Vintage Realistic 8 Track stereo service

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  • Опубліковано 9 вер 2024
  • A vintage 8 track player up on the work bench.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 123

  • @rwj777
    @rwj777 4 роки тому +17

    I still own well over one hundred 8 track tapes and they all still play very well. I have two 8 track changer playback decks...one being a 3 cartridge player and the other one being a 5 cartridge player and they both still work perfectly fine. 👌🏾 Although I love the convenience of digital steaming and downloading of music with today's technology...I still have a respect for old-school audio technology as well. 😊🎧🎵

    • @rawr51919
      @rawr51919 4 роки тому

      You could create your own 8-track jukebox with all of those

    • @stevenmann9769
      @stevenmann9769 3 роки тому

      Good for you. I feel the same way :)

  • @charlesmurphy1510
    @charlesmurphy1510 4 роки тому +21

    Not a piece of crap. It functions after all these years.

  • @michaelturner4457
    @michaelturner4457 4 роки тому +12

    This player is in the 1972 Radio Shack catalog.

  • @countzero1136
    @countzero1136 4 роки тому +2

    These are lovely old units - very well made for the day and very reliable. I used to have the UK version of this back in the day. I wish I'd hung on to it but like many in the 80s I was moving away from 8 track in favour of cassettes, so I gave it away to a friend who still has it and it still works - not bad for a machine that's almost 50 years old now!

  • @ACBMemphis
    @ACBMemphis 4 роки тому +2

    Every time we see an old piece of equipment from the 70s that continues to function perfectly, it makes the TV show "Lost" seem more plausible! :)

  • @Petertronic
    @Petertronic Рік тому +2

    "9A4" means September 1974. Nice unit, the Japanese made mechanisms were generally good, nice solenoid track changer rather than using a set of gears linked to the capstan motor. As physical formats are becoming history, it's good to preserve these old formats. Serviced cartridges played in a good machine will run happily for many, many miles!

  • @johncunningham5435
    @johncunningham5435 4 роки тому +8

    I serviced a lot of those models back in the 1980's and 90's, and yes! they were equipped with germanium transistors for audio output.

    • @olradguy
      @olradguy 4 роки тому

      Me too

    • @rahimkvayath
      @rahimkvayath 4 роки тому

      l think germanium has good quality audio . is nt it ?

  • @bones007able
    @bones007able 4 роки тому +7

    Stuff from Radio Shack from the 70's seems to be popular again , funny back in the day we made fun of stuff made in Japan ... now it is collectors goldmine stuff...how times change...

  • @jameskrivitsky9715
    @jameskrivitsky9715 4 роки тому +1

    Thanks Dave. I have a TRS-801 from what I remember, and it still works. I used to borrow albums from friends and record them onto the cartridges so that I could carry the cases of tapes with me on trips in my 1966 Chevy window van . It worked great for the period as a young adult. Only issue was that cheaper tapes went from rubber capstan rollers to crappy plastic rollers which did not grip the tape as well. Not exactly HI-fidelity but better than boredom on long drives in areas where radio reception was almost non-existent. MEMORY LANE J K

  • @5argetech56
    @5argetech56 4 роки тому +2

    Holy moly my mother had the exact same unit.

  • @jamesplotkin4674
    @jamesplotkin4674 4 роки тому +2

    When I was a tech in the late 1970's, we lived off units like these. They worked well and just needed routine maintenance. A note about the square washers with the points in the corners... I always stressed that my employees set them right back into the original depressions. It makes for a professional look to the service and an attention to detail. It's easy, but many a time I encountered units which didn't receive the care they deserved.

  • @Capturing-Memories
    @Capturing-Memories 4 роки тому +2

    At least they included a schematic, good luck getting a schematic for an iPhone.

  • @waltschannel7465
    @waltschannel7465 4 роки тому +2

    Regarding those tiny schematics that Japanese gear used to have. My mother had a radio, a silvertone, with a tiny schematic glued to the bottom plate. It was an AM FM from 1949! Made in USA!

  • @j_0076
    @j_0076 2 місяці тому

    Not junk, its retro, and reliable. With how modern companies want services behind paywalls, it is good to have physical disks to just play whenever 👍

  • @markmarkofkane8167
    @markmarkofkane8167 4 роки тому +2

    Nostalgia. I still have all my 8 track tapes. I need a player that works. Maybe when I can spare the money.

