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Reel to Reel frustrations.

trainbuftony

trainbuftony

Electron Herder
I was given about 5 reel to reel tape decks a few months back, and finally got around to restoring the 2 worth restoring. Mainly the TEAC X7R. I am a kid (29 years old) and I did not live in the prime days of reel to reel tape decks. I am actually quite ignorant on the topic. After ordering the belt kit, I opened it up and replaced the 2 belts, no problem. Then I had a heck of a time because I did not know that the pinch rollers had to move in order to properly feed the tape. Took it back apart, to renew the grease in that assembly, then I couldn't get the tape to track across the head, it seemed to randomly want to walk off towards the machine. Turns out that the tape was routed below the guide rollers and it needed to be above the guide rollers. It has been a week of learning things from experience.
Good news is that after all these stupid mistakes, the machine seems to be working fairly well. The other machine I have is a 4010S haven't started messing with it yet, LOL
 
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Belt replacement is only one step in "restoration." Most R2R decks are over 30 years old. Restoration and repair are 2 different animals. Repair is making it work, only. Restoration is making the entire unit your friend, fixing things that may not be broken.

Here are the things required to make a 30-year old deck reliable:
  1. Replace rubber drive surfaces (They rot, due to exposure to ozone in the air)
  2. Disassemble, clean, and lube the mechanism (old lube turns to wax over 30 years)
  3. Replace brake pads (adhesive decays, and felt decomposes)
  4. Adjust brake and reel torques (adjustments drift over long periods of time)
  5. Address any wear in the tape path (heads, guides, etc.). Tape wear should be corrected (re-lap or replace), or don't move heads,
  6. Record/playback calibration (adjustments drift with wear and time)
  7. Replace aluminum electrolytic caps (these operate with a wet paste within, which dries out over long periods, or with exposure to heat)
Some work requires specialized tapes and equipment. New calibration tapes are still available, but the test equipment has not been made for as long as the tape machines are old. You may have to restore the equipment, before you can use it to restore decks.

You need service manuals for each deck you work on. Also, you need to know the theory and details on how tape machines work. This is essential.

Good luck,
Rich P
 
The X7R is a terrific machine but its a tough one to start out with. The ol' grandad 4010S is a little easier to work on and less finicky but the ideal starter machine would be something like an A-2300S. They are simple, ruggedly built machines without auto-reverse or other bells & whistles and they are a snap to work on. Another good beginner deck would be the Pioneer 1011-L, probably the easiest reel to reel machine to work on in the history of reel to reel machines. Sounds like you got 'er going so you are that much ahead of the game, congrats!
 
I didn't find much wear inside the unit indicating it was not used much, I cleaned the capstans, and I did adjust the brakes, cleaned and lubed the mechanism, and everything seems to work right. I am going to keep an eye out for some new pinch rollers because I could see how even a tiny amount of wear here will cause problems.
 
The 4010 is the machine to learn on. Do you have the Service Manual? There is also a restoration guide by "Teac Dave". Available on his website. There are lots of folks here who know the 4010 family inside and out. Good luck with your jump into the hobby! Search here, read and ask. The best group of talent is right at your finger tips.
 
I have three Teac Machines; a 4010s, 4010GSL, and an A2300S. I've had very good service out of these machines. I would recommend Teac to anyone looking for a r2r deck.
 
A series Teac decks are ideal machines for consumer needs. Well made, durable, easily maintained. Very high performance. Nothing about them offends this broadcast engineer in any way. X series machines have their issues but once sorted are nice machines. But higher maintenance than the A series tanks. Teacs have had better than average support also.
 
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