Sansui SC3300 overhaul

A really nice Sansui SC3300 cassette deck that was stopping
went through the shop today. Here is the fix and an explanation on how this circuit works.

[@sounddoctorin]

Thanks for the great video. I have a Magnavox I'm working on. I'm trying to get all my old tape decks with new rubber in them. Blaupunct in my van was a pain. This BK3471 though.... it has a similar looking front end to the Sansui there. A pulley on both sprockets. I think one doesn't get used though probably. THe belt was wound all around the front sprocket ..turned to jello like material. I'd done the back two belts already..the main drive and smaller belt back there. Here there is a counter and two other pulleys (one above and one below the slightly larger counter pulley) and you remove the counter, position the belt, then replace the counter pulling the belt onto that pulley as you install it in the hole. I had it all turning ok it appeared moving by hand and I put it together. Now for whatever reason it doesn't take up slack and the tap just piles up inside the cassette. argh. I've not worked on these things for a long long time. WIsh I could find a manual ... but I don't see what I could have done wrong there. too late...5 am..arghh

[@Mosfet510]

Thats a gem! Hang on to it if you can. Great repair.

[@12voltvids]

I got it for free, and sold it for 180.00!

[@crashbandicoot4everr]

I love that feature that winds the tape the end of the leader so you don't miss 5-10 seconds of recording!

[@12voltvids]

It as a cool deck. Was given to me, I put it up for sale and got over 100.00 for it!

[@JamesE707]

Very nice machine, and well presented video.

[@hydrolisk1792]

I really like that machine mate. Thanks for the share.

[@jeffreyreimer7227]

This video was super helpful! Thanks!

[@hannonm]

Thats a Bad ass Tape Deck! Very Nice 12V

[@LibraAudioLaboratory]

Nice Service, the SC-3330 is a very nice deck, very friendly service. Direct-O-Matic Loading System, i love it.

[@Synthematix]

Unfortunately they didnt really think things through, while it looks cool on every play of a tape they suck up dust

[@TerryMcKean]

That deck is kinda like the one I was typing about in your new video about the Sanyo-Fisher deck... those 70's decks are awesome and so interestingly complex and amazing. I think mine was Pioneer and it had several sub-pc boards plugged into edge-connectors on the mother-board. :-)

[@andypalm7061]

I need one of those test tone tapes. I can't see doing any work on my units without one. What a cool old deck,i cant beleive the belts are still good!

[@12voltvids]

I can make you a calibration tape. Contact me via email if interested.

[@andypalm7061]

+12voltvids thank you,will do after work.

[@theurbanracer3825]

Thanks for the video...now i know whatt im going to do with my Sansui tape deck SC :P

[@MrTopsoil911]

Great deck!!!

[@marcosrelva6454]

You my good sir are amazing. Can you do a video on where to hook up scope leads for tape calibration. Or a simple way to set up tape speed. Cheers

[@samcalvelli1231]

the repair on the sansui was excellent,....I have 1 additional problem with mine. the rewind works until you get near the end, then it slows done and eventually stops. It seems the added stress near the end is too much for it and it quits. I have cleaned the bands and heads as from this video, any added info would be appreciated. I have had this deck for 40 years and still works great.

[@chrishcy1962]

Hi 12voltvids Love the video. I just got a SC3330. Nice deck. Do u have a tutorial to change the capstan belts?

[@outoforder714]

Thanks for a nice and informative video! The hint using a standard guitar tuner for speed calibration is great. How did you record your calibration tape?

[@12voltvids]

Mario Richter First I used a calibrated deck that uses a quartz lock direct drive capstan drive, and verified the speed using a 1KHz Sony factory calibration tape, with the output plugged into a frequency counter.I then set an audio oscillator for 440Hz, which is musical note "A" and recorded that onto a tape. I could have picked any frequency, but to use a tuner I wanted a standard note. Most test tapes use either 400Hz or 1000Hz, but you need a frequency counter to use these. 440Hz on the other hand a cheap guitar tuner does the trick.