  • @Musicradio77Network
    @Musicradio77Network 4 роки тому +2

    I have a Panasonic 8-track recorder which is a model RS802US and it works great and it records music on them if you have a blank 8-track tape.

  • @DF13939
    @DF13939 3 роки тому

    We grew up with these including the music from those days.

  • @DF13939
    @DF13939 3 роки тому +2

    We grew up with these, they are not junk!

    • @12voltvids
      @12voltvids  3 роки тому

      Sold it for 100 bucks.

    • @EivinSukoi
      @EivinSukoi 6 місяців тому

      @@12voltvidshow you dare to call it “ Trash “ !!😡😡

    • @12voltvids
      @12voltvids  6 місяців тому

      @@EivinSukoi it's all trash these days. Lol.

  • @goyadressunofficial
    @goyadressunofficial 4 роки тому +4

    RS stuff may not have been the best, but it was a notch above the Hong Kong-made discount store junk.

  • @arthureverett8220
    @arthureverett8220 4 роки тому +1

    Never had too much trouble with 8 track units Just an occasional belt,crosstalk and azimuth adjustment and lube of the tape head elevation cam assy. The cartridges would go bad after a while. The powder coating would wear off causing them to bind and jam or the foam pressure pads would disintegrate and fall apart. The 8 track cartridges exhibited more trouble than the players

  • @hubzcaps
    @hubzcaps 4 роки тому +2

    Yeeee. 8 tracks are cool

  • @kingforaday8725
    @kingforaday8725 29 днів тому

    I remember when it was common for the schematics to be on a piece of paper folded up inside the unit, in the owners manual or even a separate sheet tucked in with the documentation.

  • @waynio67
    @waynio67 4 роки тому +2

    I used to have a realistic 8 track recorder, complete with VU meters, good little unit in its day,

  • @bigmsound
    @bigmsound 4 роки тому

    I am not sure of which OEM made this unit, but Uniden did indeed make AM/FM 8 track car stereos under different names, including the Cobra 98 GTL which was an AM/FM 8 Track player only, no CB. This may have been manufactured by NDI (Nihon Dengyo) as indicated on the serial number label on the back panel. Nihon Dengyo also manufactured some CB Radios for practically every brand.

  • @TrevorsBench
    @TrevorsBench 4 роки тому

    All Radio Shack gear had a date codes. The 9A4 on the back sticker is it's date code. My brother was a RS manager for about 15 years and he taught me once how to read them but I've long forgotten this nugget of knowledge

  • @sonnylou8087
    @sonnylou8087 4 роки тому +1

    Because there not made anymore, I wouldn’t mind having one to go with the rest of my old antique stereo equipment😆👍

  • @b.maguire3506
    @b.maguire3506 4 роки тому +3

    Sweet! Looks like it's time to update my 4-Track!? Thanks this! Cheers!

  • @MrRadioGypsy
    @MrRadioGypsy 4 роки тому +3

    Made by NDI for Radio Shack.
    They also made some decent CB radios back in that day for Radio Shack as well.

    • @waltschannel7465
      @waltschannel7465 4 роки тому

      Never heard of NDI. Was that a Matsusita (spelling?) brand?

    • @MrRadioGypsy
      @MrRadioGypsy 4 роки тому

      @@waltschannel7465 A Matsushita? Can't say. Little info available. Only worked on a couple of the Realistic TRC-448 40 ch SSB radios. They did use decent components and the service manual and schematic were easy to locate. Says something positive about the company, even though it was a Radio Shack re-brand.

  • @danmackintosh6325
    @danmackintosh6325 4 роки тому +1

    That's the difference between us and other repairers, see I would/do put those stabby washer things back the same way they came off haha (it just seems wrong to let them stab 4 extra dents into the wood even though most people will never see or care!)

  • @udinnzain3669
    @udinnzain3669 4 роки тому

    50 years ago, one day I found 8 track player in my brother-in-law's house, owned by his brother and lying under a bed without a cover. I stole the motor because I was so interested. I don't know what happened after that. LOL

  • @RespawnRestricted
    @RespawnRestricted 4 роки тому

    4 Quick screw and you're in I love working on old stuff

  • @rahimkvayath
    @rahimkvayath 4 роки тому +1

    as usual, you explained / presented it well

  • @reginaldlawrence412
    @reginaldlawrence412 4 роки тому +1

    My grandfather work for DELCO electronic they made 8 tracks player for cars. He thought the 8 tracks player and tapes were junk even back in the 70s.

