otari mx50 problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter FALKEN
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FALKEN

FALKEN

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I received this machine today and tested it out. The left tension arm seems to move back and forth during record and playback. This causes the high end and hiss noise to go up and down during record and playback. I am not sure if I am doing something wrong? The right arm stays put and works fine. Anybody had this problem? Thanks.
 
and....

it just died on fast forward. the motor or whatever drives the fast forward. arrrrrrrrghhhhh.;..
 
I was thinking uneven tape tension from pinch roller slippage before your second post. It could be more than one issue. That makes troubleshooting a little more complicated.

The tension arm follows variations in tape tension so it wouldn’t normally be the cause. I’ve seen them bounce up and down from a very wobbly reel as well.

It may be one big thing – a failing motor that finally failed. But check fuses before you get discouraged. I’ve been down the wrong troubleshooting path more than once because of multiple unrelated symptoms. Don’t assume the worst just yet.

The back tension could be unusually high causing both the uneven tension and stress on the take-up motor. Consequently it could be blowing fuses.

-Tim
 
I see. the fast forward motor slowed before it died. And I think that it is VERY likely the tension arm is wavering due to a wobbly reel table. what do you think now?
 
What brand of tape are you using ?
Can be the tape creating the total stop or dirty tape-travel path.
Check the alignment on the left reel-table for the tension arm problem, a slight rub against the reel can make the arm move up and down on playmode.

Let me know what you find and good luck :rolleyes:
 
wow! I got a reply from vintage TX! I was using brand new 456 to test record and playback. I was using some old prerecorded tape that came with the reel when fast forward died and that might be the culprit so I will clean the machine after work and see if that helps. The unit didn't come with a manual so I'm not exactly sure what to do to make the reel less wobbly. Also, when i hit stop during rewind, the machine spits some tape out. arrgh.
 
Are you using brand new tape or is it older? Sticky tape can cause all of these symptoms. The friction could cause a slowdown and then a blown fuse.

Check to see if the motor is still dead with no tape on the machine. You will need to hold the right tension arm up for play to engage with no tape. The capstan should spin, and the right reel if the motor is still alive.
 
well, the first problem was noticed while using brand new tape. i then started using older tape and noticed more problems so Ima have to clean the machine and start over again and get back to you but I don't think its the tape at this time. i think its a wobbly reel. but I dont know whats causing it to lose tape after I rewind. Its like the left one stops and the right one keeps moving a little longer..
 
Ok. You answered my question while I was posting it. Bad tape is a likely cause of the slow down for sure. :)
 
Check both reel-tables so when the reels are mounted there is no rubbing against the faceplate or tape, "test with tape on play" first.
A slight rubbing can make tape spill all over the place, been there, done that. :D
Good thing you got rid of that old tape.. ;)
 
yeah they rub a little bit. the left one is very wobbly. not sure how to fix this though. ?
 
um.. er. the 'tape-reel' wobbles. not the entire machine. I guess the tape and all of the parts that hold it to the machine (the reel-table?) . it does not spin evenly is what I mean to say.
 
OK, so the metal-reel is not straight right ?
If this is the take-up reel ( empty ) one, you can try stragthen the bent section.
In the center there is 3 screws, take them out and seperate the 2 sections.
Lay one sidedown on a flat surface and push down on the bent area with a small rubber mallet and towl between.
It can be done, just take some time. :)
 
um. I dont think its the actual reel tape. sorry. this is hard to communicate. the takeup reel is a plastic 7". the spooling reel is brand new. It is the actual machine that is not straight.
 
Take the reel off and see what part is bent, can be two things = center-shaft or the reel-table.
The reel-table is a easy fix, but the center-piece is the whole reel-motor axel.. :(
 
Hmm. I will have to go home on my l.b. and try that out. thanks. i'll get back to you.
 
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