D'ale mele.

Accessories: TEAC TZ-612 Hub Adapters - Cleanup.

2014-02-19T23:26:00.000+02:00

With all my purchases, TEAC X-2000M, TEAC A-3440 and OLIMP MPK-005S-1, I also bought TEAC TZ-612 hub adapters. These hub adapters were always very hard to work with at the beginning, as because of their age, opening and closing was difficult and some amount of force was required. Pushing the adapters in and out became risky for the reel table locking system.
Below I am trying to explain a short and simple cleaning procedure in order to restore the hub functionality as it should be.

In the image below you can see the three screws that must be opened in order to completely dismantle the adapter:

Then, the hub can be completely separated in all the pieces:

Now, if you look closely in the pictures below, you can see some PVC dust accumulated in time as a consequence of regular operation (friction between parts) and also some dry lubrication grease:

I have used isopropyl alcohol to clean all the parts.
All the parts were assembled together at the end, the result is a hub operating normally, no more force to close it or open it.

TEAC X-2000M: Data Information And Technical Characteristics.

2014-02-16T20:03:00.001+02:00

Specifications:

Track System:

2 Track, 2 Channel Stereo Or Mono;
4 Track Playback Switchable;

Head System:

Erase, Record, 2 Track Playback, 4 Track Playback;

Reel Size:

26.5cm (10-1/2");
18cm (7");

Tape Speed:

38cm/s (15ips)
19cm/s (7-1/2ips);

Input Level And Impedance:

MIC:

Specified Input Level: -60dβ (0.77mv)/10kΩ;
Min. Input Level: -70 β (245μV);

LINE IN:

Specified Input Level: -12dβ (195mv)/50kΩ;
Min. Input Level: -22dβ (61.5mV);

Output Level And Impedance:

OUTPUT:

Specified Output Level: -5dβ (436mv)/10kΩ;
Max. Output Level: 1dβ (0.869V);

PHONES:

Specified Output Level: -24dβ (48.9mv)/8Ω;

Motors:

Capstan Motor: FG servo DC motor:
Reel Motor: 2 DC slot-less motors;

BIAS Frequency: 150kHz;
Playback Equalisation:

LH Tape:

38cm/s: 3.180μs + 50μs; µ + 35μs (IEC);
19cm/s: 3.180μs + 50μs;

EE Tape:

38cm/s: 3.180μs + 35μs;
19cm/s: 3.180μs + 35μs;

Power Requirements:

100/120/220/240V, AC 50/60Hz, 115W/110W (General Export Model);
220V AC 50Hz 115W/110W (Europe Model);
240V AC 50Hz 115W/110W (U.K./Australia Model);
120V AC 60Hz 115W/110W (U.S.A./Canada Model);
100V AC 50/60Hz 80W (Japan Model);

Weight:

21kg (46-5/16lbs) net;
25kg (55-1/8lbs) with wooden case;

Dimensions (W x H x D):

Without Wooden Case: 432 x 456 x 218mm;
With Wooden Case: 472 x 486 x 218mm;

Project: Restoring a Reel-To-Reel Tape Player/Recorder: TEAC X-2000M.

2014-02-09T13:01:00.002+02:00

OK, so, there is some time since my last post, but I wasn't sitting around doing nothing. In the next future posts I will introduce a new category: tools and accessories I am using to work on my projects. I have done some purchasing and I am closely approaching the moment I will have a complete set of tools in order to do almost all the necessary work by myself.
But until then, I would like to introduce my new acquisition: TEAC X-2000M:

The unit is in quite a good shape, I have the wood case with it and this one looks almost new, in fact the whole unit looks like new. I was able to test only the Play function with the 4 track Play head. I don't have for the time being a good 2 track tape and I was not able to connect it yet to a sound source and to make a short recording on 2 track. I will do that in a while.
Before starting to use it at home I have done a short lubrication of the moving parts and a good heads cleanup. The tape path looks great with no visible wear.
I will have to work on it in the future as I have saw that the tape tension on the take-up reel is not really right, the unit brakes are a little bit loose and the speed of Fast Forward and Rewind needs some adjustments.
I will keep posting also the technical characteristics of this unit, as I will be able to find the owner manual, I have only the service one.

