Warbly tascam 488 mkII...???

[Pengo]

Hi...i just got my second hand 488, and it warbles faintly...when you're recording a sustained tone or feedback , it's REALLY noticeable...
i'm wondering...is that common for that machine?
Is it hard to fix?
arghhhh
Is it somehow circumventable?
Any tips?



Thanks....

[A Reel Person]

If by 'warbling' you mean 'wow & flutter', then it's likely the capstan drive belt that is worn and stretched out. This is a very common problem, cheap to buy the belt from Tascam, and easy to replace (DIY), by removing the bottom panel of the 488, and partially undoing the mechanical bracket that keeps the capstan/flywheel in place, then just 'sneaking' the new belt onto the flywheel & motor/pulley.

If by 'warbling' you mean a 'swishing' sound on the high/trebles, then it may be cheap cassette media, worn out cassette media, or possibly a head/azimuth alignment problem*, but this a LOT less likely than the BELT, as mentioned above.

BTW, capstan drive belt problems are very common on older equipment, and is generally regarded as 'normal' manintenance.

[Loren Morehouse]

Make sure the capstan, pinch roller and heads are clean. Try a new cassette. A dirty machine will cause all kinds of gremlins!!

[Pengo]

Thanks folks...
So far the suggested culprits are the motor, the belt or the cleanliness, and i'm working my way through them, cheapest first...
I just cleaned+de-magnetized it, and spent my lunch money on new tapes, so that's not it....

I like this belt idea...
although it sounds almost too simple to be true..
i guess i'll try that next...
is there any other kind of belt that might do the trick?
'cause the nearest tascam dealer is far away....



thanks again....

[A Reel Person]

The belt is the most likely cause, IMHO, since I've replaced many capstan drive belts on my many Tascams, and this is quite common on older Portastudios and other decks, (R-R's included).

The belt you need might be available from an electronics supply store that has VCR/cassette style belts.

The manufacturer of these kinds of belts is: "PRB, Projector-Recorder Belt Corp., USA". You might find them on the web.

The PRB designation for the belt you need will be "FR XX.X", such as "FR 12.5", meaning 'flat rubber belt, 12.5 inches", but verify your own belt size in inches or mm's.

I can't quote the size to you, but you'll need to remove the belt, and take it down to your electronics parts dealer, and measure it (in-store) and match the old belt to a new belt, (flat rubber belt), which, BTW, should be a few mm shorter than the belt you're replacing. These older/worn out belts, by definition, are
s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d o-u-t.

Any electronics store that has these belts will usually have a little gizmo that you can measure the belt on (in a loop). Lacking this measuring device, you may also cut the belt, and measure the total linear length, with a ruler or measuring tape.

A slightly wider-beefier belt is ok, too, but just make sure that the belt you get is a few mm shorter (length/loop) than the one you're replacing.

Tascam Parts dept. will take phone orders w/credit card, and ship the part to you, too. This is very expedient, and the belt you want is not expensive.

Tascam Parts is @ (323) 727-4840, and they are glad to help. Just tell them your Tascam model #, and they'll find the part #. I call them frequently. Some people recommend email to 'parts@tascam.com', but I've heard email is not too effecient, and calling is very immediate. They'll ship overnite, 2 or 3 day, or whatever UPS method you're willing to pay for.

Remember, the capstan drive belt is easily accessible by removing the 488's bottom panel, and half removing the bracket that holds the capstan flywheel. Easy money.

Good luck, and as you endeavor to replace this belt, you will probably find it's 'not too hard'.

[Pengo]

wow....what an awesomely detailed response....

you rock!

I guess one last thing...is there anywhere you can find the Official length of the belt??
I'm just wondering if you get one that's too small or Tight, will it strain the motor at all?



xo

[A Reel Person]

I have too many Tascams and flat rubber belts lying around.

Your best bet is to remove the belt and measure. An overly tight belt might strain the bearings or motor, but a belt thats a few mm shorter won't be a problem. The belt stretches again, over time, anyway.

Obvoiusly, from my detailed response, I've done this many times, on many decks, and I can quote almost everything except the sizes. I'm pretty sure the Tascam 38 takes a FR 14.5", and the 388 takes a FR 12.5". The Portastudio... ?!?!?!?... it was just too long ago for me to remember.

Tascam won't even quote you a size, but they'll send one that fits.

Otherwise, removing the belt and measuring it is really easiest, and find the PRB belt that's closest to it's size, just a little smaller, like up to appx. 5-6 mm shorter is ok.

Trust me... it's the belt, not the motor.