AIWA AD-R500 stops after a few seconds.
 

Hi all.

I want to repair a tape deck AIWA AD-R500 I got for 5€.

It powers up and when pressed FF or RWD it stops after about 2 seconds.

I opened it (what a cable mess!! and found the belts broken.

I put a new one and after compulsory clean, the same happens.

What can it be?

Thanks.

Re: AIWA AD-R500 stops after a few seconds.
 

On some models there is a sensor on the tape counter to detect if the tape is moving. If that requires a belt change it also. Double-check all the belts and idler.

Re: AIWA AD-R500 stops after a few seconds.
 

Thanks and THANKS again. I don't have a belt for it right now, but moved it with my finger and the tape kept rolling!!

Now I have to get a belt for it, 80 mm long and I will continue testing it!!

I'll keep you updated!

Re: AIWA AD-R500 stops after a few seconds.
 

:thumbsup:

Re: AIWA AD-R500 stops after a few seconds.
 

Now that I have the mechanical part working, there comes the sound quality step.

When playing, a background "taka-taka-taka-taka-taka" is heard.

As I still have the deck disasembled, maybe this is something about the circuits not being properly grounded, isn't it?

Re: AIWA AD-R500 stops after a few seconds.
 

Yes that's quite possible. Also, if you have a mobile phone or Wi-Fi router nearby then you may experience interference issues. Check the RCA outputs for cracked solder joints, anyway.

While you're there, spray the long Record/ Play switch and all the rotary controls with a good quality switch cleaner (for example, Servisol). DO NOT use WD-40.

Re: AIWA AD-R500 stops after a few seconds.
 

You mean the noise is present on the audio output, and not a mechanical noise.

If so then the first things to try are different tape, and also try loading the motors a little with your finger... see if that alters the level/frequency at all. You can try stalling the take up spool. Any effect ? Also see if the noise is present in pause.

As long as the mech is screwed into the chassis correctly then all should be OK groundwise although I have recollections of having to ground the head plate on an Aiwa ADF770 for some noise related issue.

Try and gather evidence.

Also try playing the tape in another machine, just to be sure this one isn't adding some odd pulses to the tape (which would be bizarre but stranger things have happened).

Record play switches... don't usually cause this type of problem but if it uses the long multiway ones then give them a good workout to and fro (with no tape in the machine).

Re: AIWA AD-R500 stops after a few seconds.
 

Good point. I had this happen with an Aiwa midi system. The pinch roller had a minute blob of oxide embedded in it. The more times a cassette was played, the more clicky it became 8-o

Re: AIWA AD-R500 stops after a few seconds.
 

Some pics for your viewing pleasure.

Please take a look at the third picture. There is a button on the left of the METAL button than I haven't seen in other pictures of the same model.

It's not labeled. What can it be for?

Re: AIWA AD-R500 stops after a few seconds.
 

That extra button looks like a modification as it looks like there was some lettering there originally. The hole doesn't have the same plastic surround as all the other holes.

Re: AIWA AD-R500 stops after a few seconds.
 

Yes, the indication of "ON - PRESSED / OFF RELEASED" for the "METAL" and "Dolby NR/MPX" buttons.

The button itself is different, too.

Inside, there are several cables going from it to the main board. The red, orange and brown ones.