Tape Deck Speed Adjustment Tutorial Easy to Follow 2019 -Adam John-

[@dexterwilliams9948]

You just saved me a 30$ service charge and who knows on repairs. Adjusted the speed and now my denon works great. Thanks man

[@AdamHiFi]

awesome - glad to hear. keep it going! you’d be surprised how many things are so simple to fix👍. thanks for the comment and for watching

[@BenceCsibi]

I have a Technics with the same motor. I disassembled the motor and replaced 2 capacitors and the adjusting potentiometer, it had oxidation and the speed was not stable. Now works fine.

[@mimick7574]

This video was genuinely so helpful, I couldn't find any other videos that actually had the advice I needed.

[@agentwtf]

I was having a heck of a time with my deck until watching this video. Thx for the service.

[@guywilliamson4074]

Thanks man, you just saved me the cost and hassle of taking my Pioneer to an expert. Good work!

[@amigator7789]

Bro, you are lifesaver!!! Thanks to your vid I was finally able to adjust tape deck speed on my 20+ years old Sony CMT-CP300. Cassettes were playing painfully slow, it was unlistenable. I found service manual on the internet with schematics of the entire thing, but there wasn't single word how to adjust speed of the cassette motor. Hats off to your great explanation of the whole proces and again - THANK YOU, I'm finally able to listen to cassettes I recorded when I was early 2000's teenager. Btw, one interesting thing - when I was adjusting speed with metal screwdriver (exactly same you are using in the video), speed sometimes went 2x or even 3x higher then normal. It was caused by touching screwdriver with grounded shell of the motor (I tried to keep it in the center of that little adjusting hole, but during turning of screwdriver I accidentaly touched inner metal side of the hole, which I suppose is grounded and that caused the RPMs of cassette motor to go very high, because outside metal shell of the motor was shorted by screwdriver with adjusting trimmer inside (imho). I didn't damage anything by this, all is working fine, but maybe it's better to adjust that trimmer inside the motor with something isolated/non conductive (plastic screwdriver, piece of thin bamboo stick with tip carved into shape of slotted screwdriver etc.) Better be safe then sorry 🙂

[@richardfinch1789]

Hey Adam, You Rock dude, This world 🌎 definitely needs more people like you!!! When it comes to music 🎶 Analog technology and those origins are still the best source of sound reproduction Btw, you have a very upbeat and unbiased attitude towards Analog. We, out here, love this 😀

[@michaelkassel5816]

Yeah, this is a really good explanation of the process. Too many people are trying to do this via a calibration tape, but you're right - just use a mp3 reference and go by that - or go by your own sense of what is right. If you know it's going slow, then you'll know when it's about right. Not going to the moon with this stuff, we're just listening to music. I would add that one should take the time and order a plastic screwdriver or all plastic adjustment tool, because, your'e right, you gotta be super safe around these things. Thanks, man, this was great!

[@AdamHiFi]

Michael Kassel yeah man exactly - and great point about the plastic screwdriver... unless you want to see magic smoke 💨 thanks for watching

[@jasnh868]

Great tutorial! I would suggest laying a dry cotton towel over the transformer so it's impossible to get shocked.

[@Diego-oq3ih]

Brother thank you so much. I’ve saved money and time thank to you, I’ve never knew I could’ve just rotate a screw. Thank you!!

[@SoutheastWarrenEAS]

So after hearing you say there's a speed adjustment on the back of the motor, I went to mine and tried messing with it to no evail. However, while looking at the motor I noticed the 4 power leads going in, and two said high and low power. So, I followed the wires back to the board, and I realized that I was a block head and I completely missed seeing potentiometers labels high and low. Thankyou for making me want to look at the motor, because now I can sleep happy tonight knowing that my problem of slow speed is fixed.

[@abud5524]

I don't need to fix anything. I put a big like for helping people.

[@RevanthAkella]

you my friend are a life saver! I swapped out the belts on my technics m231x with no luck. this solved my problem. cheers!

[@AdamHiFi]

awesome to hear

[@howardleach5340]

Howard Leach Your a very clever man! No really. I have spent months speaking with people on how to adjust tape deck speed. To learn that you can go into the back of the motor and get any performance you wish amazes me. No one else knew. I have stacks of personal tapes evidently recorded on a defective machine which sounds terrible played on a correctly performing machine. The world has changed for me. Thank you so very much.

[@AdamHiFi]

glad i could help, thanks a lot for the kind words

[@MrAlexthecrazy]

Good idea on comparing tempo to a digital copy. FYI, the transformer doesn't hold any power after the power is turned off. You're probably thinking of very large capacitors - like in an amp.

