Akai GX-1820 - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

brymac · 23rd Jul 2017, 5:46 pm

My trusty Akai GX-1820 combined tape deck and 8 track has suddenly decided that it will only play reel-to-reel tapes at rewind speed! The 8 track works fine. Changing the speed selector makes no difference.

Happy to take the thing apart (I have the service manual) but what am I looking for please

Bryan

Vicboduk · 24th Jul 2017, 12:40 pm

Take a look at the pinch wheel. Is it fully engaging against the capstan with the correct pressure? Also give it a good clean. Modern tapes can leave the pinch wheel with a very shiny surface causing the tape to slip past, particularly if the take up torque is high.

Vic

brymac · 24th Jul 2017, 12:54 pm

Thanks - will do!

Bryan

brymac · 24th Jul 2017, 2:32 pm

That was it! A good clean with alcohol impregnated q-tips fixed it!

Thanks,

Bryan

23rd Jul 2017, 5:46 pm	#1
brymac Hexode Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: East Sussex, UK. Posts: 389	Akai GX-1820 My trusty Akai GX-1820 combined tape deck and 8 track has suddenly decided that it will only play reel-to-reel tapes at rewind speed! The 8 track works fine. Changing the speed selector makes no difference. Happy to take the thing apart (I have the service manual) but what am I looking for please Bryan

24th Jul 2017, 12:40 pm	#2
Vicboduk Hexode Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: S.W. London, UK. Posts: 417	Re: Akai gx-1820 Take a look at the pinch wheel. Is it fully engaging against the capstan with the correct pressure? Also give it a good clean. Modern tapes can leave the pinch wheel with a very shiny surface causing the tape to slip past, particularly if the take up torque is high. Vic

24th Jul 2017, 12:54 pm	#3
brymac Hexode Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: East Sussex, UK. Posts: 389	Re: Akai gx-1820 Thanks - will do! Bryan

24th Jul 2017, 2:32 pm	#4
brymac Hexode Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: East Sussex, UK. Posts: 389	Re: Akai GX-1820 That was it! A good clean with alcohol impregnated q-tips fixed it! Thanks, Bryan