Slow cassette player

[Joeyjoejoejr]

I picked up a Technics RS-M22 cassette player from the thrift store in good physical condition. I cleaned the switches and pots on the front panel,also cleaned the heads and roller. The belt looks okay but plays tapes slightly slow. Before I replace the belt should I check something else? Also I'm having trouble locating a replacement belt for it. The only place I found one was on Ebay from Portugal and a 1-2 month shipping time.

 

[dhnash]

Belts for it are available here:

https://www.turntableneedles.com/fi...asonic-National&modelname=RS-M22&Select=Model

 

[Joeyjoejoejr]

Excellent. I shall check it out.

Thanks

 

[Taketheflame]

It's pretty much always a good idea to pick up some new belts for any tape deck purchases, particularly more vintage units like the RS-M22. If it uses an idler tire in the transport, it wouldn't be a bad idea to change that either (although if the deck works and the transport isn't noisy, it's probably fine for awhile).

The speed should be adjustable with a screwdriver via a potentiometer on one of the boards. Here's a service manual I found.

https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/technics/rs-m22.shtml

Speed adjustment should be done after changing belts - ideally with a speed calibration tape, but it's possible to get close enough for casual use doing it by ear (provided you have a good ear for pitch, and have access to a CD/digital version of the recording on the tape to use as a reference).

Feel free to post back here if you run into any issues. Belts are pretty straightforward on many decks, but some others can be a bit trickier.

 

[vwestlife]

Most Technics decks have a motor speed adjustment accessible via a "service use only" hole in the back.

 

[Hajidub]

I picked up a Technics RS-M22 cassette player from the thrift store in good physical condition. I cleaned the switches and pots on the front panel,also cleaned the heads and roller. The belt looks okay but plays tapes slightly slow. Before I replace the belt should I check something else? Also I'm having trouble locating a replacement belt for it. The only place I found one was on Ebay from Portugal and a 1-2 month shipping time.

Vintage electronics (google) in Walsenburg, CO doesn't carry the belt(s)?