[@AdamHiFi]

thank u for watching - yeah i mean if there is any power stored its very little, but for a general point of reference i wanted to make that precaution just in case.

[@busch028]

Thanks for posting this. Might want to try a plastic pot trimmer instead of a metal screwdriver for safety of body and equipment.

[@AdamHiFi]

good luck, thanks for the comment!

[@matthewalexander8346]

Thanks for the video it worked just wish I could figure out how to fix my #2 deck u have to hit play then turn motor till it clicks and then it starts playing but if you hit stop you have to do it all over again... thanks again for the video worked perfectly

[@onewisegentleman7637]

That vid is awesome man. The joy u have in talking about what u like is sooo good. now i wanna fix my tapedeck too :D thx man u have enlightend my day ^^

[@AdamHiFi]

yea man - thanks for watching

[@davidpogue8900]

Perfect. Thank you, the video was helpful.

[@kingkobina]

Your video helped a lot. I made my own video but I linked your video is my description to give you props 👍

[@AdamHiFi]

awesome video man keep em going

[@kingkobina]

Awesome thanks again !

[@ingoschumacher3945]

i would like to kiss u maaan!!! all people comment on the web to change the belt..and u made me discover that HUGE little tiny magic switch.Grazie 1000!!! my technics on oliver tree pumping like never

[@38911bytefree]

This deck is not a Direct Drive, it is a 2 motor transport and capstan is operated by a DC SERVO motor. DD motors are actually mounted over the capstan flywheel or it is integral part of it and it wont require belts (for the capstan at least). DC SERVO on the other side can require speed correction as they age since they dont have an exact feedback of their actual speed ... which is what happend on DD motors of those using a signal out proportional to the speed (FG SERVO .... like SONYs). The DC SERVOs haven been perfect so much that an actual feedback is almost not needed.

[@adammcmahan2420]

Great video! So if playing too fast, a slight turn to left will slow it down?

[@THEpirateshunter]

I just bought a stored brand new sony cfs-208, however the foams on the back are kinda missed up for some reason, maybe because of storing conditions idk. I just need to fight with my flat head screwdriver to reach the end and i just keep spinning and nothing is changing for me. I’ll try using Philips screwdriver and as a last resort i think i might have to rip the foams off to have a clear view and seal the hole with tape or anything.

[@pdsg365]

New subscriber....found you on reddit you got dope videos......look forward to the next one homie.

[@AdamHiFi]

i appreciate that - thanks man

[@JohnBGood-ry9wj]

I wonder if this would also be the case for an 8 track tape player….have one of those that is running a bit fast

[@kuznapi]

Seriously man thank you so much you have earned a subscriber 🤝 I’m just getting into collecting cassette tapes and i have a question what’s the difference between Dolby B and C

[@tommyymmot431]

Where would you possibly find the adjustment location on a multi unit stereo? I see tons of videos on walkmans and cassette deck units but what about on a multi unit (stereo with tape, cd, radio in one).

[@GTI1dasOriginal]

Step 1: clean the pot using IPA Step 2: lubricate the motor(bearings) Step 3: Adjust using a testtape. If you don't, you're not taking in acount drag . Problem with that is: speedfluctuation due to the fact the bearing and the shaft cause wow and flutter and the motor will need to overcome too much mechanical resistance (wear) By having cleaned the pot, the adjustment will be easier and more accurate. The motor (and soundguality) will be thankful.

[@MuslinTree]

Does this mean you'll have to take the motor off and open it?

[@musicman3503]

Thanks Dude! My Onkyo Deck works like it was new again!

[@hifi.david.]

keep up with the videos

[@AdamHiFi]

thank you Dave

[@philblades4964]

Do you know if this method would work with a Pioneer CT-W606DR? I just bought it from eBay. It looks and sounds great, just plays fast. I don’t want to open it up unless it really can be adjusted.

[@AdamHiFi]

here’s the manual for that deck (www.manualslib.com/manual/443432/Pioneer-Ct-W606dr-Dual-Cassette-Deck.html?page=31#manual) highly serviceable and adjustable. speed control can either be behind the motor as seen in the video or a potentiometer on the board👍

[@MuslinTree]

Do you still have this deck? I have one and the motor is noisy. When you switch the unit on the capstan is permanently rotating. Is it normal?

[@juliorios1985]

Great info😊

[@xxx-xf7ks]

thank u!

[@zacharyhall689]

Which plastic screwdriver should I use?

