Sony Elcaset EL5

[andrewgu]

Hi
I have just acquired an EL5 and and still awaiting a tape to arrive BUT the capstan seems to be running continuously, not so sure if this is common to these machines, anyone know ? Thank you, Andrew

[Ted Kendall]

I wouldn't have thought this unusual - the capstan runs continuously in most mains cassette machines, and the basic concept of Elcaset wasn't radically different.

[Marconi_MPT4]

Hi,
These have a fairly involved logic control system where the FG servo capstan motor is enabled or disabled depending on mode selected or combination of system status signals.

However, I would expect it to be disabled in stop mode.

Cheers
Rich

[sp10mk11]

Hello I have an EL-5 and the motor does not run continuously when it is powered up, the motor only spins when a deck function is selected.
You should give this a full service before offering tapes to it, download a manual get a belt set and some chammy leather (if need be) to replacing the brake linings
Gary

[TIMTAPE]

Yes the service manual schematic seems to confirm a DC motor, suggesting the power to the motor is permanently on but shouldnt be. Sometimes the power is switched on always by design but not a good thing as small DC motors werent really designed for continuous running.

[sp10mk11]

"as small DC motors weren't really designed for continuous running" absolutely especially modern ones
Fortunately the FG Servo motor in this machine is not like the smaller ones used in cassette decks, it is a hefty well engineered one , I have seen it used in one of Sony's belt driven turntables.
Even if it were running all the time I would have no concerns
Gary

[TIMTAPE]

Originally Posted by sp10mk11

Even if it were running all the time I would have no concerns
Gary

I would have concerns, especially since we agree the EL5 was designed to only run the motor when a function was selected. People can forgetfully leave equipment on for days, perhaps assuming that when the machine auto stopped at the end of a tape, it fully shut off. The extra wear on a motor can be huge.

[sp10mk11]

Sorry by that comment I meant if it were designed to be on all the time I would have no worries.
Gary
" People can forgetfully leave equipment on for days" yes I call it soak testing when I do it

[stevehertz]

Originally Posted by TIMTAPE

I would have concerns, especially since we agree the EL5 was designed to only run the motor when a function was selected. People can forgetfully leave equipment on for days, perhaps assuming that when the machine auto stopped at the end of a tape, it fully shut off. The extra wear on a motor can be huge.

A friend of mine has a Pioneer record deck that hardly gets used and sits virtually on the floor under a cabinet. He recently was doing something in that corner of the room and noticed that the deck was running. After thinking about it long and hard he worked out that it had last been used at a family Christmas party some three years previously!