Dansette Bermuda wiring SOS - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Rat-One · 18th Oct 2021, 2:10 pm

Hi everyone
I have been given a Dansette Bermuda from someone who allegedly started restoring it.
I am not sure about the age, not I could find any clue inside the chassis.
It looks in good condition, but all the wiring has been stripped off.
I was wondering if anyone could help.
Please see pictures attached if that can provide an idea of what we are dealing with.
There was no power cord either.
Looking forward to hear some suggestions
Kind regards
Frank

Station X · 18th Oct 2021, 2:25 pm

That doesn't look too bad to me. You'll find a wiring diagram in the service sheet.

https://www.service-data.com/section.php/1487/1/bermuda

Looks like the amp uses an EL84 and a metal rectifier?

Edward Huggins · 18th Oct 2021, 2:38 pm

If I were you I would remove those long trailing leads that go to the 3 rear sockets as they are very rarely ever used and can induce hum. Your player comes from c.1963. What is your skill level as to the fixing of this type of of player? Don't attempt to play any LPs on this until you show us a pic of the cartridge.

Rat-One · 18th Oct 2021, 2:45 pm

Hi Graham
Thank you for your reply
Too bad I don't know how to read diagrams

EL 84 and metal rectifier, yes!

Station X · 18th Oct 2021, 6:42 pm

It's difficult to advise you then.

Looking at the photographs the mains lead has been cut off from the mains switch. You can see the red and black insulated stubs. A new mains lead would have blue and brown insulated conductors. The player might work if the mains lead was replaced, but don't attempt this unless you know what you're doing.

It also looks like someone may have tried to convert it to stereo. Can you post a close up picture of the tag strip under the deck please.

Where does the thick disconnected yellow wire go to?

Rat-One · 18th Oct 2021, 6:56 pm

Hi both

I spotted what is left of the main lead and yes, I guess if I put another power cord the player should work.

I guess I should use a 3 core now as opposed to the old 2 core which was probably on the machine before.
There is a tag next to the switch, which I assume it could be to earth it, but again, just an assumption.
I will take a couple more pictures.

In regards to the rear sockets, I understand one is for an additional speaker, one for tape recorder and one I am not even sure, there is no panel with indications, just a small boards with the sockets.

I recognise the wiring from the cartridge to the tagboard, but I don't understand how are those meant to be connected to the amplifier.

Please take a look at the extra pics which I will send in a bit

Cartridge wise I can use a ronette 105 stereo or a Sonotone 8TA, as you know, stereo as well

Rat-One · 18th Oct 2021, 7:04 pm

Here are the pictures, I hope this helps

The yellow and black wires from the speaker were going to the rear socket, as well as the ones from the grey and white coated cables that start from the tag board with the wiring from the pick up arm, it looks a bit messy to me, but I guess there was a purpose

ms660 · 18th Oct 2021, 7:10 pm

The tag strip attached to the deck should be wired for stereo, the White/Cream screened lead should connect to the Stereo socket, the Grey screened lead should connect to the Tape socket the switched connection from the socket should connect to the input of the volume control (the top end in the schematic) The loudspeaker should also be connected to the loudspeaker (L.S.) socket, most of those connections are missing.

Lawrence.

Rat-One · 18th Oct 2021, 7:22 pm

So this is what I have got

The wires from the white screened cable are actually connected to the socket, that should be the correct one.
I see that there are some "ends" still attached to the tags, but still not making sense to me.

Ok, so I could possibly solder the yellow wire from the speaker where the cut yellow bit is and I guess in the same way the blue wire from the grey screened cable to the other end.

But then I don't know what to do with the black wire from the speaker and the other one from the grey screened cable.

Sorry, I don't want to give headache to anyone!!

Edward Huggins · 18th Oct 2021, 7:45 pm

I'm afraid to say that the two cartridge types you mention (Ronette 105 and Sonotone 8TA) will only give you a very low output from the very basic amplifier in your record player, but the 8TA is safe to use on Stereo records.

Be aware that you will ideally need a high-output, stereo compatible, mono cartridge - BUT these are extremely hard to source now.

Also, you can safely add a 3 core mains lead to this.

Rat-One · 19th Oct 2021, 8:31 am

Hi Edward
I think I also have an Acos GP93 somewhere around, would that be any better?

Edward Huggins · 19th Oct 2021, 8:36 am

No, I'm afraid not. Whilst it's a Stereo cartridge and will not damage LPs, it's output will be too low. Your cartridges may give a modest output at full volume (with an attendant risk of hearing hum) on 78s and 45s - but not for LPs.

18th Oct 2021, 2:10 pm	#1
Rat-One Triode Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: London, UK. Posts: 39	Dansette Bermuda wiring SOS Hi everyone I have been given a Dansette Bermuda from someone who allegedly started restoring it. I am not sure about the age, not I could find any clue inside the chassis. It looks in good condition, but all the wiring has been stripped off. I was wondering if anyone could help. Please see pictures attached if that can provide an idea of what we are dealing with. There was no power cord either. Looking forward to hear some suggestions Kind regards Frank Attached Thumbnails

18th Oct 2021, 2:25 pm	#2
Station X Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4, UK. Posts: 21,288	Re: Dansette Bermuda wiring SOS That doesn't look too bad to me. You'll find a wiring diagram in the service sheet. https://www.service-data.com/section.php/1487/1/bermuda Looks like the amp uses an EL84 and a metal rectifier? __________________ Graham. Forum Moderator Reach for your meter before you reach for your soldering iron.

