Cassette Recording Static HELP!!!!
David Brabec
restoring it) Nakamichi RX-202 cassette deck. Problem - static (or sounds
like it) when recording. It sounds like very frequent (almost continual)
static on both channels.
I have disconnected the record/play head and recorded (erased) a tape -
no problem at all. Also, plays back other tapes just fine - not a hint of a
problem.
So, I know is is something in the record chain. Cleaning the heads/pots/
etc. has had no effect.
Also, tried running hot signals - no effect.
Even when I record NOTHING - I get this static.
Otherwise - this deck is near perfect - BUT, as is..it is unusable for
recording. The last guy that had it must have taken his frustrations out on
it - it has been a lot of work!
This noise is somewhat random, in both channels, and hot enough to
show -20 to -15 db on the meters (even when I record nothing...with record
level controls bottomed out).
Please.....this is all that is left - and it is then a very highly
usable deck!
THANKS!!!!
David
David Brabec
static - so, the record function of the head isn't dead - just VERY
staticy - and, it is not tape hiss.
Thanks again for any help, suggestions (big hammer? blow torch? Large truck?
<grin>)
David
"David Brabec" <drac...@home.com> wrote in message
news:gm8F4.1655$W4....@news1.rdc1.ne.home.com...
David Brabec
about everywhere I can think of. Also, this isn't really a "play" problem -
it plays any cassette that isn't recorded on it fine - no noise at all in
the playback section (besides tape hiss - it's good - but, not a miracle
deck!!!). The problem is that it is actually RECORDING static - even with no
input and levels bottomed out. Play the recorded tape on another deck - and
the static is there.
Just got done playing around with it again - nothing changed. I can get it
to go away very temporarily by grounding the head (which basically shuts
down the head) - when I remove the ground, the static is gone for a couple
of seconds. It is really looking to me like the head is shot. I have another
RX-202 on the way, so will be able to check... Just funny how it plays
perfectly - but, I have to remember that there are TWO different functions
of this head (2 head deck). It is.......frustrating.
Thanks for your reply!!!!
David
"Jim" <mag...@eidosnat.com> wrote in message
news:q0ebesogclanmssvt...@4ax.com...
> I had a deck once that gave static on playback and it turned out to be a
> ground wire that had broke off the capstan spindle bearing housing. Might
> be worth checking out...
>
> Jim
>
E.Wilson
>
> Interesting problem I have - older (as in kinda beat up but I am
> restoring it) Nakamichi RX-202 cassette deck. Problem - static (or sounds
> like it) when recording. It sounds like very frequent (almost continual)
> static on both channels.
> I have disconnected the record/play head and recorded (erased) a tape -
> no problem at all. Also, plays back other tapes just fine - not a hint of a
> problem.
> So, I know is is something in the record chain. Cleaning the heads/pots/
> etc. has had no effect.
> Also, tried running hot signals - no effect.
> Even when I record NOTHING - I get this static.
>
> Otherwise - this deck is near perfect - BUT, as is..it is unusable for
> recording. The last guy that had it must have taken his frustrations out on
> it - it has been a lot of work!
>
> This noise is somewhat random, in both channels, and hot enough to
> show -20 to -15 db on the meters (even when I record nothing...with record
> level controls bottomed out).
>
> Please.....this is all that is left - and it is then a very highly
> usable deck!
>
>
> David
Hi David,
Often static can be produced by driving belts. If there are any,try
to discharge static to the ground by touching belt with conductor while
recording. Good luck!
Jerry G.
the interference is comming from the record bias generator circuit or
along its path. There can be a bad rec/play contact in the switch.
This is usualy a long or big switch on the main circuit board that is
operated by a mechanical lever from the transport. You can clean this
switch with contact cleaner.
I have also had cold solder connections on the underside of this
switch causing problems like what you are describing.
The other thing that can be happening is you have a bad solder
connection or loose connection at the erase head assy or its wiring,
and associated connectors. The play/rec heads should also be varified
for proper grounding.
