record/play problem w/42nb

[murdox55]

just picked up a tascam 42nb...all mechanics,leds,and vu meters functioning proberly...source plays thru headphone jack yet will not record...my next step is to demag...if that doesn work i will buy a pre recorded tape from ebay and try that....i don`t know much about reel to reel units...
am i taking the right approach...any help would be appreciated.
many thanks in advance.

 

[RRuskin]

just picked up a tascam 42nb...all mechanics,leds,and vu meters functioning proberly...source plays thru headphone jack yet will not record...my next step is to demag...if that doesn work i will buy a pre recorded tape from ebay and try that....i don`t know much about reel to reel units...
am i taking the right approach...any help would be appreciated.
many thanks in advance.

While degaussing is smart maintenance wise, it won't cure this problem. Do you have a manual? Are you in repro mode when you play back?

 

[murdox55]

While degaussing is smart maintenance wise, it won't cure this problem. Do you have a manual? Are you in repro mode when you play back?

i have a manual...yet there is no section on troubleshooting...mostly system operation, schematics, and part numbers...tried every possible combination of buttons in order to record...is it possible i have bad tape? any suggestions on how to approach?

 

[RRuskin]

i have a manual...yet there is no section on troubleshooting...mostly system operation, schematics, and part numbers...tried every possible combination of buttons in order to record...is it possible i have bad tape? any suggestions on how to approach?

Describe your signal chain from source to monitor.
Describe how you are attempting to put the machine in record & playback modes.

 

[murdox55]

thank you for your efforts rick...here is what i`m doing....my ipod connected to onkyo reciever...42nb on tape 1 loop...trying to record in both input and sync...function lights blinking...when put into record mode leds stay on just as they should...with the uncal buttons engaged the sound comes thru crystal clear and vu meters can be maxed out with input control...when bypassed, sound still present thru headphones, yet distorted. vu meters moving slightly...when trying to playback, i switch over to repro and with headphone volume turned all the way up, i can barely hear the recording...the manual does say that in extreme cases if not degaussed, the heads may not respond at all. i will have a deguasser in a couple of days and try that...if no sucess, i will start checking inside for any obviously burned or defective parts. is there a way to check the heads with an ohm meter? or is there a sequence of things to do to narrow the issue down.

 

[RRuskin]

thank you for your efforts rick...here is what i`m doing....my ipod connected to onkyo reciever...42nb on tape 1 loop...trying to record in both input and sync...function lights blinking...when put into record mode leds stay on just as they should...with the uncal buttons engaged the sound comes thru crystal clear and vu meters can be maxed out with input control...when bypassed, sound still present thru headphones, yet distorted. vu meters moving slightly...when trying to playback, i switch over to repro and with headphone volume turned all the way up, i can barely hear the recording...the manual does say that in extreme cases if not degaussed, the heads may not respond at all. i will have a deguasser in a couple of days and try that...if no sucess, i will start checking inside for any obviously burned or defective parts. is there a way to check the heads with an ohm meter? or is there a sequence of things to do to narrow the issue down.

Question: What kind of tape are you using? New, used or nos?
Suggestion: Bypass the receiver and go directly into the deck from your source. Then use the line outs from the deck to go into the receiver to monitor playback. If it works then it's a problem with the phone circuit. If it doesn't work, your machine needs some attention. I doubt it's a simple degaussing problem.

 

[GCalo]

From my experience w/my 42, try a different reel of tape.

Also, plug a source directly into the 42 either RCA or XLR to ensure you have a connection.

Try both and advise.

 

[murdox55]

tried different tape...pre-recorded...plays music thats on the tape...only a faint sound when tried to re-record over...i`m not quite sure what the "phone circuit" is....the manual lists every diode, resistor...etc...but doesent specify any of the boards except the "mother pcb"

 

[GCalo]

There are two (2) record/play boards w/in.

The relays on boards can develop problems.

Board is below.

Make sure the heads are clean then try an XLR microphone input and then an RCA input but do NOT connect both at same time.

You need a service manual.