Play Function issues pt.3 Tascam Porta Two Ministudio repair

This video explains how I had to get creative in order to fix my problem with the tape transport constantly engaging the auto shutoff in play mode. If anyone has the auto shutoff problem with their TASCAM PORTA TWO Ministudio, you may want to check the Head Base cracks near the Head Base-Spring.
Thanks for your support!!

[@glasstronic]

I am thrilled you got her going and be proud of your ingenuity; very few could have mustered that so well. And thanks for the props. I appreciate it much.

[@titominott]

glasstronic No problem, been meaning to do another follow up video with the unit in action I just haven't had time to do so. I have plans to service the PCB boards because I noticed several burnt resistors, which is why I'm hearing distortion when engaging the DBX function. I have fluctuating audio volume, distortion, and uneven stereo dynamics. Seems like over compensation when DBX is turned on, almost completely smashes the audio to lowest volume. Anyway before the follow up video I will take care of any out of tolerance components. Lastly, my fabricated washer with the little arm I made for the head base failed, I ended up using the little piece of wire that I used to demonstrate trouble shooting. I'll explain in the follow up video. Thanks, Tito

[@glasstronic]

Tito Minott Any way you could drill a small hole in the head plate to hold the spring in place? Maybe press a pin into the hole or tap 4-40 threads in it and add a screw? Just some thoughts.

[@fredddyzdog]

Glasstronic & Tito .. fairplay for your patience and nimble fingers .. trying to fix my two old machines porta one & two (which is good condition) but looks like the head plate issue, I’ll give it a go with your videos, thanks .. and it’s mind boggling how they built/designed these machines from scratch, with all those connected functions ...

[@glasstronic]

@@fredddyzdog, Yep. There was genius involved with the invention/design of those mechanisms.

[@ainjelemme]

I've been going through my machine all morning trying to figure out this issue on my PortaONE. I can't wait to pop her open and check the head base. If it's the same issue, which I highly suspect it is given all the other things I've fiddled with, this video will save the day! Thanks so much!

[@road38trip26]

Thank you so much for the video. I have exactly same model and same problem. I am not sure if I can be able to fix but at least I know why.I had fond memory of recording many demo tapes on it 25 plus years ago. Maybe that is reason I have kept it broken all these years; actually I was using it as 6 track mixer; and had a separate tape recorder. Worked. Again thank you for taking time to explain the issue and to find out solution.

[@Gogo1964]

Thanks to you and Mr. Glasstronic! Same issue here! Would have took me ages to find out ...

[@nickraffaele3471]

Killer video, ive had the same problem, ive even taken it to a repair place to see if they could fix it, they did nothing to it, said it couldnt be fixed without new parts and charged me $40, was gonna sell it on ebay for parts/not working but this totally saved it! thanks man!

[@titominott]

Awesome! I'm glad you saved it. Should you find yourself in the position to do a video on your fix would be great. If not, just knowing the problem can be fixed is gratifying. I was stoked to save this type of equipment. Best!

[@glasstronic]

Agreed, Nick. Killer video here.

[@grassulo]

I have a porta 5 that had the same issue, and yes, the spring is loose and the plastic base cracked! Thank you so much for this video, now I can get my deck up and running, this is a design flaw on Teac's part for sure, I wonder if the later ones suffer from this issue too?

[@jer0051]

Did you get the tape heads aligned? And if so did you make a video on that? Thanks

[@kayrat1985]

Good time! Please tell me! I also have Tascam Porta 05 HS. When you play a proprietary standard cassette, playback is fast. And PITCH Control is set to the left (the slowest playback). Could you tell me please, game recorded cassettes must be no mood on tuner? If you could show how to adjust the speed of rotation of the head

[@Gogo1964]

Here's how I fixed it: share.icloud.com/photos/00EwXydhG4xzJekt6lxpwHrrQ

[@Gogo1964]

... of course I removed the entire plate and fiddled a while before the wire went over and was tight enough.