Tascam 464 Track 3 Not Arming

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christopantz

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Hi everyone, I'm new here, so apologies if I'm breaking any rules by posting this.
I recently bought a Tascam Portastudio 464, and this is my first time really recording outside of Ableton. Tracks 1, 2, and 4 seem to arm just fine (when I click the button for those tracks, a little blinking icon on the little screen appears above the meter), but that does not happen with track 3. Is there something I could be doing wrong? Is the track broken? Is the button broken, please let me know any suggestions you have. If you need more information, just ask.
Thanks a ton everyone!
 
This is just a guess, because I don't have the manual. But is the INPUT selector switch on CH 3 set to TAPE by chance?
 
famous beagle said:
This is just a guess, because I don't have the manual. But is the INPUT selector switch on CH 3 set to TAPE by chance?
Click to expand...

It's almost as if the track 3 button does not work, because no matter what input I have track 3 set to, it gets absolutely no response from me pressing its corresponding arm button. The other tracks give me a blinking icon letting me know I'm rolling, but track 3 does not.
 
Hmm, maybe that's it. How good are you at checking continuity with a multimeter?
 
famous beagle said:
Hmm, maybe that's it. How good are you at checking continuity with a multimeter?
Click to expand...

I've never done it. I tried to open up the recorder, but, even after removing all the screws i could see, the thing wouldn't come open (unless i pried at it, which would break the casing).
 
It sounds as though you may be missing a few deep-seated recessed screws. Do you see any holes in the back but no screws? If so, shine a flashlight to see if there's a screw hiding way down there.

I've taken apart many 4 tracks in the past, and it's nothing to be scared off. It can certainly be done without breaking the casing. Those things are designed to be able to be repaired if something goes wrong.
 
Most likely the cheap "tact" sw. for the trk3 arming button. Probably .35 from Mouser ,Digikey etc.
 
famous beagle said:
It sounds as though you may be missing a few deep-seated recessed screws. Do you see any holes in the back but no screws? If so, shine a flashlight to see if there's a screw hiding way down there.

I've taken apart many 4 tracks in the past, and it's nothing to be scared off. It can certainly be done without breaking the casing. Those things are designed to be able to be repaired if something goes wrong.
Click to expand...

I managed to get the thing open, but its daunting as the part that has the electrical components for all the buttons and knobs and whatnot is under another board which is under another set of screws. I feel like I should take this to a professional.

There wouldn't happen to be any way to fix this problem without opening the thing, right?
 
Unfortunately not. You gotta get to what's broken.
If you continue on the path of trying to fix it yourself, take LOTS of pictures. Notes will be a help as well.

The good part is assembly is usually the exact reverse of disassembly.

If you don't feel comfortable, by all means, take it to someone.

I'm no real help as I'm not familiar with this machine. But at least I can give you a bump in hopes that those more familiar with this unit can chime in.

Good luck.
 
Yeah I understand it can be a little scary at first. But, like RFR said, all you really need to do is just take plenty of pictures and label your screws, etc. It's really not as daunting as it seems when you get into it. But if you don't feel comfortable, I understand. The problem is that you may end up spending more for the repair than you spent on the machine (depending on what the issue is, etc.).
 
No rules breaking at all, man. Hope we can help.

It does sound like a switch issue.

It sounds like you are already past nbeeding help getting it open, and I'm not sure how applicable it is, but I did sort of a step-by-step guide on getting a 424mkII opened up a few years ago. It is here:

https://homerecording.com/bbs/general-discussions/analog-recording-and-mixing-tape-and-gear/tascam-424-mkii-how-expose-innards-289340/?highlight=

Like others have said, taking pics with a digital camera and using little baggies to label and separate parts and fasteners helps tremendously when putting back together. Go as slow as you need and ask questions along the way.
 
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