Tascam 424 fluttering sounds - power supply?

[RA Makaila]

I just bought an original Tascam 424 over ebay, having been told that it was slightly used but in perfect working condition.

It didn't come with the original Tascam AC adapter but one of those all-in-one Radio Shack power supplies. When I plugged it in, there was a loud buzz on all the channels.

So I replaced the adapter with one I use with my PC speakers that I happened to have on hand, and that got rid of the buzz. But I'm still not sure if the machine is getting enough power--or if the motor is shot. Here's why:

When I record on NORMAL speed, the playback sounds like a tape that's about to get eaten by the machine--fluttery and worbly sounding. In other words, garbage comes out.

So I give it a try on HIGH speed, and when I play it back, the fluttering sound is gone (as well as I can detect anyway), but about 5 seconds into it, the speed of the tape slows down for a second and then speeds back up. And it does this about every 10 seconds.

So it seems like my Tascam isn't recording/playing at a consistent speed. I'm thinking one of two things:

1) The motor is shot, or 2) The motor isn't running properly because I'm not using the original power supply (the Tascam-manufactured adapter).

The power supply I'm using is a regular 12v adapter.

Does anyone know what might be causing these problems? Does not having the original power supply cause these kind of problems?

Thanks,

RA Makaila

 

[muttley]

Sounds like that might be the reason they sold it, I have one I'll check the voltage and weather ac or dc. I"ll post on monday.
It could be the belt is worn/stretched and simply needs new belt.
Its a DIY project, Tascam's website has a number too call to order belt, also Full Compass catalogue/web sell parts for Porta's.
The power supply that came with mine was a little beefy in size and weight. Radio Shack=CHEAPY.


da MUTT

 

[muttley]

Your answer to this is on the post you did on the Tascam forum.

 

[pageonederful]

SAME PROBLEM

I have the same problem that you have:


So I give it a try on HIGH speed, and when I play it back, the fluttering sound is gone (as well as I can detect anyway), but about 5 seconds into it, the speed of the tape slows down for a second and then speeds back up. And it does this about every 10 seconds.

So it seems like my Tascam isn't recording/playing at a consistent speed. I'm thinking one of two things:

1) The motor is shot, or 2) The motor isn't running properly




...I have 2 TASCAM machines 464 and 488.
Found any solutions yet?

 

[muttley]

There are drive belts in these things, take a look and see if they are stretched, worn, dirty.
A tascam service facility can fix at a fair price.
You may be able to do this by ordering belt from Tascam parts dept on Tascam web site.


da MUTT