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Ed Wargo Posted on Sep 02, 2018
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I picked up a reel to reel deck to play tapes that are about 30 years old. It plays fine, but I noticed the take up reel is about 75% full, but the play reel has about 40%, so it won't fit. Thoughts?

Deck is a Teac 1230 and the sound is good so don't think it's a motor issue. Had same issue with a Roberts deck.

1 Answer

Vernon Taylor

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  • Teac Master 7,446 Answers
  • Posted on Sep 02, 2018
 Vernon Taylor
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Logically, if the full tape reel and the empty reel are identical the second must fill at the same rate the other empties and all the tape from the first will fit on the second.

What does happen, however, is at the start the second reel seems to fill much quicker than the first reel is emptying, which is understandable when for any given tape length the second reel will revolve between at least twice as fast as the first reel and probably even faster.

A tape reel that appears to be half full will have much less than half the available tape capacity filled.

Testimonial: "Thanks! You are absolutely correct. When the lead reel emptied, it was all on the take up reel just fine. Great advice, much appreciated!"

5 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 1512 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 14, 2008

SOURCE: My Teac R-H500 tape deck will not play tapes

The belts will have failed. You will need to replace them for the deck to be reliable. If you are mechanically minded I can talk you through it... You giving me a FixYa rating will help my profile and loosen my lips on how to overhaul your deck. :)

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Anonymous

  • 319 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 23, 2008

SOURCE: How to change belt in teac x1000r reel to reel tape deck

If you are not familiar with such work, I don't recommend trying to install belt(s). Replacing belts may involve disassembly of mechanism parts and critical adjustments to follow. Take to a pro/tech

Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Jun 20, 2008

SOURCE: TEAC X1000R Stereo Tape Desk (reel to reel)

usually its a capstan drive belt. $10-18 for the belt & 30mins repair time - you'll be up &brunnin b4 you know it [email protected]

Warren Albee

  • 4 Answers
  • Posted on Aug 31, 2009

SOURCE: Nakamichi BX-2 Cassette Deck Takeup Reel

I had sorta the same problem and I just fixed it. Mine was making clicking noises and jerking the tape causing speed variations and pitch changes, Uggghh. The FF, Rew, and take up functions are not belt driven like most decks. There is a little idler wheel between the motor and the take up axle. Take the whole transport assembly loose from the front of the deck...slide it back 3 inches . Take off the ground wire screw, and 3 screws holding the transport mechanism in place :...1 screw on top, 2 on bottom. Take the black front faceplate off of the drive...2 little screws. This exposes everything.The little idler wheel has a press on tiny,tiny piece of clear plastic holding it onto its little axle. Be hella careful. Use a tiny eyeglass screwdriver to pry it up and off. Dont lose it. Pull the idler wheel off. The rubber has hardened and slips. Pry the rubber rim off of the white plastic pulley using the tiny screwdriver. Put on an O ring that just fits. Scruff up the perimeter of the O ring with 220 sandpaper, Easy does it. Idler wheel goes back in, press on the little plastic retainer, put the black metal plate back on( 2 screws at top), slide the transport mechanism back into the front panel, secure with 3 screws, ground strap, replace cover. Clean heads, demagnetise, badda bing, badda boom.

Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Jan 31, 2010

SOURCE: slow tape speed on reel to reel tape deck

My TC-230 has the same problems and it is mechanical. Actually, its real hard to say what your problem is, but it is most likely the pinch roller is to tight on the piece that is connected to the motor. This extra tension is from a spring inside the machine and, when in storage for a long time with the machine set to stop, extra pressure builds up on this spring. Try leaving it unplugged on fast forward/play overnight. that might help.

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