Akai GX-230D slow rewind - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

barrywebb · 13th Mar 2019, 1:25 pm

Hi all my Akai GX230D is slow to rewind towards the end of the tape is this a built in feature or is there something wrong it has 3 motors.
Barry

ben · 13th Mar 2019, 1:57 pm

The ones on youtube seem very fast even near tape start, so it seems you have a problem. I do not think this deck has any logic or servo motor control.

I assume you have tried several different tapes from various manufacturers? Sony, Ampex and some 70s Scotch can go sticky.
Check the tape path and guides for any deposits. That includes the tension arm. If this has wear on it, it can slow the winding too. Inspect carefully.

On some machines, the tension arm activates an extra motor winding in fast wind, check the service manual in this case. That circuit may not work properly, causing poor winding.

If no luck with the above, then you will have to open it up and see what happens when winding. Look at how the motors are connected to the spool tables, if via rubber belt or idler then there's your problem.

Maybe some braking or backtension misadjustment is the problem. Don't adjust anything until you are sure and have the equipment to set it up again.

ms660 · 13th Mar 2019, 5:08 pm

For what it's worth, according to the schematic the switch contacts that are common to rewind only are those in the F.F. switch (SW5) and those in the Fast.2 switch (SW6) The series/shunt resistor for the supply/take up motors in F.F/Rew. is R2 (43 Ohm)

Lawrence.

13th Mar 2019, 1:25 pm	#1
barrywebb Tetrode Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Redruth, Cornwall, UK. Posts: 85	Akai GX-230D slow rewind Hi all my Akai GX230D is slow to rewind towards the end of the tape is this a built in feature or is there something wrong it has 3 motors. Barry

13th Mar 2019, 1:57 pm	#2
ben Dekatron Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Madrid, Spain / Wirral, UK Posts: 7,498	Re: Akai GX-230D slow rewind The ones on youtube seem very fast even near tape start, so it seems you have a problem. I do not think this deck has any logic or servo motor control. I assume you have tried several different tapes from various manufacturers? Sony, Ampex and some 70s Scotch can go sticky. Check the tape path and guides for any deposits. That includes the tension arm. If this has wear on it, it can slow the winding too. Inspect carefully. On some machines, the tension arm activates an extra motor winding in fast wind, check the service manual in this case. That circuit may not work properly, causing poor winding. If no luck with the above, then you will have to open it up and see what happens when winding. Look at how the motors are connected to the spool tables, if via rubber belt or idler then there's your problem. Maybe some braking or backtension misadjustment is the problem. Don't adjust anything until you are sure and have the equipment to set it up again. __________________ Regards, Ben.

13th Mar 2019, 5:08 pm	#3
ms660 Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Cornwall, UK. Posts: 13,454	Re: Akai GX-230D slow rewind For what it's worth, according to the schematic the switch contacts that are common to rewind only are those in the F.F. switch (SW5) and those in the Fast.2 switch (SW6) The series/shunt resistor for the supply/take up motors in F.F/Rew. is R2 (43 Ohm) Lawrence.