Weird Teac A3340S Problem

[Ed Lapple]

I have a A-3340S that is kicking my back end. It records on track 3 only, with tone input to all tracks and in the Source position all 4 meters read and tone comes out of all four outputs and the headphone jacks. When in Record only track 3 has a level, in the Tape position and, on playback only track 3 has a recording. With a test tape all 4 tracks playback fine. I have put contact cleaner on the Record and Simu-Sync switches and they seem to be working as switching either causes the record light to go off for the corresponding track. There is no obvious physical damage, I'm just hitting a brick wall on what would cause 3 tracks to not record and yet the 4th one does. Any ideas? Thanks.
Ed

 

[safebet]

Good description Ed. That is puzzling. Though you already have I would perform extra cleaning and movement of the Simul-Sync and record switches.

Does the level actually drop, source mode, on the meters when record is engaged on the associated track?

 

[Ed Lapple]

Good description Ed. That is puzzling. Though you already have I would perform extra cleaning and movement of the Simul-Sync and record switches.

Does the level actually drop, source mode, on the meters when record is engaged on the associated track?

Here's an update. I went out and tried it at 7.5 ips and three of the four tracks recorded. Only track #1 did not, I switched it to 15 ips and three tracks still recorded. I scoped the center pin of the Record drive pots on all four channels and they all had the same looking signal there. 1Khz sine wave that looked slightly squared off. When I flick the #1 Simu-sync switch back and forth, while in record, and monitoring Tape, I get a flicker on the VU meter. I can't find a position on the switch where the indication stays there and, on playing the tape back there in nothing on track #1 when I was flicking the switch. I would try to spray some more contact cleaner in there but, naturally, the can ran out last night. I have ordered a can of Detox-it, so maybe it is a dirty switch. I don't have a clue why the other two tracks started working. As to your question, no the level doesn't drop on the VU in Source when I enter Record. Maybe it is gremlins who know that I just got in 10 old reel to reels that I want to play with and this 3340 is keeping my bench all tied up. (lol)

 

[JRhoBurton]

It sounds like you've already determined that there is no output from the bad channel(s) when you switch on Simul-sync on that channel (which uses the record head for playback)?

 

[Ed Lapple]

It sounds like you've already determined that there is no output from the bad channel(s) when you switch on Simul-sync on that channel (which uses the record head for playback)?

Yes, there is playback off of the Record head, (Simu-Sync) and the Play head when I put a test tape on but no playback, on channel #1, when I attempt to record.

 

[JRhoBurton]

Are you recording line level? What happens with a microphone?

 

[Ed Lapple]

Are you recording line level? What happens with a microphone?

I haven't tried a Mic yet, I figured if I was seeing the line input going E-E through the machine and on the record drive pot, plus it was on the other three tracks I should be okay, but that assuming is always the caca that comes back and bites you so I'll go out and try it. My new can of Detox-it doesn't arrive until Friday anyhow. Tonight I've got a Stephen's Trusonic 206-AXA speaker to play with. The magnet on it is so strong when I got off my chair at the work bench, it pulled the chair two feet across the floor and grabbed it. I have to keep it well away from the audio tapes.

 

[Ed Lapple]

Are you recording line level? What happens with a microphone?

I get the same results with a mic.

 

[safebet]

I have a A-3340S that is kicking my back end. It records on track 3 only, with tone input to all tracks and in the Source position all 4 meters read and tone comes out of all four outputs and the headphone jacks. When in Record only track 3 has a level, in the Tape position and, on playback only track 3 has a recording. With a test tape all 4 tracks playback fine. I have put contact cleaner on the Record and Simu-Sync switches and they seem to be working as switching either causes the record light to go off for the corresponding track. There is no obvious physical damage, I'm just hitting a brick wall on what would cause 3 tracks to not record and yet the 4th one does.

Here's an update. I went out and tried it at 7.5 ips and three of the four tracks recorded. Only track #1 did not,

Gathering from the descriptions all channels pass signal and have at some point recorded properly. The Simul switches require either cleaning, repair or replacement.