Sansui SC1110 Direct-O-Matic Cassette Deck Overhaul

[@svenschwingel8632]

Cassette is amazing because of its imperfections and the slowdown effect in these fast-paced, crazy times.

[@12voltvids]

AM radio is great because of its low fidelity. You can use your imagination to fill in what you don't hear. (I am being sarcastic in case you missed it)

[@teacfan1080]

With the amazing talent you have fixing this vintage equipment, you can bring in a few extra dollars on the side. Older stuff is coming back again. I have a reel to reel deck and a 1962 Magnavox suitcase stereo unit. About 3 weeks ago, I ordered a NEW 78 rpm record from Rivermont Records. Last year, they released a brand new 78 rpm record recorded by a swing music group (re-creating the swing sound). The songs were recorded in March 2019 and pressed on a 10-inch vinyl disc at 78 rpm! It's thick high quality vinyl and is played using a standard light weight tone arm and LP stylus. The other thing that is amazing? This record is in STEREO! A 78 rpm record in stereo! It sounds fantastic. The record label and the sleeve it came in is designed like it would be in the 1930's. I will be ordering their other 78's that they've done during the 2010's. They even have an "EP" 78 with 4 songs. Nice to see the 78 still alive and well. You should get $200 from this deck you restored, the VU meters alone are a nice addition to it.

[@roetsj]

I like old hifi,just the sheer quality and heft of it,and the mechanical aspect of reel to reel and cassettedecks

[@svenschwingel8632]

The open-well decks indeed fared worse in terms of modulation noise than the closed-door ones with cassette stabilizers/dampeners. Then again, you could build open-well decks with a good, stable grip on the shells. And let's be honest: what's the point in having a beautiful 1986 TDK MA-XG behind a door with a tinted window? 😬

[@Raptor50aus]

just finished restoring my 50th cassette walkman. Lots of fun to fix and enjoy listening.

[@12voltvids]

I was given about 100 cassettes and have been selling them left right and center for a couple bucks each for a wiped hi bias tape.

[@JasonHalversonjaydog]

i know a lot of people who like cassettes better than CD's, they like the analog sound and those old units are built many times better than new decks. kinda like cars, some prefer the old classics even though they may be worn out and obsolete

[@12voltvids]

So in other words they like am radio sound.

[@AttilaTheHun333333]

The car analogy doesn't work in my opinion. One can appreciate these units and I love my Sony decks too, but whenever I hear people saying "it sounds better than CD" I only can wonder and shake my head.

[@rajvindermanku825]

I use flash kitchen degreaser does the same job and only £1 a bottle works on your hands as well. Enjoy watching your videos!

[@mostirreverent]

I’m looking for the take up spindles (pulley, the parts that fit into the cassette holes) for a Sansui SC-5330 cassette deck. This deck was an open front-loading unit without a door. The sprockets were spring loaded so you could push a cassette onto them. They consist of the normal sprocket that slipped onto a plastic hex part with a spring and was secured with a cap screw. All that is left are the hex shaped spindles from the motor, so I need the spring, sprocket, and cap screw or the specks to make my own.

[@machannel8746]

Cassettes are a great way to do back ups. If you have a memory card let's say with your guitar riffs that you don't want to forget, and the memory card gets screwed up you might probably lose everything. This is not that uncommon, even the best memory cards can get messed up mechanically if you hit them accidentally or whatever... With tape, even if it loses quality, you can practically always still hear what was recorded. Also, even if part of the tape is messed up (the tape can get eaten, whatever), the much lower density of the data makes it much more recoverable (transfer the good part of it to another shell etc.) that's what I'm trying to say.... BTW, some decks have very good sound, higher end Nakamichi's/Pioneers/Sonys etc... But you have to use more expensive tape so it's more a labor of love :)

[@enigmaticmf]

Memory cards have NEVER been intended for a permanent way to store anything at all. That's an absolute NEVER! Use CD's or DVD's instead, if need be. Or a hard drive. And backups are necessary for whichever media you choose, old or new.

[@machannel8746]

@@enigmaticmf Believe it or not, I've had DVDs and CDs fail on me too, after being kept in a closet for many years, I was stunned... And some of them were quality brands. Better use DVD-RAM or M-DISC, although not even sure if those formats are still around...

[@hansu-nihon]

I had a cassette deck for repair, it had very low unclear sound levels, the head did not look dirty, but once I cleaned the heads it was sounding perfect again. Such layer of contamination is not always visible.

[@johnsmallberries3476]

I re-belted and cleaned my SC-2110 while watching this video and I, too, live next to a musician of some repute 👍

[@Masterj3712]

Mr.Volts I ⚡️thank you for your prompt reply on the viability of making a "profit" in today's Service arena. However, l find it depends on the "atmosphere" of the Market. In my own unique B'dos environment, l can make a descent turnover in vintage repairs. But l must confess this is far and few in between. So l can corrolate with what you said. "95% of clients will not Pay". Best Regards! MJ. in B'dos 😊

[@luismuniz2697]

That's awesome.... I wonder where I could find that kind of model....... That's one very good cassette player from the late 70s........... I hope to find one because I have a bunch of cassette tapes that are still in excellent condition and plays well.......

[@johnbledsoe8868]

I still use a Sony Pro-sumer deck to digitize old cassette tapes. I've digitized well over 300 tapes in the last few years. These tapes are a huge project that I've been working on for over 5 years. Mostly complete and posted on the web now. So having good quality cassette decks is still required. Sort of like keeping old reel to reel alive and professional grade machines like 1" and 2" video recorders.