[@darukhan]

@@12voltvids brilliant calibration tip!

[@glennjones6574]

I had a Dual cassette Deck with a similar mechanism except that the acrylic head cover was activated by infared sensors.

[@blarfneggs3728]

Great video. Is there a way to adjust the head? Having an issue with sound coming from one channel and a lot of noise coming out the other channel peaks out the one meter. Thanks

[@mostirreverent]

Very nice. I have the 5330 (bought new), black with handle rack mounts. Unfortunately, I need to replace the take up hubs on mine. Actually just need th, springs and conical ends. the hexagonal rods with threaded ends are still in the deck. Any advice on where to find them?

[@clydesight]

You can use simple household bleach to wipe down the cabinet and parts to remove smoke and smoke tar residue from the surfaces and they will look like new, and smell better too.

[@12voltvids]

***** Windex works like a charmLooks like new now.

[@clydesight]

12voltvids yeah, Windex is good. I had a tan-putty computer monitor for service that had been in a smoke environment, and the Windex got some of the yellow stains off, but when I tried the bleach, it really went to town. Windex is excellent for cleaning the goo from melted belts. I've used it to clean up a few Norelco Carry Corder 150's that had melted belts. The worst thing is when a pinch roller melts!

[@HD7100]

Yes those Sansui cassette decks were high end. Gary

[@rottenrobbie66]

Hello . I just acquired a sc 2000 Sansui cassette deck . Are the inner workings similar to this deck you are working on in video? I also am having rewind issues . Maybe I need to clean the rubber inside? Any help appreciated .

[@stefanBEAR98]

Is that a Variac Variable Transformer on your bench? Do I still have to use an isolation transformer?

[@uongsophanith5334]

Excuse me could you tell me how to fix the Relay doesn't click and LED still blinking My amplifier is AU-907D

[@PW77788]

Hello i have a sanui D-90 on the rewind it only goes so far then stops ...ffwd and play pause all work fine...any help or tips..i have the tape unit removed..i have fixed the eject..

[@theanimatronicscollectoran4193]

When I did an internship at an Electronics store 9 months ago, I think I had also tested such a cassette deck.

[@mrfredchew]

Is there a place in the lower mainland that you recommend to go for parts? The reason I ask is that replacement parts (idler wheels) are difficult to find when repairing vintage equipment.

[@12voltvids]

Fred Chew I get my parts at Main Electronics. Parts are getting hard to find though, so sometimes you have to just use the restoral chemicals on them. Pinch roller especially for reel-to-reel are getting very difficult to source.

[@rc52]

Hi, great video, very informative! I have the same exact tape deck...I would highly appreciate it if you'd tell me where I can find/buy the coil spring that attaches to the take up spool @ 13 minutes & 15 seconds on your video (the one on the left). Because mine just popped out & I can't find it. I would really appreciate it very much. Thank you in advance!!! Keep up the great work!

[@12voltvids]

+Roberto Cintron I think you are referring to the spring that presses the tape hub spline forward.I have no idea where you would find a new one, but all cassette tape recorders use the same spring, so you could just pull another hub apart and get one off a junker. That is what I used to do when looking for one. That 3300 was a really nice deck. I would have been proud to put it in my collection, but I was offered 100.00 by someone that wanted it more than me, so I sold it. I have too many old vintage pieces of equipment, but vintage is hip again, and I have no problem finding new homes for the good pieces.

[@rc52]

+12voltvids Thanks for your quick response! Yes I have several tape decks as well & I tried looking for one that fits, but the one on the Sansui is just a lil too big compared to the other ones I have...The "vintage gear" was made right back then & they were all different & unique looking. I want to get that Sansui singing again! You're a great teacher, I'll be looking forward to seeing some of your other videos!!! Thx again...If you're selling some, please let me know...