  • @kjchicago1
    @kjchicago1 Рік тому

    This should keep your vintage 8-track player from eating up your 8-track tapes-Keep it clean and well-maintained

  • @burnttoast982
    @burnttoast982 2 роки тому

    I have a soundesign ,radio shack ?..radio 8 track combo that had a bad belt so I used a hair tye as a temporary repair and it worked!

  • @chaseedwardsedwards540
    @chaseedwardsedwards540 3 роки тому

    Those motor they also use in the long time sharp stereo cassette corder
    When they go bad usually I change them .It is something like a 12 v CW
    motor

  • @wendellporter4875
    @wendellporter4875 4 роки тому +3

    i have an realistic 8-track recorder here somewhere thats due for a restoration once i dig it out

  • @johnnytacokleinschmidt515
    @johnnytacokleinschmidt515 9 місяців тому

    9:45 😂 Macho Man. Same beat and same tempo! So funny😮

  • @ObsessionoftheMonth
    @ObsessionoftheMonth 4 роки тому +1

    date code is 9A4 which is september of 74

  • @audiodood
    @audiodood 4 роки тому +1

    Yay 8-tracks!!!!

  • @angryshoebox
    @angryshoebox 4 роки тому

    I remember 8-tracks. This unit's in the 1975 Radio Shack catalog("New for '75"). $99.95, came with 2 speakers(probably 4" or 5" drivers). The description says 5-watt amplifier, so I think it's safe to assume it's 2.5 watts per channel. www.radioshackcatalogs.com/html/1975/h154.html

  • @Gary_M
    @Gary_M 4 роки тому +3

    That's too funny they had the exact same drum beat in every song!

  • @neilwallace4597
    @neilwallace4597 4 роки тому +1

    Hi there been watching your channel for some time and you have saved me from throwing out allot of things and would like a bit of help with another panasonic plasma tv i think there is a bad cap but can't find info on it. It is marked JH 470 ETZ the symptoms are the picture is getting pixelated and losing tune from the antenna i know its not a signal problem as i have 2 tvs connected to the same antenna and the other tv is fine on the same channel no pixelastion and keeping tune this cap is below the tv antenna in thats why i suspect this its a little bulged to can't thank you enough for posting these video love seeing old thing getting brought back to life keep it up

  • @everylarrypagevideo4889
    @everylarrypagevideo4889 Рік тому

    I have a similar unit, with the addition of AM/FM tuner. Same issue with low right channel.
    P.S. - Mine has Motorola branding

  • @jhonwask
    @jhonwask 2 роки тому

    That's part of a bookshelf system. Too bad you didn't have the rest of it.

  • @mrpedrodrodriguezsr7628
    @mrpedrodrodriguezsr7628 4 роки тому

    I think the OEM of this unit was Sanyo . Some units where built by Shin Shibahura Electric that sold their products in the USA under the Silver brand .

    • @crashbandicoot4everr
      @crashbandicoot4everr 4 роки тому

      I see lots of Silver-branded receivers and tape decks here in Greece. Was it the same OEM as the US models (Shin Shibahura)?

  • @atariandre5014
    @atariandre5014 2 роки тому

    Nice video, I have a similar unit on my workbench now. I’m a bit sad you damaged that label on the back while searching for a date….worst thing the small label under the label you damaged looks like the production date label…….
    Production dates are usually in XXYY format where XX is the week number of the year (I know for some reason weeknumbers are not used in the US) and YY is the last two digits of the year. This would make this one a 1969 produced unit….which would fit to the Germanium transistors.

  • @robinsmith8846
    @robinsmith8846 11 місяців тому

    I have an old 8 track player that worked well .. let my teen have it . When he moved out I got it back but not working. Takes get James. Plays 1st song thdn nothing and tapes jam in it. It is round ...plastic and white and looks like a space helmet. But it sounded great when I bought it ...about 20 years ago. Any hope? Anywhere i can ship it and have it repaired? :/

  • @dw5555
    @dw5555 9 місяців тому +1

    I know this is an old video but hopefully you might be able to help. I just bought a Loyds 8 track player and it works fine BUT it will not change channels with the tape sensor strip. I've tried several tapes. It does change channels with the button with no problems. It makes no noise at all when it goes over the sensor strip. Ideas?

