Basic TSR-8 maintenance?

[poopchute]

Can anyone tell me how to tell if the Capstan belt is tight enough on a Tascam TSR-8? I cant find any info on it.
That and I was looking at my manual for the TSR-8 and in the section where it describes how to measure the reels it says to use a spring scale. It says (a) spring scale (1) but it shows 2. I dont understand how they are showing to measure the tension. And 3rd. I need to adjust the height of one of my reel platters. The manual shows the 2 screws under the platter that are used for adjusting. The question is...How the heck do you get to them the way they are oriented?
Thanks

[SteveM]

Originally Posted by poopchute

Can anyone tell me how to tell if the Capstan belt is tight enough on a Tascam TSR-8? I cant find any info on it.
That and I was looking at my manual for the TSR-8 and in the section where it describes how to measure the reels it says to use a spring scale. It says (a) spring scale (1) but it shows 2. I dont understand how they are showing to measure the tension. And 3rd. I need to adjust the height of one of my reel platters. The manual shows the 2 screws under the platter that are used for adjusting. The question is...How the heck do you get to them the way they are oriented?
Thanks

I can give you some general answers. You should be able to tell if the belt is tight enough for the capstan just by touching it. It should be firm and tight. Measuring with the spring scale is done one at time. It may be depicting the direction each reel goes in in the photo so they're showing you two. You just use a string and wrap it around a couple times til it catches. I don't know exactly where the screws are for adjusting on the TSR 8, I know Beck would know, but if they are anything like the 38 you get them from the top and use a long allen wrench.

[poopchute]

Thanks Steve...
That actually helps me out alot. I know they are some pretty general and basic questions.
I do think I need a new capstan belt as mine is a little loose. Anyone know where I can get one of those?

[sweetbeats]

Yeah, what SteveM said about about the brake tension adjustment diagram...they are showing two of the spring scales at a time on each reel to show where you position them for the different measurements.

My guess is that you'll need to get the upper dress panel removed on the front of the deck...this is the way my 48 and 58 are. Once its off there are holes through the frame member on the top to get the allen wrench in to each of the two screws ono each hub...you just have tp rotate the table by hand to line each screw head up with your allen wrench.

The first place I implore you to check for your belt is direct from Tascam in California...I just got a belt for my BR-20T...might even be the same belt: p/n 5801379000. Got it for $10.37. It was in stock.

Sheesh...what was I thinking?? I could've paid at least double that on eBay...

[poopchute]

I called Tascam and ordered a Capstan Belt. Actually 2 of them. They were very reasonably priced at about 8 bucks a piece.
I do still have one question tho. Its about measuring the tension on the reels with the spring scale. I know someone tried to explain it to me but I still cant figure out how to do it. I dont understand how to wrap it to the reel or tie it or whatever needs to be done. Can someone please explain it in detail for me?

[sweetbeats]

Do you have an actual spring scale?

[poopchute]

Ive got 2 different spring scales. One is for lighter amounts and the other measures in lbs/kg. I just dont get how Im supposed to tie a string around the reel platter or reel and pull on it to measure tension.

[SteveM]

Poopchute, if you wrap the string around the inside of the reel about six times it'll tighten up on itself when you pull the free end . You don't even need to tie it. You tie a loop on the free end to put the spring scale hook into and when you pull up with the spring scale you should get a reading. Hope that makes sense.

[poopchute]

Kinda like the pull cord on a chainsaw or lawn mower then? That what I was thinking after a while but i wasnt sure...Ill give that a try. And thanks for explaining that simple procedure to me..

[sweetbeats]

You got it. I tied hooks on the strings of my homemade spring scales, and I hook them in a windage hole on an empty reel...I might try the pull-cord thingy. That would work much better and give more consistent results.