Otari MX5050 B2HD Does Not Play

[freezedream]

Hi, I'm obviously new here and am also new to reel to reel tape machines. I recently bought an Otari MX5050 B2HD but found that it does not play, nor rewind or fast-forward properly.

I am testing it with old tape on 7" reels after cleaning the tape path. I managed to get it to play once but then not since and it looks as though the supply reel (left) is not starting to turn when I press play and so the tension arm just gets pulled down by the takeup reel (right) straight away. It does actually "rewind", though it seems that rewind and fast-forward are backwards (i.e REW moves tape from supply reel to takeup reel)?! It doesn't "fast-forward" properly and just spins really slowly for a couple of seconds and then stops.

I tested the machine with no reels on and everything is turning properly. The capstan seems to be turning properly, too and braking seems to be working ok.

It also has the known tape speed selector problem and according to the previous owner is stuck at 15 ips.

I'm hoping it's nothing seriously wrong and that cleaning things or replacing a few components on the boards may solve the problem.

I had a look inside the machine and it looks like someone has done some "maintenance" on it at some stage, though it looks a bit messy so maybe they mucked something up. One of the power supply caps obviously needs replacing too.

If anyone has some suggestions or has encountered this problem before, your help would be much appreciated!

Thanks!

[ironbut]

Hi (BTW we use our real names on this forum, please read "Forum Rules"),

If you don't have the manuals already, here's a link,

http://www.tapeproject.com/smf/index.php/topic,1545.msg12330.html#msg12330

It would start by confirming that all the internal connectors are where they should be and while you're in there, pull and clean them all too.

There's also a link to servicing common issues with 5050 machines here;

http://www.tapeproject.com/smf/index.php/topic,396.15.html

I also suggest you do the voltage checks on the power supply board and motor boards before you replace any caps. It could very well be that some of the caps need replacing but it might not be the source of you problems. If the voltage at the motor boards is low, trace it back toward the power supply.

[Listens2tubes]

Being I have had all manor of odd behavior from my 5050s and fix most with cleaning switches and internal connection.  The front and internal (on the control board) speed switches need contact cleaner and Dioxit treatment. Apply contact cleaner, then cycle the switch 30 times, then Dioxit. Next do the same with the 2T-4T switch on the headblock. Since you have the Control board down reseat all the connectors. Be sure the pins are lined up and seated correctly.

Does you capstan roller move freely by hand toward the capstan motor's shaft?

[freezedream]

Thanks for the tips, guys.

The capstan moves freely and the motors run fine with no reels/tape on but the supply reel motor seems to be struggling to start with the reels on.

I think I might need to check all the connectors as well as the voltages at the motors. I'll need to get some Deoxit as I don't have any handy.
I'll let you know how it goes.

Cheers!

[Listens2tubes]

Just clean as I stated above. Those three switches must be part of a logic circuit. I've had run away speeds that don't change with any setting, I've had non working low or high speed, I've had brakes non working. All fixed with cleaning the switches and Dioxit. *thumbsup*