DA-20 problems...anyone help?

  • Thread starter Thread starter mrbtb
  • Start date Start date
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mrbtb

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Hi, I've had my DA-20 for around 6 years now and its been working fine. However yesterday I tried to play some old recordings I had and there was no sound or timecode signal present. I had played the same tape earlier and it was fine.

It happend after I moved the unit slightly. It appears that no tapes can be read by it anymore.

Has anyone had this problem before?

Thanks
 
da-20

Yes, it didn't seem to help. Its really odd because it doesn't seem to be even picking up what sampling rate the tape was recorded in. Its stuck on 48.

I'm stumped.
 
Have you tried playing a different tape or attempted to make a new recording on a new tape?
 
Along, these same lines, what is the best way to go about cleaning the heads on such a machine?
 
etc...

I have tried many of the tapes i have, all of them with the same result. I havn't tried a recording....but thats mostly because I don't have a spare tape and i'm not sure (as the timecodes arn't there) where there is free space on the tapes I have.
 
taperocket said:
Along, these same lines, what is the best way to go about cleaning the heads on such a machine?
Click to expand...

I have a Sony DAT head cleaning tape that I insert in and play for about 10 to 20 seconds on my two decks and that seems to keep them healthy.

If there is a caked on bit of oxide creating a complete head block, a normal cleaning cassette wouldn't clear that and a professional cleaning and inspection may be in order.

There are also long term storage issues with DAT tapes as they are metal particle formulations and have reduced shelf lives compared to ferric oxide tapes, like those used in analog open reel usage.

The tapes themselves might be toast if they were stored in higher heat and humidity conditions? It's really hard to say without seeing the situation in person.

My best advice is to get a service estimate.

Good luck.

Cheers! :)
 
Forgot to say but thanks Ghost. I took it in to my local shop and they are sending it away to Tascam, dunno how much it will cost though. Thanks again for the advice.
 
What was outcome of repair?

Hi, MRBTB. Did you ever get your DA-20 back from repair? If so, was there any answer of what had gone wrong? How much $?

I had a DA20 I bought used and it was working fine, then stopped playing or recording, so I am interested in what you found out.

Thanks in advance for any reply,

judstr
 
Da-20

Well, apparently they replaced the Head and Pinch Roller.

I hope this helps
 
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