[@AdamHiFi]

Link in description

[@zacharyhall689]

@@AdamHiFi I don't see a link

[@AdamHiFi]

@@zacharyhall689 www.amazon.com/Screwdriver-Precision-Different-Flathead-Screwdrivers/dp/B07QYL9KJT/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=small+precision+screwdriver+set&qid=1626621826&sr=8-4

[@alobosk]

I had to skip to minute 6 to actually see how was it supposed to be done. I confidently inserted a screwdriver and adjusted it. Thanks. Also, I think you missed to mention in this case that the screwdriver head is Philips. I was trying with a plain one and nothing was happening.

[@AdamHiFi]

thanks for the suggestion - it might vary from motor to motor, good to keep in mind!

[@davidfenererer8774]

Just get to the adjustment!!!

[@gfeast4518]

I don’t know anything about cassette decks/ boom boxes but I just got a boombox from my neighbor for $10 and sadly I put in a cassette and it’s playing like it’s in fast forward, and the left speaker doesn’t seem to work 😭 idk what to do. Also I don’t see a power button so I guess it just stays on

[@stiffrichard2816]

Hey man, can you help me locate the speed adjustment inside an Onkyo TA RW 344? I just paid $100 for a repair, the only tech available on Long Island and it was a disaster. When I first got it back from him, deck A was very slow and B was slightly fast. I brought it back, he said he replaced the motor and belts but now it's the opposite. Also, deck B doesn't sound nearly as loud or as fat as deck A.

[@AdamHiFi]

What a disaster! Honestly $100 is a huge ripoff for such a simple repair, especially when you get lousy work in return. Anyway, get the SERVICE manual here www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/onkyo/ta-rw344.shtml On page 7 you'll see the speed adjustment pots. Works differently on this Onkyo than the model I show in the video. The adjustments seem to be pots on the board. Rotate them (SLIGHTLY) to adjust. Good luck Adam

[@kevinsavage7322]

I can't find the screw inside the motor. I have a 4 track recorder and the music sounds like the chimp monks at the moment. Thank you

[@navin1032]

Возможно регулировочный винт у вас находится не в моторе, а на плате управления двигателем. Особенно у техники высокого класса.

[@bigdaddyvince182]

I have a sharp 5 disc cd changer with a cassette tape player and the tape is playing too fast and i took it apart to see if it looked anything like this and it didn’t and i cant find where to adjust it

[@AdamHiFi]

what is the make and model of the player?

[@mahlonkarpaiya252]

good day mate. I have a old tape motor with the small hole in the back that looks like speed ajust but when i took the motor apart there was no ajustment screw inside. Is the another ay i can get the speed rihgt. the motor is mabushi EG 530YD 2

[@AdamHiFi]

two things: check to see if the speed adjustment is a potentiometer on the board, and if all else fails those replacement motors are readily available on eBay!

[@hifi.david.]

Great Video!!

[@GyroJM]

hey there's some foam covering the screw do I remove the foam?

[@AdamHiFi]

Just insert the screwdriver past the foam. It has a hole in the middle

[@GyroJM]

@@AdamHiFi wow thanks for the quick reply, unfortunately seems like I don't have a small enough screw driver so I'll have to buy one

[@GyroJM]

@@AdamHiFi i was able to find a screw driver but when i put it in there and try turning it it doesn't seem to do anything

[@philfox542]

Hi Adam, Great Presentation and great video! I need some advice? I recently bought a rare Sony TC-U20 Cassette Deck. All the functions work and expect the playback speed plays too fast? You have an email address I can send a picture of my unit Sony TC-U20 Cassette Deck? The transformer is not near the motor? I can tie some Duct Tape around the screw driver and wear slippers. I don't want to croak or get zapped. My name is Phil by the way. It's better safe than sorry. Thanks man. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

[@AdamHiFi]

Hmm, that definitely does seem to be a rare deck. I can’t find much information online about it, I would just try to go on eBay and see if you can find a service manual for it. In the service manual should be the adjustment parts that are located on the board. If it is a direct drive cassette deck sometimes the speed adjustment will not be on the back of the motor but can actually be on the board itself in the form of a potentiometer. also, make a post on a cassette forum? someone out there might have the same deck and the same problem! Good luck

[@philfox542]

@@AdamHiFi Hi Adam, Thanks for the cool reply 👍🏽💯. I appreciate it buddy. Also, thanks for that important info. You're right. It is a rare Sony TC-U20 Cassette Deck by Sony. I will try to see if I can buy a used manuel that is compatible with that model. I will also find a way to adjust that speed in the motor. I will go to my local hardware store to get smaller size flat head screwdriver. That transformer power supply thing can be a pain. Lol 😂. Thanks again for your help. Peace & Good Vibes.

[@slyyyboyyy]

ur a g, thanks.

