Wollensak T-1500 User Manual

[1]
Wollensak Model T-1500 Tape Recorder Service Manual
By Matthew S. Taylor. Last modified 5
January 2010.
Certain parts taken from:
Howard W. Sams & Co., Inc.
―Wollensak Models T-1500, T-1515-4,
T-1700, TS-1520.‖ Photofact® Set
564, Folder 15. Indianapolis 6,
Indiana: Jan. 1962.
---. ―Wollensak Model T-1500.‖
Photofact® Set 400, Folder 13.
Indianapolis, Indiana: May 1958.
Introduction
This manual is for the Wollensak T-
1500 tape recorder, which is designed
for operation on 120 VAC, 60Hz.
Models TS-1520 and T-1700 are
similar, differing only in the ability to
operate on different supply voltages. The TS-1520 model has an autotransformer which
allows it to operate on 220VAC, 60 Hz as well as 120VAC. The T-1700 model has a
vibrator inverter which allows it operate off of 12.6 VDC as well as 120 VAC.
The tape record is a complete self-contained recording and playback unit, with a self-
contained speaker. The audio output is also made available at the Preamp. Jack,
allowing it to be fed into an existing home music system, or an external speaker may be
connected to the External Speaker Jack.
Versions of the T-1500
I have found there seems to be an ―early‖ and a ―late‖ version of the T-1500 chassis,
which differ slightly in their electronics. The ―early‖ chassis was made between
approximately 1958 and 1961, and the ―later‖ from 1962 onward. The date of
manufacture is stamped on the underside of the electronics chassis.
Although the main text of this manual refers to the later chassis, notes for the 1958
version may be found in the Appendix on page 32. In the text, sections that differ for
the two versions I mark with a ―§‖, so be sure to check the Appendix for them if you have
the 1958 chassis!

Wollensak T-1500 Specifications

General

Type	Reel-to-Reel Tape Deck
Track Configuration	4-track, 2-channel stereo
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	50 dB
Inputs	Microphone, Line
Outputs	Line, Headphone
Tape Speed	7 1/2 and 3 3/4 ips
Reel Size	Up to 7 inch reels
Wow and Flutter	0.15%
Frequency Response	30Hz - 18kHz (7.5 ips)

Summary

Introduction

Versions of the T-1500

Specifications

Function of Controls, Indicators, and Switches

Control Panel Operation

Details the operation of essential controls like power, tone, volume, and function keys for tape operation.

Special Levers and Indicators

Explains special levers, indicators, selectors, and switches for tape operation and monitoring.

Rear Panel Jacks

Details the purpose and connections for the rear panel input, speaker, and preamp output jacks.

Operating Instructions

Preparation

Details the initial steps required before operating the recorder, including power connection and tape threading.

Recording with a Microphone

Step-by-step guide for recording audio using a microphone.

Monitoring

Explains how to monitor the audio signal during recording.

Recording from an External Source

Instructions for recording audio from external sources like radios or phonographs.

Tape Erasure

Explains how tape erasure occurs during recording and how to erase without recording.

Playback

Step-by-step instructions for playing back recorded tapes.

Playback with External Amplifier

Guide for connecting and using the recorder with an external amplifier.

Splicing & Editing

Describes methods for editing and splicing tape recordings.

Use as a Public Address System

Instructions for using the tape recorder as a PA system.

Disassembly Instructions

To Remove Mechanism from Case

Instructions for removing the main mechanism from the recorder's case.

To Remove Amplifier from Transport Mechanism

Steps to detach the amplifier from the tape transport mechanism.

To Remove Amplifier Without Complete Disassembly

Method for removing the amplifier without full disassembly.

Preliminary Tests

Replacing Sound Head

Detailed procedure for replacing the sound head assembly.

Test Preparation and Functional Checks

Covers cleaning, setup, and functional tests for brakes, playback mechanism, high-speed operation, and pressure pads.

Function Switch Explanation

Operational Mode Tests

Verifies recording system, rewind, playback quality, and tape erasure functions.

Electrical Adjustments

Head Azimuth

Instructions for aligning the head for correct frequency response.

High Frequency Equalization Adjustment

Procedure to adjust for high frequency losses due to head wear.

Hum Balancing Adjustment

Steps to adjust controls to minimize hum during operation.

Bias Current Adjustment

How to measure and adjust the bias current for recording.

Troubleshooting Mechanical Problems

Lubrication

Guidelines for lubricating moving parts in the recorder.

Tape Drive Issues

Diagnoses and resolves problems related to the tape not moving during operation.

Reel and Speed Control Issues

Addresses problems with take-up reel operation, fast forward/rewind failures, and speed variations (wow/flutter).

Mechanical Interference and Tape Issues

Fixes for mechanical interference, insufficient tape take-up, and tape squeal or squeak problems.

Troubleshooting Electrical Problems

Playback Volume and Frequency Issues

Diagnoses and resolves low playback volume or missing high frequencies.

Recorder Power and Basic Function Failures

Troubleshoots power failures, and issues where the recorder fails to play or record.

Partial Function Failures

Diagnoses problems where only one function fails, or recording quality is poor.

Indicator and Signal Integrity Issues

Addresses issues with record level indicator, audio hum, erasure, microphonic noise, and no sound with flashing lamp.

Excessive Tape Hiss

Identifies causes and solutions for excessive tape hiss.

Electrical Components

Tubes and Lights

Details the vacuum tubes and indicator lamps used in the unit.

Capacitors

Lists capacitors with their part numbers, capacitance, voltage rating, and type.

Resistors

Lists resistors with their part numbers, values, and any special notes.

Inductors & Transformers

Details inductors and transformers with their part numbers and specifications.

Speaker, Rectifiers, and Fuse

Details the speaker, rectifiers, and fuse specifications and replacements.

Switches and Motors

Lists the switches and motor used in the tape recorder.

Appendix: Early Version Procedures & Components