388 slow to stop

[taperocket]

Hi,
I've noticed that my 388 doesn't want to stop as fast as it used to when I'm rewinding or fast forwarding. I'm using new tape and I continually clean the pinch roller and the heads. What could be causing this? Am in in trouble here? I hope not, I love this thing.

 

[A Reel Person]

Sounds like,...

maybe the brakes are not engaging properly when you hit Stop.

There could only be a few things that would hinder braking action. If you removed the cover plate from the transport area, you could get a first hand view of the brake mechanism. If it was that much of a concern to me, that's where I'd start. Cleaning the heads and rollers should not have caused this.

 

[mikey@thecave]

heres a tip i got from tascam that might be to late for you but---because it has a servo motor i think,they told me as you are rewinding it is better to hit the fast forward to slow it down before it stops.Also in fast forward hit the reverse to slow it down.This doesn't hurt the machine but saves it!! Also what tape are you using??you should be using 457 only as per tascam

 

[hilarypaprocki]

---because it has a servo motor i think,they told me as you are rewinding it is better to hit the fast forward to slow it down before it stops.Also in fast forward hit the reverse to slow it down.This doesn't hurt the machine but saves it!!

But don't do this with every machine ---- I remember a Teac that was famous for destroying switch contacts because of people doing this. It was a pretty expensive repair too, as I recall.

 

[mikey@thecave]

well i got that info from a Tascam tech at Tascam repair in L.A.
Also on the phone to Tascam the guy told me 457 tape for the 388 and that was it he wasn't budgeing.

 

[A Reel Person]

I'd just press stop, outright.

I'd not press FFwd after a rewind to stop it. I see no use in that. I think that would stress the electronics even more. The 388 should pretty much stop on a dime by itself, with no user intervention such as what you've described.

(The 38, with large/heavy reels of 1/2" tape is another story, and the 38's not servo driven, either, but that's probably another post).

I also use 456, 7", on the 388, and it's fine.

The servos and motors on the 388 are robust, and there's no need to baby it, or futz with unnecessary button pushing.

I still think the original user's post points to a mechanical hinderance in the braking system, & it should be checked out.

 

[mikey@thecave]

Well i guess i must have been fucking dreamin that i talked to Tascam and they told me that And maybe since your in LA you should make a call to them yourself so you will knopw for sure. Sure the 456 will work but it strains the motor and thats what he told me

 

[A Reel Person]

I'm not doubting you, at all.

Not to imply that. It's spec'd for 457, 1 mil tape. Thanx.