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Need Help, CT-F750 flutter issue

cason

cason

AK Subscriber
Subscriber
Hey folks,
I need a little help with a flutter issue with my Pioneer CT-F750. Recently I installed new belts, did a thorough cleaning and put the player back in service. I thought it was running fine until yesterday. I noticed a very evident flutter when playin my Trio (Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, EmmyLou Harris) tape. Seems to be at a frequency higher than Dolly's vibrato. Before I get too far along trying to track this problem down, thought I would ask: Is the issue likely a) a tape issue, b) idler tire issue, c) capstan belt issue, d) more than one of the above. Just looking for guidance so I don't waste a lot of time looking in the wrong place.
As always, thanks in advance for your input.
 
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I put new belts on a CTF-850 and had very bad w&f. Turns out the only capstan drive belt that works well on those is the OEM (which I thankfully foound with help from Rich P).
The non-OEM belts I tried would actually cause the motor/flywheel/capstan to oscillate around the correct speed. You could see the effects of it clearly on an oscope or w&f meter. The OEM belt completely cured it.

The site:
http://parts.pioneerelectronics.com/model.asp?modelNum=CTF-750
is showing no stock on the capstan belt, so maybe someone else can suggest a source. You may just have to try belts from a number of sources and pick the one that works best. Some people have suggested that the thinner belts work better than thicker ones.

Terry
 
Terry,
Thanks. I was afraid of that. Was (am?) having belt issues with a CT-F9191 as well, but got an OEM belt for it. Just haven't installed it yet. Will start looking for new 750 belt.
Bob
 
Post info on the belt you find that works. I bought the kit and used all but the capstan belt which had speed problems.

marrscommunications is supposed to have good belts for Tandberg. I don't know if their other belts are good.
tableterner has supplied a couple belts HK tt and RT. I have installed the TT belt and all is good. I'll be putting the RT belt in soon. Dr*Audio got a Thorens belt from here and is happy with it so far.

Both are ebay sellers.

Be nice to have a list of good belt suppliers.
 
If it's a "wow-ee" speed issue, yeah check the wear, elasticity, quality of the capstan belt. ...but if it's "flutter-ry", check the take up clutch.. Sometimes the felt load up with some material (plastic?).
 
Thanks Blue Shadow, will check those out.
Jon, thanks. I'll give that a look as well.
 
A good way to indentify where the speed variation is coming from is to pull off the machine's cover and watch the capstan rotation speed, motor pulley speed (perhaps put a felt pen mark on each to make it easier to see each rotation) and see which matches the frequency of the warble you are hearing. A single test tone tape is easier than music.

Slower warble is more likely the capstan as it rotates slower. Motor speed of course is faster.


Check at the beginning and then the end of the tape. At the beginning only could point to a take up tension issue. At the end only could point to a supply tension issue. Also eliminate the pinch roller and its pressure as a possible cause.

Cheers Tim
 
....and if you don't already have one, get a torque tape. It will show erratic torque and confirm or rule out a torque issue.
 
I had a similar problem and the pinch roller was binding. Drop of oil and it was good again. This was after I replaced the belts also.

Thanks,
John.:music::D
 
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