what happened

[shalot]

I have a TASCAM 424 that I bought used off Ebay. It was working fine, but after I filled up side a of the tape I tried to record on side "B". All the stuff from side "A" was playing backwards on side "B". I was told I had the wrong kind of tape, so I purchased a couple TDK-SM-90 type ll high bias tapes I also pruchased a memorex head cleaning kit.after cleaning the heads with this kit, and all set to go, (I thought) i recorded some basic stuff On track one. when I played it back, I noticed that the tape keeps going slower then faster, and so on. It's as if someone is playing with the pitch knob while I am recording. Can anyone give me an idea of what happened. I also tried recording on the same tape using a different recorder,(Not a 4 track), and it worked just fine

Thanks in advance
shalot

[MadAudio]

First of all, when using a 4-track cassette unit, there is no "side b." You use the full width of the tape in one direction. This is what gives you more than two tracks.

Secondly, it's possible that one of the internal belts is slipping, indicating the belt is worn and needs to be replaced. Either that or the machine was not in as good a condition as the seller claimed.

P.S. Whoever told you you had the wrong tape is mistaken.

[witzendoz]

If the cleaning kit had liquid cleaner you may have got some of the cleaner on parts of the machine that it should not have been on. Leave it for a while and see it it comes good as the cleaner dries. Check the rubber drive wheel is clean (wheel that contacts the tape) and dry.

If the original tapes you were using were 60 min tapes, the increased load of the 90 min tape may be showing up a developing problem.

cheers

Alan.

[shalot]

you may be correct about the condition of the unit. I just hope I can find a place to get it fixed, or has parts
thanks for your input

[shalot]

you may be correct about the condition of the unit. I just hope I can find a place to get it fixed, or has parts
thanks for your input

[shalot]

the cleaning solution goes on the felt heads of the cassette. even still it should be dry, it's been a week, but thanks you, and it drags on any tape. I wonder, could it be the location of the unit. It's in the attic. Could heat or humidity have an effect on it? sorry if I sound stupid

[superspit]

sorry but .................................cheeeeeeeesus!
shalot?......Have you considered going to a PC based solution...
Respectfully, it might be a little better for you.

Sell your 424 before you burn something down, seriously my friend.

I truly do apologise for .........oh cheeeeeeeeeeeesus!!