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Qatron 8 track changer help

R

restman99

New Member
I recently purchased a Qatron 8 track changer. After a little work it works almost perfectly with one exception. After a few tape changes it doesn't seem to recognize that a tape is loaded. There is an extra sensor next to the foil sensors. It is a little taller and seems to bend over. If I straighten it up everything will work well again for a few tapes. If someone has a Qatron or Telex changer can you share a picture of this area so I know the proper position? Does anyone have a simple fix for this problem? It would be hard to find another and I don't want to risk screwing it up.

You can see the piece that bends in the middleIMG_20171019_174842051.jpg IMG_20171019_174823781.jpg IMG_20171019_175118395.jpg
 
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That's odd. Given the direction of tape travel, one would expect that sensor to bend TOWARDS the others, not away.

I wonder if perhaps the tapes aren't dropping down properly? That was always a problem with those; there's a lot of inconsistency in shell brands, one to another. When Telex bought the company they supposedly made quite a few improvements. If you have a Qatron, you have the original design that doesn't benefit from later improvements. Good luck!

Cheers,
Larry B.
 
1tumbleweed said:
That's odd. Given the direction of tape travel, one would expect that sensor to bend TOWARDS the others, not away.

I wonder if perhaps the tapes aren't dropping down properly? That was always a problem with those; there's a lot of inconsistency in shell brands, one to another. When Telex bought the company they supposedly made quite a few improvements. If you have a Qatron, you have the original design that doesn't benefit from later improvements. Good luck!

Cheers,
Larry B.
Click to expand...
I think it is supposed to slide to the outside of the tape. If I reinforce it it might stop bending over. I think it's only for sensing whether there is a tape present or not and not related to the foil sensors at all. I think I just need to find the right piece of metal to replace or reinforce it. It pulls down and plays several tapes fine, but eventually that piece bends over. When I straighten it up, its works fine again.
 
I've given this some further thought - I think you're on the right track. Possibly it's there to guide the tape to the correct position; all 8 tracks have chamfers at the front (unlike 4 tracks) so perhaps that tab pushes the front to the proper position when it drops - and nothing else.

I looked on hifiengine for manuals, but I don't see either Qatron or Telex listed. Seems like someone sells them though - might be worth the investment.

Cheers,
Larry B.
 
I found the user manual, but no service manual. I think I can get it right. Just want to do it before Christmas so I can inflict hours of 8 track love on my family
 
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