[@12voltvids]

I never got around to digitizing my old mix tapes. I guess I should get on that.

[@AttilaTheHun333333]

Funny enough the tapes will probably last way longer than your digital files.

[@hugobloemers4425]

You can see there is no love lost for this deck from the part of Mr 12 Volts.

[@12voltvids]

I have never had much love for cassettes. I grew up using reel ro reel for home use. Used cassette briefly in the car and then moved to dat, cd, MD ect. Sound has always been mediocre to my ears. Even the so called really good decks sound thin.

[@eggshellskullrule7971]

You were a rich kid.

[@12voltvids]

@@eggshellskullrule7971 I wish.

[@brianwood5220]

Great content Dave. I wonder if you could do a video on the following. I bought a Technics RS-B765 which i have recently and I would like to calibrate this myself if possible. There are various things to do. Such as Head Azimuth Adjustment, Playback gain Adjustment, Playback Frequency Response, AC Bias Trap Adjustment, The Overall Frequency Response, Overall Gain Adjustment and Checking the Effect of Bias Adjustment VR. I have a Fluke DMM, a Frequency Generator and an Oscilloscope. Will this be all I will need apart from a few hand tools? Thanks, Brian.

[@deanzelensky9037]

Instead of WD-40 why not use lacquer thinner and only clean once. I've been using this stuff for years and works great. As an added bonus it doubles as Rubber Restorer and works just as well and is much cheaper plus very easy to get. The only thing with this stuff is be careful around some plastics mainly ABS because it will melt it.

[@joeloreilly3399]

I just purchased some broken walkmans on eBay to try to fix them! I have always wanted to try this!

[@KHzSineWave]

Good tip on the WD40 for the belt tar, I've always used it for sticker residue, never thought to use it on belt tar, same with the tape around the pulleys, good to know! Damn, how long has that Sony been your bench amp? I think I remember the video when you got it and repaired it, the dreaded protection lamp, doesn't it use output IC?

[@12voltvids]

I believe it does use an stk ic

[@KHzSineWave]

@@12voltvids Hopefully it didn't decide to pop, it'll be interesting to see what failed inside the unit, if you do make a diagnosis video.

[@pepino1607]

Hi, I have a Sansui D-90. He plays great. But I don't work on the subway. Don't know where the mistake is?

[@tbenjamins4451]

Hello Mr 12 Volts, A friend and I are working on fixing exactly this model and we encountered a strange problem: when the pause button is pushed, the autostop will not let me push record+play (it causes the buttons to be released), but when the record+play are already activated, you are allowed to push pause. We think there is something wrong with the autostop /pause circuits. Do you have any tips where to start analyzing? We have the service manual at our disposal. Also someone has cut off the light bulb behind the tape unit at some point, and the tube in which to place the bulb behind the tape unit is therefore also missing. I've seen you move it in this video to get to the tape unit. Any ideas where to find something similar or what to use as a DIY replacement? Do love your content, it's like a detective without any people getting killed!

[@tonyperek7292]

I like the open well decks better because the heads,capstan, and pinch roller are easier to access. If a tape jams it is far easier to correct problems.

[@BoB4jjjjs]

I don't know why people still want cassettes, I had nothing but trouble, only ones that ever worked well for me was the old portable Philips machine (mono) and a Sanyo that the buttons always broke off. It was portable as well, the rest were just so so machines, even the one that were supposed to be high spec were just so so. The cheap Pioneer maybe sounded the best and it didn't claim anything. Cassettes were just handy as you could take the tapes to cook in the car all day then expect them to play! lol

[@12voltvids]

I feel the same way about those tacky little plastic things.

[@BoB4jjjjs]

@@12voltvids The only thing was they were the only thing except 8 tracks that could play music in a car. Car ones were even more trouble, maybe cause the tapes sat in the heat, but the players were not up to much anyway!

[@12voltvids]

@@BoB4jjjjs the only thing i use them for was the car untill CD players and minidisk came out.

[@BoB4jjjjs]

@@12voltvids The Minidisk players never really caught on here. Shame, they would have been great to have in a car and then just put the disk in your pocket to keep playing your music on the go. I wish I had a CD in my car, I hate having just a memory stick. I also hate streaming from the phone, go to use it and no battery left! Don't say charge it while streaming, there is a big demand for the charger socket in the car, everyone and his dog wants to charge their phones!!!

[@12voltvids]

@@BoB4jjjjs I don't stream from my phone either. My car has 2 usb ports and an sd card slot. I put all my music 23000 tracks on a 128g SD card and that solved my music delima. I wish I had a cd in the new car. My old one that the wife drives had both usb and cd drive.

[@rogertyler3237]

I Remember That's All People Had To Play Music On. I Remember Working On Stuff Like That While I Was In Highschool. Then Wen The CD Cane Out In 1985 I Was Glad But I Waited For Both The CD & The Player To Go Down In Price.

[@DoItYourselfMusician]

It's just nostalgia and some musicians want that Lo-Fi sound. I've had quite a few music artists ask me to record their mixes out to cassette.

