Philips Norelco Continental

"Norelco Continental" refers to a series of portable reel-to-reel tape recorders sold in North America under the Norelco brand (North American Philips Company) from the early to mid-1960s. Due to trademark conflicts with Philco (a U.S. company), Philips used Norelco for U.S./Canadian marketing of their European EL35xx series portables. These were compact, mostly battery-powered or AC/battery hybrids, aimed at home, student, or field use (e.g., dictation, voice recording, off-air radio capture) during the transistor boom.

The "Continental" name covered several models, rebranded from Philips equivalents:

• Continental 100 → Philips EL3585 / EL3585/54 (early portable, ~1961–1963).

• Continental 101 → Philips EL3586 (improved portable, ~1963–1966; most common "Continental").

• Continental 400 → Philips EL3542 / EL3541 (tube-based, semi-portable, ~1960–1965; often called "Continental 400 Stereo").

• Continental 95 → Philips EL3552 (budget hybrid, ~1965–1967).

• Other variants: Continental 401 (EL3534), Continental 420 (EL3575 hybrid), etc.

These were not a single model but a branding family. The most frequently referenced and surviving "Norelco Continental" is the Continental 101 (Philips EL3586), a classic early transistor portable. Below is a technical overview focused on it, with notes on close relatives.

Key Technical Specifications (Norelco Continental 101 / Philips EL3586)

• Recording/Playback System — Half-track (two-track) mono; records and plays in one direction only (forward); tape flip required for other side; full-track mono head in some descriptions but primarily half-track.

• Tape Speed — Single speed: 1⅞ ips (4.75 cm/s) constant capstan drive.

• Reel Size — Maximum 4 inches (~10 cm) diameter (compact; typically 3–4" reels for portability).

• Frequency Response — 80 Hz – 8,000 Hz (improved over earlier EL3585's 120–5,500 Hz; good for speech/voice, limited highs).

• Wow & Flutter — ~0.3–0.5% (respectable for small battery portable; smooth when belts fresh).

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio — >40 dB (typical early transistor portable; acceptable for voice/journalism).

• Heads — 2 heads: combined record/playback (permalloy) + separate erase head.

• Drive System — Single DC motor; belt drive to capstan/flywheel; simple lightweight mechanics (mostly plastic); push-up/push-down controls (characteristic appearance under transparent lid); fast wind/rewind limited on small reels.

• Electronics — Fully transistorized (germanium types; ~7–8 transistors: e.g., AC125 ×2, AC126 ×2, AC128 ×2, OC70, OA79 diode); printed circuit board amplifier.

• Amplification & Speaker — Built-in mono amplifier; small permanent magnet dynamic loudspeaker (~4" / 10 cm diameter); low output power (~0.5–1 W) for personal monitoring.

• Inputs — Microphone (DIN connector; supplied dynamic mic); basic line input.

• Outputs — Internal speaker; line output (~0.5 V / 20 kΩ) for external amp.

• Power — Primary: 6 × 1.5 V D-size batteries (total 9 V); optional external AC mains supply (e.g., EL3766 adapter); average battery life ~8 hours continuous.

• Build & Dimensions — Compact plastic case (often grey/beige); approx. 280 × 200 × 97 mm (11 × 7.9 × 3.8 inches); weight ~1.8–2 kg (without batteries; extremely portable for the era); leather carrying case option.

• Manufacturing — Primarily Netherlands (Eindhoven) or Belgium (Hasselt); Norelco branding for North America.

Performance & Legacy Context

The Continental series (especially 101/EL3586) was a breakthrough in portability: one of the first fully transistorized, battery-powered open-reel recorders. Sound quality suited speech/interviews (clear but limited bandwidth at 1⅞ ips), with better highs than predecessors like Continental 100/EL3585. It was rugged and reliable when new—popular for students, reporters, or casual use—but not hi-fi (no 7½ ips or stereo).

Common issues today: Original rubber belt disintegrates into goo (messy clean/replace; modern equivalents available), electrolytic capacitor drying/leakage, germanium transistor aging, dirty heads, battery corrosion (if stored with old cells), and mechanical wear on controls. Restorations are straightforward (belt, recap, cleaning)—many units revive nicely for vintage charm.

Compared to related models:

• Continental 400 (EL3542): Tube-based, 3 speeds (up to 7½ ips), 7" reels, semi-portable mains-powered, mono or limited stereo—higher fidelity but heavier/bulkier.

• Continental 95 (EL3552): Hybrid (tubes + transistor), single speed (3¾ ips), smaller reels—more basic.

• Continental 101 (EL3586): Fully transistor portable, improved frequency response over earlier 100, single speed for simplicity/portability.