That was a great video! Just think, someone sat down and drew that multi-piece mechanical mechanism up, tested and validated all of the mechanism before production. There is no substitute for experience when dealing with these complex, vintage pieces. These reel to reels were seen in quite a few homes once upon a time. Thanks for saving another piece of history!
This is a quality made tape recorder forgotten how much metal joint being placed to stear the tape. Respect to go and dig into this peace of mechical engineering. Wish they still made tape recorders course now I only can record my vinyl to digital junk. Good work Trevor 👍😉
@@TrevorsBench yes you did well didn't realize so many transistors to go bad. It are those legs that become oxidized? Man am I glad I use vacuum tubes 😁 nice motors in the Akai they don't make surge anymore. I see a lot of crap in new audio like switching psu nice high freq. Ratling into the audio parts. I love my Push-pull 6550 tube amp with neg. Grid voltage. Well I'm of to my vinyl now and enjoy my set. Cheers Trevor
Hi Trevor, nice peace of machinery! Don’t be too hard for it: a better check for frequency response at higher frequencies is at minus (-) 10 dB! Did you also demagnitized the tapepath? And one more thing: try to adjust the bias for a particilur (favorite) tape. You’ll be amazed of the results. Decks like these with the glass heads can easily cope with frequencies up to and above 25 kHz at high speed… Greetz from The Netherlands!
Thank you your patience is fantastic ... I payed attention and learned many things about how much it takes to maintain such a machine ... I love my reel to reel and try to maintain it to the best of my knowledge ... Thank you ... Please keep adding color to my world much love and respect ...
@@TrevorsBench I subbed to your channel i like how you explain in detail the procedure of repair and troubleshooting. Hopefully i will learn something watching your videos. Have you done a video on how to hook up a signal generator to a reel to reel or stereo receiver? meaning how to set the generator to a certain frequency and where to hook up the cables to the unit under test? Thank you
Amazing work getting this rtr backup and running. Enjoyed the video. I have a Teac from my dad and it’s been non functioning for over 40 years and still debating if I should try to repair it or sell it for someone else to tackle. It has some sentimental value and do want to record some vinyl tracks.
Wow - thanks SOOO much for making this video - I learned so much! Just picked up a GX-747 DBX and I opened it up to get it up to speed. Your video gave me a lot of tips and pointers, even though they’re two different decks. Cheers mate!
Great video, Trevor. I really loved it. I Wonder, can you tell me where I could get hold of these small VU metres that are on this tape deck? I'm after a pair that I can perhaps put on the front of my old amp. I used to think they looked great on the amp I owned in the late 70's. Thanks for sharing.
not sure how many tape decks you service, but you should consider using calibration tape, such as those available from MRL, which come pre recorded with all the necessary test frequencies etc.. They are not super expensive, and you can use them to also adjust head azimuth etc..
While there will be similarities between the two, they are different decks. I have a GX270D waiting for it's turn on the bench but I'm not sure when I will get to it, maybe early 2024. Stay tuned
Also “remove the two pegs that hold the tape head cover in place.” I torqued on the faceplate for a while before figuring out those were what was holding it down
Good afternoon dear, could you please make a tutorial on how to record on this reel to reel either from a vinyl, cassette or laptop. I have no experience recording tapes, the tutorial would help me a lot, I got this model a few days ago akai gx265D.
I just finished up recapping and replacing the 458 transistors in a 265D. Over half the caps from the PB/Record boards were bad. Had a couple that were is even bulging from the bottom. I noticed the same issue with this unit that your unit is exhibiting at ua-cam.com/video/Iq0JrX1gZC4/v-deo.html where the needles jitter when the tape playback is selected while recording. Is this common as I've seen other videos where this same "jitter" is occurring during this adjustment. What is causing this because not knowing if this is normal is bugging me. Also, would you mind sharing how you do the the Bias Leak adjustment?
