Ferrograph 4S Tape Recorder
 

Ferrograph 4S Fast forward and rewind working perfectly. Play not working. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Re: Ferrograph 4s Tape Recorder
 

When you say "Play not working" do you mean the reels don't rotate, or do they rotate but there's no sound?

Re: Ferrograph 4s Tape Recorder
 

Hi Graham,

The wheels are not rotating.

Many thanks
Chris

Re: Ferrograph 4S Tape Recorder
 

Does the capstan shaft rotate? Dos the capstan motor shaft rotate?

Re: Ferrograph 4S Tape Recorder
 

Are the speed and equalisation controls in agreement? Some Ferros refuse to play unless they are set to the same speed.

Re: Ferrograph 4S Tape Recorder
 

Does the actuate (as one might call it) lever stay locked in place?
Graham

Re: Ferrograph 4S Tape Recorder
 

I would suggest that if the motors are energising when in ‘FF’ or ‘REW’ but not in ‘PLAY’ then the first place to look would be the switch wafers in the main multi-function switch.

However...

Is the capstan rotating when in ‘FF’ or ‘REW’? If not then it may be a problem only with the capstan motor.


Bill

Re: Ferrograph 4S Tape Recorder
 

With my Ferrograph, I tried checking continuity (with the power off!) first of all with the switches in different positions, checking that the right circuits were being made and broken. It's always the simple things...

Re: Ferrograph 4S Tape Recorder
 

When I first inspected a Ferro 5 with the view to purchasing it, the owner showed me how he got the capstan motor to turn after engaging play. He lifted up the deck plate, gave the motor fan a spin and it sprang into life. I bought the machine and the first thing I did when I got it home was oil top and bottom motor bearings. From that time on, the motor never missed a beat.

Re: Ferrograph 4S Tape Recorder
 

A sluggish capstan motor is sometimes a symptom of a failing phase-shift capacitor.

Bill

Re: Ferrograph 4S Tape Recorder
 

Absolutely!