Fi-Cord 1A

Used Google translator

     Fi-Cord 1A.     Portable reel tape recorder, the production of Fi-Cord LTD, England. This model of 1958 (see photo at the bottom of the page), was used as a reporter tape recorder, including the company BBC. In 1960 in the United States it was sold at the price of $ 330. Dimensions recorder 230 x 120 x 65 mm without protruding parts. Weight 1,7 kg. Power supply voltage 8 v, the four lead-acid batteries for 2 v. Building a wooden recorder, and is inserted steel deck, which is mounted all the mechanics and electronics. The soundboard is attached to the body by three screws. This is a constructive analog of the Swiss recorder Stellavox Sm4.

In the explanation to the photos we have in mind is Stellavox Sm4
Photos from the magazine "Electronics Illustrated" №2 1960 year.

     Kinematics of the recorder is simple, but provides a stable speed of magnetic tape in two speeds, 7, 1/2 and 1, 7/8 inches per second. Rewind the tape in advance can let her directly, bypassing the commercials, as shown by arrows on the deck recorder. Rewind absent. Thrust pinch roller to the capstan by means of roller - eccentric, located next to the head. In addition to the switch speed on the deck are, jack headphone jack, lever spring flow meter tape, and push-off dynamics. She pressed when the lid is closed recorder. Also next to a Moving bracket capable of holding the button down when the lid is open. The lever is pressed to the tape counter outside of the inlet reel, and moves toward its center is proportional to flow ribbons. In doing so, the tape counter, tightly associated with a lever is moved inside the window, located on the right front side of the body. This lever also creates the necessary tension of the tape. 
     Batteries are inserted down into the bay, located along the rear of the chassis. The sides of the body are four locking strap for carrying. On the right-hand edge of the shell are the main elements of control and display. At the left on it there is a switch of operating modes. To the right is a connector for microphones, fluorescent light above it the recording level, then the indicator lamp power, connector for connecting an external speaker, the window flow meter tape, and volume control - the recording level.
     Circuit recorder rather complex, collected at 8 transistor type GET3, and provides the bandwidth frequency amplifier, 50 Hz - 12 KHz. Six transistors used in the amplifier, and two in the generator erasure. The generator also creates erase voltage required to operate the fluorescent indicator record. Inside the recorder, everything looks beautiful. The electronics board is collected accurately and mechanical parts are made of high quality, as in all other models Fi-Cord. 
     In the kinematics used four rubber belt. Two of them are very short used in the gearbox, combined with a switch, belt speed. Two long pass traffic from the engine to the flywheel, and the site rolling. The flywheel is very solid, made of brass. The engine, designed for voltage 3 v, has a centrifugal speed regulator. On the engine has markings that tells them that he made in Germany. The speaker is mounted on the deck, where it drilled for 17 holes.
     The recorder produces a double impression. On the one hand it operates normally, recording and reproducing quality is good.  However, it is embarrassing wooden cabinet, a strange way of charging belt, the belt from right to left, batteries, located in the most conspicuous place.
     The recorder was in defective condition. To improve its capacity necessary to replace all four belt, replacing dry time of electrolytic capacitors, and repair of the universal head, winding which was on the precipice. The design of sectional heads, and I was able to rewind one of the windings, which was on the precipice. Currently, the unit is in good working condition, but the quality of the original microphone good enough, and good writing can only be done using the microphone. 

Photos can be enlarged

In the photo left switch speed magnetic tape. The photo on the right are visible head, capstan and pinch roller. Pinch roller has an unusual design. It is made in the form of a disk headform conforming to a rubber ring.

The photo on the left see eccentric, through which pinch roller is pressed against the capstan. The photo on the right - the battery compartment.

The photographs seen lever meter ribbon and a button off the speaker. Button located on the edge of the deck and pressed when closing the housing cover. Next to the button is located Moving bracket that allows to keep the button pressed when the lid is open.

The rubber belt from time lost elasticity, and stretched. They had to be replaced. In the photo the old belt.

During the renovation had to replace all the electrolytic capacitors. To preserve the original look of the electronics board, I examine the old capacitors, removed the aluminum liner interior, and put them in the new capacitors are suitable denomination and size. After assembling the capacitors were obtained very similar to the original. In the picture below can see the whole process of modernization.

Gearbox, combined with the switch speed magnetic tape.

Photographs taken during the repair of the universal head.

Lead-acid batteries with a voltage of 2 v. To their charge made special chargers. In the charger had four indicator lamps of the charge, one for each battery. When some of the batteries fully charged, separated the gas in the space between the bank and the plastic body battery. The body swelled, and pressed a microswitch. This charge of the battery turned off, and the light goes out. Size of battery 43 x 32 x 13 mm. Weight 40 g.

To demonstrate the tape I made two batteries on 4,5 v, replacing the four original battery.

Another version of self-made batteries made on a 3d printer was presented to me by collector Alexander Yurinov

Belt, a microphone with remote activation switch, cover, and shoulder leather bag.

Photo from the magazine "Radio-News" for November 58		Photo from the magazine "Tape-Recording" for November 58