Tape machine doesn't work

Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2008 10:43 pm

hey guys,
i'm new to tape, and i've recently aquired a Tascam 44 four track tape machine. After much waiting for all of the necessary parts to come in (NAB hubs, Tape, take up reel) i turned it on and none of the lights lit up. The wheel that touches the pinch roller was turning but that was the only indication of it being on. The wheel reacted to the speed controls but that was it. None of the buttons caused anything to happen, and the reels did not turn. The pinch roller was also not engaged.
ii'm thinking of just taking it somewhere and having them make it work.
Any ideas? has anyone else had this problem (i'm aware it's obscure)
ok thanks!
-Travis

Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2008 1:28 am

Yes, in the back there is a multipin plug for a remote. My brain cells can't quite recall if that particular model has to have a special shortening plug in the socket if the external, cabled remote control isn't utilized? If it's missing, you'll need to contact TASCAM to find out which pins need to be shorted for the machine to function without the remote connected. Don't attempt this without a schematic! You could get zapped!

You also have a tape break switch which is connected to the furthest rightmost tape guide on the take up reel side on the right. If it is not in its upright threaded position and tight, none of the transport function buttons will operate. I assume you have loaded and threaded the tape?

It's also not uncommon for most of these older machines lights, to all be burnt out.

And how did you come to purchase a nonworking machine? Somebody told you it was only used by a little old lady to record church services with? And you never gave it a testdrive? Didn't plug it in our see the tape move before you purchased it? Tsk tsk. I know of an excellent bridge for sale if you are interested? It's in New York and they don't use it much.

7 working tape recorders
Ms. Remy Ann David

Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2008 2:43 pm

What RemyRAD said and if you are buying a pig in a poke you will almost surely get what you paid for.

There are lots of places that will check out your tape deck for a fee BEFORE you purchase it or in your case after you have purchased it. If memory serves these machines used a rubber belt for the capstan and direct drive motors for the FF and REW functions. If the rubber belt is shot it may have simply broken and fallen off inside the case.

I think RemyRAD is probably correct and you need the shorting plug or the remote to make it work. It could also be that the power supply is shot or a fuse is blown.

VU meter lights normally burn out and are fairly easy to replace and are not that expensive to have replaced. Just remember that this tape deck is roughly 20 years old and parts and schematics are sometimes not easy to find.

Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2008 6:49 pm

i think you might be right about that shorting thing. i'm going to lkook into that further. thank you very much!
I didn not buy this machine though, it's on "loan" from a school that a god friend of mine goes to.
ok i'm going to start looking into this short thing.
thanks again!
-Travis

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