Removing Akai GX280-OD SS faceplate

[desertrose77]

Hi!

I am recent addition to the reel to reel community. I have an Akai GX280 OD SS. It is a 4 track reel to reel. Recently it feel on its face :'( I replaced the tables and spindles,but there seems to be a deeper issue. Both motors seem to function fine without reels on them. Rewind and Fast Forward function fine as well. However, when I hit forward the reels drag against the walls of the machine and make the playback speed oscillate pretty wildly.

It seems as though tension builds on the tape delivery system which slows down the uptake reel, as the uptake reel slows that tension is relieved and it speeds up. Generating an oscillating playback speed.

Bottomline: Does anyone have experience with the AKAIGX280-OD SS? Can you instruct me on how to remove the faceplate? It seems to be a slightly different mechanism than other akai's from the GX series. Additionally, does anyone know what could be causing the playback issue?

 

[dhnash]

It sounds like your reel table bases may have been pushed out of position as a result of the faceplant. They may need to be adjusted so the reels do not rub against the face plate. If you haven't done so, you may want to download the service manual for free from here after registering which is also free:

https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/akai/gx-280d-ss.shtml

This adjustment may not require removal of the face plate but may require removal of the outer case to access the screws that attach the reel table bases to the motor shafts. The reel table bases need to be adjusted so the tape winds onto both reels in a location that is centered between the reel flanges.

 

[oldvinyldude]

+1

It sounds like your reel table bases may have been pushed out of position as a result of the faceplant. They may need to be adjusted so the reels do not rub against the face plate. If you haven't done so, you may want to download the service manual for free from here after registering which is also free:

https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/akai/gx-280d-ss.shtml

This adjustment may not require removal of the face plate but may require removal of the outer case to access the screws that attach the reel table bases to the motor shafts. The reel table bases need to be adjusted so the tape winds onto both reels in a location that is centered between the reel flanges.

Welcome to the R2R club

Yes-The tables should be adjustable by removing the case.

There are typically 2 set screws for each reel table. There should be access holes through the chassis. One will be at the side, the other at the top. You may need to rotate the table to line them up with the chassis holes. Simply loosen both screws, pull the table out a bit, reset the screws and test. Repeat until reel drag is eliminated. Verify that the tape entering/leaving the guides is not dragging against either edge of the guide. You don't want tape edges getting damaged, and will minimize tape skew when running across the heads.

Ideal adjustment results in no reel drag, no tape edge damage, and wrapping of the tape in the center of the reel.

Also know that metal and plastic reels are different thicknesses. Ideal adjustment for metal will not be ideal for plastic. Being a 7 1/2 machine, the vast majority of reels are plastic. If you have a metal take up reel, and a plastic supply reel (most common scenario), adjust each reel table to achieve wind of the tape in the center of the reel, as much as possible.

 

[dhnash]

Also know that metal and plastic reels are different thicknesses. Ideal adjustment for metal will not be ideal for plastic. Being a 7 1/2 machine, the vast majority of reels are plastic. If you have a metal take up reel, and a plastic supply reel (most common scenario), adjust each reel table to achieve wind of the tape in the center of the reel, as much as possible.

An alternative is to make this adjustment so the reel tables are properly positioned for the plastic reels which have thicker flanges and then use a reel spacer underneath the metal reel when it is used since metal reels have thinner flanges. This way you would be able to use metal or plastic reels in either reel location.

The following link shows what the reel spacers look like but I know that others have made up their own spacers using thin cardboard like that used to make cereal boxes.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TWO-BRAND-N...193101?hash=item4406764fcd:g:AREAAOSw-jhT-SLB