[gareth magennis]

Hi,

quick question.


I have an Ampex ATR100 here that when you rewind a full reel, the machine
does not brake the supply wheel once the tape runs out.
Leaving a full reel at full velocity flapping about for ages.

Should it do so?


I have read the Service Manual but can't find any reference to what is
supposed to happen when the tape runs out.
This has been reported as a fault with this machine.


I know the reel motors do not have brakes, and their primary function is to
keep the correct tension between both reels and the Capstan motor, and can
run backwards and forward to achieve this.
I would guess running backward as a brake at tape runs out should be a
feature.

The only braking I can see though, is the Emergency braking employed on loss
of power during operation, when the motors spool down by driving a lamp via
a relay opening at power loss.
I can't find these lamps to check them, where are they?


I have carried out the tension arm checks as stipulated in the manual, they
all check out fine.

What is a bit weird is that with no tape threaded, moving the supply tension
arm past midpoint causes the capstan motor to operate forwards.
I have no idea whether this is normal or not.


I have a feeling there is a problem here, but am struggling to identify it.




Cheers,


Gareth.