Teac / Tascam 80-8

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man-bot

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Hi there,

First post here - so hello everyone!

I just picked an 80-8 which appeared to be in pretty good shape but it looks like the transport is doing some funky things. Now the caveat here is that I don't have any tape to run with it yet, but I don't think it should affect the transport like what is occuring. Here's what happens with each function:

FF - the take up reel hub spins fast, counter moves backwards
REW - the left hub spins fast (same direction as FF), counter moves backwards
Play - both hubs move at FF speed - same direction as FF, counter moves backwards
REC - same as Play

When I get some tape I can check the other functions... but for the most part the rest of the deck seems in order.

Any suggestions on what the scoop may be or what I should do would be much appreciated.

Thanks - Mike
 
You need to spool up some tape...the transport is set up to run with tape tension and reel weight...etc.
 
Thanks... well I'm glad to hear its not an issue witht he deck, although I'm a little embarassed about my concern!:eek:

Thanks again... now to buy some tape...
 
Well I guess not having tape has turned out to be a good thing as I have actually had time to go through the unit and get it cleaned and up to speed prior to throwing a reel on...

It needs a good amount of cleaning - I have done some. Just wanted to get some opinions on the heads on it. To me they look preety good although the tape wear seems angles to one side (from incorrect tape tension?)... the photos kind of exaggerate this as well becuase of the angle:

Erase.JPG
- Erase head
Play.JPG
- Play head
Record.JPG
- Rec head

Also - my capstan seems almost rusted or something. It turns fine, but the surface is dirty... I really have not put the alcohol to it yet, but I'm not sure if this is going to come off. It doesn;t look like the other oxide...

Capstan.JPG


Any opinons on the state of this deck now? I think its pretty good... little elbow grease and I'll be ready to get some tape on. DX-8 connector is fixed now and works properly...
 
Looks like track one on the head the gap is starting to open up. Or that could be tape shed specks. :confused:
 
Looks like a gap to me. Try cleaning that head again and post another picture.
 
Well no good news... I have cleaned and cleaned that head and it inded appears to be a gap. So where do I go from here?

I guess I should get some tape and see what the extent this affects the deck. I did speak with the local tape machine tech and it looks like a new head is about $1000 CDN which is out of the question...

Can I send the tracks from the Rec head to my DAW once they are recorded and just bypass that head?
 
If I recall correctly (from my machine way back when), the record and playback heads were identical on the 80-8, so, in theory that should work. I believe they even have the same part number (check on the heads themselves). Run a test tape to verify playback frequency response.
 
Yes...record and playback heads are the same on the 80-8 so you can just use the record head to reproduce in sync mode.

openreel.net has those heads but its still close to $800CDN shipped...not sure if you can use the 38/48/58 heads on the 80-8 and if that's the case that might be a good solution for you...cheaper new and *much* cheaper used and they do come up on eBay...or get a parts deck.
 
Well I piched up a take up reel and a roll of RMGi 911. Got it set up last night but didn't a chance to check track 1... will do this weekend and assess the sound.

I think I may need to adjust my hubs though (or maybe I'm doing something wrong) as when I put the tape on the take up reel it is centred but within a few rotations the tape is flush against the hub... is this bad for the tape?? I can't imagine its good but I'm not sure.
 
Well I finally got to record on track 1 and it lacks a lot of high frequency compared to the other tracks... it is even worse when I use the monitor button... not sure if demagnetizing the heads would work, I'll have to try that.

Either way - track 1 works... just has no high end. C'est la vie!
 
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