Needles that jitter might be indication there is a low frequency signal, maybe a oscillation? If you have a scope you will see it right away. Honestly. I can't remember the adjustment procedures but the service manual should be your guide to getting it done correctly. Thanks
you do a grate job fussy like me i have an akai -m-10 it works ok but needs tlc the auto reverse worked ok but now it is off a little -deck not in bad shape - want to look it over -let me know will send it if you want to do it -since you have all the tools and meters i dont have thanks wc
I'm not sure what you're asking. The take up reel has two modes of operation. During FF or REW the reel motors have a high torque to speed up tape transfer between reels. During playback the tape speed is regulated by the capstan and pinch roller, the reel motors are run at reduced torque only to keep the tape taught and remove any slack. I hope that answers your question
@@TrevorsBench Hi Trevor, thanks for the reply. I am new to these and just bought one untested. I have been running it with no tape (not purchased one yet) to test the functions and noticed that in PLAY mode 1) The spools seem to spin as fast as they do in FAST FORWARD mode and 2) The SPEED REDUCTION switch makes no difference. Is this a fault or does that all change when a tape is used?
@@thegreymatter9923 Yes, if you run it without tape they will spin fast. With your hand try to stop the reel tables when in the different modes like REW, FF and PLAY. You'll notice the motor torque will be much higher when in REW and FF, this is normal This is the principal of all tape machines, cassette or open reel
hi there, reel to reel newbie from California here. i just purchased an akai gx 270d and have some questions about how to repair it myself, it is not in bad condition but has lubrication/ play direction problems. id really like to get in contact if possible, im really excited about the unit but have little experience in analog recording equipment.
Hi Miguel, your best resource would be to seek out the service manual. It would cover all the adjustment procedures, which I'm guessing, your 270 would now need. Look on HiFi Engine website for the documentation for a start. HTH
Trancam 22-4 Could you tell me why I cannot record any longer the meters are working when I put it on source to playback nothing if you have any information I would appreciate it
Hey Trevor! Thank you!!!Tape comes off in reverse from the beginning of play but when I REW it like less than 1/2 inch of tape all OK... and when in reverse from its beginning if I slightly touching the supply reel (inthis case its a right reel) tape does not come off.I am assuming the problem is in not enough TENSION on RIGHT REEL.In manuals it says that microswithch SW 9 (tension switch)" If necessary, move the microswitchto obtain optimum position."Please advise
Could be a problem with the meter drive circuit, bad transistor, bad trim pot, bad cap? There's no way to know unless diagnosed. The meter could also be displaying a excessive signal on that side which could be a bad distortion or oscillation in that channel
@@TrevorsBench I will check to see if one of the drive boards has the problem by switching them. I will probably end up replacing the caps and transistors on both boards. The reel to reel that i actually have is a Roberts 450A and is the same as the Akai 4000d i have the service manual for the 4000d. Hope i can figure out the problem. The rtr is in excellent condition cosmetically even inside it the chassis looks like new. Cheers
I was not at your tech for years and I hated t work on them horribly belt bad design hard to work on Their design of the glass ferret head was a true game changer it was very good but almost machines it couldn’t do that good
Hello! I have the same AKAI 265D when I turn the back arrow to the left manually - relay chirps. and when automatically - all normal. tell me what it may be where to look for?
I can't advise you what to fix through youtube comments. If you have troubles with the auto reverse you could start by checking switches and relays. They can oxidize and cause problems with the operation
That was a great video! Just think, someone sat down and drew that multi-piece mechanical mechanism up, tested and validated all of the mechanism before production. There is no substitute for experience when dealing with these complex, vintage pieces. These reel to reels were seen in quite a few homes once upon a time. Thanks for saving another piece of history!
Thanks for you kind words, I really enjoyed working on this one
I'm about to refurbish a 266. Your video is a great guide and covers a lot. Thanks 🙏
This is a quality made tape recorder forgotten how much metal joint being placed to stear the tape.
Respect to go and dig into this peace of mechical engineering. Wish they still made tape recorders course now I only can record my vinyl to digital junk.
Good work Trevor 👍😉
Thanks digger, i had some fun sorting this one out
@@TrevorsBench yes you did well didn't realize so many transistors to go bad. It are those legs that become oxidized? Man am I glad I use vacuum tubes 😁 nice motors in the Akai they don't make surge anymore. I see a lot of crap in new audio like switching psu nice high freq. Ratling into the audio parts.
I love my Push-pull 6550 tube amp with neg. Grid voltage. Well I'm of to my vinyl now and enjoy my set. Cheers Trevor
Hi Trevor, nice peace of machinery! Don’t be too hard for it: a better check for frequency response at higher frequencies is at minus (-) 10 dB! Did you also demagnitized the tapepath? And one more thing: try to adjust the bias for a particilur (favorite) tape. You’ll be amazed of the results. Decks like these with the glass heads can easily cope with frequencies up to and above 25 kHz at high speed… Greetz from The Netherlands!
