p.h. wrote:
Hi!

I have a problem with dual capstan cassette deck - some tapes get curled
just before supply capstan. It happens only during first 1-2 minutes at
the very beginning of a tape. The tape is damaged. It happens for let
say 2 out of 30 tapes. The tapes are good, there were no problems with
them for many years they were played back on various cassette decks and
players.
For some tapes there are moments they are sounding as if they were
squashed earlier, although they never have been. I have noted it on
prerecorded tapes.
Tape length seems not to influence the problem - 120 minute tape is
played back correctly.

I have tried to adjust depth of the supply pinch roller, but I was
unable to adjust it so all cassettes could be played without the problem.

The second dual capstan deck I have bought have the same problem, but
with different tapes.

Was it a common problem for dual capstan decks? What would you advise me
to do to fix it?
--
regards,
przemys³aw ho³ubowski.

Hello,

The first thing I'd suggest to check it both the take up torque and the
back tension (hold back) torque. This require the proper gauge, and
knowing the factory spec for your machine.

I've also seen deteriorated pinch rollers cause all sorts of problems,
as the rubber gets harder with age and does not conform to the capstan
shaft as it should. Serious head wear can also contribute, as it
reduces the pressure of the head against the pad in the cassette and
somewhat changes the tape path.

If there are serious grooves in the heads from wear, then you can no
longer adjust the head block, as moving the head with groves in it will
likely cause tape edge damage. Even peaking the azimuth can cause
problems.

Adjusting the heights of things is the last thing I would have tried,
as it usually causes more problems than it cures, and it is very
difficult to get things back to where they were.

I'd start with the torques. If you post what you find, please include
the make and model of your deck.

Regards,
Tim Schwartz
Bristol Electronics