Wollensak 8075 / 8 Track (head alignment)
- Thread starter Jeff Kaiser
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1tumbleweed
Kozmik Kowboy
hifiengine.com has the service manual for the 8075. Registration is free.
I'm very familiar with the Wollensak 8 tracks; in fact, I wrote an article on the various models for "8 Track Heaven" that's likely still out there on the web somewhere.
If by chance "Keystone" is the one in Colorado, I'm just south of Denver and I'd be happy to look at it for you. If not, perhaps tell me what problems you're experiencing and I can talk you through it.
I'm very familiar with the Wollensak 8 tracks; in fact, I wrote an article on the various models for "8 Track Heaven" that's likely still out there on the web somewhere.
If by chance "Keystone" is the one in Colorado, I'm just south of Denver and I'd be happy to look at it for you. If not, perhaps tell me what problems you're experiencing and I can talk you through it.
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Jeff Kaiser
New Member
Thanks for offering to help me. I'm in Keystone ala Pennsylvania so unfortunately not close. I took a YouTube video to show you what is happening. No audio from all 3 8 track tapes.
Only thing I did was replace time counter belt (which counter was not working) with a thicker rubberband and it started working again.
No audio, just a static/crackle.
Let me also say I'm not an expert by any means. I'm not afraid to get in and troubleshoot, but some of the more advanced stuff I'm afraid I'll make it worse.
Let me know what you think..5m of video so hopefully it helps you visualize the issues.
1tumbleweed
Kozmik Kowboy
Ah, I know just where you are, as it happens. I've spent too much time on I80 and I81 in the past (Maryland native who used to travel to the Poconos).
First things first. I presume you've checked the main belt, and that the tape is actually travelling through the cart. The next thing is to exercise every switch back and forth.
The most important one - and the most likely to be at fault - is the record lever (just above the logo on the bottom left). These are usually oxidized on many recorders, especially ones that haven't been used for a while. Work that back and forth without a tape in the machine, and pop the case off, (bunch of screws on the bottom need to come off) and see if you can locate what that lever is moving on the PC board; that's likely going to need some DeOxIt.
If the tape is moving, and exercising the switches, and DeOxIting the record/play internal switch all do nothing, then you've got an electronic fault - but that's honestly much less likely than a mechanical problem.
Adjusting the heads should be the LAST thing you do after all the above. Feel free to shoot more questions, I'm always up for helping folks getting these excellent machines back in service. I've probably owned more than a dozen various versions over the years. Good luck!
First things first. I presume you've checked the main belt, and that the tape is actually travelling through the cart. The next thing is to exercise every switch back and forth.
The most important one - and the most likely to be at fault - is the record lever (just above the logo on the bottom left). These are usually oxidized on many recorders, especially ones that haven't been used for a while. Work that back and forth without a tape in the machine, and pop the case off, (bunch of screws on the bottom need to come off) and see if you can locate what that lever is moving on the PC board; that's likely going to need some DeOxIt.
If the tape is moving, and exercising the switches, and DeOxIting the record/play internal switch all do nothing, then you've got an electronic fault - but that's honestly much less likely than a mechanical problem.
Adjusting the heads should be the LAST thing you do after all the above. Feel free to shoot more questions, I'm always up for helping folks getting these excellent machines back in service. I've probably owned more than a dozen various versions over the years. Good luck!
Jeff Kaiser
New Member
Thanks for all the suggestions. So I inspected bigger belt (bottom of unit) and that thing needs to be replaced. I got it off and temporarily tried a rubberband until I can order new replacement belts. I also used deoxit in all the switch knobs. I moved them back and forth a bit too. When I tried a tape I actually heard audio (not great), but still better than how things started out. out of the the right channel only. The rubberband on the larger belt roller then fell off... definitely gotta buy actual belts.
I did download manual, but nowhere in it does it mention tape heads. Not sure where they are located.
1tumbleweed
Kozmik Kowboy
Open the door where the tape is inserted with your finger. See the shiny thing at the back, in the center? That's the head. (At least I hope it's shiny!) To the left of the head are the contacts that make the head change channels. To the right is the capstan that makes the tape move. Somewhat forward of that is a metal roller sticking out that locks the tape in place when you insert it (matches up with the indentation molded into the right side of the tape)
The fact that you got sound is a good sign. I'm still betting it's oxidation on the record/play switch. Keep at it - you'll have good music soon!
The fact that you got sound is a good sign. I'm still betting it's oxidation on the record/play switch. Keep at it - you'll have good music soon!
I second the steps detailed by 1tumbleweed. Find that switch actuated by the record function, and clean, clean, clean.
Then clean the head. Don't be afraid to use some firm pressure on the swab-but move across the head (like the tape travels), and not up and down. I would not adjust the head in any way-you're just inviting trouble.
There's something to be said for a format that does not involve a ton of exacting technique and debate. I never heard someone talking about 8 tracks and a 14 step preparation, playing, and storage process.
Raise the question on the best way to clean an LP, and there will be dozens of replies within a day or so. Ask about cleaning an 8 track head-and maybe a handful of replies.
Relax and enjoy.
Then clean the head. Don't be afraid to use some firm pressure on the swab-but move across the head (like the tape travels), and not up and down. I would not adjust the head in any way-you're just inviting trouble.
There's something to be said for a format that does not involve a ton of exacting technique and debate. I never heard someone talking about 8 tracks and a 14 step preparation, playing, and storage process.
Raise the question on the best way to clean an LP, and there will be dozens of replies within a day or so. Ask about cleaning an 8 track head-and maybe a handful of replies.
Relax and enjoy.