Quick Nagra III questions

[bradthedesigner]

Saw some help given on Nagra III's and thought I'd try my luck. Just got one and everything seems to work ok but I have some questions that I can't find in the manual. Info: this is a Nagra III N It also has a sticker on it that says (Equipped with Tobin Cinema Systems Crystal Sync 50, 60)

1. When I turn the transport control counter-clockwise, it doesn't rewind, it fast-forwards. Any idea why or how it can be switched.
2. When I turn the mode selector to Hi-Fi record, it doesn't immediately record. I have to press the button between the "60" and "50" rollers on top for it to start recording. I think that button is usually used to speed the motor to full speed for fast-forward during playback. Is this normal to start recording.
3. I notice when I turn the knob to Hi-Fi record, the pilot sync display forms a white cross (signifying it's being synced to something) but nothing it plugged in for it to sync to. Is this normal? Can I turn this function off?

Any info would be extremely appreciated. I've search the web a ton and can't find answers to these.

Thanks!

[Bigguy2010]

On 17/01/2011 00:40, bradthedesigner wrote:
> Saw some help given on Nagra III's and thought I'd try my luck. Just got
> one and everything seems to work ok but I have some questions that I
> can't find in the manual. Info: this is a Nagra III N It also has a
> sticker on it that says (Equipped with Tobin Cinema Systems Crystal Sync
> 50, 60)
>
> 1. When I turn the transport control counter-clockwise, it doesn't
> rewind, it fast-forwards. Any idea why or how it can be switched.
> 2. When I turn the mode selector to Hi-Fi record, it doesn't immediately
> record. I have to press the button between the "60" and "50" rollers on
> top for it to start recording. I think that button is usually used to
> speed the motor to full speed for fast-forward during playback. Is this
> normal to start recording.
> 3. I notice when I turn the knob to Hi-Fi record, the pilot sync display
> forms a white cross (signifying it's being synced to something) but
> nothing it plugged in for it to sync to. Is this normal? Can I turn this
> function off?
>
> Any info would be extremely appreciated. I've search the web a ton and
> can't find answers to these.
>
> Thanks!
>
>
>
>
re 3. Is there a Tuschel blanking plug thingy in the pilot in connector?
I remember a blanking plug that routed the internal Xtal to the Pilot
in; this could be unscrewed to allow input of alternative Pilot sources.

1 + 2 sound like a motor control problem?


Guy

[Frank Haber]

1. Open it up (four screws on the right side, opens like a book) and look.
Either the rewind belt or the rewind idler are slipping.

2. Definitely non-standard. Many tapes have been unintentionally erased by
the default no-interlock setup.

3. Also non-standard. Put a switch in the -12 lead (generally red).

Be careful.

a. Germanium transistors. Don't let it get hot. Don't listen too hard for the
shot noise with the pots wide open.

b. NEGATIVE supply voltages. Do NOT reverse polarity on anything.

c. NO fusing or overvolt protection.

Want more? You'll get a positive earful of reminiscing over on
rec.arts.movies.production.sound.

[Scott Dorsey]

bradthedesigner > wrote:
>
>Saw some help given on Nagra III's and thought I'd try my luck. Just got
>one and everything seems to work ok but I have some questions that I
>can't find in the manual. Info: this is a Nagra III N It also has a
>sticker on it that says (Equipped with Tobin Cinema Systems Crystal Sync
>50, 60)
>
>1. When I turn the transport control counter-clockwise, it doesn't
>rewind, it fast-forwards. Any idea why or how it can be switched.

Are the belts in good condition? A bad supply belt would cause that.

>2. When I turn the mode selector to Hi-Fi record, it doesn't immediately
>record. I have to press the button between the "60" and "50" rollers on
>top for it to start recording. I think that button is usually used to
>speed the motor to full speed for fast-forward during playback. Is this
>normal to start recording.

No. This may be a result of the Tobin mod but I doubt it. I would ask
Clive. That may be a sign of a motor control issue.

>3. I notice when I turn the knob to Hi-Fi record, the pilot sync display
>forms a white cross (signifying it's being synced to something) but
>nothing it plugged in for it to sync to. Is this normal? Can I turn this
>function off?

This is because there's a crystal oscillator built into it; the white cross
is showing you that it's receiving correct pilot tone from the camera; in
this case the internal Tobin oscillator has replaced the camera. You can
remove it if you want but it's not hurting anything.

>Any info would be extremely appreciated. I've search the web a ton and
>can't find answers to these.

Why not call a Nagra service center like Dan Dugan Sound Design and have
the machine PMed?
--scott
--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."