Thank you your patience is fantastic ... I payed attention and learned many things about how much it takes to maintain such a machine ... I love my reel to reel and try to maintain it to the best of my knowledge ... Thank you ... Please keep adding color to my world much love and respect ...
Good to hear you found the video helpful, thanks for watching
@@TrevorsBench Do you have a video of working on a Teac A-2300S or any Teac's? very interesting and informative video.
Thank You
@@SDsailor7 Not yet, hopefully in the future I'll get to work on a Teac
@@TrevorsBench Thank you for replying back
@@TrevorsBench I subbed to your channel i like how you explain in detail the procedure of repair and troubleshooting. Hopefully i will learn something watching your videos. Have you done a video on how to hook up a signal generator to a reel to reel or stereo receiver? meaning how to set the generator to a certain frequency and where to hook up the cables to the unit under test?
Thank you
Amazing work getting this rtr backup and running. Enjoyed the video. I have a Teac from my dad and it’s been non functioning for over 40 years and still debating if I should try to repair it or sell it for someone else to tackle. It has some sentimental value and do want to record some vinyl tracks.
Wow - thanks SOOO much for making this video - I learned so much! Just picked up a GX-747 DBX and I opened it up to get it up to speed. Your video gave me a lot of tips and pointers, even though they’re two different decks. Cheers mate!
Special greetings from Germany, such a great video. Now I knew, what‘s to do. Very very fine.
Great video, Trevor. I really loved it. I Wonder, can you tell me where I could get hold of these small VU metres that are on this tape deck? I'm after a pair that I can perhaps put on the front of my old amp. I used to think they looked great on the amp I owned in the late 70's. Thanks for sharing.
not sure how many tape decks you service, but you should consider using calibration tape, such as those available from MRL, which come pre recorded with all the necessary test frequencies etc.. They are not super expensive, and you can use them to also adjust head azimuth etc..
Yes, I need to get spendy and get some necessary tools
Acetone works good on the heads to remove any gunk that alcohol does not want to remove
I have a GX-270D. Will this video also apply to my deck?
While there will be similarities between the two, they are different decks.
I have a GX270D waiting for it's turn on the bench but I'm not sure when I will get to it, maybe early 2024. Stay tuned
Hi Great video . Do you work on Akia GX-77 reel to reel tape decks and where are you located
Under the skin they pretty much all operate the same. I'm located in Alberta, Canada
Also “remove the two pegs that hold the tape head cover in place.” I torqued on the faceplate for a while before figuring out those were what was holding it down
And two screws on the bottom too to remove the chassis
Good afternoon dear, could you please make a tutorial on how to record on this reel to reel either from a vinyl, cassette or laptop. I have no experience recording tapes, the tutorial would help me a lot, I got this model a few days ago akai gx265D.
I just finished up recapping and replacing the 458 transistors in a 265D. Over half the caps from the PB/Record boards were bad. Had a couple that were is even bulging from the bottom. I noticed the same issue with this unit that your unit is exhibiting at ua-cam.com/video/Iq0JrX1gZC4/v-deo.html where the needles jitter when the tape playback is selected while recording. Is this common as I've seen other videos where this same "jitter" is occurring during this adjustment. What is causing this because not knowing if this is normal is bugging me.
Also, would you mind sharing how you do the the Bias Leak adjustment?
Needles that jitter might be indication there is a low frequency signal, maybe a oscillation? If you have a scope you will see it right away.
Honestly. I can't remember the adjustment procedures but the service manual should be your guide to getting it done correctly.
Thanks
Great detail. Thank You!
when play back in mine only sounds the left side, i can imput sound thru the back and goes L&R BUT NOT WHILE PLAYING THE TAPE ANY IDEA?
you do a grate job fussy like me i have an akai -m-10 it works ok but needs tlc the auto reverse worked ok but now it is off a little -deck not in bad shape - want to look it over -let me know will send it if you want to do it -since you have all the tools and meters i dont have thanks wc
Thanks Walter, right now I'm busy for the summer so i'm trying to limit the outside work for now
How do you test the caps? Do you remove them or test in the circuit. Is it a voltage test? I don't have a capacitor checker.
