Messages

271

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Adapters for Otari MX 5050

« on: September 14, 2008, 10:59:06 AM »

I need the real service manual. I have the rar file downloaded already.
I expect  200+ page bible for real servicing at $100+ price range somewhere.
PS.  What are the things to lock the reel to the spindle called?
I note only few places take money orders and ship to Canada.

272

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Otari Upgrades

« on: September 14, 2008, 10:55:59 AM »

I plan to (later) to pick up a second Otari 5050 II for parts and a real service manual. This way I don't have to worry about distroying my main deck. Offhand I would say only 25% improvement could be done replacing the solid state op amps and caps. The main problem is the output stage of the opamps - they are not designed for low distortion.

273

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Adapters for Otari MX 5050

« on: September 14, 2008, 01:42:59 AM »

It looks like the tape I have has lost its lube and could be bordering on being sticky.
The tape table needs to be adjusted, but I think I can eyeball in fairly close.

274

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Adapters for Otari MX 5050

« on: September 13, 2008, 11:23:53 PM »

A few hours later ... it looks like the squeal is from the edge of the
tape rubbing on a guide somewhere in the tape assembly.  I am
trying 3.75 IPS tape and it seems to work fine so far.
PS. I got a unmarked tape at a pawn shop and I am listening to
a few Elvis hits.  I wonder if anyone here would want the king on tape?

275

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Adapters for Otari MX 5050

« on: September 13, 2008, 05:45:18 PM »

ARG!  I just bought standard size keys... and the shop is closed for the day.
The spindles do need to adjusted a hair as they both rub against the motor.
Once that is done I will check for tension adjustments (mechanical) and then
later check the servo controls as I suspect something may have vibrated
a little in the shipping. The whine I hear is the brakes still being on for some
reason.
Postscript:
I got a ride into WallMart, and picked up some hex keys. I managed to move the
spindles up a bit, but they really are snug on the shaft to move finely. The tension
does seem to need adjustment as I am using 7" reels and the brakes come on every so often.

276

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Adapters for Otari MX 5050

« on: September 12, 2008, 11:44:35 PM »

The spindles are well jammed against the motor. I took off the
metal reel spacers, and am using a  cheap plastic reel 5"? and tape
to test the deck. All seems to work,barring the the drive system
that has too much friction to work correctly and you can hear the whine
from the motor shaft rather than the frame where a reel might rub.
My only real concern is what way to loosen the hex-nuts? on the shaft:
clockwise or counter clock wise once pick up some hex keys. If I can't losen
them then I have a major problem.
PS: Now it looks like the tape threading is the problem with the whine.
That is all I am doing tonight.

277

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Adapters for Otari MX 5050

« on: September 12, 2008, 09:56:27 PM »

Squeak Squeak Squeak. Need I say More.
It looks like the spindles are pressed right against the drive motors themselves
just because of years of pressing reels on the spindle.  Once I get the spindles
moved away from the motor I will have a better idea of the motor bearings.
If they are gone, that is major pain finding a new pair of motors. Fairly easy to replace
since commercial equipment is built right. I still would like a spare deck any how
so I can make mods to the deck, and not having to worry about damaging my main
machine.Thanks again.

278

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Adapters for Otari MX 5050

« on: September 12, 2008, 08:38:02 PM »

umm Steve what equipment do you listen to?
I have my Otari in today and I found the spindles? on the motors seem to be
adjusted too deep and they don't turn due to friction. While I am off to find some
allen keys, has anybody else ran into this problem?

279

Tape Project Machines / Re: A wish: New tape preamp: Desire

« on: September 10, 2008, 03:29:16 PM »

Well for me, my Full Range Speakers only go down to 55hz so I don't have a
real worry about anything lower. I really depends on your system you have.
I plan to upgrade slowly, get the basic system R2R and a few tapes. Later I plan
to upgrade to the seduction+foreplay system.
My only real gripe about the current system is you don't have a pre-amp for
the heads in the R2R, but go straight in the seduction.

280

Tape Project Albums - general / Re: Latest shipping News

« on: September 09, 2008, 09:17:08 PM »

That is easy ... when doc gets my check in the mail of course. :)
Well I know I want the tapes before it gets -40F, I have to hike to the
Post Office both ways in the snow. ;)
Now the hard part ... to pick out 6 tapes I like.
-----------------
I expect a few weeks at least before I get a tape as I am at bottom of totem pole,
but that gives me more time to get my system set up. I still need few more
things like a Service and Operations manual and Tape deck cleaning supplies.
The other stuff  like hubs,and reels, and music I had to get off ebay, and they should be arriving in the  next two weeks.
It really depends just what the next reel will be -- Creek bank or
Saxophone Colossus and what I decide to pick out ... all hard choices
as I want a little of everything.

281

Tape Project Machines / A wish: New tape preamp: Desire

« on: September 06, 2008, 11:04:41 AM »

This is what desire ...  A combo seduction and  the foreplay line driver
in a single small box.  The main reason is I don't think I will have room for
both the seduction and foreplay and my deck all in the same corner of the room
when I do decide to upgrade. I suspect other people also may have the same problem, a small amount of room for the tape deck and amps.

282

Tape Project Machines / Re: The Seduction Repro Amp Project

« on: September 05, 2008, 10:40:52 AM »

Well don't listen to me, I am thinking of solid state (opamp)
replacement board to be designed for my Otari 5050. It would
have some advantages as (hopefully) better components like caps
could be used and external boxes out. The phono-amp
from TNT-audio is almost what I am looking for.
http://www.tnt-audio.com/clinica/solidphono_e.html

(Note: I would try 1/2 wave rectifier from a CT transformer
and pre-regulate that and use a simple transistor regulator.
With the low current, one can afford to drop a few volts on the
front end)


What I could like to see is a Foreplay .5 out.
1/2 the size -- just 1 line in for the seduction pre-amp.
As a wish, could the seduction & a simplified foreplay amp
be combined on a single chassis?

PS. How come the 'tape project' don't have the model
posing ...  I guess you can't find 1/4" tape to wrap her in. :)

283

Tape Project Machines / Re: The Seduction Repro Amp Project

« on: September 03, 2008, 03:08:07 PM »

I'll stay tuned, but since I have to count my pennies
all I can afford is the Seduction amp. Since I found the price
of the Reproduction amp at $4K, I don't think I will consider
it for next summer, but use the Seduction amp if I can find
a way to get the gain up a bit. The 6B4G AMP I am using
was designed for CD levels. So just what is the peak to peak
voltage levels off a typical tape head?

284

Suggestion Box / Re: CV Goes Boldly Forth?

« on: September 01, 2008, 11:20:33 AM »

Also add if still in print ... Several times I find a CD I want only to find ... there are none  left.

285

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Adapters for Otari MX 5050

« on: August 30, 2008, 10:57:31 AM »

I am not sure if I want to make new cables just yet, I have some here.
I was thinking about making my own adapter but I still need to find
RCA females that are not chassis mount. Thanks for the tips.