Aug - AmericanRadioHistory.Com

TESTED IN THE HOME
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numbers to facilitate locating any section of
a recording for which the original number
was noted. Finally, the case is embellished
with a handsome clear plastic protective
covering, with minor changes in control
placement. These changes bring the cost
of the 4Flo up to $209.95, as against
$149.95 for the 4Á1o. Most users, we
believe, will find the changes worth the
difference. - R. A.
EdiTall Jr. Tape Splicer
SPECIFICATIONS (furnished by manufacturer): a
cutting and splicing b ock for magnetic recording
tape, made of polished aluminum. Has tape holding
channel and diagonal cutting slot. Attached
to recorder or tape editing desk with two -faced
masking tape supplied. Dimensions: 4 in. long by
in. wide byi{ in. thick. Price: $2.80. Manufacturer:
Tech Laboratories, Inc., Bergen & Edsall
Boulevards, Palisades Park, N. J.
The EdiTall Jr. is a simplified version of
the professional tape- splicing block developed
by CBS tape editor Joel Tall. It is
EdiTall tape block
promotes fast and
accurate splicing.
somewhat shorter, does not have the perpendicular
cutting slot of the professional
model (not needed for hi -fi work) , nor the
screw mounting holes, and sells for less
than half the price of the larger version.
One of the important differences among
splicing blocks is in the tape holding channel.
This in the EdiTall models has a
curved bottom and precisely machined
sides. Result is that the tape can be pressed
into place easily, yet is held securely while
it is being spliced, and pops out of the
channel with a gentle but sharp pull at
both ends simultaneously. The cutting
guide slot is deep, so the razor won't climb
out; the material is Duralumin, so the slot
should be tough enough to resist the razor
cuts. Finally, the entire block is well
finished. It appears to be an efficient, durable
product.
A sample piece of splicing tape is furnished
with the block. This is the 7/16
width-slightly narrower than the magnetic
tape and, as with all splicing tape, has
a non -oozing adhesive; it should always be
used for splicing to avoid gummed -up tape
and tape heads. - R. A.
MANUFACTURER'S COMMENT: Even though This
splicer looks extremely simple it is nevertheless a
precision instrument machined to a tolerance of
unbelievable accuracy. This is true both of the
professional and the Jr. models. Such accuracy
is required for the purpose of holding the tape
securely under all conditions and at the same time
permitting quick removal, without nicking. of the
tape from the slot.
Rauland- Borg's FM -AM tuner features good looks and performance, control simplicity
Rauland Golden Gate
Tuner
SPECIFICATIONS (furnished by manufacturer): an
FM -AM tuner, model HF155. Inputs: one, for TV
sound. Same receptacle furnishes operating voltages
for Rauland TV55 television sound tuner.
Controls: combined AC power and selector switch
(OR, AM, FM -AFC, FM, TV); tuning. Volume
control for main output on back panel. Outputs:
low- impedance outputs to tape recorder and amplifier;
amplifier output has level control. Sens
nivity: FM, 5 microvolts for 30 db quieting; AM,
5 microvolts for L5 volts output. Response: FM.
0.5 db, 20 to 20,000 cycles; AM, t3 db. 20 to
5,000 cycles. Distortion: less than 2% at 1.5 volts
output. Dimensions: 1354 in. wide by 10 deep by
4 high. Tubes: 4 -6CB6, 6ßE6, 2 -6AU6, 6AB4,
12AT7, 6AL5, 6AV6, 6X4. Price: $119.50. Manufacturer:
Rauland -Borg Corporation, 3515 W.
Addison St., Chicago 18, Ill.
The HF155 is unconventional in appearance,
as can be judged from the picture. A
black -and -white photo, however, cannot
convey the striking effect of the brushed -
brass panel end- pieces, nor the gold -traced
black cabinet.
When you consider the price for this
FM -AM combination, its performance is
just as outstanding as its looks. It is very
sensitive on both FM and AM, in the front
74
rank. Noise suppression on FM is just as
good. Noise isn't troublesome on AM,
probably because response cuts off above
5,000 cycles (all you can use on long -distance
pickup). In some cases we thought
an AM whistle filter would have been helpful,
even so. - There are separate FM and
AM "front ends," each with an RF amplifier
stage. A double limiter and Foster -
Seeley discriminator are used on FM; these
indicate that no short cuts were taken in
the tuner's design, and account in part for
its excellent performance.
The selector switch has five positions;
turned maximum counterclockwise the
tuner is shut off. Next is the AM position,
and then two for FM (one with and one
without automatic frequency control). AFC
in the HF155 is quite powerful, and you
can skip over a weak station next to a
strong one. But if you tune in the weak
station with the selector in the FM position,
then switch to FM -AFC, you'll stay locked
on the station. Last position of the selector
switch is labeled TV. This is designed for
use with Rauland's television sound tuner,
model TV55. There is a multi -contact
receptacle on the back panel of the HFt55
that takes a cable from the TV55, carrying
operating voltages to the TV55 and the
audio IF back to the HF155. Smart idea, in
view of the poor audio quality you get
from most standard TV sets. You can't use
it for standard inputs, though.
There are two standard output jacks on
the HF155, both of low impedance. According
to specifications you can use zoo fr.
of cable to an amplifier or tape recorder, if
you want to. One output has a level control,
the other does not. Miscellany: top
of the cabinet gets quite warm after a
while; don't pile books or the like on it-
glass dial plate on our tuner was out of
spring clips on arrival; easy to replace -
pilot lights show through dial backup
panel what position selector switch is in.
Generally, the HFt55 represents solid
value.- R. A.
MANUFACTURER'S COMMENT: The HF -155 you
received was one of the first pilot run of 10O pieces.
Subsequent production has been changed to correct
the possibility of the glass dial escutcheon
slipping during shipment.
Snyder 5-D Indoor
Antenna
SPECIFICATIONS (furnished by manufacturer): portable
indoor antenna, with push- button tuning, for
TV and or FM reception. Consists of two telescoping
dipole elements that can be individually raised
or lowered in angle, a central phasing bar variable
in length, and a group of three tuning push -buttons.
Heavy cast -iron hase to prevent toppling. Price:
$12.95. Manufacturer: Snyder Manufacturing
Company. 22nd and Ontario Streets. Philadelphia
40, Pa.
It can be stated virtually without qualification
that an outside antenna is always desirable
for FM reception. In low- signal areas
a good antenna installation at a reasonable
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