[@12voltvids]

It is the tape hiss that drives me absolutely crazy. I guess it is what you listen to, but I listen to music that has quite the dynamic range and as the instruments get quite all of a sudden that nasty hiss rears its ugly head. Dolby makes things worse, as you can hear it breathing in the background. Dbx even more some, and using a hifi vcr, might as well turn it off with the dbx and modulation noise. As you can tell I was a very early adopter of digital recording. The day cd hit the stores I had one. As soon as dat was released I had one of those too, actually several of them. Today it doesn't matter because my hearing isn't what it used to be, but the tape hiss still annoys me. I am perfectly happy to listen to music stored on silicon chips. In fact that is all I listen to. I have a working cassette, reel to reel, dat, minidisk, and even an 8 track player only so I can help people archive their existing library to digital. I have my big teac 3340 on display. It isn't even connected to anything. If i can find the back cover for my gx260, I will sell that one as I never use it.

[@23MikeJ22]

I need one repaired same model. Where you located, Ill send it to ya! I cant work on these things. Thank you

[@thewheelman282]

Hey Dave, love your videos. You do awesome work. I have a pioneer CT-F550 that I'm working on and I can't figure out a problem with the recording. When it records the sound is barely there and scratchy even at full input gain and the erase head is not erasing tapes at all. It plays tapes perfectly fine though. I figured there is something wrong with the recording bias, like the amplitude is too low maybe. I can hook my scope to the erase head and see a 18khz signal though but the amplitude will shrink and eventually disappear to a flat line. I'm thinking it's a problem with the bias oscillator circuit but I've checked all the caps for ESR, tested the transistor, diodes and resistors for shorts and everything seems fine. Can you give me any advice on this. I feel like I've exhausted all my troubleshooting. Thanks man.

[@rawr51919]

Perhaps check your erase head, as it could be worn/corroded/dirty.

[@thewheelman282]

@@rawr51919 I had checked it already and I assume it's fine. I cleaned it with isopropyl alcohol and qtips and I checked it with a multi meter and it measured a few ohms like it should.

[@darinb.3273]

@@thewheelman282 If you haven't figured that erase head problem the fact it is working at 1st could be a power failure to the oscillator or perhaps the transistor is fading out. Could be the same issue with the recording problem too. Another place to think about is the rec/play switch and perhaps the tape type switch(es).

[@CliveTrezona]

So will we see the Sony on the bench soon?

[@will89687]

I miss good old Freon TF for removing crap from tape heads.

[@12voltvids]

The best

[@JasonKnappCanada]

Hi Dave. I have a Tascam cassette 4 track recorder. During playback the tape heads make a low frequency rumbling noise. Also, track three does not seem to playback at all. Would you be able repair this?

[@12voltvids]

Yes probably.

[@benmeuninck7410]

the sony died like the i got has red P and does noting so when u fix urs it mite show whats wrong with mine. i have a teac A-103 stereo cassette deck as shop deck still need rec switch cleaned but it look neat got it from scrape pile

[@nickfrench7372]

What went wrong with your Sony stereo amplifier? Going into protect mode? Sounded like some terrible music playing there too. Good how u got that stereo tape deck working well too,,,after cleaning the heads a few times.

[@12voltvids]

Its broken thats whats wrong.

[@joshm264]

My Sony amp goes into protect mode every once in a while too, but I'm not letting go of it, has a spectrum analyzer and is ran by individual transistors, not an amp IC

[@nickfrench7372]

@@12voltvids Sounds like the poor Sony amplifier you use as a testing unit for sound from stereo tape decks,,cd players,etc,,needs an overhaul with re-soldering dry solder joints,,especially where the speaker terminals are. As I've had that trouble b4,,,with the speaker terminals on my amplifier circuit board being faulty,,,and full of dust too. At least I have a few spare old amplifiers I can use for testing stereo units I've repaired. Only one amplifier decided to retire,,,possibly a power supply problem,,,mains power supply issue.

[@nickfrench7372]

@@joshm264 Sounds like you may need to inspect the solder joints on the main audio circuit board and power supply board,,to b sure they're clean,,,and not cracked and dry solder joints,,,especially in the speaker terminal areas,,,as that is what I've found recently in a few old stereo amplifiers under repair with sound troubles.

[@12voltvids]

@@joshm264 I'll look at it soon to see what happened. I just put the pioneer into its place and left myself more test connections. Now the mp3 player goes straight to the amp and i am thinking of hooking a cd player to it as well and I have line out for recoeding from the tuner or mp3, as well as the line out to the camera so I can easily record right off tape playback onto the camera for direct sound. I think this sony is an ic output. Now the problem with yours is probably broken solder on the voltage amp ic that drives the outputs. Fix it now before the drive ic fails and you have a pile of junk as the part is not available. I have an es receiver in that condition. I had to Jerry rig the rear channel driver ic to the main front and turn a nice old dolby digital receiver into a 2 channel system.

[@greggaieck4119]

What a kool looking receive you own

[@greggaieck4119]

What kool music

[@darrenwilliamsweeney865]

G'day mate trying to finish a repair on a NEC U-matic vcr. Trying to find rubber belts do know of any mobs in the states where i can buy universal belt kits. I live in Australia to mate..

