Teac A 1500 W - no forward in play mode

[KnobCourt]

I recently acquired a Teac A 1500 W reel to reel very cheap to try to use for a
mixdown with a 2340SX. It worked the first time I set it up and played it.
But then the capstan stopped turning. The rubber wheel moves over but the
capstan will not turn. The strange thing to me is that also in fast forward or
rewind (both of which work) the left reel turns clockwise while the right reel
turns counterclockwise (without the tape threaded). Can anyone shed light on
what has happened? I am a definite rookie in regards to this.
Thanks
Knobcourt

 

[Ken G.]

Reel to reel decks have a stop switch located near the heads under that
cover . It usually looks like a wire . The tape pushes it up to start
the motor . It is there to stop the motor when the tape runs out .
Most of the trouble i have found in those old decks are micro switches
that failed .
Also look for a pause lever that got put on pause .
The backward spinnng of the spools is normal . its tape tention methods
..

 

[Bob]

If this unit uses a capstan drive belt, it's probably broken. The capstan
has a flywheel attached and often it's driven by a belt from the motor.

Bob

 

[Asimov]

"KnobCourt" bravely wrote to "All" (28 Dec 03 17:42:13)
--- on the heady topic of "Teac A 1500 W - no forward in play mode"

Kn> From: [email protected] (KnobCourt)

Kn> I recently acquired a Teac A 1500 W reel to reel very cheap to try to
Kn> use for a mixdown with a 2340SX. It worked the first time I set it up
Kn> and played it. But then the capstan stopped turning. The rubber wheel
Kn> moves over but the capstan will not turn. The strange thing to me is
Kn> that also in fast forward or rewind (both of which work) the left reel
Kn> turns clockwise while the right reel turns counterclockwise (without
Kn> the tape threaded). Can anyone shed light on what has happened? I am
Kn> a definite rookie in regards to this. Thanks
Kn> Knobcourt

That the reels turn in different directions without a tape threaded is
normal behaviour since there is a slight back tension required to keep
the tape path tight. What may have happened to the capstan is that
something is slipping. This usually requires replacing any old worn or
dried rubber. Old belts have a nasty habit of turning into chewing gum.
If it is an electronic capstan then it is a more complicated fix,
perhaps beyond your ability to diagnose and it would be a job for a pro.

Asimov
******

.... Over a hundred billion electrons were used in crafting this tagline.

 

[Xmttrman]

I recently acquired a Teac A 1500 W reel to reel very cheap to try to use for a
mixdown with a 2340SX. It worked the first time I set it up and played it.
But then the capstan stopped turning. The rubber wheel moves over but the

This is a three motor machine ( I have this same deck). The capstan is driven by the motor using a
belt. This unit is at least thirty years old so I can imagine the belt has broken. The front brushed
metal panel can be removed ( remove screws, supply/takeup reel standoffs, head cover, also the
capstan bearing cover; unscrew that). The pinch roller pulls off. That can be cleaned using
denatured alchohol. Check to see if it spins freely on its shaft. If not, remove the c-clip and
clean/lube the shaft. The capstan belt is below the cover. See if the flywheel spins freely, if not
the bearing is probably gummed up. All motors should turn freely ( the brakes obviously should be
released to check). There are four heads as this is reversing deck. Check for head wear. I wore out
a set of heads over the years. I would not be surprised if some of the caps have dried out. Poor or
no output would be a symptom. Spend some time fixing it up, it should be a good unit when repaired.
You could try contacting Teac, parts may still be available.