Project: Restoring A SONY WM-EX652 Walkman - Contact Cleaning For "Gum Bar" Battery.

2013-08-12T00:41:00.000+03:00

I was trying to measure the amount of Play time having both batteries installed on the Walkman, as I saw some information saying that it should reach almost 40h.
In my case it was no longer than 10h, so at some moment I assumed the charger is not working and the "gum bar" is not charged.
I tried to use it without the AA battery extension and it was not working at all.
After measuring the "gum bar" battery I realized that something else is causing this low amount of Play time, maybe a broken or corroded contact.
I removed one of the face plates of the Walkman, as you can see below:

After removing the screws marked with red color I was able to reach the battery housing:

After a closer look I saw the corroded contact:

In order to clean it I used an old tooth brush and contact cleaner, below you can see the result:

Now the unit is working on both batteries, used together or separated. What is left to be done is to count how many tapes I will be able to listen without charging the batteries.

TEAC A-3440: Data Information And Technical Characteristics.

2013-08-09T13:38:00.001+03:00

Specifications:

Track System: 4-Channel Multi-Track Simul-Sync;
3 Motors:

1 DC-Servo Capstan Motor;
2 Eddy Current Induction Reel Motors;

3 Heads:

Erase;
Record/Sync;
Playback;

Reel Size:

26.5 cm (10-1/2");
18 cm (7");

Tape Speed:

38 cm/s (15 ips) (±5%);
19 cm/s (7-1/2 ips) (±5%);

Wow and Flutter (NAB Weighted):

0.04% at 15 ips;
0.06% at 7-1/2 ips;

Frequency Response (overall):

25 - 24000 Hz (±3dβ/0 VU: 40 - 22000Hz) at 15ips;
25 - 22000 Hz (±3dβ/-10 VU: 40 - 20000Hz) at 7-1/2ips;

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (overall): 55dβ (3% THD level, weighted);
Harmonic Distortion (overall): 0.8% at normal operating level;
Stereo Channel Separation:45dβ at 1 kHz;
Rewind/Fast Forward Time: 140s for 1800ft;
Inputs:

4 Line: 60mV/50kΩ;
4 Mic: 0.25mV (-72dβ)/600Ω or more;

Outputs:

4 Line: 0.3V/load impedance: 10kΩ or more;
1 Headphone Jack: 8Ω;

Power Requirement:

100/117/220/240V AC, 50/60Hz (EX Model);
220V AC, 50Hz (EUR Model);
240V AC, 50Hz (UK/AUS Model);
117V AC, 60Hz (USA/CND Model);

Power Consumption: 125W;
Dimensions (W x H x D):

445 x 523 x 235mm;
17-1/2" x 20-1/2" x 9-1/4"

Weight: 25kg (55lbs) net;
Supplied Accessories:

Input Output Connection Cords;
RE-1002 Empty Reel;
NAB Reel Hub Adapters;
Spicing Tape;

SONY WM-EX652: Data Information And Technical Characteristics.

2013-08-03T22:28:00.001+03:00

Supplied Accessories:

Battery Case;
Stereo Headphones with Remote Control;
Clip (which I don't have, I don't know how it looks like);
Battery Charger;
AC Plug Adapter (except European, Arabian and Korean Models);
Rechargeable Battery (NC-6WM, 1.2V, 600mAh, Ni-Cd);
Carrying Pouch (don't have it either);
Rechargeable battery carrying case;

General:

Power Requirements:

1.5V;
Rechargeable Battery;
One R6 (AA) Battery;

Dimensions (W/H/D):

108.9 x 79.6 x 23.9mm;

Weight:

140g;
225g rechargeable battery, headphones with remote control and cassette inclusive;

Tape Section:

Frequency Response (Dolby NR Off):

Playback: 20 - 18000Hz;

Output:

Headphones;
Load Impedance: 8 - 300Ω;

Power Output:

5mW + 5mW (16Ω);

Project: Restoring A SONY WM-EX652 Walkman - Headset replacement.