[@uzodinman358]

Good day, Mr Sweeney. Yesterday, June 14, 2021, after reading this comment you posted, I watched a six-minute-odd KZbin video about an NEC DX-5000U Digital VHS VCR. (Though the uploader titled the video clip in a slightly different way. Oh, and let me ask: did you post this comment of yours in September 2020?) I slightly recognize the NEC brand, perhaps mostly from seeing the logo displayed among several other electronics brand logos in, for instance, electronics repair advertising: “We Service Most Brands,” that sort of thing. I’m not really sure that I’ve ever handled any NEC products. The video uploader, databits, claims in the video that the NEC DX-5000U was likely made in the late 1980s. In the video, that particular machine might have been playing "Independence Day: Resurgence," the 2016 sequel to the 1996 blockbuster "Independence Day." Anyway, the NEC DX-5000U has a pleasingly uncluttered (and, some will say, thoroughly modern) look to it, but, even before I finished watching that video clip, I suspected that this is not the model of NEC VCR that you had in mind. For one thing, there’s no mention of the trade mark “U-Matic” in the video clip’s title - and, I suspect, not on the façade of the unit itself. Nevertheless, there’s some interest in seeing the device opened up, showing the many belts, capacitors, microchips, resistors, transistors, wires and the like - though, not really being “technically inclined,” I end up feeling somewhat lost LOL (The uploader, databits, as his KZbin handle suggests, is somewhat “technically inclined”; he had done some cleaning and replacing of a few sub-components in the NEC machine after getting it for, I think, nine American dollars at a thrift store. He had the slotted-vent cover of the device placed on the unit but not screwed down so he could lift the lid off easily to show the ‘5000U’s mechanism slide the videotape around the four-head PLAYBACK drum to resume playing that movie cassette. Ah, the analog days …) Well, lest I forget, you asked about “rubber belts” to finish repairing your NEC U-Matic VCR. A Google search with the term “NEC VCR Belt Kit” leads to an eBay listing with this description: VCR Repair Belt Kit for NEC VC-7075 FR8.4 FR8.9 FR15.3 OC10.9 NOS PRB VKT23 The listing's URL is: www.ebay.com/itm/284170587898. The item is located in the State of Washington here in the United States. It’s a “New/Old Stock” (NOS) item, offered at what seems to be a reasonable price: about ten American dollars, though the shipping from Washington to anywhere in Australia will probably be much higher than the item’s cost, maybe US$30.00, maybe US$40.00. Is that expense acceptable to you? The seller, courier1954, claims in part: The packaging is a little shelf worn, but the belts are supple and like-new judging from others I have removed from their packaging. You can certainly contact the seller for further assurance that the item is indeed in commendable, usable condition. Of course, I must remember that these unexpectedly broad cassette-deck belts being a good fit for an NEC VC-7075 doesn’t guarantee being a good fit for any other NEC VCR model - including the U-Matic device you’ve invested a number of hours in restoring, for which I commend you. Alternately, you could try ordering from Studio Sound Electronics, which I was going to suggest to you first. I ordered a few parts from them some years ago in my (alas!) unsuccessful attempt at repairing the completely jammed cassette-deck mechanism of my Aiwa CS-600U. They’re a “mail and Internet orders only” business, located along McMullen Booth Road in Clearwater, Florida (ZIP code: FL 33761). The URL for their “Replacement Belts” webpage is: www.studiosoundelectronics.com/belts.htm. They note in small print with each listing: "Available until stock is depleted." The stock of some products might be quite limited, maybe only two items each. And, of course, one hopes that the items (perhaps especially the rubber belts) are made of a quality that justifies their considerable, "Sold Separately" pricing. Perhaps it is best if you contact them via e-mail before trying to order from them. An e-mail address of theirs is: [e-mail]. (Out of curiosity: how much snow, if any, have you had to shovel where you live in Australia - even in June? I have to remember that the seasons vary considerably from the latitudes of the southeastern U.S. to the latitudes of, well, anywhere Down Under. Australia, like America, is a huge country at over 2,980,000 square miles.) Well, stay successful with your restoration, Mr Sweeney. And have a good day.

[@Pico_Farad]

I use a piece of thin rope drenched in lighter fluid to clean flywheels. Wrap it around the flywheel in the groove where the belt goes and turn the flywheel. Easy!

[@Frankonero12]

Goeie tip!

[@Pico_Farad]

@@Frankonero12 bedankt

[@12voltvids]

Lighter fluid also works but is flammable. Wd40 much less so and works every bit as good. String is what I use for the pulley groove.

[@m.k.8158]

@@12voltvids ok, BUT, lighter fluid(Naphtha)leaves no residue behind, so clean-up is easier. And while lighter fluid IS more flammable, it's safe enough if used with common sense.

[@williambennett8351]

Thanks! just what my project is.

[@ivicalovcic1675]

So I have Sansui sc3100G, and I gave it to get serviced and they told me its not worth it to repair, that its tooo old and now I dont know what to do... And they should be the best service in my town...

[@12voltvids]

