Binson Echorec Manual

Excerpt reproduced from the original Binson Echorec Manual

Cleaning the Drive Mechanism

The illustration - Fig. 1 - shows the method of driving the Memory Disc. For perfect operation all parts must be perfectly clean and free from grease. A little grease remover on a soft rag used as illustrated is sufficient to ensure the driving wheels do not slip. Any tendancy for slip between the motor pulley and idler wheel of between the idler wheel and the Memory disc will cause a rise and fall in the << Pitch >> of the Echo.

INSTRUCTIONS

The following parts must be kept clean. Motor spindle (4). Idler wheel (3). Rim of the Disc (6). Slightly moisten a piece of soft material (7) with pure C.T.C. or grease remover and bring it into light contact with the lower rim of the disc which should be revolving. Clean motor spindle and idler wheel with a piece of dry rag. USe only light pressure during any of these operations.

Cleaning the drive mechanism

Fig. 1

  1. Cleaning brush
  2. Idler pulley mounting
  3. Idler wheel
  4. Motor spindle
  5. Recording surface
  6. Drive surface
  7. Cleaning cloth

Cleaning the Magnetic Band

The illustration - Fig. 2 - shows the best method of cleaning the Magnetic band. This operation is neccessary to keep the Magnetic band perfectly clean. For cleaning use a piece of soft material moistened with special Binson oil.

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Switch on the Echorec so that the memory disc is revolving. Bring the moistened rag into light contact with the Magnetic band (5).
  2. Repeat the process for about 1 minute or until all the dirt is removed from the band.
  3. During the cleaning do not intefere with the settings of the heads placed around the periphery of the disc.
Cleaning the magnetic band

Fig. 2

  1. Cleaning brush
  2. Recording surface
  3. Disc
  4. Soft cloth

Cleaning the Record, Playback and Erase Heads

The illustration Fig. 3. shows the best way to remove any dirt or foreign material which may gather between the heads and the magnetic band. This cleaning is necessary to maintain close contact between the heads and the Magnetic band and prevent signal losses. A piece of strong thin paper is all that is required.

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Whilst the disc is rotating pass a thin piece of clean paper between the heads (10) and the magnetic band (5). Move the paper horizontally and vertically so as to release any foreign matter and brush or blow away any such dirt released.
  2. Repeat the operation until all the heads have received attention.
  3. Be sure not to displace the heads during the cleaning process.
  4. After the cleaning operation has been completed the following check should be carried out. Set up the Echorec and connect to Amplifier and Speaker. Disconnect microphone or other input signal. Set control to Swell or Repetition. Set Length of Swell control to 8 or 9. If the cleaning process has been carried out effectively, the Echorec will generate self oscillations in increasing volume. If this self oscillation does not occur repeat the cleaning preocess to the disc and heads.
Cleaning the heads

Fig. 3

  1. Erase head (magnets)
  2. Recording surface
  3. Disc
  4. Record and play-back heads
  5. Strong thin paper
Binson Echorec

ABOUT THIS PAGE

Effectrode is not affiliated with Binson, however I have a passion for vintage tube gear and this webpage aims to inform, educate and encourage Echorec owners so they can get the best preformance from these fabulous echo/delay units. Although Binson, Milan ceased operations many years ago and these machines are no longer manufactured, there remains a substantial legacy of Echorecs still in operation. They were (and still) represent the pinnacle of magentic tape delay technology and today, with a little care and maintainance will continue operating for many, many years to come. I'll be adding more infomation as and when I can.

PRODUCT CATALOG

This section contains high quality photo document format scans of products in the Binson product catalog.

Binson didn't only build echo units, they also manufactured, tube guitar amps, mixers, microphones and even a five octave keyboard, the Binsonett. I'll be adding more high quality scans when I can.

NOTES

The original manual mentions using C.T.C. (carbon tetra-chloride) to degrease the drum. This is a volatile solvent that is well suited to dissolving fats and oils, however it is no longer commonly used because of its adverse health effects. I recommend the use of Isopropanal alcohol (IPA), which is relatively non-toxic and evaporates much more quickly than CTC. IPA is readily available in one litre cans from vendors such as Newark Components.

GELOSO PLUGS

Geloso Plug

Many Echorecs are fitted with obscure 3-pin input/output sockets and require special 'Geloso' plugs manufactured by Binson.