Adapters for Otari MX 5050

[steveidosound]

OK, just took the side panel off of my older 4 channel MX-5050. I see a hole where one can axcess 2 allen head metric 3mm screws that hold the turntable on the motor shaft. On mine, this is the same size as the hex key that and holds the side cover on. These loosen counterclockwise as normal.
AFAIK, you just loosen them if necessary and move the turntable in or out on the shaft to center the tape between the flanges for both a 10.5 reel and a 7 reel with the small hub (using spacers)  then re-tighten. If your unit has any other damage or other parts have internally shifted all bets are off. Do the turntable shafts appear to be straight and not bent? If you rotate them do they wobble or run true?
The noise if there is a whine might be from the idler to the left side of the head block which might need lubrication for it's bearing.

[Ben]

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.

[Ben]

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?

[ironbut]

Hey Ben, if you're having a hard time tracking down that squeal, it may be that the previous owner played a tape (or tapes) with sticky shed. Squealing tapes are a major symptom that there is something in the tape path that is sticky (it could be the tape that you're using too but if it's squealing the length of the tape, it's usually something in the tape path). If you have some naptha, it's quicker than alcohol but try cleaning every nook and cranny that the tape touches on the way through. If you have a magnifier of some type, that helps to check your cleaning. Make sure that the inside corners of the guides and the outside edge of the playback head (which is obscured by the shield around it) is free of any contaminants. The goo from sticky shed looks a little like tiny bits of tar.

[Ben]

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.

[ironbut]

Yeah, the table height adjustment has a little wiggle room. Just try and center the tape pack into the reel. You might have to readjust it once you start using aluminum 10.5" reels since they're a little thinner than plastic 7" but there's enough room to find a compromise. If you don't already have a service manual ( a must have!) here's a place that you can download and operators manual that only lacks schematics. It's uses RapidShare so it's kind of a pain to use. The file is a RAR archive file so you'll need to get a application to open it and just follow the directions exactly. If you Google RAR Expander you should find a free app to open the file.
Frustrating but free. If you run into trouble, PM me.
http://www.analogrules.com/manual_list.html

[Ben]

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.

[ironbut]

You should try Stereomanuals.com for the service manual. I'm sure it won't be $100. Some are a little sparse on some details but the exploded views are worth the $25-35 that they usually cost. If they don't have it, try Vintage Electronics.
stereomanuals.com

[Ben]

No luck at both places for a Otari 5050 service manual.
Now that I have adjusted the tape spindles, the bad tape
is playing mostly with out noise. Any squeaking seems to
rubbing on the edge of the (plastic) reel so far.

[ironbut]

Hi Ben, here's a guy that does have the manual. A little steep for what's almost certainly a photocopy but at least he has it. I'd double check to make sure it isn't what you already downloaded (does it have the schematics?) but here it is;
http://www.angelfire.com/electronic2/vintagetx/manuals2.html

[Ben]

I plan to check with him later, when I think about mods to the 5050.
The major thing on my to-do list is to get 'reel hold downs'.  Green
masking tape does not quite cut it. I just find any information
on the web,or the correct name for them: reel retainers?

Tomorow I plan to make the XLR adapters
and I have checked out the machine the best I could and other than
the tape table adjustments it all seems Ok.

[jorsan]

I can help with the manuals (user/mantainance and parts). were expensive but they're original color PDFs files, not photocopies so if someone wnats to share to cost with me, PM.

[Ben]

Well I found a place to sell me a service manual & schematics
and few other things like 'reel hold downs'.  Buying the
R2R was the easy part ... finding all extras is harder.

http://www.analogrules.com/

[Ben]

I found my squeak ... the captstan needed oiling.
I plan to re-lube it again with some light oil that I picked up yesterday
I used some Deoxit fader lube just to check it.


PS: I should have said I sprayed WD 40 every where. ;)

[jorsan]

What oil -and where can I find it- is good to lubricate this machines?