If this all fails, then you would need an oscilliscope to trace the
record bias path from the record bias generator up to the head. When
you have the noise in this path, you would be able to see where it is
starting from. You can then also check the paths to the rec/play head
assy for proper operations.
Because you say that the problem is common to both sides during
recording, there are only three things to varify that are mainly
common to both sides. The first is the record bias, and the second
is the power rails (supply) to the two channels. The third is the
rec/play switch assy.
This is fixable if you spend the time on it, and look for the problem
logicaly.
--
Jerry Greenberg
===========================================
Email: jerr...@hotmail.com
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============ Message Separator ===============
"David Brabec" <drac...@home.com> wrote in message
news:gm8F4.1655$W4....@news1.rdc1.ne.home.com...
Andy Cuffe
> >restoring it) Nakamichi RX-202 cassette deck. Problem - static (or sounds
> >like it) when recording. It sounds like very frequent (almost continual)
> >static on both channels.
> > I have disconnected the record/play head and recorded (erased) a tape -
> >no problem at all. Also, plays back other tapes just fine - not a hint of a
> >problem.
> > So, I know is is something in the record chain. Cleaning the heads/pots/
> >etc. has had no effect.
> > Also, tried running hot signals - no effect.
> > Even when I record NOTHING - I get this static.
> >
> > Otherwise - this deck is near perfect - BUT, as is..it is unusable for
> >recording. The last guy that had it must have taken his frustrations out on
> >it - it has been a lot of work!
> >
> > This noise is somewhat random, in both channels, and hot enough to
> >show -20 to -15 db on the meters (even when I record nothing...with record
> >level controls bottomed out).
> >
> > Please.....this is all that is left - and it is then a very highly
> >usable deck!
You really need a scope to find this kind of problem (a schematic would
also be very helpful). It you have access to a scope, it's just a
matter of putting it in record with no signal, or a pure sine wave, and
tracing the record signal until you see the noise. If you think it's
the head (highly unlikely), disconnect the head and look at the signal
going into the head. If it's noisy, you know the head is good. My
first guess would be a mechanical rec/play switch.
--
Andy Cuffe
balt...@psu.edu
David Brabec
good ideas.
Jerry G...you were right. I found a magnetic switch that only engages when
recording - and it isn't making really solid contact. When I force good
contact - perfect sound! Cleaning it hasn't helped much - looks more of a
mechanical (force) issue - but, easily fixable!!!
Okay...so I may not be the sharpest crayon in the box....
Thanks again!!!
David
"Jerry G." <jerr...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:7AoF4.116$vg7....@news.total.net...
> THANKS!!!!
>
> David
>
>
>
David Brabec
record/playback (thanks Jerry!). Cleaned it as well - but, that alone didn't
fix.
Anyway, not a hint of static now - records and plays very well. Now, just to
finish the alignment and this one time, ebay basket case is.....fully
operational!!! (It already sounds sweet...<grin>)
It's been a REAL PAIN - but...I loved it! Only problem I have is - after
repairing them...they sound so good...don't want to seel them!!! <laughing>
Oh well..there are only 8 decks here....<and...no, none of the others were
ever basket cases>
It's been great - thanks for all the help!! I offer to help when I can -
but, obviously, there are people far more expert than I am here. What the
hell - I really enjoy fixing these decks, cause they just don't make them
the way they used to <my Nak 700II weighs...hmmm....>
David
"David Brabec" <drac...@home.com> wrote in message
news:zgvF4.1884$W4.1...@news1.rdc1.ne.home.com...
Jeffrey Galin
osc. circuit or the one of the capacitors inside the bias osc.
module. These capacitors MUST be replace with the same type.
They need to have very low ESR at 105khz or they will fail and
can cause other damage to the circuit. GOOD LUCK! Jeffrey Galin,
Nakamichi Serviced Here www.eslabs.com esl...@snet.net
In article <gm8F4.1655$W4....@news1.rdc1.ne.home.com>, "David
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