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Akai GX-400DSS reel problem

Tusk

Tusk

New Member
I am new to this forum and can't believe there are people like me out there! I am a reel to reel nut and now I know I'm not alone! My Akai GX-400DSS took a crap a few weeks ago :worried: The reels do not move fwd or rev. The relays click like normal but the big solenoid does not engage to move the reels. ff and rew move very slow. This unit has been tempermental over the years. Mostly bad solder joints on the main relay board. I tried this first with no luck. Any suggestions are appreciated!

Thanks in advance, Tusk

P.S. Are parts still available for this unit?

FYI own a Revox A77, Akai GX-625, Teac A-2340R, Teac A640 cassette
 
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Hi Tusk, welcome to AK. :)
Sorry the Akai is giving you trouble, that is a rare unit you have.
I maybe can help you, a friend collect this model and have a feeling he also have parts for 400 D.SS in stock. :yes:
Here is a picture of his collection:
myakai.jpg
 
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Vintage TX , Thanks for posting pics of reel collection. I have not seen a GX-400 DSS with a black face! Pretty cool. Mine is the all brushed aluminum front. Very impressive collection! I am in need of a right tensioner arm in particular. It seems both tensioners have excessive play in and out although it may be normal. I should add this is not the reason the deck is not working. Thanks again for the post!

Tusk
 
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You welcome, I am sending his email address in a PM to you, contact Bill and see if he has the tension arms and can help you with the other problems.
I don't have the complete service manual for the SS model, it's a 2 part manual.
So check your PM Tusk. :)

Good Luck :thmbsp:
 
Check the mechanism activated by the "play" solenoid for dried out grease or binding, you may need to degrease/relubricate linkages...try pushing the plunger into the solenoid with the unit unplugged and see how the mechanism moves.
 
Thanks for the replies Chad and Vintage TX. I will drag that beast out of the closet and check it out. I should have added that I have the service manuals for this unit but have had no success as of yet. I will do as you suggested and keep you posted .

Thanks again! Tusk
 
Warm motor

I dismantled the GX this afternoon and inspected the play and other solenoids as suggested and found them free with no binding. I put a tape on and turned the unit on to check some test points. After some time I smelt something warm. After some investigation I found the right torque motor was very warm !! :worried: I shut the unit down and ran to my computer to see what you guys think.
I am new to troubleshooting stereo equipment and have a stupid question. Some of the test points give a value 24 volts etc. Some of the test points do not give a value. It just says TP. The test points I checked this afternoon with a given value checked good with the exception of one. TP3 on the servo control PC board. TP's 4,5 and 6 give no value. I know I'm really showing my lack of experiance but maybe it means something to someone with more experiance.
Thanks again in advance. Tusk
 
Sorry, I don't have the schematics for 400 SS, but it should say in the service manual the value and voltage Tusk.
Did you contact Bill ?
 
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