Any edjumacted guesses before I get it serviced?

  • Thread starter Thread starter MadAudio
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MadAudio

MadAudio

Damned if I do
My Tascam 38 has been on the fritz for more time than I care to admit. And while I am currently unemployed and cannot afford to have it fixed, I'd love to get the analog gurus' opinions before I eventually do.

The last time I tried to mix something on it, when I hit play it started playing normally for about half a second, and then the speed just kept increasing as if it was in FF with the cue on. The pinch roller itself is in good shape, and I've always kept the tape path clean.

Any ideas what the problem might be?
 
Yeah, I too would like to know what this could be 'cause I recall when I first got my TEAC 3440 and pressed play, it did exactly the same thing. I freaked out and pressed stop immediately. Funny thing is it never happened again after that. I oft wonder about that time. :eek: :confused:
 
cjacek said:
Yeah, I too would like to know what this could be 'cause I recall when I first got my TEAC 3440 and pressed play, it did exactly the same thing. I freaked out and pressed stop immediately. Funny thing is it never happened again after that. I oft wonder about that time. :eek: :confused:
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My '32 did something a bit like that, gradually speeding up during a recording. I left it for a few days thinking it was permanent, and after that it was reasonably happy. It does have a few problems though, which is why I decided to buy a Revox instead. I really should get mine serviced sometime..
 
sounds like you accidently threaded the tape on the wrong side of a roller. it happens sometimes (for me as recently as tuesday). I would thread up a tape and try again.
 
An uneducated guess: The tension from the take-up reel motor is "pulling" the tape past the capstan roller, overcoming the natural speed the capstan feeds the tape.
Confirm that the capstan is holding speed. How? Make a loop of tape of a know length...a convenient lenght is some integer multiple of the tape speed in IPS. Make a visible line on it, and load it so it only runs between the capstan and pinch roller, and whatever nearby tape guide the machine has, just NOT the take up reel.
Now run the machine and time the speed of the loop, referenced from the mark you made. The idea is to confirm the capstan is holding speed. While it is running, gently pinch the ingoing side of the loop. The tape should not easily stop....if it does, then you have sliipage between the capstan and the pinch roller, and wither the roller is too slick ( easy fix) or the capstan to roller pressure is too low. This could be a weak or gummed up solenoid on the
pinch roller. Again,maybe a simple clean.
I don't know about these machine in particular, but my 388 has serve control, and the takup tension and back tension can be adjusted. Maybe too much takeup tension???

Just some thoughts
 
FALKEN said:
sounds like you accidently threaded the tape on the wrong side of a roller. it happens sometimes (for me as recently as tuesday). I would thread up a tape and try again.
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That's the first thing I tried. :rolleyes:
 
Just read my post above....gad, my spelling is awful! You get the idea, however
 
$ .02

FWIW... i never worked on alot of these things but doubtful its a take up tension problem... that much take up would probably stretch the tape to the point of not being able to use if not in fact break... mostlikely would be something in the speed controll for the capstan.. not sure how it's set on that... just curious trhough does it have vari speed?? might try cleaning the pot....
 
you said the pinch is fine but its gotta be slick. or not hitting the capstan hard enough. the tape should not be going any faster than the capstan.
 
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