2013-07-24T14:48:00.000+03:00

Because of the time passed, the rubber (black insulation) of the headset became very stiff; the feel of it was also a little bit strange. In the same time, the acoustics of the headset were not so great.

As a consequence, I tried to replace them with a new set, in-ear model.

First step was to identify a suitable headset with 16ohms impedance. I found this model: SONY MDR-E11LPB.

Then I was opening the remote control, as you can see below:

I was unsoldering the old headset and attached the new one:

Now the headset looks like new and it works like new:

During this procedure I learned, from a colleague of mine who helped me, an important lesson: before soldering the new wires, which were covered with special insulation paint, need to be cleaned by a process of “boiling” in soldering cleaning solution. After this process they can be soldered on the circuit board, otherwise, the soldering compound is not creating enough retention on the board, the wires can’t be soldered.

Project: Restoring A SONY WM-EX652 Walkman.

2013-07-20T02:10:00.001+03:00

I was planning for some time to get a walkman, I have a lot of tapes and some times I appreciate listening a good tape.

I found over internet, using Okazii.ro, this model: SONY WM-EX652.

You can see below some pictures, and I will get back latter with details and technical data:

The headset comes together with a remote control and there is also a “gum bar” battery and one AA battery extension.

Proiect: Restaurare Magnetofon Rostov 105 - Inchiderea Proiectului.

2013-06-15T02:30:00.000+03:00

Titlul spune aproape totul, pentru moment ma opresc aici in ceea ce priveste activitatea mea legata de magnetofonul Rostov 105. Am sa continui insa cu celelalte proiecte incepute si care se afla in diverse stadii de realizare, inca mai caut cateva unelte fara de care nu se poate lucra eficient si corect (un osciloscop de exemplu).
Magnetofonul care a fost subiectul acestui proiect are acum un proprietar nou, un prieten care si-a dorit un Rostov 105 la fel de mult pe cat mi l-am dorit eu. Dorinta mea s-a implinit acum un an si jumatate, a lui ieri. L-am dat cu drag pentru ca stiu ca va fi bine ingrijit si folosit. Am fost impresionat sa vad bucuria pe care i-am facut-o atunci cand l-am adus si sa sa-mi dau seama ca ne plac magnetofoanele din aceleasi motive: intelegem complexitatea lor tehnica, apreciem sunetul cald si complet si ne ajuta sa ne indeplinim dorinte vechi ramase constant in memorie.

Am primit in schimb un deck ONKYO Integra TA-2750. Am sa revin cu date tehnice, dar pana atunci pot spune ca sunt impresionat de silentiozitatea cu care lucreaza si calitatea sunetului redat. Am primit si multe casete cu muzica buna, acum ascult Queen - A Day At The Races, si mi-am reamintit de ce imi place Queen.

In imaginea de mai sus sunt cele doua deck-uri din colectie: ONKYO Integra TA-2750 si TEAC A-480, primul fabricat in 1991 iar al doilea in 1978.

Project: Restoring a TEAC RC-70 Remote Control Unit.

2013-06-07T21:27:00.000+03:00

Well… there is some time past since my last post, but this is because I was looking for my next item to add to my collection.

This new item arrived few days ago, from US; found on Ebay… it is the TEAC RC-70 Remote Control Unit for my TEAC A-3440 Reel-To-Reel unit. It took me several months to find one in relative good shape and with a small price.

You can see below how the unit arrived:

Cable needs cleaning, dirty connector, and dirty switch box with a paper label on it:

In order to clean it up I used cleaning solution based on orange peal extract and a soft brush.

The switch box can be open very easy by removing the four side screws.

You can see below how the unit looks like after cleaning:

Project: Restoring A Teac RX-9 DBX Unit.

2013-03-27T00:25:00.000+02:00

Few weeks ago I have managed to get the newest part of my TEAC line, a module I was looking for some time: TEAC RX-9 DBX Unit. Like for the A-480 deck, I will keep the naming convention: “Project: Restoring…” but in this case also there is not too much to restore, only a new set of wood side panels, as the unit came without these panels.

This unit was specifically designed for use with the TEAC A-3440.

I will come back with a different post in order to present the technical details.

