The Grundig C 8000 is a powerful 5-band radio recorder which was built from 1978 onwards and has numerous comfort features. At that time, it was the "top model" among Grundig's mono radio recorders. The device here has been restored in an extremely complex way. It had been completely disassembled, very intensive cleaned and overhauled in almost any detail. The entire cassette part got new gear wheels, new belts, was degreased, intensively cleaned, re-lubricated. Afterwards the speed was adjusted, the azimuth adjusted, the axial play and much more. All switches and controllers were specially cleaned, the lighting renewed, the antenna optimised and much more. The unit has taken well over 50 working hours, but I was lucky to find a unit with a good base for the restoration. It is only because of this that the racing result is as exceptionally good as shown here.
Here you can see the 2nd part with demo of the playback and recording function and the "VAT" button of the cassette louvre CB 100/E in the Grundig C 8000 radio recorder from 1978:
• Grundig C 8000 Radiore...
Watch the opened device play during the restoration:
Play it open: Grundig C 8000 Automatic. Radiorecorder (1976) - Bandscan FM, AM, LW, SW1, SW2 • Play it open: Grundig ...
Here are some excerpts from the catalogue at that time ("Grundig Revue" 1978):
"With its progressive conception, the С 8000 unites everything in itself that distinguishes a radio recorder of the highest perfection. In addition, it surprises with technical advantages which are exemplary or even absolutely new in its price range - and not only in radio recorders! For example: Self-controlling Super AFC - the GRUNDIG innovation in radio recorders: The FM sharp tuning switches on fast station search electronically off and automatically on again after tuning. So you can tune in even more precisely. It can of course also be switched off manually."
"Muting - FM muting suppresses the annoying noise between the stations during tuning and
non-receiving stations. 6 FM programme keys - each easily programmable with its own tuning control. Variable fade-out technology (VAT) - for smooth fade-in and fade-out with every recording. Without annoying crackling. For breaks of any length. And the automatic recording is not affected! Pushbutton-controlled drive with intermix operation - allows direct selection of all running functions without stopping.
The short information:
5 wave ranges
6 FM programme keys
Self-controlling Super-AFC
Muting (Still tuning for FM)
FM frequency display
Built-in microphone
Band selector for all types of bands
Push-button-controlled drive with intermix operation
VAT button for fade out/show on recording
IC output stage with 7 watts output power
Important technical features:
5 wavebands: FM. SW 1 (49 m band), SW 2 (16. ..49 m), AM, LW. 3-fold tuned VHF mixing section with capacitive diodes. Preamplifier and band filter as intermediate circuit; separate oscillator. Exceptional selectivity for AM and FM due to separate IF amplifiers with ICs and multiple ceramic filters. IC output stage with 7 Watt output power. 2 superphonic loudspeakers. Switchable tweeter. Built-in highly sensitive electret condenser microphone. Start-stop remote control via switchable microphone GDM 308 possible. Long-life sound head for super-long life. Connections for small headphones/ external loudspeakers. Record player/tape recorder/remote control microphone, FM external antenna. External power supply (10 ... 16 V DC). Easy to service due to plug-in connections and easily removable units.
Comfort functions:
Self-controlling Super AFC. Level- and tuning-dependent muting for FM suppresses stations not worthy of reception or the annoying noise between stations during tuning. Backlit FM frequency display. Illuminated tuning instrument provides a logarithmic field strength display for AM and FM and is combined with battery/accu control for TВ operation. Tape selector for switching between iron, ferrochrome and chrome cassettes, automatic recording with additional VAT button for smooth, continuous fade-in and fade-out. Oscillator switch for switching the extinguishing frequency. Three-digit strip length counter with reset button.
Automatic "tape end" switch-off with motor stop and key release. Also for fast forward and backward running and in case of tape run faults. Lockable keys for fast forward and reverse. Permanent scale and instrument illumination for mains operation, short-term illumination for battery/accu operation. Power supply: Integrated power supply unit (switchable from 220/230 to 110/127 V). Batteries (6 mono cells). Cost-saving dryfit-Accu 476 (available as accessory). External power supply (e.g. via 12-volt car battery). Automatic battery charger integrated into the power supply unit. Battery can also be charged via external power supply socket (e.g. 12-volt car battery). Dimensions approx.: 47 X 25 X 10 cm. Weight approx.: 5.4 kg (without batteries).