What they say is true. I'm starting to do the same because I have a few units here that are biting me in the ass right now because I attempted to repair something that I should never have attempted to repair and now it's back for a totally different problem than before. this time I'm eating the cost of the repair because the owner won't pay any more money. I should have walked away from it while I was ahead and that is what a lot of shops are doing with this old crap. When I worked in the business you could not bring anything into the shop that was more than 10 years old we would not accept it. I know that pissed off some people I'm sure because we had people at the counter yelling at the service writers about how dares refused to fix their 12-year-old VCR or television or whatever it was but the owner of the shop decided that too many old things were being repaired and breaking down within a few months with a different fault and the owner wanted it fixed for free so he decided that we would no longer work on anything over 10 years old no if ends or buts I didn't care how mad it made the person they were told to take it away. I get sent some very old equipment to work on some of it is repairable some of it isn't. It's an old amplifier receiver good chance it could be fixed and it's going to last for a long time it was something old and mechanical like a VCR or a tape deck I'm having to have second thoughts about repairing some of those. Am I opening logo the VCR that's showing lacing up the tape in one of the bottom squares was one of those machines that could accept both a regular VHS and a vhsc tape. the owner of that one contacted me a couple months after it was repaired telling me it was broken again and wanting me to fix it plus wanting me to cover the shipping across the country both ways I said sorry I'm not covering the shipping. That's the problem with old stuff as you can't guarantee it's going to last and if you charge someone money for it now you got someone who wants their money back. And that's why most places will not accept old stuff. I only accept old stuff with the understanding that I may not be able to fix it and I can't guarantee it for any time after it's repaired and there are no refunds.

[@worroSfOretsevraH]

I was wondering if you could lubricate bike chain with WD40?

[@truck9moon100]

You can but i would not. Get a chain lube used on motorcycles, warm the chain up, put it on and let it sit over night to "set up". You will be good.

[@partsman51]

I put belts on my SC1110 it works but will not lock to play or rewind.

[@alexispieltin9379]

The charm and antique look of vintage audio equipment! Some say it's art, some say it's a also a flourishing market, like vintage cars... Some are ready to reenact their childhood with vintage stuff they could not afford then. Even if it sounds shocking and absurd, if people are ready to spend more money on that equipment now than it's initial worth, thus despite technological evolution, let them do and sell this one. Some collect stamps, wine, vintage cars... this is what experts name popular arts, and as ancient oil paints, values can top excessive $$ when passion intervenes! When you said these heads are dirty, sure if they kept the lid open all these years, and that kind of varnish, hard to remove dirt looks like nicotine... I've seen ugly things like old tube radio from a kitchen, literally exuding frying oil, but the worst is still nicotine choked electronics. It's always difficult to remove, leaves sticky or varnished surfaces. It's also prone to form short in HV with dust... And I believe nicotine reacts with rubber, as I've observed fast deterioration of rubber switch tips, belts, even rubber feet! Your cleaning trick for residues is interesting, but your degreasing agent first sounded like a joke when I read IPA, then realized it was not beer but iso propylic alcohol! I guess this Sansui will sell easily. These machines were made during the best years of Sansui production. With that kind of "full metal" mechanism and relatively simple electronics, this model is probably made to survive another 40 years! Of course it's not a high end 3 heads nor a Nakamichi or Alpage, but many still have cassettes with precious content, and no collection is complete without the proper deck (with the exception of Sansui's turntables!). If you've followed the soaring prices of Sansui vintage amps and tuners, I bet this won't disappoint you.

[@12voltvids]

Yes cigarette smoke is very bad and i figure that is what it was considering how hard it was to clean. Yes i have see what vintage sansui goes for. I turned down 1500 for my sansui 9090 receiver. I have turned down 2000 for my McIntosh 1600. If I needed the cash i would sell, but i don't so i hang onto my vintage gear. The McIntosh was my dad's so i won't part with that one.

[@paulb4uk]

My dad has one of these a well made deck from 1977.

[@barryjackson2351]

look at the size of that flywheel and its metal??

[@12voltvids]

Yes it is metal, heavy cast metal flywheel.

[@joshm264]

When it's metal, it's supposed to hold more kinetic energy, lowering wow and flutter

[@12voltvids]

@@joshm264 Yes of course, but there is more to it than that. When the pinch roller gets tired as all these old rollers will be by now wow and flutter goes up. Also, tape tension plays a roll in this as well.

[@HaiTran-eb3ce]

Can you help me please. I have Sansui sc-3330. FF & RW fine. But play is slow. Even change all belt out. Adjust motor speed. Nothing change.

[@mikematson699]

Check your belt tension, it may be too tight for the motor! Mike the Tech!

[@mikematson699]

The belts you replaced the old ones with may be slowing your motor down because they are not the right ones! I've experimented with this and it will change speed! Mike the Tech!

[@terencekaye9948]

Hi ,, where did you find the belts for this Unit ?

[@12voltvids]

The place is shut down now so it doesn't matter.

[@Madness832]

Oh geez, a reminder of getting a Sony TC-208, eight-track deck. Got a new belt, but spent, at least an hour, cleaning out all the old belt goo! Yuck!

[@christoskastoras1799]

Hey my tape deck has some wow and flutter towards the end of some of the tape sides, but I know it’s not the tapes because they play find in other decks, what could it be?

[@12voltvids]

Too much torque on the take up spool. The hub needs to slow down as it fills up and if the clutch isn't working right it will have too much torque which pulls on the tape exiting the capstan and pinch roller causing slight slippage this w/f

[@yuriykorotkevych8838]

Hi, I have a deck which had the clutch completely stuck. I took it apart, cleaned both parts of the clutch case and the felt ring inside, and filled in with usual machine oil, which was the thinnest lube I had. Now the deck works, there's even no audible wow& flutter, but it still feels like there's too much torque on the take up spool. Can you please advise anything more proper to fill in the clutch with to reduce the torque? Thanks!

[@12voltvids]

@@yuriykorotkevych8838 Should be nothing on the felt pad. If you put oil on it you ruined it as it will drag and cause too much torque

[@m.k.8158]

@@yuriykorotkevych8838 use no oil in the clutch-either degrease the felt, or get a similar piece of felt and make a new pad.