[@dendys04]

i just did it but i have it on max and its still slow a have a claibration tape its 12hz still slower

[@robertwoodruff6608]

There is correct way to do this but it’s not be ear. It requires a test tone tape and a frequency counter. You then adjust the speed to match.

[@josearaiza1631]

I can’t seem to find the screw. Any tips?

[@AdamHiFi]

what deck?

[@josearaiza1631]

A dam an old General Electric boombox I can find the motor but it feels like I’m hitting nothing

[@colloidalsilverwater15ppm88]

@@josearaiza1631 because there IS nothing. One possibility is trimpot on board, second is that your screwdriver is either thick so it can not go in pot, or it is too thin so it misses.

[@marcomolina4574]

hello am having problems wsith my old radio cassette recorder it plays too fast do i try the method you showed in the video adjusting the speed or what is the best way to fix it .at times its notmal then it is fast again and it makes noise in the motor i have a anika R-7300C its fustrating and cant play my tapes one tape was already stucked in that cassette recorder if it does not work at all i might have to take it to a technician

[@AdamHiFi]

what is the name of your device? it could be the motor going bad if the speed is fine then goes slow etc. Did you try multiple tapes?

[@marcomolina4574]

@@AdamHiFi hi actually the speed is fast at times but it could be the motor thats going bad or has to be replasced i hope not i have a akita radio cassette recorder its a unkmnown model i belive its r-7300c I TRIED WITH OTHER OLD TAPES BUT THE PROBLEM IS NOT RTHE TAPE IT MAKES SOUNDS THE MOTOR and then its ok again . its when i turn it off that it comes back . i tried addjusting the motor but i might dont know how i better not try I NEVER DONE IT . I ALSO TRIED GREASING IT FROM THE OUTSIDE MABY THE INSIDE HAS TO BE GREASED . IT COULD ALSO BE THE BELT . ITS HARD TO TELL, BUT IFD ITS THE MOTOR IT MABY JUST NEEDS REPLACMENT CAN U ADVICE ME

[@AdamHiFi]

@@marcomolina4574 i really cannot tell u what's wrong. all i can suggest is perhaps picking up a used deck on ebay now as prices are pretty low! just look up "cassette deck" on ebay and good luck

[@marcomolina4574]

@@AdamHiFi hi but wouldnt it maby help if i just adjust the motor spped maby thats the cause because its kinda hard for m e to but one at ebay since am in south america thats in bolivia and they dont deliver things here anymore thers no post offie no more . i think i better try to adjust it or maby have the motor replaced if thats the issue anyways i thank u for trying to help me

[@AdamHiFi]

​@@marcomolina4574 if you can upload a video of the issue and post to youtube, and try to show the problem on video then i can help try to get you in contact with people who know more than me. is that possible for you?

[@rush_7169]

I keep trying to put it in but I cant feel the screw. I payed 60 bucks to get it fixed cause it was too fast now its too slow and im frustrated

[@AdamHiFi]

Maybe you can disassemble and take out the motor to get a better look at it? Also anyone who charges you should absolutely take it back if it is not up to spec

[@rush_7169]

@@AdamHiFi like I went to a store got the driver and none do anything speeds been the same. I idk maybe we can zoom or something possibly im doing it wrong but idk

[@rush_7169]

I just don't know what to do at this point

[@dobermanguy9437]

The Transformer does not hold a charge the capacitor does that's what you want to discharge

[@FORESTKIDSCOLLECTIVE]

Just took apart my PYLE to find out its a PYLE of shit lmao. Can't even adjust the motor. There's a hole and everything. Fuck it im getting a tascam. Good video tho, i def learned something today

[@marcomolina4574]

DO YOU HAVE YOURT E MAIL maby u can give me a step by step directions too

[@honeybro3385]

My motor doesn't change speed no matter what 😃 and I dont see anything on the board to where else it could be

[@prashantthankey9063]

Look on the motor itself. There might be a small potentiometer (preset). It might not be visible directly but there may be a small rubber slit on the motor through which you can insert a small (watchmaker's) screwdriver and adjust the speed of the motor.

[@dobermanguy9437]

To be safe just use a plastic screwdriver

[@colloidalsilverwater15ppm88]

explanation is not quite sufficient... how we should adjust our motors? By ears?

[@AdamHiFi]

that's one way, or a test tape. by ears is cheapest (free)

[@colloidalsilverwater15ppm88]

That foam is almost like a virgin...is it possible?

[@shaychromoy]

Oh my God. man, you keep warning about nothing.. what you should be careful of are capacitors, which hold charge even after you disconnect the device, what you pointed to however was a transformer which the second you disconnect does not carry any more power

[@AdamHiFi]

You’re absolutely correct

[@MuslinTree]

Are there any capacitors in this deck we should watch out for?