Messages

1

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Otari mx5050 speed issue

« on: May 22, 2010, 04:19:02 PM »

Hey guys I was wondering if you could help me out with something. I have noticed that at the beginning of tapes my pitch is off (on the high side) but then as it gets to the middle of the tape it levels off and sounds great. I was thinking this could be a tension lever problem? Idk but I do have a entire extra otari for parts on hand, so if you guys could point to some parts that may be the culprits please let me know.

Also I have noticed that my pinch roller is not going up and down all the time when play and stop are hit. When this happens I just put pressure on the pinch roller and it fixes the problem.  It sounds like it needs some lube but how and what do I use for this?


Thanks guys!!!!

Darren

2

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Otari MX5050 problem...

« on: February 17, 2010, 01:48:54 PM »

Hey Steve, thanks for your reply. I have not gotten the capstan to move or make any sound. I am in the process of purchasing a used capstan and board to see if thats the problem.  Let me make sure I understand what you are saying. You are saying that if there is something wrong with the capstan, it could affect the wheel motors also. correct?

3

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Otari MX5050 problem...

« on: February 16, 2010, 11:18:23 PM »

Could anyone tell me what the board that is located above the capstan and right below the right motor(if you are faceing the front) is called? I just inversed the multipin connector that was connected to this board and i got both of the wheel motors running. Now i get response when i am not in edit mode. The play record ff and rr all work now but both the motors spin at the same speed no matter what command. The speed is like a ff or rr speed. The multipin connector is not meant to fit this way i have it, so im guess that something is wrong with the board. Insight on this would be appreciated. Thank you

4

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Otari MX5050 problem...

« on: February 16, 2010, 08:15:44 AM »

Thanks Steve, I have removed all of the multipin connectors. I have not tried to replace any fuses as of yet, I will do that today. When I am not in edit mode, if I hit any command such as rec play rr ff, there will be NO response. There is not a sound present other than the sound of the button. This does lead me to think it could be a power/fuse issue. It does power up nicely with both VU meters working. I can hook up headphones and the test frequency buttons work as well as volume/channel control. This tells me that the amplifier section is working well. I do have reason to suspect that this unit has been sitting for 15 plus years. Can fuses just get old? Thanks again.

5

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Otari MX5050 problem...

« on: February 15, 2010, 10:14:09 PM »

I actually just realized that the speed at which that left motor is turning when I hit play in edit mode is extremely fast. Like a ff and rr speed. Hope that helps you guys out.

6

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Otari MX5050 problem...

« on: February 15, 2010, 09:59:59 PM »

oh sorry guys I mean Capstan not Capson...sorry just learning the lingo haha

7

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Re: Otari MX5050 problem...

« on: February 15, 2010, 09:57:20 PM »

Thanks guys for your response. I have tried it with the tape fead and it just makes a big click sound from the left motor trying to turn. The capson is not moving at all. I again get no response when not in edit mode. And no response from the record ff or rr. I tried cleaning out all the connections to see if that would work but still no motion in the right wheel and capson. What should I see when I hit play (not in edit) when no tape threaded and the tension arm is up. Should both wheel motors be turning or only the right? If the right one should be turning also, could we narrow it down to any parts that could have gone bad? What about fuses do should I replace them? Thanks again.

8

Reel to Reel Tape Machines / Otari MX5050 problem...

« on: February 15, 2010, 06:22:09 PM »

Hey guys I am new to both the forum and also just getting into tape. I came across a MX5050 BII for 100 bucks on craigslist. The lady that I bought it off of did not know anything about them. The unit itself looks very clean but I do have a problem. I cannot get any of the motors to work. The only time I can get movement is if I hit the edit button and then play. This makes the left motor turn but nothing else happens. FF or RR does not work when in edit. I am thinking it is not likely a one of the motors. Maybe a motor controller? Please let me know what you guys think. Thanks

Darren