[@christoskastoras1799]

Yuriy Korotkevych so what did you do to find out it was the clutch mechanism, what symptoms did you have ?

[@markfrizell9960]

what's the belt size?

[@torugonza]

OMG ! A lot of work ! Cngrts

[@mauanderuk]

Mrs 12Volts is not to be messed with.

[@jopavel]

Soundwise this deck could benefit from little head relaping, an hour more of work.

[@HuntersMoon78]

The tape is a good idea for belt measurement.

[@12voltvids]

I just came up with that because I couldn`t find any fishing line.

[@Android_Warrior]

Yes!, I would like to see you fix the Sony!!!!!!

[@zx8401ztv]

Smashing repair, not bad at all for old equipment, made well before the days of deliberately making products fail before there time. Direct-O-Matic, what a silly name.

[@michaelturner4457]

Yeh "Direct-O-Matic" sounds like some Ronco thing. ...like "Slice-O-Matic" or "Grate-O-Matic" Ha

[@zx8401ztv]

@@michaelturner4457 Yes ronco ha ha, that's an old name . I laughed at t.v adverts, so much rubbish in the disguise of being usefull or cheap. Only 19.95!!, as if it was nothing.

[@HuntersMoon78]

Just as stupid name as Sawzall, Cutzall and many other dumb names.

[@12voltvids]

@@zx8401ztv What do you bet the guys name was `Ron`

[@12voltvids]

@@HuntersMoon78 Don`t forget the Schwala spinning carwash brush. Guaranteed to grind that dirt into your paint and create circular scratches.

[@joshm264]

I like cassettes, but I know they're not as good as a CD, and that it can get expensive, but everything (including my Nakamichi) has been free to me

[@12voltvids]

Nakamichi, lucky bastard

[@darrencoe5795]

Thanks for the wd40 tip, as being trying alcohol.

[@randallbombich8128]

Like the belt thing. I use to work for a coffee company we could say 100% Columbian but only 5% was Columbian. Because the 5% that was Columbian was 100% Columbian. LOL

[@Watcher3223]

Huh WD-40. Why not? It's a solvent and it won't evaporate as quickly as alcohol, giving you more time to work before spraying more. And, as you say, once you're done, you wipe away the WD-40 with another solvent ... like alcohol ... and you're good.

[@michaelturner4457]

I suppose people still want them so they can play their old tapes.

[@12voltvids]

Some sucker will take this one for sure. The last one I had I got big bucks for.

[@KR1275]

I always use alcohol to remove the belt residu (without wd40).

[@12voltvids]

Try wd40 and you won't go back to ipa

[@Android_Warrior]

I ALWAYS use alcohol!!!!!!!!!! 🍺 🍻🍺 🍻🍺 🍻🍺 🍻🍺 🍻🍺 🍻🍺 🍻

[@12voltvids]

@@Android_Warrior so you've got a drinking problem?

[@Android_Warrior]

@@12voltvids : Well, since I can't fix anything what other choice do I have? 😆 😅 😂 🤣😆 😅 😂 🤣

[@RandyWBrown]

Try brake cleaner and you'll throw the w/Dolby in the trash.

[@deanzelensky9037]

lol yes believe it or not there's people that will pay that but in most cases people want something for nothing. I'll hear things like WHAT!! I only paid $50 for the deck. I usually reply with well if you can find someone willing to work for next to nothing take the unit to them. If you want I'll show you some work orders off line. If people want it bad enough they'll pay what the job is worth. Most of these customers are members of forums like TapeHeads.

[@rogertyler3237]

I Got Rid Of All My 📼 After I Got My CD Boom box In 1989. Then That's The Last I Seen Of Cassettes. Now You Can Buy All That 50's 60's 70's 80's 90's Stuff On CD Now. Which I Think Sounds Way Better Then Cassettes Ever Though Abiut Sounding. Cause I've Had CD's wen I Lived At My Mom's Then After She Passed They Wh'er Sold By My Jerky Sister. But Now Where I'm Living All The CD's I Ordered On amazon Are Used. Oh I Heard That Tape You Played Sounds Kind've Muffled.

[@stephendeluca4479]

Does WD40 work well on babies?

[@rawr51919]

If your baby is a cassette deck then yes for cleaning belt residue. If not then not really.

[@stephendeluca4479]

@@rawr51919 Too late. I used WD40 on my baby. He's very difficult to pick up now when he cries, but fortunately he has very low wow and flutter when he does.

[@rawr51919]

@@stephendeluca4479 wd40 and the tape mechanism is a huge no-no. they mix only when cleaning the various parts behind the mechanism's operation and not in the mech itself

[@The31262]

give me a Pioneer CT-F series deck over these any day!

[@impresoraalfa2720]

Hello friend, good day, can you help the receiver SONY STR-D515 does not work PROTECT, you can help me, how can I contact you by whatssap or mail, I'm from Mexico, greetings.

[@markorendas1790]

GOOD LORD.150$... ID PAY 5$ TOPS AT A GARAGE SALE OR THRIFT STORE. I CALL THESE DECKS THE DINO-DECKS. NOSTALGIA SURE IS PRICEY!!

[@12voltvids]

Yup I wouldn't pay anything myself.

[@somebodyx]

Brutal repair. No alignment. No love.