[@dholen1]

Just bought same deck. Heads look different on this machine. Not smooth but ridges in middle of head. Is this normal. Plays but not sure if the head is suppose to look like that. Cleaned it good but you can see and feel the ridges in the middle of play head.

[@HaiTran-eb3ce]

Sir I would like to buy this tuner, but where can I get the tape sound to test with? also, can you show me how to select on this unit to make sure all my cassette player work properly as you have in this video. thank you

[@robertkeefer7791]

"Signs" Five Man Electrical Band!

[@dingshangliu2521]

感谢分享！

[@thelistener4101]

Hello, I'm kind of late to the party as is said BUT I have a question that I'm having difficulty finding an answer for. I had this deck back in the early '80s while in the Army but only kept it a few years and gave it up due to HHG weight restrictions getting tougher. Okay, now to refresh my aging memory. Does this deck have a "dual voltage selector (120/220)" in the rear OR is it an "auto VAC selector" for regional voltage of the user? I've found & bought this deck again but the power cord on it is a "110 VAC" on the end. When it arrived, I saw a 220 Volt sticker on the back just above the power cord. The seller didn't list if it was a dual VAC deck. So I'm hoping you'll say its got "auto VAC selection" built in it. Awaiting your courteous & prompt response.

[@halleluyahyehovah-yeshua-r4782]

Hello Sir. I love these decks. How do I get one? Do u have any for sale? I need one for good recording.

[@12voltvids]

Sold that one soon after the video was done.

[@XtremeKremaTor]

nice video. have you demagnetize the head as well? display also shows one channel having higher level than the other.....

[@12voltvids]

+Szymon Krasuski That was just the way I recorded it. Wasn't balanced.Head is fine, no need to demagnetise 2 head machines with AC bias. The record current (which is an AC signal) will demagnetize the heads as soon as you hit record. If you watch the bias singal when coming out of record it decays slowly, not an abrupt cut off. This is so the heads don't get magnetized from the record circuit.3 head machines need to have the playback head demagnetized from time to time and player only units, but 2 head recorders, all you need to do it throw them into record for a few seconds and any residual magnetism will get wiped by the AC record bias signal.

[@XtremeKremaTor]

+12voltvids I didn't know. we learn something new every day. thanks

[@DavidBerquist334]

What do you think of my idea of instaling a line fuse in the ac primary i have one that European modle requires it but not American one i have videos of me putting it in i do electronic assembly at my job i also showed a service center he said it is good why dosnt ul require it thanks

[@12voltvids]

UL generally does require a fuse. They quite often put them on the secondary side, but the power transformer usually has an internal fuse and thermal protection that if it fails you replace the transformer.

[@SleepingLionsProductions]

Hey what would you have done if the microphone jacks weren't working properly?

[@myarul1703]

I just purchased a Sansui SC-3110 & am considering to do a recap. Is there any online store that sells good ones? Thanks.

[@ElectoneGuy]

Have you ever used MG Chemicals Rubber Renue? Great stuff.

[@12voltvids]

Electone_Guy Yes I have some MG tuber renew and have used it on turntable and reel to reel videos.

[@dwoodog]

I put that sh*t on everything!

[@HaiTran-eb3ce]

My cassette play but the music is super slow. I try to adjust the motor but nothing different when I turning the screw in the motor at all. Any suggestions? Sir. I replace all the belt excerpt captain belt. I do not know how to remove to get captain let out .please help if you can. Thanks

[@blade3120]

The same thing he have to play casette sunsui SC2002. He have move sensor. It is same place it is counter

[@killmore75]

Hello 12voltvids, I have and issue with my Yamaha tape deck model# KX-500U. When I record music with a perfect balanced L and R, The playback is off by 25% on the left side. The tape head is a amorphous and has been cleaned at all times. Head looks in good condition and tested ok with my finger nail. This unit has no manual record switch. Is there a common fix for this?

[@12voltvids]

killmore75 You need to look at the record level going to the head to make sure that your bias is the same for both windings on the head, and the audio levels are the same. If your levels are good and balanced then it is the head that is wearing.

