i found a Teac A-3440

  • Thread starter Thread starter Maldoror
  • Start date Start date
i appreciate you sticking with me...

i pressed the switch on the bottom inward and it clicked...and the white is touching the brown...same result.

earlier i used a steel banjo string to connect the top two spades and thought i heard movement before it sparked. hope i didn't short anything. fuses on top are fine.
 
Spark is not a good thing, I suggest try the better method solder the wires together instead and check again.
Be careful:eek:
 
no flames or smoke...just normal small sparks from rubbing together.
 
so is it that the switch on bottom is supposed to engage the white to the brown?
 
Yes that's right.
When you have tape loaded on the deck, the R-tension raise up and it brings power to the capstan motor and engage all transport controls.
 
sorry i can't understand exactly...do i need to do more than solder those together to make it operate as it normally would...
or is it rigged so that it's always in 'play' so i'll have to power off so it will stop and i can load a tape.
does the switch on the bottom need to work? is it just so you can turn off the capstan while you leave the deck on?

i'm just learning about torque motors
 
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i guess the next thing is to figure out how to know if the heads are ok before i order a belt and tape.
 
You can use it with the switch engaged all the time (wires connected together) but on fforward or rewind mode the reels will keep spinning when the tape is full.
Same scenario on play when tape is ending, so you need to press Stop button.
I suggest buying a new switch instead after you have replaced the bad belt and tested play and recording, a switch cost $ 5.00 at Mouser Electronics.
Teac had these micro switches in several different models 2300, 3300, 3340, if you prefer the original, parts nr:#504 461 80
parts@teac.com
or Mouser

Post some pictures of the heads :)
 
thanks for the info..
the heads are pretty gunky. it looks like it will be easy to get the gunk off.
how do you determine their condition?
headsdr2.jpg
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Those are excellent after a good cleaning, can't find much wear at all.:)
 
that's great news..
i cleaned the old belt off the motor with denatured...is that ok for the heads?
after that a switch, a belt and a tape and i'm set?
 
That would work, don't forget the tape guides too.
For a test-drive leave the switch connected together and spin some tape;)
 
one other issue i just remembered.
the first input meter is erratic when i power on?
edit: just tested it with a mic and everything seems to be working fine.
what are tape guides and can you recommend a tape and where to order from?
 
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If you planning just testing the Teac, buy a used Maxell UD-35-90 from Ebay or if you feel like the deck gonna be a keeper, skip the used tapes and order from US-Recording instead. New fresh tape

Tape guides and lifters below, were you able to get the gunk off ?:)
 

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oh yeah..i thought you meant i needed to buy tape guides with the tape.
i'm going to get to work on the heads tonight.

i'd like to go ahead and get a new tape...even if it doesn't work i could use it on friends' decks.
i might try the SM900 just to see how good this thing can work and then also bid on some maxells on ebay for learning with. can you recommend a take up reel? a good older one or the $22 from USrecording?
also, can you help me locate the switch at mauser?
 
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Cheers Rolf!

Excellent advice / help from Rolf. :)

Other than US RECORDING, which Rolf suggested, check out http://www.splicit.com/rmgi_tape.html

SM900 is a mistake. Ya wanna get SM911 or ideally LPR35, which is the 1mil variant, closer to what that 3440 was setup for originally but, again, the SM911 is cool too and is a bit cheaper too.

JUST GET THE TAPE ON 7" PLASTIC REELS - lots cheaper.

As for take up reels, also pickup a 1/4" 7 inch plastic reel for a couple of bucks.

I'd use those cotton make up remover pads and alcohol [excess squeezed out] to clean not only the heads but also every thing the tape touches in its travel, which means all the dark, gunky stuff you see in the picts.

Do you have the manual? I found one online if you need it.

---
 
A couple of additional notes: Don't be afraid to apply gentle pressure and clean with the tracks and not across them [with regard to heads]. This appear to be caked on gunk so it may take a bit of time to do but once done, make sure everything is as clean as a mirror, including heads, tape lifters and all guides.

Also, when using 7" reels, make sure the switch on the face of the 3440 says 'small' - this will give the recorder notice to use appropriate tension for this small reel size.
 
thanks for the advice.
when you say "ideally lpr35" do you mean that tape is better than the sm911 generally or that it's better suited for this specific machine?
also with the take up reels i have the large hubs on so which one do i need?
1/4" x 7" Plastic Reel /small hub
or
1/2" x 7" Plastic Reel /high torque, no tape slot

also, i'm still looking for the switch if someone could point me to it.

thanks a lot
 
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