Ampex 985A Reel To Reel
- Thread starter krisjay
- Start date
goldear
Certifiable Audio Junkie
I'm not certain about the precise configuration of this unit, but I'm assuming that it is probably one of the dual-capstan auto-reverse models.
These have an exceptionally simple transport, and only have one main belt, if memory serves. I can pretty-much guarantee you that this belt will have long since turned-into black goo. But once it is replaced, the odds are that this machine will run again.
These have an exceptionally simple transport, and only have one main belt, if memory serves. I can pretty-much guarantee you that this belt will have long since turned-into black goo. But once it is replaced, the odds are that this machine will run again.
KentTeffeteller
Gimpus Stereophilus!
With the series you speak of, belt changes are a pain in the rear. And the machine when in good order is a nice performer. Flutter is low even at 3 3/4 IPS.
BANDWIDTH
Well-Known Member
Depending upon how the unit has been stored - you may get lucky and replace a couple of belts. If it has been in a damp basement or garage, then expect much worse - corroded heads, frozen motors, etc. The "shall I fix it" decision becomes one of passion v. what do I end up with when all is said and done. For me, it is a passion - I love getting obsolete things to gleam again!
krisjay
Super Member
goldear
Certifiable Audio Junkie
If this is the model that I'm thinking of, then the mechanism is as simple as they come, and the belt replacement shouldn't be too difficult. The hardest-part is opening the machine which involves removing a bunch of extremely tiny allen-head screws just to get the front panel off. Once the panel is off, I think that there are only four screws holding the transport in the case. Then you just pull the whole thing out of the wooden case, and everything is exposed. And as I said, there is only 1 long belt, if this is the machine which I think that it is.
As far as one-motor machines go, this has the simplest mechanism of any that I have ever seen. I just hate the transport controls on this unit which are exceedingly clunky IMO.
As far as one-motor machines go, this has the simplest mechanism of any that I have ever seen. I just hate the transport controls on this unit which are exceedingly clunky IMO.
krisjay
Super Member
Any suggestions on where to get a replacement belt? I believe that this is the model.
http://www.angelfire.com/electronic2/vintagetx/Ampex985A.jpg
http://www.angelfire.com/electronic2/vintagetx/Ampex985A.jpg
Are you sure that it has a tube amp? It looks mid-60s and solid state.
goldear
Certifiable Audio Junkie
I'll be interested to hear about it if it does actually contain tubes. There is very little information about this whole series of Ampex machines on the web. My dad had one of the SS units growing-up, and it was made in the early 60s, so I had assumed that this series was all based on germanium transistor tech.
krisjay
Super Member
Well I got it, no tubes, solid state. I got it home, sat it on the counter and said to myself, what the hell do I do now. I haven't got the first notion of what to do. Lol, I guess it will make a nice stand to put plants on. The guy I got it from also gave me a Ampex HCR-8 8 Track player/recorder, that seems to work fine, just needs soem cleaning. Also gave me an old Westinghouse AM/FM Tube radio, with phono and aux inputs. It doesn't seem to be working, some tubes light up, some don't. I was curious if I could do soemthing with the tube amp from this radio, but I think I am in the wrong section for that. I'll continue this in the tube threads.
goldear
Certifiable Audio Junkie
You need a set of allen-wrenches with some super tiny bits to pull the front cover off. Sorry, I don't know the size, I just know that it is slightly larger in diameter than a sewing-needle.
You can test it very easily though. You just have to push-up the tape sensor rod which sits at the left hand side of the head-block assembly (close to the pinch-roller). If the motor works, you should hear it spinning once that sensor-rod is pushed-up.
Whatever you do, the following is a cardinal no-no with this machine: Do not change its speed if the motor is not running! You will dislodge the belt when you do so. Changing speeds on this machine is like changing gears on a bicycle; it needs to be done only when in motion.
You can test it very easily though. You just have to push-up the tape sensor rod which sits at the left hand side of the head-block assembly (close to the pinch-roller). If the motor works, you should hear it spinning once that sensor-rod is pushed-up.
Whatever you do, the following is a cardinal no-no with this machine: Do not change its speed if the motor is not running! You will dislodge the belt when you do so. Changing speeds on this machine is like changing gears on a bicycle; it needs to be done only when in motion.
