Another Component Level Question: Tascam 488mkII

[A Reel Person]

I have a nice condition 488mkII. It was working properly and I did a couple nice demos on it a few years ago. Since then, it has sat indoors safely and covered, and was only moved from place to place a few times, very gently and for convenience issues only.

Having taken it out again, set it up and tested it, NOW the track #1 will not record at all, yet it will play back previously recorded material, (ruling out the head and head wiring). What I'm wondering, if there's anyone who knows if there are switching relays in there for mode-switching, like on the reel/reel recorders?

Also, if there's any other opinion on what could cause this. Track 5 records ok, so seems to rule out the buss and shared components. I'm not sure I have the 488 service manual on hand, but will have to look thru my bin of manuals. I'll buy a manual if that's what it takes. I also suspect the button itself that enables Track 1. I know button contacts can get tarnished and go defunct for no other reason. It's dry here overall, but we get a little seasonal humidity, which could have an effect.

Overall, I HATE when things develop problems, even tho they've been stored properly and handled gently, with no clear indication as to why. I'm still thinking strongly about the rec-enable button, although the track enables properly and record function takes place in the basic sense. However, when reviewing the track, nothing has recorded, and anything that was remnant on the track-space previously is not erased.

I'm assuming a lot, like the #1 and #5 tracks share a large number of components. That influences my thinking at this point. I have yet to crack the covers open or locate a service manual in a bin in the garage.

I'm just tossing this question out, caus "I have issues" I never anticipated.

All in all, I love the 488mkII, I think it's an outstanding machine, and I'd like to use it trouble free, but the real world conspires against me!

 

[The Ghost of FM]

Is the head and tape path immaculately clean? Sometimes a dirty head will play a pre-recorded track but be sufficiently dirty to imped a recording.

Other then that, I got nothing....sorry.

Cheers!

 

[A Reel Person]

Yes, thank you,...

the head is immaculately clean. No doubt you're correct, but I'm not the Average Clueless Newbie we're both accustomed to with this type of question. However, I've cleaned the head numerous times in troubleshooting, and when I get a free moment I will repeat the cleaning and troubleshooting effort. Currently my table is full of M-35/meter issue and M-30/fully functional and scheduled to sell on Weds upcoming.

Not to be so big headed here that I won't reclean and recheck, but I was pretty thorough last time I tested, before this unit was boxed. I believe from testing already that it's a internal contact or electronics problem. I'm very thorough and methodical with an extensive electronics troubleshooting background, but as a seasoned expert I know it never hurts to retest and not make any assumptions or skip steps or any basics.

OT: The M-35 is kind of a done deal til I determine what to do with the VU meter #1. The M-30 will be a done deal as soon as I rotate a few pots so it demos spotlessly on Weds. When the table is clear the 488mkII will make another appearance.

OT: It points up the need to get a full tech bench up, as it was my intent for many years already but I never got it together. Now, upon clearance selling some of this stuff, it's almost become a necessity. However, I'd rather fix a unit and sell at a fair price than sell something that doesn't work as "fix or parts" for next to nothing. It's not a secret that this gear cost me some pretty good dough back in the day.

To restate, I just HATE when equipment develops problems while just sitting there idley pampered and stored. Is that the law of Entropy? How the universe is in a constant state of deterioration into chaos?