I have a TEAC R-888X auto-reverse cassette deck (circa 1987). I haven't
played anything in it for a while (a couple years maybe), and am
cleaning it and preparing to sell it. Everything seemed OK until I put a
tape in, expecting it to work fine, as it always has (ho ho). The moment
I hit play, the rotary playback head moves up towards the tape, quickly
rotates the opposite direction, retracts, and then the transport
controls all go dead. To get the transport controls working again, I
have to power the system off and back on. FF and REW work fine, of
course, as long as I don't press play.

I am no tech, but am guessing that either

a) the transport controls are shutting off to protect the deck for
some reason, or
b) the playback head isn't detecting a tape - which is weird, since the
"type" sensor (normal vs. CrO2 vs. Metal) senses the tape.

Can someone give me a simple solution to this? I am guessing this is a
common problem.

Thanks in advance for any pointers.

Larry

"Larry McQueary" bravely wrote to "All" (31 Dec 03 07:31:37)
--- on the heady topic of "TEAC R-888X cassette deck tape detection problem?"

LM From: Larry McQueary

LM I have a TEAC R-888X auto-reverse cassette deck (circa 1987). I
LM haven't played anything in it for a while (a couple years maybe), and
LM am cleaning it and preparing to sell it. Everything seemed OK until I
LM put a tape in, expecting it to work fine, as it always has (ho ho). The
LM moment I hit play, the rotary playback head moves up towards the tape,
LM quickly rotates the opposite direction, retracts, and then the
LM transport controls all go dead. To get the transport controls working
LM again, I have to power the system off and back on. FF and REW work
LM fine, of course, as long as I don't press play.

LM I am no tech, but am guessing that either

LM a) the transport controls are shutting off to protect the deck for
LM some reason, or
LM b) the playback head isn't detecting a tape - which is weird, since
LM the "type" sensor (normal vs. CrO2 vs. Metal) senses the tape.

LM Can someone give me a simple solution to this? I am guessing this is a
LM common problem.

LM Thanks in advance for any pointers.

LM Larry

Just a thought... check the tape counter or reel sensor is being driven
properly and sending a pulse. Often the board logic checks this to
determine if there is a jammed tape or whatever. Aside from this clean
the record/play switch...

.... This message transmitted on 100% recycled photons.

All of these tape decks have rubber belts & wheels that can go bad even
when sitting . check all rubber parts .
Many of these decks do not make getting at the belts & such very easy so
best of luck .