[@killmore75]

12voltvids Thanks for the reply!

[@mrpedrodrodriguezsr7628]

Didn't Nakamichi used a similar design on some of their higher end mechanisms ?

[@tacofortgens3471]

Right channel seems to be louder tuan left. Even on the speed calibration tone, dont you make your test tone on 0db?

[@12voltvids]

It was recorded 0 db.

[@alcoholisfreedrink]

Whats the frequency of that tone on the tape?

[@12voltvids]

440 Hz. Music note "A"

[@int53185]

Not to nitpick but the left channel appeared a little weaker than the right. Nice deck though. I used the heck out of my old Teac deck back in the 70's.

[@12voltvids]

+James Last Not too worried if the level wasn't totally balanced. It wasn't a clients machine, it was one that was given to me, and once I am done with them I give them away. I don't use cassette tape for anything myself, I only use DAT myself.

[@LifeSized101]

SC-1110 new belts x4 ,don't touch the 1977 power supply :p

[@KeithBeacham]

I picked up a Sansui SC-1110 with similar problems as yours. I am a novice do you think I could do the repair myself? If I hire someone to do this for me, how much should I reasonably spend? Thanks

[@12voltvids]

+Keith Beacham This mechanism is relatively easy to work on. Belt replacement is a breeze on this one.

[@KeithBeacham]

Where would I buy replacement belts and cleaner and lubricant?

[@12voltvids]

+Keith Beacham You measure the belt, if it is broken tie a string around the pulleys and measure the length of the string and subtract 5%.You can order belts off various sites, or go to your local electronics supplier. I get mine at Mainelectronics.com or leeselectronic.com/

[@KeithBeacham]

Thanks! I'll give it a shot.

[@HaiTran-eb3ce]

I got 1 just like this one in video .but it's low volume when it plays. I do not hook up with speakers but I can tell by Vu meter low. But that tape is playing loud on akai 570D. Do you have any advice on how to fix it? Thank you, sir.

[@12voltvids]

Clean and demagntize heads for starters.

[@HaiTran-eb3ce]

Still not working. I heard people say about SDM capacity., but don’t know which one

[@12voltvids]

@@HaiTran-eb3ce will have to trace signal in preamp. I no longer have this deck so unfortunately I can't help.

[@user-gy9su1ov8t]

Отличный аппарат

[@robertgardner1498]

I picked up a Sansui SC-3100 for free. Am going to replace the belts and clean it up, but when I hit play, the left meter pegs out and the right meter bounces in time to a clicking (if the receiver is turned off)/squeeks (if the receiver is turned on). I'm hoping it's not a bigger fix than cleanup. Any ideas?

[@12voltvids]

Clean the contacts on the record / play switches. I got mine for free and found a guy with sucker tattooed prominently across his forehead that gave me 330 for it. Ya, I'll sell those every day to audiophools.

[@robertgardner1498]

@@12voltvids Sweet. Well, rubbing alcohol is hard to find lately and my order for belts and deoxit won't be here for about a week... Sooo, i just did a wipe of the heads with my finger... clicking gone and I can hear a tape play for the first time! The contacts are a mess by the sound every knob makes when turned, but suhweet! Love your vids and learnin' lots. Long as I don't have to solder I'm in bihness!

[@robertgardner1498]

@@12voltvids STILL can't find rubbing alcohol in stock anywhere. About to break out the Vodka!

[@robertgardner1498]

@@12voltvids Hey, wanted to say thank you! The belts were goo. Had to clean everything and then had to clean the play / record switches again. It's working like a charm! Pretty good freebie; well plus $4 dollars for the belts and $12 for the Deoxit (saw your recommendation too late to get Nutrol). This thing has been sitting in a closet for 10 years. Thanks again!

[@12voltvids]

@@robertgardner1498 Good find. I got this one for free and sold it for 180.00!

[@carloss2903]

My Auto Stop doesn't work. What could it be? Thanks.

