New Tape Delay Day (photo links updated - 2018)

[culturejam]

Well don't be jealous! Get you one:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2055119.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xunivox+echo&_nkw=univox+echo&_sacat=0&_from=R40

$135 buy-it-now, $15 shipping. Comes with a functional tape cartridge. And based on the description, getting back to 100% should* be pretty trivial.


* Sounds like the motor speed is not variable, which suggests the Delay Time pot needs to be replaced or at least cleaned. Since the sellers says there is echo present, it means the motor is working, the flywheel/belt are intact, the record head works, and the playback head works. There's not much else to replace on that thing. But I make no guarantees, so if you buy it and can't fix it, don't get mad at me. 

[Leevibe]

Why you gotta tempt me like that?

[peAk]

Well don't be jealous! Get you one:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2055119.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xunivox+echo&_nkw=univox+echo&_sacat=0&_from=R40

$135 buy-it-now, $15 shipping. Comes with a functional tape cartridge. And based on the description, getting back to 100% should* be pretty trivial.


* Sounds like the motor speed is not variable, which suggests the Delay Time pot needs to be replaced or at least cleaned. Since the sellers says there is echo present, it means the motor is working, the flywheel/belt are intact, the record head works, and the playback head works. There's not much else to replace on that thing. But I make no guarantees, so if you buy it and can't fix it, don't get mad at me. 

when it's fully working, how much delay can you get?

[culturejam]

when it's fully working, how much delay can you get?

On the EC-80, it's about 350ms-ish. Kinda depends on the individual unit. But, you can use a large value pot for the Delay Time to extend it. I have my EC-100 at about 450ms right now. Keep in mind that like analog delays, longer times means less fidelity. In this case you're slowing down the tape transport, which spreads the audio out less densely, which means less fidelity. But don't kit yourself, these units weren't made for fidelity, even at the highest speed setting. 

Somebody please buy this thing so that I don't break down and end up with three low-fi tape heads. 

[rullywowr]

You talked me into it.

[culturejam]

You talked me into it.

YES!! Now I have a tape delay buddy. 

[rullywowr]

You talked me into it.

YES!! Now I have a tape delay buddy. 

Looking forward to it!  Do you have any schematics or repair docs? 

[culturejam]

I have a schematic for both the EC-80 and EC-100. I will post them in a separate thread.

I've not been able to find any official service manuals. There is a low-res scan of the original user manual (it includes a schematic but it's hard to read because of the size):
http://www.univox.org/schematics.html

What I've been able to fix so far has been through some Googling of forums and also some trial and error. I plan to write up something a bit more formalized and post it once I get more theories verified. That's something we could work on together, if you're interested.

[rullywowr]

I have a schematic for both the EC-80 and EC-100. I will post them in a separate thread.

I've not been able to find any official service manuals. There is a low-res scan of the original user manual (it includes a schematic but it's hard to read because of the size):
http://www.univox.org/schematics.html

What I've been able to fix so far has been through some Googling of forums and also some trial and error. I plan to write up something a bit more formalized and post it once I get more theories verified. That's something we could work on together, if you're interested.

Thanks for that.  I'd be glad to help contribute to getting something more formalized created with you.  I intend on changing out the pot, replacing the aging electros and cleaning up the unit.  Haven't seen it yet but am excited!

PS...did you see the one on eBay that sold for $8.00??!?!  omg

[culturejam]

PS...did you see the one on eBay that sold for $8.00??!?!  omg

Uh, no. Man, I just paid more than that for a PlayTape.

[culturejam]

Okay folks, here's a clip of the EC-100 (motor noise and all). Longest delay setting is possible because of increasing the resistance of the Time pot.

[soundcloud]https://soundcloud.com/effdub/univox-ec-100-with-playtape[/soundcloud]

[peAk]

Not sure if you linked the clip.....unless it's my phone

[lincolnic]

Mmm...tape delay...

[peAk]

ahhh.....so nice!

I hope rullywowr has as much success with his as you have had with yours. That is such a steal at those prices.

I will be watching this thread so please update!!!

[peAk]

Just wanted an update

Ben, did you get your tap echo?

How did it work?