Tascam Portastudio Part II-It's still broken (pinch-roller)!
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Posted on Jan 11, 2006 05:20 pm
folklady
Member Since: Jan 10, 2006
BS"D
Thanks to all who advised me on my Tascam four-track. The problem is as follows for those who haven't read it: BS"D
...that Tascam portastudio, the simplest four-track one. It's not fuctioning correctly-when I press record or play, only one wheel moves and it snags the trailing tape stuff in the wheels. This is sometimes not the case when I prop the machine up vertically, but this temporary fix doesn't always last very long.
One person suggested isopropyl alchohol on the roller-I did that, plus I cleaned it a while ago so it wasn't dirty. And I tried replacing the internal belt thing, which seems to be working fine, anyway. But I think it's the roller that's the problem. I tkeeps snagging the tape on the bottom unless the recorder is propped up vertically, which makes it hard to use, obviously. So, any further suggestions?
Thanks!
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Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jan 11, 2006 11:07 pm Well if you have tried the other stuff I am willing to bet the pinch rollers are bunged up.
If you run it without a tape in it can you see the take up spool drive turning? Also, dose it mess itself up when running in rewind?
Jan 12, 2006 10:41 am BS"D
Um, well...rewind works perfectly. It's interesting, because now you've drawn my attention to the way the wheels themselves are turning. Let me explain how that's working.
Okay. The wheel formation, seen when the machine is opened up, goes like this, right:
Left Black Wheel-White Wheel-Small Gold Wheel-Right Black Wheel or:LB-W-G-RB
When I press:
Rewind-the white wheel connects to the left black wheel, and they spin together fine.
Fast Forward-The white wheel connects with the gold wheel, which connects to the right black wheel, and they all spin together fine.
Play and Record-The white wheel spins alone, and this makes a louder noise. I'm assuming it's supposed to do the same thing as fast forward but more slowly?
I hope that answered your question.Thanks so much for your help! I really hope this machine can finally work soon 'cause I really need it.
Jan 12, 2006 10:45 am WOW, this old school analog stuff is freaking me out...I pretty much forgot how to work on anything that doesn'thave a hard drive in it...
However, have you inspected all the belt and gears in there that move those wheels, as well as the capstans that spin the tape wheels themselves, I mean watched them while in motion? Kind sounds like some teeth of a gear in there may have been shaved off or something...
At least there used to be gears and crap in cassette decks, but it's been a LONG time since I opened one up.
Jan 12, 2006 11:06 am BS"D
No, I mean, the colored wheels I was explaining ARE the wheels that move the tape spools. The teeth look okay, they work for rewind and fast forward fine.
Jan 12, 2006 11:08 am oh, well the problem is likely caused by the wheels that pull the tape, not the wheels that spin the spools...I was just tossing the capstan idea out there, didn't think it was the problem, but ya never know, gotta check everything.
Flashmannot the brightest spark...Member
Since: Sep 13, 2005
Jan 12, 2006 03:40 pm Can I just ask...
I've got a Mk II Portastudio. Channel three will monitor its input but not record. Is there any way to fix this?
Cheers,
Flashy
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jan 12, 2006 08:31 pm folklady, it sounds as if it is not engaging correctly then for the slow speed drive.
There are 2 sets of gears in there, 1 for the high speed fast forward and 1 for the low speed play/record drive.
As dB stated it might be the gears or wheel that drives it for the low speed section that are torn up.
One other thing might be the guides that bring the tape to the heads for recording/playback. But I am guessing since it is feeding the tape and just not picking it up on the take up side of the cassette you may be dealing with a bad drive gear for the low speed.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jan 12, 2006 09:15 pm Flashy, you will need a new recording head. You could possibly have a switching problem as well.
jmailjimmie neutronMember
Since: Feb 14, 2005
Jan 14, 2006 08:20 pm folklady might just need to open the box and clean the insides, especially if it's been used in any kind of a "dirty" environment, or around smokers. While you have it open, you can see if it has "brakes", like a rtr deck does, and if they disengage when "Play" is pressed. They be near the edge of the spindle on the back side...
Flashy, does 4 work OK? Don't forget that the "protect" tabs of the tape case influence that. Also, look for a wire loose under the bonnet by the heads... I think you have to get to the insides for that, also.
bangbangmofoThecalmlittlecenteroftheuniverseMember
Since: Dec 04, 2005
Jan 16, 2006 12:19 pm stop me if im wrong but, isnt pinch-roll the technique for eliminating a very specific bodily itch?
Flashmannot the brightest spark...Member
Since: Sep 13, 2005
Jan 16, 2006 02:06 pm thanks chaps. track 4 works well...almost too well....i'll try and take it to bits when I get a spare half hour in my busy unemployed pinch rolling schedule...