    • @dw5555
      @dw5555 9 місяців тому +1

      I was watching the video at the 12 min mark and you were talking about the sensor terminals but I couldn't really see what you were doing.

    • @12voltvids
      @12voltvids  9 місяців тому +1

      The sensor terminals poke into the opening on the opposite side of the 8track cartridge as the pinch roller. The head is in the middle opening. When the metallic strip passes over the contact it completes the circuit just like pressing the track selector button. They do the same thing, complete the circuit and apply power to the solenoid that operates the track change. If it doesn't click then either the solenoid is bad (stuck open ect) or there is no power to the sensor terminals or track selector button. Should measure about 12 volts across the terminals and switch.

  • @wdavem
    @wdavem 4 роки тому

    Yeah that schematic is funny. I wonder how much the masonite back panel would warp if you use a 500 watt opaque projector to view the schematic.

  • @EivinSukoi
    @EivinSukoi 6 місяців тому +1

    The schematic was designed for slanted small oriental eyes not for the “ Kuaylo “ 🤣

  • @hansu-nihon
    @hansu-nihon 4 роки тому +1

    I wonder, did you forgot to take out the little piece of paper from the label? Or did you remove it? In the video it seems like you forgot.🙂

  • @FreedomRock44
    @FreedomRock44 Рік тому +1

    What causes a tape to catch and break in an 8 track player???

  • @Limousine08
    @Limousine08 Рік тому

    is it normal for that capacitor for the motor to get really warm..hot even

  • @connieworcester55
    @connieworcester55 2 роки тому +1

    I just bought an "Allied/R.S. (early 70's) 8 track player/AM/FM tuner.. the bass, & treble, knobs turn a bit hard, and the tuner knob only goes half way to the left, and not all the way to the low # stations, I don't want to force it.. do you have any videos on fixing stuck knobs? also the front of the tuner doesn't light up.. I haven't tried the tape deck yet, but it supposedly works. waiting for tapes, I have some coming later in the week. like your informative videos. ..just subbed..

    • @12voltvids
      @12voltvids  2 роки тому +1

      Sticking controls. Try some contact cleaner. It has lubricating qualities.

    • @connieworcester55
      @connieworcester55 2 роки тому +1

      @@12voltvids Thank you for the reply... I will try that.... I haven't had an old 8 track stereo since I was a teen in the 70's.. Upon more research, I suspect the fact that the dial doesn't go all the way to the left, it must be the dial cord. I'm not up for that yet. but i will take it apart eventually. Thanks again for your informative videos.

    • @connieworcester55
      @connieworcester55 2 роки тому

      well, the guy I bought it from lied. the tape player doesn't work.. took it apart and the belt was off, put it back on and it keeps coming off, must be to stretched out. wonder if anyone can tell me where I can buy a new capstan belt? I have been looking online for 2 hours, and no one seems to tell the size of the belt they are selling. SO FRUSTRATING. one the good side, after taking the thing apart, the tuner dial now goes all the way across.. good grief why is it so hard to find a belt?

    • @12voltvids
      @12voltvids  2 роки тому

      @@connieworcester55 you need to measure the belt. Tie a strong around the pulley and motor tight. Cut the string and measure. Then subtract 10% and you get the belt size. Width is probably 1/4"

    • @connieworcester55
      @connieworcester55 2 роки тому

      @@12voltvids yeah, thanks, I know the size of my belt, I just can find any belts online ANYWHERE that says the size of the belt they are selling.. I'm not going to buy a belt that I have no clue as to what size it is.working on the search of 4 hrs now. smh

  • @jayflash1000
    @jayflash1000 4 роки тому

    i love it, when you say! here go another piece of junk lol haha.

