Technics RS1500 Service and Calibration.
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- Опубликовано: 12 дек 2016
- Technics RS1500 Service and Calibration.
Lubrication of bearings, adjusting brakes.
Cleaning controls and switches.
Repairing plastic switch caps.
Calibration of VU meters and levels.
Final sound checks.
Fabulous machine. 
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This is absolutely the best, clearest video detailing the most common issues and how to deal with them. Massive thanks Nick.
Another excellent documentary from Nick.
Great video Nick,wish i'd found this when i was doing the same to my 1506 a few months ago,would have saved myself a lot of time,but better late than never,so i may go over it again soon,just to double check,Cheers !
Very hepful again,did all the cleaning in my RS 1506 and got new brake pads and belts of ebay. Replaced the pads and belts...works a treat now. Thanks Nick,I feel we all need to pay you.
Thank you very much for that. I was a bit afraid of starting a hard cleaning of mine (Dust, spiders...). I can go now.
❤❤❤ super restoration job well done and thanks for looking after vintage equipment
Great Video! Just bought a RS1500 and waiting for it. If I need a service now I know who to ask!
Nick, thank you so much for this video! I just purchased an RS-1500 from ebay and your video helped me fix the majority of issues that was wrong with it. The only thing additionally is I had to lubricate the white counter wheel that has two belts around it. (One belt going to the roller and the other belt going to the counter). It was squeeling very loudly when I would rewind and fast forward. I thought it was the brake pads at first, but it wasn't. I also had to fix the 2trk/4trk switch on the head stack. There is another video on youtube that showed how to fix that. Excellent Job!!
Hi Nick,
Great and informative video!
Many thanks from a fellow bloke living across the drink in Atlanta, Georgia.
Hi Neil. Good to see these wonderful machines still in use around the world. Stay safe and keep spinning. Nick
@@nickadams5411 I just got one and i am watching your video to learn how to service it. That capstan O ring seems like it is difficult to get it engaged in the groove if you don't have someone to help you.
Thank for the video
Thanks Nick for your explanations, very usefull
My great-grandfather said, before touching the vintage technique, you need to wash your hands three times with soap ....
Don't worry this dude washed them 4 times
Nick . great job. hello from Brooklyn.....
Nicely done. I have 4 of these decks. They work good. But they need to be serviced. Recap and calibrated to spec.
I replaced the brake pads in my RS-1506 with natural leather pads that I cut myself to the right size and thickness. Works like a charm. The machine makes a perfect stop the instant you hit the stop switch. The original brake pads were made of an inferior kind of foamy material, just worthless.
Hi, yes you got it spot on, good feedback.
Looking amazing 🥇Nice
Thank you Nick. I brought 2x of these machines a long time ago from someone in Germany called collectors estate. I didn't check out both machine throughly and I found the quarter track machine had a mild breaking problem insofar that when you put the machine into rewind and let it build up speed and then hit stop the left hand spool ~ spooled off a little bit. I did see someone cleaning the plastic drum on the motor and roughening up the cork on the brake pads to cure it. I also so a company on ebay called Bosch trading who were supplying kits of new pads and bearings as an alternative fix. The half track machine seemed to work better and I gave it away to a musician friend but I still have the queer track machine launguadshine away in an unused bedroom. Because I have MS I doubt that I will ever get round to fixing the spooling problem. My wife wants me to keep it but I don't know I would have to find someone who could carry it downstairs for starters. Thank you for your in-depth service information. I need to get my head round how I can even access the brakes and mechanism before going any further.
Hi Jeremy
I wish you well, and that the machine can be serviced .
I am in Hampshire, UK. Where are you?
Hi Nick, I live in Kensal Green London which is on the border of North Kensington. I spoke to someone today and he quoted £70 to pick the machine up and before he even had a look at it.
I guess I'm behind the times living on a pension.
Hi Jeremy
Contact me directly on:
nick@demonproducts.co.uk
I'll see what I can do.
Nick
Hi Nick. I did send you an email. Did it end up in your spam box.
Regards Jeremy
Hi Jeremy
Yes, sorry, been having some issues myself.
I will look at your deck as soon as I can get to you.
Will send youu an email.
All the best
Nick
"Sadly we are watching a last art form!?!
Good job Boss-man!
d 🤕
I think I figured it out.Just by unscrewing the middle screw on the logic control board jiggling it and putting back in I got the rew going at full speed. The play goes for a few revolutins and then it stopd while the light is still on play. It will not hold but if I press stop and then play straight after it will not turn at all. However if I press stop and wait a few seconds it will start going again for a few revolutions and stop again. So this is progress from before when it was not going at all in play and rew mode. I think I am dealing with a worn or leaking electrical part like a tranzistor or capacitor. Next step I figure is to find which one it is and replace it,don't you think? Thanks Nick.
Noice one Nick M8!
Nick:
What is the name of the App on the computer?
I have a RS1500 and the supply reel spins very freely and non of the buttons on the front panel works, I only get tape dump. No friction on the supply reel at all. I guess I might have a brake issue. What do you think?
Really love this video Nick. Thank you for uploading it. I’m wondering why you connected the oscilloscope to the solder joint on the board rather than the line out as per the service manual? I’m scared I’ll accidentally break off the solder joint if I clip the leads to them 😰
What are your thoughts on deploying an external 'pot' box for bias/ eq adjustments ? This way you can adjust to have the monitor resemble the source. Similar to 3 head cassette decks. Thoughts/ Advice ?