Hi Trevor I love watching your video but can I ask where is your location because I wanna bring amplifier from 1970 to you, thanks
Hi Greg, I'm located just outside of Edmonton, AB
@@TrevorsBench Very interesting and informative video.
Thank you
@@SDsailor7 Thanks for watching
Am I right in thinking that the in play mode the spools only turn slowly with a tape on them?
I'm not sure what you're asking. The take up reel has two modes of operation. During FF or REW the reel motors have a high torque to speed up tape transfer between reels.
During playback the tape speed is regulated by the capstan and pinch roller, the reel motors are run at reduced torque only to keep the tape taught and remove any slack.
I hope that answers your question
@@TrevorsBench Hi Trevor, thanks for the reply. I am new to these and just bought one untested. I have been running it with no tape (not purchased one yet) to test the functions and noticed that in PLAY mode 1) The spools seem to spin as fast as they do in FAST FORWARD mode and 2) The SPEED REDUCTION switch makes no difference. Is this a fault or does that all change when a tape is used?
@@thegreymatter9923 Yes, if you run it without tape they will spin fast. With your hand try to stop the reel tables when in the different modes like REW, FF and PLAY.
You'll notice the motor torque will be much higher when in REW and FF, this is normal
This is the principal of all tape machines, cassette or open reel
@@TrevorsBench Many thanks Trevor for a great video and your replies. 🙂
Does it have the 2sc458 transistors? those are known to be noisy
hi there, reel to reel newbie from California here. i just purchased an akai gx 270d and have some questions about how to repair it myself, it is not in bad condition but has lubrication/ play direction problems. id really like to get in contact if possible, im really excited about the unit but have little experience in analog recording equipment.
Hi Miguel, your best resource would be to seek out the service manual. It would cover all the adjustment procedures, which I'm guessing, your 270 would now need.
Look on HiFi Engine website for the documentation for a start. HTH
Trancam 22-4 Could you tell me why I cannot record any longer the meters are working when I put it on source to playback nothing if you have any information I would appreciate it
where do I have my AKAI TAPE REPPAIRED NO SOUND
Hey Trevor! Thank you!!!Tape comes off in reverse from the beginning of play but when I REW it like less than 1/2 inch of tape all OK... and when in reverse from its beginning if I slightly touching the supply reel (inthis case its a right reel) tape does not come off.I am assuming the problem is in not enough TENSION on RIGHT REEL.In manuals it says that microswithch SW 9 (tension switch)" If necessary, move the microswitchto obtain optimum position."Please advise
Many thanks for great video!
Can I submit my OTARI MX5050 BII2 for service?
What causes the VU meter on the right side of an akai 4000d to go to the red are constantly? Anyone know?
Thank you
Could be a problem with the meter drive circuit, bad transistor, bad trim pot, bad cap? There's no way to know unless diagnosed.
The meter could also be displaying a excessive signal on that side which could be a bad distortion or oscillation in that channel
@@TrevorsBench I will check to see if one of the drive boards has the problem by switching them. I will probably end up replacing the caps and transistors on both boards. The reel to reel that i actually have is a Roberts 450A and is the same as the Akai 4000d i have the service manual for the 4000d.
Hope i can figure out the problem. The rtr is in excellent condition cosmetically even inside it the chassis looks like new.
Cheers
Hi Trevor, If you have known frequency going into the tape deck, couldn't you hook up your oscilloscope and adjust accordingly?
Steve
I was not at your tech for years and I hated t work on them horribly belt bad design hard to work on Their design of the glass ferret head was a true game changer it was very good but almost machines it couldn’t do that good
ok got your message -no hurry when you free -let me know -we can do it then -ok thanks wc
excellent video but I hope you grew out of that music😂😂
amazing!!!
HI TREVOR I ASKED U A QUESTION AND ON A WAIT
dirty heads is the first thing you should have checked.
When I do extensive work the head cleaning is done last
Hello! I have the same AKAI 265D when I turn the back arrow to the left manually - relay chirps. and when automatically - all normal. tell me what it may be where to look for?
I can't advise you what to fix through youtube comments. If you have troubles with the auto reverse you could start by checking switches and relays. They can oxidize and cause problems with the operation