Tascam 38 woes

[elmerfunk]

Dave,

Here's a look at the heads. I cleaned them really good. What do you recommend for cleaning heads? This is how they were last night when I was trying things out. I haven't cleaned them since I read the thread. How can I get those sharp edges down on the tape guides? Is it possible to swap card one for card 8 to see if it's in the audio card or is that not a good idea? Just thinking of things to try. Thanks again Dave

 

[Herm]

I was thinking about your problem and remebered that one of my decks was kinda acting this way and found out that the tape lifters where not going up all the way. I dont remember which machine it was but i know it was a tascam. You might take a look and see if that is it. Just a thought

 

[A Reel Person]

the Edit lever can manually lower the lifters, by pressing it up.

You may wanna try that.
If the tape lifters do not actuate all the way up, it might indicate sticky solenoids again, which I believe we covered before.(?) It might also indicate that the moving mechanism that the lifters are a part of may need to be cleaned up and lubed. I take it for granted at this point that the lube on many 38's has become somewhat sticky, which involves most of the moving parts on the transport.

The heads look very nice.
Thank you.

 

[elmerfunk]

You may wanna try that.
If the tape lifters do not actuate all the way up, it might indicate sticky solenoids again, which I believe we covered before.(?) It might also indicate that the moving mechanism that the lifters are a part of may need to be cleaned up and lubed. I take it for granted at this point that the lube on many 38's has become somewhat sticky, which involves most of the moving parts on the transport.

The heads look very nice.
Thank you.

Guys,

First off the tape lifters are the two levers between the heads correct? Just want to be on the same page. The edit lever you speak of.... is that the cue lever on the front panel? From what I can tell the lifters are working correctly if we are indeed talking about the same lifters. In play mode they go all the way up and the tape is in full contact with the heads. We never discussed the solenoids. I can pull the front off and clean and lube things up, but I am not quite sure that's the problem, but you guys would know you have dealt with these machines on a daily basis. You don't think it is in an audio card? Is swapping them around a good idea? I mean just for a test not permanently. Herm thanks for your input too....I appreciate it. I'd really like to use this bad boy. If you guys have any other input I try whatever you think. The guy I bought it from is being cool about it, but if I can't resolve the issues, he's gonna have to step up. A million thanks again guys

 

[superbeatballer]

I had an identical problem with my 388. I pulled the culprit audio cards and had a tech resolder them at the joints for $50. All channels play and record perfectly now.
The tech said those solderings can wear out over time.

Hope this helps.

 

[elmerfunk]

You gotta be kidding me!!!

Ok I left the thing alone for a day.....really starting to p#$$ me off. Just for fun I took the bottom panel off and swapped card 1 & 8. Track 1 recorded and played back as well as track 8. I'm like ok it's not the cards.....I swapped them back and tried again. Track 1 RECORDED AND PLAYED BACK!!! So did 8, but it did before. I went through all the tracks THEY ALL WORK!!!!. I cleaned EVERYTHING thouroughly, greased and oiled, and put eveything back together. It STILL works!!! Any ideas!!! Is it gonna crash again??? Should I pu;; out all 8 cards and just have someone go over them? How hard is it to set the bias on this deck and what do I need to do it? Also what does everyone use to clean their heads..and what kind of rubber conditioner for the pinch roller? I really appreciate everyone's help A Reel, Herm, superbeatballer thanks for the info.


"Friends tonight we drink to honor.....once you get honor...Stay honor"

 

[A Reel Person]

If it works, then I'd stick with it.

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