18th Oct 2021, 2:38 pm	#3
Edward Huggins Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Southwold, Suffolk, UK. Posts: 8,327	Re: Dansette Bermuda wiring SOS If I were you I would remove those long trailing leads that go to the 3 rear sockets as they are very rarely ever used and can induce hum. Your player comes from c.1963. What is your skill level as to the fixing of this type of of player? Don't attempt to play any LPs on this until you show us a pic of the cartridge. __________________ Edward.

18th Oct 2021, 2:45 pm	#4
Rat-One Triode Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: London, UK. Posts: 39	Re: Dansette Bermuda wiring SOS Hi Graham Thank you for your reply Too bad I don't know how to read diagrams EL 84 and metal rectifier, yes!

18th Oct 2021, 6:42 pm	#5
Station X Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4, UK. Posts: 21,288	Re: Dansette Bermuda wiring SOS It's difficult to advise you then. Looking at the photographs the mains lead has been cut off from the mains switch. You can see the red and black insulated stubs. A new mains lead would have blue and brown insulated conductors. The player might work if the mains lead was replaced, but don't attempt this unless you know what you're doing. It also looks like someone may have tried to convert it to stereo. Can you post a close up picture of the tag strip under the deck please. Where does the thick disconnected yellow wire go to? __________________ Graham. Forum Moderator Reach for your meter before you reach for your soldering iron.

18th Oct 2021, 6:56 pm	#6
Rat-One Triode Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: London, UK. Posts: 39	Re: Dansette Bermuda wiring SOS Hi both I spotted what is left of the main lead and yes, I guess if I put another power cord the player should work. I guess I should use a 3 core now as opposed to the old 2 core which was probably on the machine before. There is a tag next to the switch, which I assume it could be to earth it, but again, just an assumption. I will take a couple more pictures. In regards to the rear sockets, I understand one is for an additional speaker, one for tape recorder and one I am not even sure, there is no panel with indications, just a small boards with the sockets. I recognise the wiring from the cartridge to the tagboard, but I don't understand how are those meant to be connected to the amplifier. Please take a look at the extra pics which I will send in a bit Cartridge wise I can use a ronette 105 stereo or a Sonotone 8TA, as you know, stereo as well

18th Oct 2021, 7:04 pm	#7
Rat-One Triode Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: London, UK. Posts: 39	Re: Dansette Bermuda wiring SOS Here are the pictures, I hope this helps The yellow and black wires from the speaker were going to the rear socket, as well as the ones from the grey and white coated cables that start from the tag board with the wiring from the pick up arm, it looks a bit messy to me, but I guess there was a purpose Attached Thumbnails

18th Oct 2021, 7:10 pm	#8
ms660 Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Cornwall, UK. Posts: 13,454	Re: Dansette Bermuda wiring SOS The tag strip attached to the deck should be wired for stereo, the White/Cream screened lead should connect to the Stereo socket, the Grey screened lead should connect to the Tape socket the switched connection from the socket should connect to the input of the volume control (the top end in the schematic) The loudspeaker should also be connected to the loudspeaker (L.S.) socket, most of those connections are missing. Lawrence. Last edited by ms660; 18th Oct 2021 at 7:21 pm. Reason: extra info and correction

18th Oct 2021, 7:22 pm	#9
Rat-One Triode Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: London, UK. Posts: 39	Re: Dansette Bermuda wiring SOS So this is what I have got The wires from the white screened cable are actually connected to the socket, that should be the correct one. I see that there are some "ends" still attached to the tags, but still not making sense to me. Ok, so I could possibly solder the yellow wire from the speaker where the cut yellow bit is and I guess in the same way the blue wire from the grey screened cable to the other end. But then I don't know what to do with the black wire from the speaker and the other one from the grey screened cable. Sorry, I don't want to give headache to anyone!! Attached Thumbnails

18th Oct 2021, 7:45 pm	#10
Edward Huggins Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Southwold, Suffolk, UK. Posts: 8,327	Re: Dansette Bermuda wiring SOS I'm afraid to say that the two cartridge types you mention (Ronette 105 and Sonotone 8TA) will only give you a very low output from the very basic amplifier in your record player, but the 8TA is safe to use on Stereo records. Be aware that you will ideally need a high-output, stereo compatible, mono cartridge - BUT these are extremely hard to source now. Also, you can safely add a 3 core mains lead to this. __________________ Edward.

19th Oct 2021, 8:31 am	#11
Rat-One Triode Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: London, UK. Posts: 39	Re: Dansette Bermuda wiring SOS Hi Edward I think I also have an Acos GP93 somewhere around, would that be any better?

19th Oct 2021, 8:36 am	#12
Edward Huggins Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Southwold, Suffolk, UK. Posts: 8,327	Re: Dansette Bermuda wiring SOS No, I'm afraid not. Whilst it's a Stereo cartridge and will not damage LPs, it's output will be too low. Your cartridges may give a modest output at full volume (with an attendant risk of hearing hum) on 78s and 45s - but not for LPs. __________________ Edward.