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Messages - slorinczi

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Tape Project Machines / Re: Otari fixed guides
« on: September 20, 2014, 02:06:44 PM »
Rereading the previous posts carefully, it sounds like brute force--and perhaps acetone?--is the way to go with these early guides?

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Reel to Reel Tape Machines / More Revox mods, Specifically the G36
« on: June 17, 2010, 02:57:58 PM »
Hi there,

I'm dipping my toe in the dark and treacherous "moderizing a tube deck" lagoon. I recently bought a couple of ReVox G36s. Unfortunately they're both the low-speed version, and I'd like to convert one of them to high-speed (15/30 ips).

What I'm trying to figure out is the best way to achieve this. There is plenty of evidence that merely substituting a thicker (high-speed) capstan will cause an incorrect tape path. Is there any (practical) way to reposition the existing tape guides to approximate a better path?

Alternately, I'm told that the "correct" way to move up to high-speed is to use a high-speed shaft AND high-speed motor, as it has a slightly different footprint to compensate for the thicker shaft.

Anyone know if this is all there is to it (I say "all" with a smirk, knowing how difficult it will be to find one)? In the G36 service manual, I see a number of parts that are designated for high-speed operation, including the capstan, capstan motor, and head support block. So I'm wondering if there's more to this than meets the eye.

Finally, what's the "definitive" story regarding 50 hZ vs. 60 hZ.? Is it impossible to usea 50 hZ motor in my (North American) deck? I'm told there may be a conversion possible, but I'm none the wiser.

Many many thanks, in advance!

Seth

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Tape Tech / Re: Otari 5050 8-track Issues: Noise, Static
« on: August 28, 2009, 02:52:12 PM »
Gentlemen:

Thanks much! In brief, yes I sprayed out the pots and card slots with DeOxit, but I did not clean the electrical connections between the modules. When I first hooked the deck up, I noticed right off the bat that the pins were all somewhat oxidized, but didn't take the time to clean them. I will now do so!

Also, a tech friend suggested carefully cleaning and spraying the hi / lo output switches mounted on the repro cards. He has to do it continually on a deck he services.

Finally, thanks I will hook up the scope (I only use it for alignment currently). I'm fairly new to solid-state repair, but if I follow the manual I'm sure I won't blow too much up....

Again, many thanks!

-Seth

4
Tape Tech / Otari 5050 8-track Issues: Noise, Static
« on: August 22, 2009, 10:18:09 PM »
Hi Folks,

I own an early-model (two "suitcases") Otari 5050 1/2" 8-track. My understanding is that the machine was used regularly as recently as 10 - 15 years ago, but has been pretty much dormant since then. I cleaned and de-magged, and aligned and calibrated it for +6 (I understand Otari recommends +4). All in all, the machine set up very easily and needed very little adjustment.

However, after tracking a couple of songs, I'm noticing a disturbing static. It's audible on some tracks while monitoring in "source" (some worse than others) and worst of all, it's occasionally making its way to tape.

Seems like there's two issues: The random static during monitoring, and then a harsh kind of clipping distortion (definitely dependent on the source material) during playback.

I've ruled out my mics, cables, and pres. I've thoroughly sprayed out all the pots and card slots. I'm going to realign the deck to make sure I didn't majorly goof. Aside from that, any suggestions? I really can't tell if the caps on the cards are original; some people on other forums have suggested that the popping noises / static may be due to bad transistors on the rec / repro cards, but honestly I wouldn't even know how to test them. (Just checking voltages on all three legs?)

Anyway, I'm pulling out what's left of my hair and I'm open to any suggestions or advice!

Thanks,
Seth


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