Troubleshooting cassette tape transport mechanism [Archive]

jbclem

August 18th 03, 04:24 AM

John,

Thanks for the ideas...this is a car stereo and the cassette is supposed to
be pulled into the transport when it is pushed to a certain point. That
doesn't happen most times, and when I am successful in pushing it inside,
nothing happens and it is very difficult to remove. I've hooked it up out
of the dash and turned on the unit, with the top cover off so I could see
the mechanism, but I didn't see a belt and I'm not sure if car stereo tape
transports even use belts. I've also been looking to see if Sams has a
repair guide for this car stereo(or for any car stereo) but haven't found
anything yet.

The classic problems you mentioned are the kind of thing I want to learn
about. I just need some basic repair diagrams(showing where to lube the
capstain, etc...and some basic explanations of the workings of the tape
mechanism) and then I can at least eliminate the obvious possibilities. I
have books on VCR repair but I haven't found anything comparable for
cassette units. I'll just have to keep looking. Thanks again.

John

"John A. Weeks III" > wrote in message
...
> In article t>,
> jbclem > wrote:
>
> > I'm looking for a source of information, repair manuals, etc... to try
to
> > figure out a problem with the cassette mechanism in my car radio, a
> > Blaupunkt Tucson. Non-car radio information would also be interesting
to
> > me.
>
> Back in the old days, it was Sams Photofacts that was the ultimate
> repair guide to any specific tv or audio product. Do they even make
> Sams any more? Or is there a replacement?
>
> What kind of problem are you having? Is this a mechanical deck,
> or a selenoid operated deck?
>
> There are a few classic problems with cassettes. First, you
> may have a bad belt. Sometimes the deck will shut down if one
> of the pullys is not turning, or the take-up reel is not taking
> up the tape. The clutch on the take up reel is a common problem.
> Next, the capstan lubrication might be dried out and in need of
> being re-lubricated. Beyond that, you are going to be hard pressed
> to do much between the surface mounted circuit boards and custom
> IC chips.
>
> To get started, you need to get it up on the bench to start working
> on it. That means getting a 12 volt DC source, a spare wiring
> harness (so you don't have to rip the one out of your car), and a
> set of speakers. This will allow you to bench test the unit with
> the covers open so you can see what is or is not happening.
>
> -john-
>
> --
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> John A. Weeks III 952-432-2708
> Newave Communications http://www.johnweeks.com
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