You can see below the unit as it originally came:

Clean and complete inside:

Now you can see below the unit with the new wood side panels:

And finally, the panels after painting:

Overall, it looks like below:

Accessories: BASF Hobby-Box Magnetic Tape Splice Kit.

2013-03-16T13:46:00.004+02:00

I would like to present now something I was looking for some time: BASF Hobby-Box Magnetic Tape Splice Kit.

I was able to get this kit with help from a friend from Greece.

You can see below some pictures and kit content:

Tray with splicer (levers made from non-magnetic steel) and 10m splicing tape 6.1mm wide;
1 demagnetized blade (I have received 5 more blades with this kit);

Leader tape 25m each red, white, green;
20 switch foils 15cm each;
1 signing pencil;
3 tape clips;
Spool labels 20 each red and green.

Project: Restoring a Teac A-480 Stereo Cassette Deck - General Cleaning.

2013-03-03T12:20:00.001+02:00

As promised in the previous post, I will present today what I did for cleaning the deck. I used for this operation a regular dust brush; few cue tips and orange cleaner.

To open the deck you have to unscrew the four mounting screws:

Now the deck looks like this:

The metal cover can be removed by hand, there are no more screws holding it, by pushing it backwards and then lifting it up:

Now you have access inside to clean the dust or rubber remains from the belts:

Next parts which needs cleaning from time to time are the buttons and knobs:

Also, the front panel and the tape cover can be cleaned for a look like “new” condition. Here it is important to use a cleaner that is not aggressive, you can easily remove the writings from the plate and the effect will be very disappointing. I asked around for a soft cleaner and I was pointed to use a natural cleaner based on extracts from orange fruit.

To remove the panel you have to remove first the cassette cover by ejecting the cassette tray and pulling the cover up and out:

Then you have to unscrew several screws to remove the front panel, as you can see below:

In the final stage you can also clean all the other parts left: VU Meters, Function and Direction buttons, tape counter, deep cleaning of pinch roller and heads:

Basically this should be all.

To assemble the unit back, you have to follow the above steps in reverse.

Project: Restoring a Reel-To-Reel Tape Player/Recorder: TEAC A-3440 - New set of plastic feet installed on the unit.

2013-02-20T01:45:00.000+02:00

You can see in the previous post some pictures of the unit, and you can see that it is missing its feet. You can also see the picture below to understand the problem:

There was also missing the feet from the back panel:

I would like to show you below some of the side effects of not using the factory feet, beside stability issues:

The wood panels are scratched and chipped at the bottom.

With help form a friend from United States that is supporting me with parts or equipment hard to find in my area, I was able to find a complete set of feet, you can see below:

At the end my Teac A-3440 looks like below:

One of my next tasks will be to repair the power cord strain relief, the present one doesn't look to good, and I will do it as soon as I will be able to find the original.

Teac A-480: Data Information And Technical Characteristics.

2013-02-14T21:21:00.001+02:00

Specifications:

Track System: 4-track, 2-channel stereo;
2 Heads: Erase and Record/Playback;
Type of Tape: Cassette Tape, C-60 and C-90 (Philips Type);
Tape Speed: 4.8cm/s (1-7/8ips);
Inputs (level and impedance):

Microphones: Min. Input Level: -70dβ (224μV/10kΩ or more);
Line:

Specified Input Level: -8dβ (308mV/97kΩ);
Min. Input Level: -22.5dβ (58mV);

DIN: Min. Input Level: -35dβ (13.7mV);

Outputs (level and impedance):

Line Out:

Max. Output Level: +1dβ (0.869V into 50kΩ);
Specified Output Level: -5dβ (435mV);

Headphones:: Specified Output Level: -16dβ (122mV/8Ω);

Equalization:

EQ: CrO2: 3.180μs + 70μs (for CrO2 tape);
EQ: Normal: 3.180μs + 120μs (for NORMAL tape);

Head Confihuration:

1/2-track, 1-channel Erase Head;
1/4-track, 2-channel Record/Playback Head;

Motor: DC Servo Motor (FG Type);
Bias Frequency: 100kHz;
Operating Position: Horizontal;
Power Requirement:

100/117/220/240VAC, 50/60Hz (General Export Models);
117VAC, 60Hz (USA, Canada Models);
220/240VAC, 50Hz (Europe Models);
240VAC, 50Hz (Australia Model);

Power Consumption: 11.5W;
Weight: 11kg (241/4lbs) net;
Dimensions (W x H x D): 481 x 178 x 330mm.

