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

Maybe its a record only model? ;-)

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

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

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

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.

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

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

(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.

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!

You can also rejuvenate them by rubbing with purified lard.