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Messages - KevO

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1
Events / Re: California Audio Show
« on: July 29, 2013, 04:33:03 PM »
I look forward to seeing you Steve.

-Kevin

2
General Discussion / Re: The Miles Davis Story
« on: June 04, 2013, 05:26:28 PM »
Thanks for posting this. I drank a glass of champagne, OK - a bottle, and watched. Great documentary for any Miles fan.

I am trying to determine if 14 Miles albums are enough. No, I need a few more.

-Kevin

3
Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Technics 1500 tweaks
« on: January 24, 2013, 04:24:08 PM »
I wondered if design changes were made over the years. I wouldn't doubt it.

You say your lifters are adjusted high, I can't find lifter/shifter adjustment in the manual. Looking at the part in the manual, I can't see any way to adjust it on mine.

I had the tape path packing tape perfectly without the lower guides. I am sure I can achieve that with the lower guides reinstalled.

I really liked your 'tubing' fix for the lifters. I want it to work. I'll try a few more things. Reread the documentation.

Knowing what you 'don't know' is a good thing. I can take it to the pro.

Thanks for the help.

-Kevin

4
Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Technics 1500 tweaks
« on: January 23, 2013, 10:24:34 PM »
I have not moved the play head since Greg Orton installed it, but it may need to move forward. I reinstalled the lower guides and added the Teflon tubing to the lifters. The tape hits the Teflon during play. 1mm.

I will fuss with the heads some more, but I am way off my experience cliff here.

Do you move the heads quite forward (toward the edge of the mounting block) to make all this work? Wisdom comes from experience and experience from mistakes. So I am on my way.

My big mistake may be not taking this to a pro...... yet, I am pretty capable. Any tips or photos that will help me out? I am so close and have a tape to play...... but I do NOT want to ruin a tape.

-Kevin

5
Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Technics 1500 tweaks
« on: January 07, 2013, 03:45:34 PM »
Doc,

Thanks! Yes the lower guides do seem 'off'. I find the lower guides flimsy too, so I would like to leave them off.

I decided to increase contact with the record and erase heads. Lo and behold, both were a bit loose and had moved away from the tape.

I increased contact and will now reevaluate see if the tape is above the lower mounting posts.

-Kevin

6
Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Technics 1500 tweaks
« on: January 07, 2013, 02:33:43 PM »
Steve,

Thanks for the resource. You devised an innovative solution for the worn lifter rods. I read the lifters could be rotated, but you are correct that the part as a whole is so imbedded in the player that any damage would be costly. I won't risk it. Sleeves make sense.

Installing the Tape Path Upgrade has taken me out of my comfort zone, but I enjoy that. To a point.

I removed the 'C' tape guides because I do not have the tool to lock the outer ring once I adjusted them. It appears I will have to increase contact with the lower heads to stop the tape from contacting the lower mounting posts. Once the lower heads are moved outward the upper heads also need to move out.

The tech I spoke with warned against removing the the tape guides. Doc recommends it. I understand where Doc is going with this. Less scrape flutter. Better sound. Less tape wear too.

Moving the heads for greater contact is taking me a few more steps out of my comfort zone.

Maybe I should reinstall the lower tape guides.

Q: What is the tool that locks the slotted nut around the slotted screw? (lower tape guide)

The Manual calls it 'tool'. That is too generic to search for. And I can imagine the photos if I search for 'tool' ;-)

Maybe Doc will reply with some guidance on head alignment and if BH increased head contact to eliminate hitting the lower head block mounting posts.

Perhaps the heads on the 1500 I bought have always been in too far.....

Thanks
-Kevin



 

7
Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Technics 1500 tweaks
« on: January 06, 2013, 06:51:08 PM »
Greetings,

Some questions:

1) I removed the lower tape guides from the headblock and thought all was well. Tape path is running smoothly and packing perfectly. But I see the lower mounting posts are touching the tape. Do I need to increase the contact with the erase and record heads to eliminate this?

2) The tape lifters are quite grooved. Someone (Steve?) was using teflon tubing as a cover. What size? What source? Also, the lifters sit close to the tape while it is playing, does the tubing hit the tape while playing?

I was taking this to a tech for head alignment, but he talked me into doing it all myself. I have an o'scope for azimuth but need to handle the above first.

All assistance gladly welcomed!

Kevin


8
Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Technics RS-1500 upgrades
« on: September 10, 2012, 03:22:47 PM »
I have the Extended Response Playback head installed now (thanks Greg), so waiting for Eros and Tape Path Mod kit. Once they have arrived, I will build the Eros and send deck out for Mod install and Clean Lube Adjust.

During CLA, what else should I have done to the deck? Obviously, install Mod Kit , head align and bias. Anything else?

Would it be beneficial (IYHO) to replace ERP head wires with new, better wires? I have some VH Audio double shielded wire and new female RCA jacks. I bought some VH silver coax wire to make cables from the Technics to the Eros and I ordered extra. I realize this means removal of capstan and flywheel. If tech is already in doing brakes, how many more hours to rewire?

I saw Docs photos of the easy way to wire the head to the OP jacks, just wondering if once someone is disassembling it, would this be worthwhile to rewire? I know this is subjective, but my view is in for a penny.....

I could do what Doc has outlined  in 'Tapping the Headstack' myself. But that 70's wire looks.... old. Did Doc rewire the head when mods were done at Bottlehead?

Thanks!
Kevin

9
Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Technics RS-1500 upgrades
« on: August 16, 2012, 06:53:59 PM »
I can think of one other advantage for the dummy heads.

Replacing the erase and record heads will prevent me from being a dummy and ruining a TP tape!

-Kevin

10
Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Technics RS-1500 upgrades
« on: August 16, 2012, 02:57:05 PM »
Hi,

I just signed up for the TP after the great demo at Bob Hodas CAS room. I've been planning/saving $$/thinking about it since the 2011 CAS demo.  I acquired a lightly used RS-1500. I ordered the tape path kit from Bottlehead and an Eros kit too.

I have funds left to get the extended response playback head and plan to drop off the head block at Flux Magnetics then take deck to a good tech for mod installations, CLA, etc.

Questions:

Are dummy heads a good idea? Will they keep tape wear to a minimum vs leaving the old heads in place? Old heads look fine.

When the ERP head gets wired to the new output jacks, is the connection direct from the head or do you use the Technics PCB on the head block? Any documentation/photos available?

Also, I have not powered the deck up yet. I have no idea how many years it has been stored. Should the tech use a Variac to power it up or should I plug it in and hope for the best?

Any way to have new head switch between direct out and tape repro? I understand it may be nice to have the meters active for alignment, etc.

So many questions.... first RTR I've owned.  Hope my questions make sense. All suggestions welcomed.

Thanks - Kevin Olson



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