No sound and no track input levels when motor in contact with the chassis

indiependente

New member
Hello,

I have a Fostex multitrack tape recorder (the X-26 in the case) with a malfunction. The recorder has no sound neither I can get get input level from the tracks. The tape mechanism is working Ok, all the transport functions are working as they should but still I have no sound playing a cassette, neither from the line-out nor the headphones out. I arm a track for recording and I can't get no input level on the VU meters.

After some inspection and some trial, I noticed that if I disconnect the power to the motor, I can get level on the input track. I see this through the VU meter. I also noticed that when I connected back the power connectors of the motor, if I gently pressure the connectors or gently bend the board, it all started functioning well. I was able to have cassette transport and tracks levels simultaneously working Ok and I was able to record something onto cassette. After reassembling of all the parts, when trying again, I had the some problems, no sound whatsoever.

Dismantling again everything to inspect the motor power connectors, but now I can't get the unit back to work. Touching the motor power connectors doesn't solve the issue. But if I disconnect them, all seems to work, I get VU meter levels on the tracks.

But now I noticed a new behaviour. If I have the motor power connected and unscrew the motor from the chassis, everything works Ok. The motor and the track levels. But as soon as I screw the motor back on the chassis, only the motor works, no track input levels again. As if when the motor is in contact with the chassis, something occurs. I don't understand what this means. Some kind of "ground" problem? Is it malfunction on the motor and should it be replaced?

Any help or clues would be very appreciated.
Cheers!
 
Back
Top