  • @robinsmith8846
    @robinsmith8846 11 місяців тому

    I wish I could send a photo of my quirky space age looking 8 track tape player. I want to have it fixed... plays 1st song then nada and take is stuck inside. Where can i get it fixed? (Dont give/ lend 8 track players to teens)

  • @kevtris
    @kevtris 4 роки тому

    it seems every 8 track player had some different rube-goldberg setup for changing tracks. some use the solenoid only, some use a rubber tire and a wheel with cuts in it so it only turns 1/4th (or 1/8th) of a revolution. some have 1 set of positions on the cam, some have 2 sets. I wonder why one "best" method of changing tracks never seemed to emerge before 8 tracks went the way of the dinosaur.

    • @SeanBZA
      @SeanBZA 4 роки тому

      Probably all methods to get around patents. I would guess the modern method would be like they use with DLT tapes, with a stepper motor to move the head up and down, with microstepping to give best frequency response, and to compensate for wear and misalignment between record and playback units.

  • @Bangulo
    @Bangulo 2 роки тому +1

    How do we make a home made demagnetizer? love to see something on how to make one.

    • @12voltvids
      @12voltvids  2 роки тому +1

      Did that years ago. Search it out. (don't ask me to do it for you)

    • @johnnytacokleinschmidt515
      @johnnytacokleinschmidt515 9 місяців тому

      I used to stick a screwdriver through the tip of my induction solder gun. Put electrical tape on the tip of the screwdriver so you don't risk scratching the head.

  • @kozkoz7776
    @kozkoz7776 4 роки тому

    Need some advice i have an acoustat tnt 200 amplifier 40yrs old now mint condition sounds GREAT BUT the inside circuit boards are oxidizing can i do something about it without getting shocked due to can size capacitors

  • @user-fe1lq3oi5i
    @user-fe1lq3oi5i 3 роки тому

    I have an 8 track player in a 1980s stereo cabinet that only plays one track, is there a fix for this that I can try at home to get all tracks working? Thanks

    • @12voltvids
      @12voltvids  3 роки тому +1

      Does the solenoid click. If not check that out and see if it is sticking, if you do hear it click then something is sticking and preventing the head from changing positions.

  • @zx8401ztv
    @zx8401ztv 4 роки тому +1

    I would say it's good quality junk, all metal chassis and it sounds fine, also the part i expected to fail is the motor but that's spot on too.
    Maybe not so bad a unit really.
    Good for it's day and more reliable than modern 2 years old and dead crap lol.

    • @countzero1136
      @countzero1136 4 роки тому +1

      They were great old machines - built to last

    • @zx8401ztv
      @zx8401ztv 4 роки тому

      @@countzero1136 i don't think they were designed to fail like more modern devices.
      I have noticed junk capacitors with short life specs in many modern things, they often last about two years before failure.
      Shame to waste resources just to sell us more crap :-(.

  • @HuntersMoon78
    @HuntersMoon78 4 роки тому

    I have some of the super rare 99.9 IPA too.

  • @alcoholisfreedrink
    @alcoholisfreedrink 4 роки тому

    what about these demagnetizers that are black and have red nozzle?

  • @luanhana2100
    @luanhana2100 4 роки тому +1

    incredible technology of JAPAN with smallest . SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM.

  • @ALYOUTUBERZ
    @ALYOUTUBERZ 4 роки тому

    That schematic lmao!

  • @geirendre
    @geirendre 4 роки тому

    I guess the 8-track only was a thing in the US. In Europe we went directly to compact cassettes in the mid 60s when it was introduced by Philips.
    Before that, portable vinyl recordplayers was the only was to bring your own music.
    Well as if not the sound quality of 8-track wasn't bad enough, you play us Village People? Holly smokes...

    • @atariandre5014
      @atariandre5014 2 роки тому

      Not entirely true. American cars in Europe definitely were equipped with 8 track in those days. If you search second hand stuff websites 8 was quite surprised by the number of 8 track tapes being on offer from Dutch artists. So there definitely was a market.
      Then again, American cars weren’t very popular here because of size, fuel consumption and build “quality”. I also have a Realistic 8 track player here that is designed for 220 VAC, so definitely aimed at the European market. I also remember the Tandy (Radio Shack stores here were called Tandy) catalogue which featured 8 track players. But you are correct that the format never really got popular and we never had an 8 track BITD. The first recorder we had was one of those tiny cassette recorders. That one was soon replaced by one of those flat Toshiba decks.

    • @johnnytacokleinschmidt515
      @johnnytacokleinschmidt515 9 місяців тому

      Eight track is not too bad. And they play non-stop.

