Hi
I can see 2 possible ways of overcoming the mains frequency issue.
The neatest way, which may actually be built into the machine is an
alternative capstan spindle like some other manufacturers.
You 'simply' (Ha Ha) unscrew the exiting spindle and replace it with one
which is slightly thicker in this case.
If the motor is not a synchronous type, there may be some adjustment
that could be done.
The second perhaps slightly easier way would be to use a UPS (power
supply not parcel business) destined for the US having 60Hz output.
Rather than trying to power the whole machine, rewire it so the
electronics run from 50Hz and only the motor(s) run from 60Hz.
If a little eccentric perhaps but a 1KW amplifier in 'bridge' mode will
give 110Volts AC. This could be fed with a 60Hz sinewave and use this to
drive the motor(s).
Again, run the electronics from mains directly as this is very
inefficient. There may be an issue with the 10Hz difference frequency,
so it would have to be tried out to check all is well.
Matt S
I posted this yesterday but I am not sure that it went out to the List.
Hi All
I have had a few people ask about the Stephens so I thought I would post
some more background about it and also a yousendit sownload link to some
photos. The file at Yousendit is big at 49MB. Anyway here goes.
I Fished the Stephens out of storage on wednesday and I have to say it
appears to be in a bit of a state.
Heres the story.
We bought this 10 years ago when we were making an album. Our US based
producer told us that it was a great machine and we should buy it and have
it shipped to the UK. Unfortunately no one realised that this machine
wouldn't work properly in the UK due to the different speed of CPS in our
mains power. When the machine arrived for some reason the case was
discarded. I remember seeing it rotting in the band leaders front yard.
The original idea was to have it flight cased, like the portable model, so
it wouldn't take up much room. We took the machine to a UK tape specialist
(no one remembers who it was and I didn't go) and he checked the tape
machine over and gave it a clean bill of health (apart from the tape speed
issue).
Like all these things no one got around to flightcasing it and also the
tape speed thing was an issue. On the next album we worked with an
engineer who was much more used to using Studers and so a A80 MKIV (also
for sale)was bought from funky junk.
Since then the Stephens has sat in a lockup waiting for something to happen.
As far as I can see, all the the components and parts are there and there
is a bag of spare parts (relays Amps.etc). We have got the manual and the
schematics and a rough idea (scraps of paper) of the service history.
There is no reason to expect that with a bit of effort and patience this
machine could not be brought back to life. having said that I am primarily
a DAW guy and what I know about tape machines could be written on the back
of a postage stamp.
Looking at the documentation that came with it I can see that it was
bought from Andy Tolley (San Diego) in 1999. I also have another service
sheet that suggests that it was in service in 86 at a studio called Rusk
Sound in L A. If anyone know about Rusk Sound or Andy Tolley could they
let me know as perhaps some great music was recorded with this machine'
I would love to have it myself but I just don't have the skills needed to
maintain it.
We would be open to lowball offers as I would like to see this once great
machine restored and working or at least go to someone who could use the
parts.
Here is the link to the pictures (49MB).
Download File at:
https://rcpt.yousendit.com/660445493/aac154aed00213c02162bd4dde72e92a
Anyhow that's the whole sorry tale of the Stephens
Andy.
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