Project: Restoring a Teac A-480 Stereo Cassette Deck.

2013-01-30T22:40:00.000+02:00

This month was a good one for me, beside the Teac A-3440 Reel-To-Reel Tape Player/Recorder, with help from someone closer to the western border of the country, I was able to find a new item for my collection: a Teac A-480 Stereo Cassette Deck.
I will use the same naming convention: " Project: Restoring...", but for this one... there is nothing to restore, it works as it should be. It was very well kept and used. All I did was to clean the Deck and to remove some dust inside; I will post in the next few days some information about the cleaning operation, with pictures.
I am also waiting to receive the Service Manual and Parts List I found on ebay. I will also look for some technical specifications and I will post the information here.
Until then, imagine how Eric Clapton - Unplugged sounds on this machine... unbelievable.

Project: Restoring a Reel-To-Reel Tape Player/Recorder: TEAC A-3440.

2013-01-15T21:45:00.002+02:00

There is a while since my last post; there is not so much time available as it used to be last year. But I was still looking for some new items to add to my collection. At some moment, when I received help for my Rostov 105 project I saw for the first time a different reel-to-reel tape player/recorder, a TEAC A-3340S.

Ever since, I was looking constantly for such a similar model. Now I have a TEAC A-3440. I just took it few days ago; I was doing some tests with the previous owner, and generally speaking it works just fine. It needs some cleaning inside, especially some contacts for the electronics modules, and some lubrication. So far I was able to lubricate the pinch roller, the capstan - by removing the dust cap, and the left side guide roller. It plays very nice, I did not test the recording function yet, and it is moving the tape fast forward and rewind, as it should be. It also brakes quickly, and generally speaking it is functioning quietly.

You can see below some pictures of it and one movie:

Project: Restoring a Remote Control Unit For a Reel-To-Reel Tape Player/Recorder: OLIMP DU-005 - Remote Control Unit.

2012-10-06T16:40:00.001+03:00

I would like to kindly ask for help from my blogg visitors: I am looking to buy a remote control unit for OLIMP DU-005.

Please leave a comment here if you can help me.

Thank You for your help.

Accessories: Pinch Roller Professional Cleaner And Revitalizer.

2012-08-10T18:01:00.000+03:00

I would like to introduce a new section, or new label, to my blog: Accessories. In this section I will post my experience with different products that I am using to "maintain" my devices in good condition or to "enhance" my analogical music experience.

Today I will present a product for pinch roller cleaning. I did some readings on the Internet related to pinch roller cleaning and the general idea is that it is not good to use cleaning solutions based on alcohol or having solvents based on soap. So, until now I was using baby wet wipes to clean the pinch rollers from my both RTR's.
I don't know if those wipes were good or bad, but in parallel I was looking for a specialized solution. I have found this product on the Internet, on a Romanian "e-Bay" like web site: Okazii.ro .

I used one cotton bud to clean my OLIMP RTR pinch roller and also the two rubber rollers on the transport system.
I can see below the dirt removed after 10 hours of use:

I will see if in time the rollers will stay soft and will keep the tape grip.

ONKYO SC-380: Data Information And Technical Characteristics.

2012-07-15T13:29:00.000+03:00

I will prepare in the next few weeks a new set of movies with the new equipment I have recently added to my collection.

Before doing that, I have one more presentation to make: my set of speakers – ONKYO SC-380.

I have these speakers from the same reliable source from where I have bought the turntable.

Technical characteristics:

Maximum power input: 100W;
Impedance: 6Ω;
3 way system;
Frequency response: 45Hz – 33 KHz;
Sensitivity: 90dβ.

Before making new movies, I have one more problem to fix: my camera. The sound recording of my camera is horrible; I will try to use a different one.

Project: Restoring a Remote Control Unit For a Reel-To-Reel Tape Player/Recorder: OLIMP DU-005 (in Russian: ОЛИМП ДУ-005).

