Amstrad CPC464

[bonkersdan]

I just bought an Amstrad CPC464 for the bargain price of a fiver and the play button depresses but does nothing! I'm assuming this is something mechanical rather than electrical? how might I fix this?

[JohnBHanson]

try typing
load ""

The play is controlled by the computer

[bonkersdan]

It says "operand missing"

[Clydeuk]

Sorry can't remember if I'm thinking of the right computer or not. Load "" was the load command for the ZX Spectrum, I have a feeling the Amstrad computers you used a 2 key combination (maybe Shift - Run/Stop or similar)

Then again that might be for the Commodore 64. Have a google I'm sure you'll find it. As mentioned the cassette unit will do nothing until the load command is issued.

[Clydeuk]

Just found it... the command you need is run"
And 2 key shortcut is SHIFT and ENTER (on the numeric pad I believe)

Bringing back some good memories

[jay_oldstuff]

It's shift enter then press play on tape and press enter again to start the tape.
Love these machines.

Jay

[bonkersdan]

shift-enter and play worked, except the right hand spool seems to stick after a second or so!

[jay_oldstuff]

the cassette unit will probably need a service, a new drive-belt and a good clean especially round the capstan and pinch roller should have it working properly again. I've serviced many of these units which are very smiler to the unit used in the Sinclair spectrum +2 and most work fine after a new belt and a good clean.

Jay

[bonkersdan]

Where would I get a drive belt from, and perhaps some instructions on how to do it?

[Courtney Louise]

eBay

[jay_oldstuff]

Yes you can get them on eBay, as for fitting have a look on YouTube. Search for cpc 464 drive belt replacement or spectrum plus 2 drive belt replacement. The machines basically use the same tape mechanism. It's easier for you to watch someone do it than it is for me to try to describe how to do it.

Jay

[bonkersdan]

Had it apart last night and the drive belt seems very stretchy and slack, have ordered new belts off ebay and found a youtube vid that seems fairly easy to follow!!! cant wait to fit it then it's all about Harrier Attack!!!!!

[camtechman]

cant wait to fit it then it's all about Harrier Attack!!!!!

And women say we're all really big kids underneath........ YEP!!! Great In'it LOL

[bonkersdan]

Dammit! changed the belt and it's still the same, guess I need to look for other causes!

[jay_oldstuff]

In that case you need to remove the cassette mechanism from the machine and have a good clean round the pinch roller and capstan, bet you any money you will find some old tape wound round the pinch roller. Take care when removing the mechanism from the case as at least one screw is quite well hidden. Ps also a very good opportunity to clean the heads properly.
You will get it going there aren't many of these I've not been able to salvage.

Jay

[bonkersdan]

What would you recommend to clean the heads with, maybe surgical spirit or something?

[jay_oldstuff]

I use isoproanol Alcohol (not sure of spelling) it was what used to be sold as part of tape head cleaning kits back in the day. any pure alcohol should be fine you want something that evaporates leaving no residue behind.

Jay

[Oldcodger]

Iso is also available in spectacle wipes from the likes of Aldi and Asda. I also find that leaving a small quantity of coloured meths in a jar in light for some time causes the colour to go leaving a clear liquid.

[emeritus]

Surgical spirit seems to have been discontinued for retail sale, at any rate, in England. I tried to buy a bottle last week, and none of the local pharmacies stock it. It is not listed in their suppliers' catalogues either, so they couldn't order me any.

[nigelr2000]

You can buy it in cans and spray cans from CPC ( http://cpc.farnell.com/ ) minimum order is only £5 so a couple of cans or one of switch cleaner will do it