Servicing a C64 Datassette

In this video, I see if I can get my old Commodore C64 Datassette (1530 C2N) to load cassettes any better.
Links:
www.zimmers.net/anonftp/pub/cb... - C2N DataSheet
www.alldatasheet.com/datashee... - OpAmp DataSheet
• Commodore 64 - How I S... - Commodore 64 - How I Service the 1530 C2N Datassette (Tape Deck).
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi... - C64 Loading Picture
/ @lochmarnegoat9812 - Lochmarne Goat KZbin channel
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:12 eBay spares unit
4:13 What could go wrong?
6:48 Cleaning Pinch Roller
9:21 Testing Nemesis
10:48 Belt Replacement
12:38 Testing
13:57 Getting the Board out
16:14 Recapping
20:12 Testing again
23:44 Wrong cap!
25:44 Testing again
27:00 Wheels cleaned
27:38 Head Alignment
33:11 Winter Games Cassette
34:20 Testing eBay Spares Drive
34:46 Sanity Check Good Drive
35:10 Bonus Service to Good Drive
37:27 Playing Some Games

[@lochmarnegoat9812]

35:11 Glad to see my drive survived the procedure and is in good health.

[@DavePoo2]

The patient has recovered from the surgery and is doing well. It will be discharged soon.

[@lochmarnegoat9812]

That Nemesis game turned out to be your...mortal enemy.

[@DavePoo2]

The thought did cross my mind

[@TimsRetroCorner]

Glad to see it's not just me who makes things worse!

[@DavePoo2]

Ha Ha, some days you are the hammer, some days you are the nail. I think there is still opportunity to fix it, I don't think I ever found the real problem as that large tape didn't drive properly before and still doesn't now.

[@bitoxic]

Hey Dave, try cleaning the heads with IP alcohol and use a tape head demagnetizer. That might solve your problem! 👍

[@DavePoo2]

The heads were cleaned so it's not that. I didn't think about a demagnetiser, that might help. But the winter games tape still won't spin, so I do suspect that the problem is mechanical.

[@kingforaday8725]

I remember using these! You would start a load or save and then go get some other work done while waiting.........waiting.......waiting.......! 😣

[@DavePoo2]

Yep, or read the instructions and the terrible story for the game you were loading.

[@retro_noix]

You should try the MP32C64 on a regular tape deck just to make sure the tapes you have are any good. Tapes can be flakey too over time.

[@DavePoo2]

Unfortunately I no longer own any tape decks other than the 3 in this video. However, I know that many of these tapes do work as I've seen them load on the good datasette

[@tangothecat237]

The rubber band too loose and synthetic grease on all moving parts and a azimuth tape needed to align heads.

[@DavePoo2]

I replaced the rubber band, and I did actually try a tighter one as well. I did the alignment, there was nothing wrong with it (it's in the video). The moving parts, are hard to get to and require more disassembly, but that's the only thing I've not tried yet.

[@tangothecat237]

@@DavePoo2 also check thats there no cb antenna near by. If one of the spools on tape deck is dragging it might be stretching the tape.also without the door on cassette deck the tape is sitting to low in deck.

[@DavePoo2]

@@tangothecat237 I don't think the door affects where the tape sits. The bottom brackets of the door go fully inside the unit, so it sits in the same place. The door just aids insertion and removal.

[@tangothecat237]

@@DavePoo2 look at the tape drag maybe that's the problem?

[@kingforaday8725]

At 10:48. Where did you get that pack of belt replacements? Ive been looking all over for something like this. n

[@DavePoo2]

eBay -> www.ebay.co.uk/itm/154118582305 "Linna pack of 15 Square Rubber Drive Belts Bands for Cassette Decks 30mm - 80mm"

[@timetorelaxfocus9642]

Did you see the video on the new C64 OS by Retro Recipes?

[@DavePoo2]

I have not. Do we need anything more than Basic V2.0?

[@timetorelaxfocus9642]

@@DavePoo2 No idea, I never owned the C64, haven't been keeping up. I just thought it was interesting a new OS after 40 years. Just like when they opdated the Amiga OS after a long time like this. =D

[@DavePoo2]

I suppose the difference is that the Amiga shipped with an OS, whereas the C64 just shipped with Basic (and the Kernal ROM). I think somebody made the GEOS operating system in the 80's but it didn't ship with the computer. I only really found out about it in recent years, and I actually owned a C64 back in the day.

[@DavePoo2]

Have you not been keeping up with the Commodore? 'cause the Commodore's keeping up with you. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2bGeJtvesqAf7s

[@timetorelaxfocus9642]

@@DavePoo2 Nice and in stereo.