Studer A810 - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Keith1973 · 23rd Jul 2012, 12:33 am

Does anyone know if this model can play smaller 7inch reels ? It's not too clear in the instruction manual.

It plays 10.5 inch reels with NAB adapters fine(ish). But it has some tension issues when I try it with 7inch reels. There doesn't seem to be a large/small hub switch on this machine as found on Revox B77/PR99's.

I tried an AMPEX 456 7inch reel and the playback speed was too slow unless I pushed back on the tension arm on the supply reel side. The tape seemed to be very tight, but a Maxell 18-180 (very thin triple play tape) seems to be fine.

Rewind is also very sluggish on any reel size now. Pressing "LIFTER" so the tape drops back onto the heads seems to get it going again. I guess there's something wrong with the guides that move the tape away during spooling.

Since trying it with these 7inch reels I now get intermittent speed fluctuations on playback of 10.5inch reels. The PLL servo light stays on so I'm guessing the capstan speed is not changing but again maybe it's a tension issue.

Thanks.

Michael Maurice · 23rd Jul 2012, 7:24 am

The tension arms if working correctly should ensure that any size spool will work, so yes you should be able to use 7" spools with no problems.

It would appear that you either have sticky shed tape or that there is an issue with the pinch roller

Ted Kendall · 23rd Jul 2012, 10:29 am

Sounds indeed like sticky shed, assuming that the tensions are correctly adjusted. Be careful to clean the lifter pins thoroughly, as gunk can accumulate in the guttering and give the signs you describe. In normal use, the A810 copes well with any spool size and most tape thicknesses, although I might suggest backing the peak tensions off a little if you are using TP to any extent - but don't just tweak away blindly, or you'll end up in a mess.

jamesperrett · 23rd Jul 2012, 1:27 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith1973

I tried an AMPEX 456 7inch reel

Ampex 456 = sticky shed (unless you are extremely lucky)

James.

23rd Jul 2012, 12:33 am	#1
Keith1973 Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Bristol, UK. Posts: 64	Studer A810 Does anyone know if this model can play smaller 7inch reels ? It's not too clear in the instruction manual. It plays 10.5 inch reels with NAB adapters fine(ish). But it has some tension issues when I try it with 7inch reels. There doesn't seem to be a large/small hub switch on this machine as found on Revox B77/PR99's. I tried an AMPEX 456 7inch reel and the playback speed was too slow unless I pushed back on the tension arm on the supply reel side. The tape seemed to be very tight, but a Maxell 18-180 (very thin triple play tape) seems to be fine. Rewind is also very sluggish on any reel size now. Pressing "LIFTER" so the tape drops back onto the heads seems to get it going again. I guess there's something wrong with the guides that move the tape away during spooling. Since trying it with these 7inch reels I now get intermittent speed fluctuations on playback of 10.5inch reels. The PLL servo light stays on so I'm guessing the capstan speed is not changing but again maybe it's a tension issue. Thanks.

23rd Jul 2012, 7:24 am	#2
Michael Maurice Moderator Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Wembley, Middlesex Posts: 7,224	Re: Studer A810 The tension arms if working correctly should ensure that any size spool will work, so yes you should be able to use 7" spools with no problems. It would appear that you either have sticky shed tape or that there is an issue with the pinch roller __________________ Forum Moderator http://www.michaelmauricerepairs.co.uk/

23rd Jul 2012, 10:29 am	#3
Ted Kendall Dekatron Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Kington, Herefordshire, UK. Posts: 3,670	Re: Studer A810 Sounds indeed like sticky shed, assuming that the tensions are correctly adjusted. Be careful to clean the lifter pins thoroughly, as gunk can accumulate in the guttering and give the signs you describe. In normal use, the A810 copes well with any spool size and most tape thicknesses, although I might suggest backing the peak tensions off a little if you are using TP to any extent - but don't just tweak away blindly, or you'll end up in a mess.