Newbie question; How do I start the reel-to-reel tape player?

[newryqs]

I just got a SHARP brand (No model number obvious) solid state, stereo, reel-to-reel tape recorder at a garage sale. I just got this and anticipate having to replace the condeser to reduce hum, but I don't know how to start it up as there is no "play" button. The buttons from right to left are Stop-Forward-Fast-Backward-Record 2-Record 1. There are selector knobs: mode and speed.

After pushing the Power botton to On, Pushing Forward does start a low motor hum and the tension posts activate, both near the reels and near the read heads, but nothing goes forward. Other buttons are frozen except Stop, which releases the tension - duh.

Do I need to push a combination of buttons simultaneously, similar to some complex fraternal order handshake? Tried several permutations, but no response. Output jacks and input jacks are on the side of the unit as well as mic inputs near the record buttons.

The cowling/protective cover of the read head area is missing, but there seems to be nothing else missing.

I have a lot of old tapes with long deceased family members talking and I'd like to be able remaster them onto to a CD so the current generation as well as oldsters can enjoy.

Hope you can smile at my newbie-ness and offer a solution. Van

[The3rd Earl Of Derby]

Maybe its a record only model? ;-)

See if ya can throw a pic up on the net somewhere?

[Geo]

There should be a continuously rotating (possibly chromed) spindle (capstan) to the right of the heads. When you press the "forward" button a rubber pinch roller should move to press the tape against the capstan. A picture here (cassette but no difference in this area)

repair info here:-

Geo

[Christopher Tidy]

Sometimes the rubber drives belts on these machines perish, which can lead to the symptoms you describe. It might be worth removing the cover and checking that all the belts are in good order. You should be able to stretch them a little with your finger, but they shouldn't go slack when you let go and shouldn't show any cracks or flaking. If they have perished they shouldn't be too hard to replace. A good hi-fi store may keep belts, or you could try RS and specialist transmission component firms like HPC Gears.

Good luck!

Chris

[Dave Plowman (News)]

Sounds like a reversing deck designed to play commercial 1/4tk stereo recordings without turning over the reels - Ampex also made such types. I'd expect it to have twin capstan drive - one either side of the head block. But it will only record in one direction.

Forward or reverse will be the play buttons, and also select the appropriate replay heads.

If the capstans aren't turning the likely cause is a missing or worn drive belt. These may not be easy to obtain for an old and rare machine.

It might just be easier to get a UK made reel to reel where spares are still easily available. I've repaired a few Sony reel to reel machines and the prices for things like drive belts - if available - are frightening.

[Guy King]

The message from "The3rd Earl Of Derby" contains these words:

A precursor to the solid-state WOM, used for ultra-high security data storage.

[robgraham]

(snip)

I know this forum is as good as you are going to get anywhere on every subject but vintage electronics is a specialist area and I found the group below to be really useful, including being able to supply all sorts of spares.

[Chris Bacon]

First of all, make sure the machine is unplugged - this is very important. These old machines suffer from disuse, due to the build-up of natural atmospheric negative particles, which are adsorbed onto the cerrite of the internal transfer ariel. Make sure that there is no tape mounted, grip the (unplugged!!) power cord, and lower the whole thing into a bath of tepid water (Part P of the electrical regulations doesn't apply to audio equipment used in domestic bathrooms). Note, this won't damage your Sharp machine, they were all designed to be de-ironed (the negative particles) regularly. Dry the machine as quickly as you can, on the hob (lowest setting) is OK. Good Luck!

[Chris Bacon]

You can also rejuvenate them by rubbing with purified lard.