8 Track matchbook trick

[oldvinyldude]

HI there Trackers:

I recently digitized (2) 8 Tracks for a friend.

On one, I heard serious crosstalk when an adjacent loud track was clearly heard on a softer passage on the current track. Resorting to a variation of the matchbook trick, I virtually eliminated the crosstalk, and the output level jumped probably 6 db.

Using the same deck, I tried this trick on another tape, and could not hear any difference. I noted this tape seemed to be tighter in the slot of the deck than the first one, as well.

Am I right to assume this is an issue with the tape itself, and it's just something to check on each tape? I hesitate to adjust the head height on the deck. (I also realize that the deck is 45 years old, so things have wandered. It's a RS TR 801, so a top deck in it's day.

 

[kfalls]

The loose fitting tape doesn't allow it to align with the head and/or pinch roller correctly. Unless you can get the tape to align consistently adjusting the head won't result in consistent playback. Also if the pinch roller isn't engaged properly it could result in inconsistent tape drive or tape skew. If the roller and capstan are not parallel the tape may pull at the top moreso than the bottom or visa versa causing tape skew. This has been an issue with lesser 8-Track decks from the beginning. If most tapes have the issue, possibly gluing a spacer to the top or bottom of the opening may fix it. Maybe a popsicle stick, or something more slippery like a thin, rigid piece of nylon.

 

[oldvinyldude]

It just so happens that a Discwasher brush just happens to fit under the cart, while it plays on the shelf. The give of the brush top is just enough to make it slightly snug, but still allows the cart to eject. That's what I did on the first tape that had the cross talk issue, and it worked like a charm. Just the kind of hack that seems to fit the vibe of 8 tracks.

 

[Ronald1973]

A small jeweler's screwdriver will often do the trick if placed under the bottom of the tape.