Akai 4000DS cam set
 

Some time ago I read that one of the contributors to this forum was planning to come up with a solution to the perennial shattered Akai tape transport cam problem on the 4000DS and I believe on other mechanically operated Akai machines too.

I contacted a company in Montana USA (Reel Pro Sound Guys) :)who were at that time supplying them but had some problem with mailing them to the UK - no doubt they're sold out by now. Could I ask if anyone who has an interest in this issue has made any headway with this before I consign my otherwise perfectly sound machine to the scrap heap. I have to be absolutely sure that all hope of restoring it to functionality is gone. I'm afraid I am one of those people that can't bear to throw anything away!

Any advice would be gratefully received.

Re: Akai 4000DS cam set
 

Here's picture of the offending part. As you can see it's well and truly broken up.

DFWB.

Re: Akai 4000DS cam set
 

Hello Guys, if i could possibly find someone with a set of the cams, or get some out of a reel to reel, i would be happy to make them out of solid aluminum which i would think would hold up.

-Chris

Re: Akai 4000DS cam set
 

Hi Cris, The Akai is a beautifully made piece of equipment, it would be a shame to dump it just because a simple part has failed.
A cam made out of alumunium would be last for ever. The gentleman who owns the machine is aware of the problem. I spoke to him this evening and he told me that the original part was made from a "white metal" which is an alloy of lead, antimony, bismuth and other substances.
Many thanks for your offer to make the parts.

DFWB.

Re: Akai 4000DS cam set
 

Hello, I bought a roberts reel to reel, same as the akai- its a 770x if it has the cams fully intact i can copy them and make a few sets for you guys. I don't mind UK or worldwide mailing.

-Chris

Re: Akai 4000DS cam set
 

AFAIK The cams differed from deck to deck so your 770 might be different from a 4000DS.

I think there were differences between the 3000D, 4000D and 4000DS

Re: Akai 4000DS cam set
 

Hmm, well if anyone has a pair to send to me, to copy I would happily do so, until then I'll try my best to find info.
-Chris

Re: Akai 4000DS cam set
 

If you wish to become involved in the past confusing threads on Akai cams , just type in "cams" in the search panel.

Colin.

Re: Akai 4000DS cam set
 

My 2nd Akai deck had the same cam go but I managed to pick one up of ebay in the states.I have still yet to fit it as its my 2nd 4000ds there's no rush .You need to look on there every week.

Re: Akai 4000DS cam set
 

I have a few cams left for the 4000 series, including one as illustrated above , any interest pm me.

Colin.

Re: Akai 4000DS cam set
 

Hi Colin, Could you say if you have any cams left and how much you want in terms of payment. I need to know now whether or not it is going to be cost effective to effect the repair. I want to restore the 4000DS but not at any cost obviously. I guess the fewer you have left the more valuable they will be!! Thanks for taking the trouble to post your response by the way.:thumbsup: Chris D

Re: Akai 4000DS cam set
 

Chris D,
email sent.

Colin.

Re: Akai 4000DS cam set
 

Hi Colin, sorry to be a nuisance - Have hunted high and low for your email but am now not sure where to look for it. Its not in my usual inbox and I can't see it in the private messages on this forum. I have located and purchased the fast forward and rewind cam (right hand lever) so just need the record/play cam (left hand lever) to complete the repair. If you can help I would be ecstatic!!

Chris D.

Re: Akai 4000DS cam set
 

Chris , have sent you another email, if not received email me. Yes I have the cam you require.

Colin.

Re: Akai 4000DS cam set
 

Colin, its just dawned on me that your emails may be getting delivered to my work email address at Bath Spa University. I'm at home at present and my email address is: email-removed@forum.rules.com

I'm really sorry for the confusion if this is what's happened.

Chris D.

Re: Akai 4000DS cam set
 

I would just like to say a big thank you to all who contributed to this thread. As a result of the advice I have been able to obtain the parts I need - one from the USA and one (and a few other parts) from the UK. Brilliant! (Thanks DOFFERY and tommy6206 particularly but also appreciated is the interest of mrmagnetophon, Michael Maurice and FERNSEH)

Re: Akai 4000DS cam set
 

How nice & what a change to find a thank you from a forum member, all too often much time & effort is made to offer support to queries, but many long threads just "end", with no result mentioned.

Colin.

Re: Akai 4000DS cam set
 

Greetings Colin,

Im looking for a play/record cam for the 4000DS. Might you still have one left? Ill send a PM as well.

thx.

Bobby

Re: Akai 4000DS cam set
 

Sorry Bobby out of stock at present, hoping to obtain new supply in the near future, will keep you in mind.

Colin.

Re: Akai 4000DS cam set
 

Please do... thanks!