windings. Unfortunately the break or corrosion must be internal to the primary. The loudspeaker winding is OK presumably because it is thicker wire. I have been considering options - 
1. dismantle and rewind the transformer my self so that I can reuse the Vortexion casing. It looks very difficult to separate the laminations
2. buy new output transformers e.g. from Primary Windings around £35
3. use a semiconductor amplifier instead
4. Give up and throw the lot away - I still have a broken mains transformer to replace.

I am probably going to option 2 but I must check the deck itself before spending a lot of money.

[Diabolical Artificer]

You may as well take the OPT apart, they're pretty easy to do. You need a hammer, sharp slotted screwdriver and an old butter knife. If you tilt the tfmr on one end after removing the bolts and first "I" use the screwdriver and knocking stick to tap out the first "E", use the knife to slice in between lams to break any varnish. The first "E" might come out easy or it might be a right (insert curse here) to get out,you may have to resort to molegrips and brute force to remove it mashing it up in the process. Most come out easy and once you have removed three lams your fine on the whole. Use the thin butter knife to break any varnish as mentioned.

You may be lucky and find a short or break easily, it's in the hands of the transformer Gods, it helps if you leave out sauces of varnish to propitiate them : ) Seriously though it's odd that both your tfmr's are kaput. As you see the insulation is crumbling which may be the cause. I've been lucky with mine, only one dead mic IP tfmr which I have a spare for.

Good luck, Andy.