2012-06-30T17:55:00.000+03:00

Another week... another purchase.
Today I've added a new device to my collection; it is the Remote Control unit OLIMP DU-005 (in Russian: ОЛИМП ДУ-005 - Система Дистанционного Управления).
Basically it is a unit that controls remotely the functions of a reel-to-reel compatible unit (Russian RTR's like Olimp 004 and 005, Electronika-004, and maybe other models I do not know about). It has also a power distributor module; it can supply power to 3 other devices.
I will start looking for specifications of this unit and I will make them available here.
Also I have to look for the connection cable between this unit and the RTR, I do not have this cable yet. Maybe the Russian visitors of this page can help me, if not with the cable, maybe with the connectors.
Please see some pictures below (the unit and the connectors):

Project: Restoring a Reel-To-Reel Tape Player/Recorder: OLIMP MPK-005 S-1.

2012-06-24T16:32:00.000+03:00

I would like to introduce my second Reel-To-Reel Tape Player/Recorder: OLIMP MPK-005 S-1 (in Russian: ОЛИМП МПК-005 С-1).
I am not able yet to say anything about it, I've just bought it 4 hours ago. I finished a short exterior cleaning and now I am listening a tape using my headphones. In Play mode it works great with an 18cm tape. I will come back with details as I will be able to find any, I have to translate the user manual first, is in Russian.
Anyway, I am happy to find it and have it; I was looking for such a machine for some months.
Below you can see two pictures:

Dual CS 520: Data Information And Technical Characteristics.

2012-06-16T15:57:00.000+03:00

I would like to introduce my "new" turntable, a Dual CS 520 Full-Automatic Belt Drive. I bought this turntable to replace the PD-D 351 Electronica Industriala, my old Romanian turntable, which is broken and waiting for a major repair operation, restoring the electronics board and maybe a new motor.
In the picture below you can see the Dual:

I have found it on Internet and it is coming from a very reliable source of analog audio equipment.
Few technical characteristics:

Manufacturer: Dual;
Model: CS 520;
Was produced between 1983 and 1986;
Manufactured in Germany;
Color: satin-metalic;
One output RCA connection;
Belt drive;
Full-automatic;
Speed: 33 1/3 and 45 RPM;
Signal to noise ratio: 72dβ;
Wow and flutter: ±0.07% / 0.045% DIN / WRMS;
Original cartridge: DMS239.

Now it is fitted with an Audio-Technica AT91 cartridge.

2012-06-09T21:58:00.000+03:00

Project: Restoring a Reel-To-Reel Tape Player/Recorder: Rostov 105 Stereo - Introduction.

In the image above you can see my reel-to-reel tape player/recorder. It is a Rostov 105 Stereo, built in 1987 in the former CCCP (former Soviet Union). It was produced using as factory name a trading company: TENTO. TENTO (abbreviation from Technointorg) was founded in 1979 to export/import technical goods produced in CCCP.

I’ve bought this unit from an “ebay” like Internet site; I was wishing such a “musical device” for a long time. It is functional; you will be able to see in the following posts a short movie with it. Still, my intention is to work on it to check the functional parameters and to correct the deviations and faults I might find, I am almost sure I will find few since it is quite old.

Rostov 105: Date Informatii si Caracteristici Tehnice - Ultima Parte.

2012-06-04T09:53:00.000+03:00

Nivelul relativ al zgomotelor si perturbatiilor in canalul inregistrare/redare, dβ, cel mult: -63;
Nivelul relativ al curentilor paraziti in canalul inregistrare/redare, dβ, cel mult: -50;
Durata rebobinarii intregii role de 18cm cu banda magnetica avand grosimea 34μm, s, cel mult: 170;
Alimentarea magnetofonului:

Tensiunea, V: 220±22;
Frecventa, Hz: 50;

Puterea consumata, VA, cel mult: 200;
Greutatea magnetofonului, Kg:

Fara ambalaj: 21,9;
Cu ambalaj: 26;

Dimensiuni, mm:

Fara ambalaj: 510x417x225;
Cu ambalaj: 665x547x356.