  • @noelleonard2498
    @noelleonard2498 3 роки тому

    50 year old "piece of junk" electronics but still works, can't even get a few years out of modern Chinese electronics now days.

    • @12voltvids
      @12voltvids  3 роки тому

      That is what people used to say about "Radio Scrap" products. It has held up well.

  • @colevarela7320
    @colevarela7320 3 роки тому

    Wahooo I'm the 9,3k view

  • @tonyperek7292
    @tonyperek7292 4 роки тому

    Where can you get a demagnetized like the one you used in this video please.?

    • @12voltvids
      @12voltvids  4 роки тому

      You can make one easily. I do have a video on building this one.
      3 parts. A 12v ac transformer. A steel or iron bolt and some magnet wire I salvaged out of an old little motor from a broken cordless drill.

  • @Hounddoggy33
    @Hounddoggy33 4 роки тому

    Too bad Apple doesn't give schematics for their products

  • @infinitecanadian
    @infinitecanadian 4 роки тому +2

    The beat for Indian music is also the same.

  • @joecasual2952
    @joecasual2952 2 роки тому

    "piece of crap" from Radio Shack? Your wristwatch?

    • @12voltvids
      @12voltvids  2 роки тому

      My watch is a Casio is about 20 years old very rare model. When is the last time you saw one? Exactly, you haven't as it is one of the rarer models. There were plastic body versions but the stainless steel version I have was really expensive at the time (for a Casio) and thus didn't sell well. I have an old Seiko, the very first quartz day dater they ever had. My dad got it in Japan.

  • @1979starscream
    @1979starscream 4 роки тому +1

    YMCA!

  • @AlefZero
    @AlefZero 4 роки тому +1

    Japanese people are small, so the schematic is small too... ;-)

    • @joeb2588
      @joeb2588 4 роки тому

      What's a Sumo Wrestler to do?

    • @AlefZero
      @AlefZero 4 роки тому

      A giant truck. Only. ;-)

  • @grahamamorrisonsr1135
    @grahamamorrisonsr1135 4 роки тому

    I enjoy your videos, but teary do NOT like the intro graphics. They play over content I would like to see. Think about a new opening graphic? Thanks!

    • @12voltvids
      @12voltvids  4 роки тому

      How does my opening play over the content. The content starts after the logo, and the logo will never go away as that is my copyright signature. No different than the 20th century fox logo on theor movies, or the MGM lions on their movies. It is a 15 to 20 second trade mark that tags all my videos.

  • @senorverde09
    @senorverde09 4 роки тому +1

    Radio Crap? Come on, everyone back then was selling these low end particle board units. Is it a Sansui/Marantz/Pioneer/Kenwood/[insert overpriced boat anchor boomer garbage here]? No. But it served its purpose within a target market. And besides, judging by the quality I'd say this is a step above your typical Lloyd's and SounDesign junk of the era.

  • @electronics2271
    @electronics2271 4 роки тому

    Y.M.C.A.

  • @1962sarmf
    @1962sarmf 4 роки тому

    niss 8 track player

  • @musicnerd72
    @musicnerd72 4 роки тому +3

    "I have no idea why anybody would want an 8 track player"...... My thoughts exactly. To me they are the most boring audio component.

    • @musicnerd72
      @musicnerd72 4 роки тому

      @Joseph-Denis Noël I don't do Facebook and I don't do 8 track. Nor will I ever.

  • @Synthematix
    @Synthematix 4 роки тому

    God i hated these bloody things lol

  • @mrflashport
    @mrflashport 4 роки тому +1

    Date code 9A4, 1979 and that units in the 1979 and 1980 RS Catalog. Despite the low cost, look how long it’s lasted, compare this to the China pride garbage of today that can’t last a few months...

    • @kevinsvideodump
      @kevinsvideodump 4 роки тому +2

      With Radio Shack date codes, the first digit is the month. The last digit (or two digits if above 1999) is the year. So 9A4 = September 1974. (This model was no longer in production in 1984.)

  • @manueldi_77
    @manueldi_77 4 роки тому

    Radio Crap... 😊

  • @montanalou7711
    @montanalou7711 Рік тому

    I am all interested in watching this video but his sarcasm towards everything RadioShack is ridiculous.