[@12voltvids]

Just because I didn't show checking the head alignment doesn't mean it wasn't checked. Same with the speed. The alignment was good, and the paint seal still set from the factory. No need to fuck with it. This needed belts and a good cleaning That was all that was required. Some might like to see alignment done and if it had been off I would have done it, but the alignment was good and thus the footage edited as it was too long as it was. If i release a patreon only release of this I will include the cut out footage.

[@somebodyx]

@@12voltvids So you checked Dolby level, azimuth, bias, frequency response, wow & flutter. What test tapes you used? A-BEX? SONY? PANASONIC?

[@somebodyx]

P.S. Who checks speed at 440Hz on what reference tape? Speed tapes are either 3kHz or 3.15kHz

[@12voltvids]

Only azimuth and speed was checked using a tape made with a deck calibrated with my Sony test tapes I removed from the service dept when I left the original tapes do not go in any machine except for my technics machine which I use to make tapes that go into repair machines. This may not be to your standards but that is a you problem. They are more than good enough for the old worn out machines i am working on. As to aligning the dolby circuits, unless someone has fucked with it there is never any need to touch it. Controls don't move themselves. Same with azimuth. Unless the head has been changed or someone has messed with it such as prying out a tape or tweaking azimuth it won't move on its own.

[@12voltvids]

I make 440 tone tapes on my calibrated deck which used my 3khz alignment tape. I chose 440 for the demos because it allows anyone to set their speed using a guitar tuner. Not everyone has a scope or frequency counter. I sell dozens of 440 tapes to hobbbists to set up the speed on their own tape decks using a guitar tuner.

[@rogertyler3237]

Do You Have An E Mail Address I'll Send You A Pic Of All The CD's I've Collected.

[@12voltvids]

My email was spammed by Johnny senfuck with religious spam and has been abandoned so i don't have one to share at the moment.

[@rogertyler3237]

If I Dont Have Hand Cleaner Or WD40 I Use Fingernail Polish Remover Or Lacquer Thiner.

[@rogertyler3237]

Or Use A Tape Measurer

[@weerobot]

Because They Grew up with Real Music...lol

[@deanzelensky9037]

Yeah those so called Bag O Belts are no good for nothing. You might as well use a elastic band. The problem is not just bad W/F but they stretch out in no time and start slipping. So using them on the flywheels is a big no no. For anything other than maybe the tape counter or certain positions of a CDP they are a complete waste of time and money even it you pay only approx $5.

[@12voltvids]

They are used for demonstration on the procedure to change the belts only. The problem when ordering a specific belt kit is when the kit is 25.00, and the shipping another 37.50 and add 50 labour to change them that brings cost to 112.50 and nobody will pay that to fix a cassette deck. They want a 5.00 belt installed as they don't want to pay nite than 50.00 and even that is a tough call most want it done for 30 or they leave me the tape deck. There are very few people that will even put 50 into a cassette deck when you can get a used one for less. As to the w/f of these garbage belts. 99% of people are not bothered by it because they just want to hear some old tapes. Nobody uses them anymore to record and accept the wf as an analog limitation.

[@deanzelensky9037]

@@12voltvids Your right Dave on all accounts I'm just making a statement to possibly warn people of these belts thinking their getting a good product. I have a side business where I restore vintage equipment and like you have people send equipment in for repair. There are people out there that will pay up around the $400 mark for a complete restoration. Of course this is not the norm but tape in general has made a small resurgence so some like the ones that pay $180 for your deck will pay hundreds more to have it restored. This is when you would pay for the good belts. The main issue these days is having to order on line from the states and often pay more in shipping, exchange, boarder fees etc than the part themselves. keep up the great videos I enjoy seeing you work.

[@12voltvids]

@@deanzelensky9037 400 for a restore. Must be good drugs down there. I am lucky to get 60 for a job. I might get 100 for a reel to reel if I am really lucky. Things haven't changed much here. When I was in the business nobody wanted to pay much for repairs and it hasn't gotten any better. I gave someone a quite to do a full recap job on a receiver of 200 and they picked it up and took it away. I believe I did make a comment about ebay belts. And you are right about shipping and broker fees. A 5.00 belt ends up costing over 50 by the time shipping and broker fees and taxes assessed

[@richardkelsch3640]

Why buy a classic car? They are old technology, outdated, and gas guzzlers. People that buy them must be suckers. Jay Leno must be the biggest sucker of them all. Why buy vintage synthesizers? They are old technology and things can be done with digital synths now days. People that buy old synthesizers must be suckers. Why buy a vintage 8 bit computer? They are outdated and today's computers are so fast, they can run an emulator to run the old software. People that restore these old machines are suckers. Yes, that was sarcasm. Just because you don't like it, and you don't see the value in it, doesn't mean it's worthless to others. Cassettes and cassette decks are worth it to people that like to keep vintage audio equipment and play cassettes. I am not trying to be condescending, I am just saying that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder". Keep up the good work, and please don't be so quick to dismiss what you may not appreciate, but others do.

[@12voltvids]

You know the saying a fooling his money are soon separated? well when it comes to vintage audio or vintage cars there you go. A place for a fool to be separated from his money. Not myself I have plenty of old devices around here but I don't spend a small fortune buying them, I get them when they come up dirt cheap at a garage sales or flea markets or thrift stores.

