Tascam 388

[rdp72]

Hi there. This is my forst post to this board. I have a question for users of the Tascam 388. I just bought one yesterday, and seem to be having a problem. When I hit the play button, the tape spools backwards. What could be causing this? The machine didn't come with a manual. I did do quite a bit of recording with reel to reel 8-tracks, and never had an issue like this, so I'm a bit perplexed. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

 

[A Reel Person]

Sounds like you have the tape threaded wrong.

.............

 

[rdp72]

I thought of that. However, when I fast-forward or rewind, the thing goes in the proper direction.

 

[The Ghost of FM]

Is it possible that the previous owner put the capstan belt on in a figure 8 pattern to foolishly fix a stretched belt? This might explain why the capstan is going in the wrong direction!

Cheers!

 

[A Reel Person]

Got pics?

Pics. We want pics.

 

[Herm]

I know this may sound stupid and Im sure this is not the case but have you tried it with a tape on it yet?
Cause with out a tape loaded the supply side will turn backwards.It is made that way to put tension on the supply side so that it doesnt spool out while it is in play and record mode.
If you do have a tape loaded make sure it is tite between the two reels.

 

[A Reel Person]

When you lift the Right Tension Arm assembly, the Capstan shaft should spin CCW,...

(counter-clockwise, or anti-clockwise for Aus's). The anti-clockwise spinning of the capstan shaft should be verified, first and foremost.

Then, IF you thread the tape properly, it should be BETWEEN the capstan and pinchwheel assemblies.

If, by chance, you thread the tape on the UNDER-side of the pinchwheel, it will drive the tape BACKWARDS.

There are other incorrect tape threadings that will result in tape spooling backwards, that I've not covered in this example.

Unless/until I see a picture of the tape threading, I'm never fully convinced that it's correct, especially given the symptoms/description. No amount of description will do it, for me.

Don't assume anything, and start your troubleshooting from the most basic of basics.

 

[rdp72]

Thanks to all

Thanks to all of you for the advice. I will get pics of how I threaded it. I'm sure that's the problem.