Messages

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Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: MX-5050 QXHD Homemade Remote Control - Possible?

« on: December 11, 2009, 08:02:43 PM »

REPLY TO MY OWN POST:
In case anyone is interested. The switches can be SPST. There is no mechanical interlock - DUH! Logic controlled; and done very nicely by Otari.
The choice of RJ-45 was not an option - I needed a minimum of 12 wires to provide the remote functions needed.

The LED retrofit was easy. I pulled all the incandescents and replaced then with off-the-shelf LED's. The only tricky part was the current limiting resistor installation. If anyone is interested I will provide the photos of the procedure.

The remote control was not so easy.

Step 1: I used large "video game" type switches for all the functions. The switches selected allowed the installation of back-lit graphics of the control functions. I had originally labeled these switches "STOP, PLAY", etc. Poor choice. A much better choice will be arrow graphics and industry standard for tape motion functions. Will upgrade next time I print labels.

Step 2: Otari only provided for one indicator light - RECORD.

I felt that all functions should be indicated by illumination. A quick check of the schematics will reveal that all the functions can easily be indicated by pilot lights except the function "STOP"

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Reel to Reel Tape Machines / MX-5050 QXHD Homemade Remote Control - Possible?

« on: October 17, 2009, 08:51:26 AM »

The schematic seemingly shows the use of SPDT switches. Tracing out their logic shows that SPST switches should perform the same function. Is there something I am missing? Are the switches mechanically interlocked? Are they "make-before-break" or some such configuration?

I want to connect the remote to the main deck using RJ-45 plugs and connectors. Any problem with the voltage / current demands thru this tiny wire?

Any idea on the proper lamp / LED for the record lamp?

Any advise would be great. I can always count on this group!

BTW: I tried to attach some Photobucket links but I failed. Rats.

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Reel to Reel Tape Machines / XLR to RCA Adaptors - One piece assemblies.

« on: November 20, 2008, 08:14:53 PM »

XLR to RCA Adaptors - One piece assemblies.
Looked around the NET - best price - import - B&H Photo.
What ever was the advantage of 3 wire audio? In 100 words or more.

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Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Otari MX-5050 QXHD

« on: November 17, 2008, 03:18:15 PM »

You are correct - Nolan Bushnell was the gentleman's name. Invented "Pong", started Atari, sold Atari to Warner Brothers for $40M and used that money to startup and develop CEC.
They originally used TEAC 3450's (I think that is the correct # - they were four channel units) with three channels of audio / one for air valve commands. The multitrack audio was found to not be noticeable to the audience, hence the transfer to TEAC X7's about the time I came on board.


I also heard about the 3D. Supposedly in VA somewhere. This must have happened after my employment. The entire CEC store group in MD/VA was bought by Showbiz Pizza (CEC's arch rival). They may have tried the 3D thing.

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Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Otari MX-5050 QXHD - Chuck E Cheese Tapes

« on: November 15, 2008, 07:20:32 PM »

A link! Thanks. The Internet is great. But it is only great because of people like the Iron But and others on this site.

BTW; The big tape speed issue with me was because I have a bunch of Chuck E Cheese Pizza Time Theatre animation tapes that run at 3-3/4 IPS. These tapes were recorded with one track containing the the audio (soundtrack of Chuck and his guests) on one channel and digital beeps and squeeks on the other. The beeps and squecks controled air valves that moved the critters arms and heads.

Every time I play these, back the years melt away, and I fell like like a young adult. They are very unique.

I was there at the beginnning of the CEC empire and was there at it's fall (~1987).

Last I got a look at their control system they were using U-matic (Sony) video cassetes.

6

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Otari MX-5050 QXHD

« on: November 15, 2008, 06:14:26 PM »

This is the ORIGINAL Otari MX-5050. The Internet has very little info about this machine.

I have BOTH the schematic AND the maintenance manuals for this old timer. If the copyright is not an issue, I could scan and post these if there is any interest.

The above manuals do NOT tell you a thing about how to run this deck.

I would love it if anyone has an Users Manual for this fellow as I don't have a clue what half the switches and plugs do on this deck!

Analog Rocks.

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Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Otari MX-5050 QXHD

« on: November 15, 2008, 05:20:29 PM »

Sucess! DPDT toggle did it.

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Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Otari MX-5050 QXHD

« on: November 15, 2008, 03:38:41 PM »

Thanks to you I got it! You gave me the right direction to look. The schematic showed a "switch" and the letters HI / LO. The clever engineers at Otari provided the changeover via jumpers on the "power supply board" PA-377. They just got cheap and never installed the switch on this early model. I will dig out a mini toggle switch from my parts drawers and wire one in.
Will reply one more time with the results. Wish me luck and thanks again, Sir.
I am sure I will be back on this great Forum.

9

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Otari MX-5050 QXHD

« on: November 15, 2008, 02:58:24 PM »

Can't find it. This is an original MX-5050. Is it on the capstan motor PCB?

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Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Otari MX-5050 QXHD

« on: November 15, 2008, 01:23:05 PM »

Bought today. Had to disassemble a couple of lever arms and re-lube. Works great!
I was told this machine ran 3-3/4 - 7-1/2 - wrong! It's 7-1/2 - 15!! Any chance of flipping some hidden switch somewhere? I need 3-3/4. RATS.
I have both the maintenance and parts list schematic books. Nothing I can see there.