[@EmilioGarcia-fr5po]

Can you help me with a nacamichi zx 9 hard to find anyone to fix it.

[@zx8401ztv]

Did you manage to sell the sansui deck 5 years back? I bet that cost a pretty penny in its day.

[@12voltvids]

Yes years ago. Put it up on Craigslist for 200 and a guy offered me 180 so it went really fast.

[@DavidBerquist334]

I hear after 7 years you cant get parts unless it was used in newer units wear do you get obsolete parts

[@12voltvids]

7 years? You're dreaming. It as 7 years in the 90's. In the 80's manufactures were required by law to keep parts for 10 years, then it was reduced to 7 years in the early 90's. Then it went to 6 years. Around the year 2000 manufactures were only required to maintain parts until the model went out of production. All they had to do is have parts on hand to fix units that failed under warranty. If a unit failed under warranty and the parts were no longer available they could use recovered parts from other units that failed under warranty. If no unit was available they just replaced the unit with an equivelant. Today there are very few parts available. For vintage stuff there are still parts available because there were spare parts at one time, and many parts sellers bought up inventories from distributors going out of business.

[@mariano.mostro]

Hi, nice video! 1:59 the capstan is not turning. do you think that might be my problem? . i have the same deck, i did every step you said. but no success. i put the cassette but it's not moving Please, anybody can help me with this? thank you

[@12voltvids]

If the capstan is not turning, then it is either a belt, the motor, or the leaf switch at the top that is activated when you put in a tape.

[@mariano.mostro]

@@12voltvids Many thanks for your help! i found the problem. i see the motor turning when i put the cassette or i turn the switch with my finger. the belt is not in it's place, it's broken. i'm taking it to a technician to get it fixed.

[@donald1056]

Unusual open tape desk!!

[@12voltvids]

+Donald Ellett That was what Sansui called Direct O Matic" and the concept was nothing to cause alignment errors on the cassette tape. Conventional tape holders had springs and catches, that as they wore and got weaker the tape cassette would not be held firmly in place, and could shift, changing the alignment, and thus impacting the sound.They also look cool, with the tape exposed, especially when playing those TDK tapes that had 2 little metal reels inside a completely open frame, so you could see the reels turning.

[@KrazyPolak87]

Little bit late of a response but Pioneer also made some really great decks that were open as well. Pioneer CT-F1250 is a nice example.

[@12voltvids]

There were a few companies that did this. Like today with the curved screens 1 does it, and the rest jump.The curved screen first appeared in CGA in a movie a few years before Samsung brought the first one to market. What movie was that in?

[@michal.jalochowski]

I wouldn't like to entrust my valuable equipment to such a specialist :(

[@fredfungalspore]

Bring your mans best friend in your workshop man he needs some company :)

[@waltercarpenito1737]

I just got the sansui tape deck 1330 looks just like 3300 big difference inside beyond the 2 belts you changed the big flywheel belt is a nightmere belt was melted mess it is now all apart wish I had manual put it togather again may just throw in garbage another 100.00 wasted to ebay never again 3 times lost money on ebay

[@nuwansanjeewa3146]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@johngarcia4213]

I like classic I like sansue.

[@DavidBerquist334]

i put a line fuse in conponents that dont have one from factory and select fuse acording to its draw you can look in my chanel to see my work i do electronic assem at my work

[@12voltvids]

+David Berquist A line fuse is NEVER a bad idea. It gives you secondary protection. All power supplies and transformers do have primary fusing, but it is usually a non replaceable fuse so if it blows you throw away the transformer.

[@fibrodad1354]

in the UK the owner of that howling mutt would be warned and if it continues dog removed and he would fined and not allowed to own another. thats basically abuse... nice video.

[@12voltvids]

JRushPixel I am sure the rules here about a barking dog are similar. Problem is they have to catch them in the act.

