tascam 488, problem with record function

  • Thread starter Thread starter Irrwahn
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Irrwahn

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hello all,
I would be really grateful if anyone on this forum was able to help me with a vital problem I have with my beloved Tascam 488:
For some reason the record button only flashes on and off (as if in preparation mode) but it is not possible to actually get the record button to be lit continuously, I.e. To record anything. Does anyone here have any idea what the problem might be? thank you in advance for any help/suggestions and happy new year!
 
I have no idea what your level of experience is so let's start with the basics.

1 - Do you have a tape loaded in the transport?

2 - is the record safety tab on the top edge of that cassette intact?

3 - Do you have a copy of the owners manual and if so, have you read it through and hold a sound knowledge of how to operate it correctly?



Cheers! :)
 
Thank you for your quick reply! Sorry, I should have been more specific. I have been using this machine for 10 years so I do know it (and the manual) very well. Yes, the tapes I put in are brand new so the tab is intact. This issue just occurred without warning from one recording session to the next... ;(
 
Irrwahn said:
Thank you for your quick reply! Sorry, I should have been more specific. I have been using this machine for 10 years so I do know it (and the manual) very well. Yes, the tapes I put in are brand new so the tab is intact. This issue just occurred without warning from one recording session to the next... ;(
Click to expand...

OK, so user error is ruled out. That much is good. :)

It might just be a component failure then of some sort. Something as simple a failed transistor or diode which can go bad from age and either short or open from something as simple as being powered up.

If you have a qualified service technician in your area, your best bet is to get an estimate. Hopefully its nothing majorly expensive to hunt down and repair.

Also, there's the off chance that someone here had the same issue and can give you some additional ideas of things to look for.



Cheers! :)
 
Thank you for these suggestions. I feared I might have to find someone to help me in person ;) not easy anymore in London where life has become too expensive for friendly engineers..! Cheers

---------- Update ----------

sweetbeats said:
Can you PLAY tapes?
Click to expand...

Yes, I can
 
So if you take the tape out, and with the cassette door open there is the tab at the top of the cassette bay that "tells" the 488 tape is loaded. Depress that tab, and try to put the 488 into RECORD as you have been doing. Does the head assembly shift into position? Is the capstan shaft spinning?
 
sweetbeats said:
So if you take the tape out, and with the cassette door open there is the tab at the top of the cassette bay that "tells" the 488 tape is loaded. Depress that tab, and try to put the 488 into RECORD as you have been doing. Does the head assembly shift into position? Is the capstan shaft spinning?
Click to expand...

thanks for getting into this for me, sweetbeats! I just did this and the answer is "yes" and "yes". And the record button still only flashes....
 
You're welcome...not sure how far I'll getcha but at least I can try.

So now I get it...the tape transport itself is working just fine, but the electronics won't actually engage in record mode yes? Physically it looks like its recording (except for the flashing REC light), but nothing prints to tape right?

Does previously recorded material get *erased* from a tape when you attempt to record (if you have a tape with material you can sacrifice)?
 
Yes, I'm learning here! The diagnosis that it's the electronics makes sense.
And I have tried today whether previously recorded on tracks would get erased and the answer is "no"
 
Does it happen to work if you press relatively firmly on the REC button?

Trying to determine if it is maybe a mechanical failure of the button, or the logic "guts" not working right.
 
sweetbeats said:
Does it happen to work if you press relatively firmly on the REC button?

Trying to determine if it is maybe a mechanical failure of the button, or the logic "guts" not working right.
Click to expand...

i used sheer force, as well. Fortunately, nothing else broke, unfortunately the button wouldn't kick in...
 
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