[@richardkelsch3640]

@@12voltvids Basic economics dictates price is based on supply and demand. Regardless if you think it's worthless, if the supply is low and the demand is high, then the price goes up. The price plateaus when the demand refuses to pay more. Are they fools? Perhaps in your eyes, but you aren't the one that wants it. Simply said, an item is worth what someone is willing to pay for it. Feelings and opinion is irrelevant. It's strictly supply and demand. One man's junk is another man's treasure. Frankly, I don't think that tape deck is worth $150, but someone does. It's not suckers, it's not taking advantage. It's a free exchange nobody is forcing anyone. He wants it, and you have it, and he is willing to pay that much for it. You're happy and he is happy. Your opinion and his opinion are irrelevant. A fair exchange was made freely. eBay, while I have grumblings about their policies, shows how supply and demand works in real time. The bids go up until it plateaus. That is the demand and the price the item is worth. It's that simple. What the item is, be it a car, computer, audio equipment, or porcelain dolls, is irrelevant. The market operates the same.

[@12voltvids]

@@richardkelsch3640 eBay operated by shill bidders that pump the price. If you don't believe that happens I have a bridge to sell you. I'm just saying none of this old crap is worth what some people believe it is worth. If someone is dumb enough to buy it all the power to the seller. I would never pay a bunch of money say on a TC-D5M for example. Bought one recently for 10 bucks. If someone would to cone along and offer me 500 I would be stupid not to take it right. Well if some fool will pay 500 some other fool would pay 600 or 700. I might feel like a low life talking that but i certainly would.

[@richardkelsch3640]

@@12voltvids Shill or not, if someone is willing to pay a certain price, then the item is worth that. You can be stubborn and headstrong all you want, but the simple fact is an item is worth what someone is willing to pay for it. If that someone is willing to pay even after the bid price as been "pumped", then it's still supply and demand. If they are not willing to pay the so-called inflated price, then it's not worth the price. Supply and demand is demonstrated once again. Your opinion on "fool" is an emotional response to something that is not based on emotion. It's economics. To you they may be a fool, but to others like them, they got what they paid for. Emotional responses to the market are irrelevant. Opinions are irrelevant. Your opinion MAY affect the market, based on your technical expertise, but in the end, the supply and demand determines value.

[@12voltvids]

@@richardkelsch3640 again only a fool will pay that price. Wait long enough and one cones up cheap. I have tons of vintage equipment. I get it for the price i want to pay or someone else can have it. Fortunately i know what this stuff is really worth. You are right about supply and demand, only the fools fall into it. I do pretty good snagging desirable gear for free or very low cost. Got a thornes td165 for free.

[@geirendre]

Yeah, what is it with these tape users anyway? Reminds me of those who insist on driving these old Mustangs, Cadillacs etc. even there are new fancy electric cars now in 2020.

[@yupimbackk]

There is nothing like riding in a 68 Eldorado Nothing. Oh wait till those eclectic cars break down.....

[@MartinSBrown-tp9ji]

The electric car is an impractical coal burner and is not green. Anyone who buys one in in for toughing their money away.

[@12voltvids]

Another idiot that knows nothing. I have 2 electric cars. First one fully paid for itself in fuel and maintence savings. Our power is hydro generated so is 100% green renewable energy.

[@MartinSBrown-tp9ji]

@@12voltvids Be careful who you call an idiot. I have been in electronics for 50 or more years I tough it for 20 years at Harper community college in Palatine Ill. Did you? You don't know as much as you show off.You are a big wind bag and rant and rave about the equipment you show on your Chanel. Keep your EV a few years and and see who is the Idiot.

[@12voltvids]

@@MartinSBrown-tp9ji Looks to me like you are as in the next few years ev will all you will be able to get. The number prove that the batteries are not failing in ev and hybrids. They have been around now for more than 20 years. I had a non plug in for 15 years and maintenence cost was a fraction of gas car. Volt 1 is coming up on 10 years since i have owned it. 0 problems other than replace tires and only 4 oil changes for the generator engine which are all done on time not running hours as the engine runs so little. I do know my stuff. Education wise I took constant courses at bcit and those put on by the manufactures over the 20 years I did it for a living. Now on my current role I take courses constantly. So if you want to add it all up, 35 years of training which continues to this day. I never stop learning. Pretty much every repair is also a learning opertunity and I gain knowledge from pretty much every one, especially when it is something new i have never worked on before. Oh and to top it off, here is one for you. Those that can, do. Those that can't teach. I had more than one instructor that didn't know what he was talking about.

[@rogertyler3237]

& So Dose Go Jo Hand Cleaner.

[@426hemicuda1090]

I would not give you $10 for that deck.

[@12voltvids]

I wouldn't pay 10 for it either. In fact I paid 0, but some sucker will pay too much for it. Last one I had like this went for 180 and it sold the day I listed it. I bet I get 100 for it easily.

[@AttilaTheHun333333]

Honestly...that thing sounds horrible. Sound wise not worth 50 bucks in this condition.

[@serj742]

По русски говорить надо!

[@rodantkapoor9721]

I love your videos but you sound like a pretentious snob lol. I have an old Sony TC-K75 that still works flawlessly, and I prefer listening to recordings I've made on tape on it than the source. I can't stand digital music for too long, it just sounds too "perfect" or dry to me.

[@enigmaticmf]

I wonder if something like Goo Gone [Pro] might work to remove that tar, as well? It would certainly smell worlds better, if it did! Heck, even Goof-off smells better to me than WD-40, if that might work where Goo Gone wouldn't.

[@MMSound-zl4eo]

а пасек просто загляденье