[@beckerized8848]

12voltvids You have plenty of recorded proof of the nuisance so it's unlikely that they'd need to witness the problem firsthand. If you haven't already done so, cordially discuss the problem with your neighbor and explain that the area you live in has a noise control bylaw that prohibits barking dogs (when the problem becomes a nuisance). In one of your videos you said you lived in the Delta, BC vicinity; quoting from www.delta.ca/your-government/frequently-asked-questions => I have an ongoing problem with a barking dog in my neighbourhood. Who should I contact? Delta Community Animal Shelter at 604-940-7111

[@fibrodad1354]

beckerized definately... it is hugely distressing to have constant noise disturbing you.

[@frankscarano4708]

I recommend using Rawn Re-grip rubber rejuvinator as well to use for those belts rather than use just isopropyl alcohol for belts that are slipping. just my two cents.

[@taketimeout2share]

Yeah. The 70s stuff was quality. Even when it wasn't. They look the dogs bollocks. I keep them all. The counter is the problem? Shows I know fuck all. But I am learning, thanks to your site. If I mess up I shall blame you.

[@12voltvids]

YES! The tape counter is what is monitored to determine of the take up hub is turning or not. So if the belt breaks, the unit shuts down. That is how they did it. Lots of tape decks do it this way.

[@taketimeout2share]

Thank you for your channel Just watching you on that oscilliscope is better than a thousand books. Seriously, great instruction here. Its appreciated.

[@jackryder6732]

Someone is selling for $140. Is it good unit

[@12voltvids]

I was offered me 180 for this one. He thought he got a good deal, and I was happy to get it into a new home. These were not bad units. If it is working that is. Myself I wouldn't pay that for it as people give me units like this,(including this unit) but if the belts have been done, and it is working it is worth whatever you are willing to pay. Vintage gear seems to be selling for far more than I would have ever imagined .

[@jackryder6732]

@@12voltvids much appreciate your reply and help

[@nuwansanjeewa3146]

sri lanka 👍👍👍👍👍

[@tntreviews3602]

CIGERET SMOKE PROBLEY CAUSE THE BELT TO BE SLIPPING

[@phaenius]

Not a good idea to clean rubber with alcohol. It may do in the short time, but in the long time it will destroy the material.

[@12voltvids]

Cristian Dinu I was using MG chemicals head and rubber cleaner.

[@akaicollector694]

heey 12voltvids can i have to so test tone for my tape deck that would be nice if you give me one can you help me

[@12voltvids]

I can make you one. I have sent many out over the past year. You can buy one by making a donation to the channel using the donate button.

[@saqibnawaz5139]

Never far insight of smoking Tar glued wonder wat positive effects r achieved by cooking fumes 24/7 in narrow dwellings might someone highlights dat instead of just going wid established smoking issue

[@waltercarpenito1737]

would like if you get a good cassette deck fix it up nice like you do I want it any price you say no more ebay JUNK for me thanks

[@navpers4764]

hello , Any chance you could make me a copy of your test tone tape and send it to me . I`ll pay ya for it ! Love your video`s Thanks

[@12voltvids]

Navpers 47 Yes I can make you one with both tone and sweep tones of you like.My Technics is quartz lock direct drive capstan motor, and was checked with a factory alignment tape, and it is exactly on speed, so I will make one on that deck.

[@navpers4764]

Thank you so much ! I really appreciate it . Its because of your video`s that I now fix and collect tape decks and amplifiers...etc: I work for the sanitation department and you wouldn't believe what people throw out .......lol Lloyd Parks 566 Westmorland Rd Saint John New Brunswick E2J-2G7

[@navpers4764]

Hi there , Let me know how much for the shipping and also how much you want for the tapes . Again really appreciate it . Awesome video on your moms plasma . Thanks

[@12voltvids]

Navpers 47 Message me by email and I will send you the [e-mail]

[@12voltvids]

Navpers 47 Same here. I try to collect as much as I can before it gets to the recycle dept. Scored 2 nice plasma TVs, and a bunch of LCD sets that I sold off.