Tascam MD-801R No Record - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Linnovice · 3rd Mar 2016, 10:49 pm

Hi all, I have just bought a Tascam MD-801R Mini Disc player recorder. It has come with a fault (which I knew about) in as much as it plays a pre recorded disk ok, indicates a signal that is input but will not record onto disc. i.e.. Set it up to record, check levels and start in record mode. Stop recording and go to play and there is nothing on the disc.
So, I've spent a number of hours today trying to obtain a service manual with the schematic drawings. No luck. I've spoken to the UK repair agents who inform me that the 801 is no longer supported by Tascam and there are no spare parts available. When I requested a manual I was told that they would not supply a manual either. When I pointed out that if they no longer supported them and there were no spares why withhold the manual. I was then told there were no user serviceable items anyway. So apparently if you have dodgy caps, diodes, FET's, etc you are not able to service them. I get the feeling they just want to supply new technology boxes. ****** the service side!
Anyway, to the point. If anyone has or knows where I can get a copy/pdf of the Service Manual for a Tascam MD-801R would they be kind enough to let me know please.

Diabolical Artificer · 7th Mar 2016, 8:11 am

Try writing to Tascam anyway Mike, though not sure who they're owned by nowadays. A nice letter extolling the virtues of other Tascam gear you have and their lovely manuels wouldnt go amiss. David (Radiowrangler) made a good point on a similar thread;- when requesting schematics etc to companies it's a good idea to include the serial # of your device.

Apart from cleaning the optics and tracing AC signals with a scope, I can't offer any advice. BTW, I have some new disks if you want them, drop me an email if so.

Good luck mate, Andy.

arjoll · 8th Mar 2016, 1:58 am

Tascam are still a division of Teac - I've found they are still pretty good. It would probably be worth bypassing the UK agents if you are getting no luck there.

Linnovice · 10th Mar 2016, 10:10 am

Hi guys, thanks for the responses and support. I've taken your advice and written direct to Tascam (on Tuesday) but have not received any reply yet.
It's such a PITA, I bought some recorded discs from eBay and they play really well. Everything works exactly as it should. It leads me to believe the problem is with the laser, I can't think what else it could be. If I could only find out the part number, etc at least it would give me something to look for. At present I'm just PITW!

3rd Mar 2016, 10:49 pm	#1
Linnovice Hexode Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Chelmsford, Essex, UK Posts: 386	Tascam MD-801R No Record Hi all, I have just bought a Tascam MD-801R Mini Disc player recorder. It has come with a fault (which I knew about) in as much as it plays a pre recorded disk ok, indicates a signal that is input but will not record onto disc. i.e.. Set it up to record, check levels and start in record mode. Stop recording and go to play and there is nothing on the disc. So, I've spent a number of hours today trying to obtain a service manual with the schematic drawings. No luck. I've spoken to the UK repair agents who inform me that the 801 is no longer supported by Tascam and there are no spare parts available. When I requested a manual I was told that they would not supply a manual either. When I pointed out that if they no longer supported them and there were no spares why withhold the manual. I was then told there were no user serviceable items anyway. So apparently if you have dodgy caps, diodes, FET's, etc you are not able to service them. I get the feeling they just want to supply new technology boxes. ****** the service side! Anyway, to the point. If anyone has or knows where I can get a copy/pdf of the Service Manual for a Tascam MD-801R would they be kind enough to let me know please. __________________ Small Scotch, New Aids and Happy Ears

7th Mar 2016, 8:11 am	#2
Diabolical Artificer Dekatron Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Sleaford, Lincs. UK. Posts: 7,658	Re: Tascam MD-801R No Record Try writing to Tascam anyway Mike, though not sure who they're owned by nowadays. A nice letter extolling the virtues of other Tascam gear you have and their lovely manuels wouldnt go amiss. David (Radiowrangler) made a good point on a similar thread;- when requesting schematics etc to companies it's a good idea to include the serial # of your device. Apart from cleaning the optics and tracing AC signals with a scope, I can't offer any advice. BTW, I have some new disks if you want them, drop me an email if so. Good luck mate, Andy. __________________ Curiosity hasn't killed this cat...so far.

8th Mar 2016, 1:58 am	#3
arjoll Dekatron Join Date: May 2006 Location: Invercargill, New Zealand Posts: 3,457	Re: Tascam MD-801R No Record Tascam are still a division of Teac - I've found they are still pretty good. It would probably be worth bypassing the UK agents if you are getting no luck there.

10th Mar 2016, 10:10 am	#4
Linnovice Hexode Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Chelmsford, Essex, UK Posts: 386	Re: Tascam MD-801R No Record Hi guys, thanks for the responses and support. I've taken your advice and written direct to Tascam (on Tuesday) but have not received any reply yet. It's such a PITA, I bought some recorded discs from eBay and they play really well. Everything works exactly as it should. It leads me to believe the problem is with the laser, I can't think what else it could be. If I could only find out the part number, etc at least it would give me something to look for. At present I'm just PITW! __________________ Small Scotch, New Aids and Happy Ears