388 Tension adjustment....Mr.Beats.....

[j.harv]

I just got the new belt for the 388 today,so its up and rolling.
To recap the problem.
I have the tape reel in and its not fast forwarding.It rewinds and plays.The rewind seems a little slow.When I pull the right tension arm down the FFW kicks in.Also during play,the tape counter does not count until I once again,pull the right tension arm down and then it makes the counter wheel spin.
Sweetbeats.You said there is a basic adjustment that could be done.......
My friend.....whenever you have a spare moment.
Greatly appreciated.
Jason.

Just added a question a few posts down about a power converter.

 

[radiokake]

I have been through a similiar problem, and got some very useful help here :

https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=305581

 

[j.harv]

Thanks for that.

 

[technoplayer]

On the tape counter, the tach roller can get sticky on the shaft with old lube. Remove the tach roller, clean the shaft and inside of the roller bore very well, lube the shaft with a drop if turbine or light oil, and reassemble. If I recall, there is a small washer on the top of the roller that keeps the cap from binding the roller. I might be recalling this wrong as it is often there on capstan rollers. In any case, you dont want the cap on so tight that it binds on the top of the tach roller.

 

[j.harv]

388 Adjustment/Power supply

OK.I checked out the link Radiokake put up and adjusted the little screws.This thing is up and running nicely now.Did my first recording with the odd/even number counting as suggested and works excellent.What a nice clear sound this thing has.
Now while Im here I might as well add this.
My 388 is from the UK.When I went to buy it the guy pulled out this horrible looking power converter thingy made up from an old transformer.It almost made me change my mind about buying this thing,but I had to have it.My question is...can I buy a commercial store bought convertor for this because Im scared to touch this thing sometimes.Looks like a homemade bomb!
It powers up the 388 just fine,and there is no noise or humming,but I would rather have a nice new one.The plug from the 388 looks like a standard N.American plug not the bigger sized ones from the UK.It has a sticker on it that says 220v.Im posting a picture of this monstrosity.Where can I buy me a "real" one.
Thanks again.

Jason.

 

[j.harv]

Anybody out there have any input on this power converter???????