How "aggressive" should reel brakes act?

[jviss]

I have a newly acquired, first-for-me Teac A-3440 tape deck that has "been through the shop." The brakes were supposedly adjusted. With the machine stopped, they grab more in one direction than the other, when turing the reels by hand, which one would expect, since they are "single leading shoe" type brakes.

Empty reels come to a dead halt when the machine is stopped. However, full 10" reels turn many revolutions before the brake stops them, flapping the loose tape end mercilessly.

Is this the correct, or expected action?

Thanks,

jv

 

[The Ghost of FM]

Is this the correct, or expected action?

Yup.

The more tape on the reel, the heavier the weight and the longer for it to stop.

Cheers!

 

[jviss]

Thanks!

I don't like the tape end flailing, though. Any harm in tightening 'em up a bit?

 

[The Ghost of FM]

I don't like the tape end flailing, though. Any harm in tightening 'em up a bit?

Yeah, major harm in tightening them in that you could end up stretching the tape or snapping it right in the middle of an important recording.

Never second guess the engineered factory setting for stuff like this unless you know more then the guys who designed the machine.

Cheers!

 

[jviss]

Agreed

it's just a bit annoying. But, better than breaking tapes.