Thank you for a very informative video. I have an RS-1700 that needs the full calibration on the tape tension and record/playback level badly (like you just did). Can I ship the machine to you for service? Please respond. Thanks a million.
I'm using maxell UD-XL tape and other Maxell's, there's significantly pronounced highs in recordings when compared to the original source. EQ & Bias is at #2 setting per user manual. Is there's an adjustment pot somewhere which would affect this ?
Hi Nick do you also need to check calibration for playback as well ?
No not the brakes,I just replaced the pads a few weeks ago and they worked a treat. the take up wheel needs convincing to even start spinning a few times. For that I press the play on and off a few times. Eventually it will spin and then as if a relay or something fail ,it comes to a stop. FF goes great,however because of the above issue the rew is at a stand still just about. The main motor runs on play and activates the 2 rubber capstans. It all engages,speed switch is good , its just the right spindle is at a stand still. If I play with turning the deck on and off and press play and stop a few times,it will start spinning at the required speed and then it comes to a stop,I need it to keep going as before. Repeat the process,you get the same result. Has to be something else that just died itself over the period I didn't use it. So annoying ,maybe I need to think of one of those replacement kits of ebay,transistors and capacitors, but then again that is a lot of work...
I HAD THE LAST HEAD OFF TECHNICS UK IN THE EARLY 90'S SO HOW DO YOU FIND RELACEMENTS
I reckon one of the winding motors has gone. No play,no rewind at all.Great on fast forward so to me that would be the issue. Are those motors hard to find? Or can they be refurbished? I found one on ebay but it has issues...for over $200.
The squeaky sound is made by a dry bearing in the plastic pulley that guides the belt on the counter. Just a tiny drop of fine machine oil will fix it.
Really Good Job Nick, Looks Like This Machine is Superbly Built. Do you Think its As Good in Sound Quality As Your Revox B77 Or An Akai GX-600D Or Better ?
Hi
I have the Akai GX636 which is a fine machine, but the Technics has the edge.
I like the tape handling on the Technics, it treats the tape kindly, especially with the electronic brakes and the dual capstans.
However, I am not sure how long the heads last on the Technics.
The Akai glass/ferrite heads look like they will last for ever.
The Technics has all 3 speeds, but the Akai have reverse playing, which is very useful.
I also like the 2 track and 4 track playback feature of the Technics.
I have an old Revox G36, but not one of the more modern ones.
All the best
Nick
There is one thing I have never understood about these closed loop capstan drives: How can it keep the tape tension around the heads? I have always heard that on dual capstan drives the first capstan should run a little slower than the last to get a good tape tension. On 3M Isoloop machines the capstan has some notches with matching pinch rollers that does the speed difference. But on the Technics machine the capstan looks completely cylindrical.
Hi
The Technics has only the one capstan drive, and the pressure roller sizes being large can be near identical in size.
It then relies on the back tension from the supply spool will keep the tape tensioned.
If the rollers were small , like on cassette players it could be a problem
Tape players that have two capstans, as you say, will need to have the trailing capstan the same speed or fractionally slower so that it is always just keeping up, so tape tension is maintained.
Hi Nick. I take it your computer sound card levels are identical levels? Lovely machine.
Hi Simon
With the app. you can lock the channels and use the master level.
But you are right , best to check.
Also the calibration of test instruments is not always spot on.
But the machine is just great.
nick
Hello, Nick! Very instructive video! I have an RT-707 that needs some minor calibrations. I have a question: my RT has some oxidation on the capstan - should I try to fix it or is there no problem leaving it like that? Thanks!
Hi Max
Nice machine.
The capstan is part of the motor, so would be difficult to find a new one.
Try fine rubbing compound to see if it can be smooth.
As long as no rough edges it shouldn't damage the tape.
Thank you Nick! It does have some roughness. Do you think brillo pads (thin steel wool) could be used for that? I really don't want to damage the machine - these are really expensive here in Brazil. I already purchased a recap kit and found a calibration tape for NAB EQ so I cano make the machine as new as possible. Sir, once again, your videos are fantastic - for me they are even entertaining -and your work is flawless!
Hi Max
Brillo pad is probably to rough.
Try some liquid sink cleaner cream like VIM (CIF) which has a mild abrasive action.
Awesome and super helpful video. I replaced my brake pads after watching your video. One issue that has resurfaced, though, is a squealing take up reel after rewind. Once the takeup reel is empty of tape and there is no longer tension on it, from the tape, it makes a squealing sort of sound while stopping. Any ideas what that might be?
Hi
Squealing will be the brake pads, unless something else is touching the mechanism.
You replaced the pads with something that fitted?
The surface may need roughing up a little.
I replaced one side with cork and the other with high heat gasket material. I want to see what hold up over the next year and then have both sides the same. The side with the cork is doing the squealing and it's only when the tape leaves the take up reel and, I guess, that resistance is gone?
Hi nick, I need to lubricate the metal to metal mechanisms in a turntable and reel to reel. Can't find any definitive answer as to a good grease for this purpose. I wondered if you have any recommendations of a product available in the UK? Many thanks.
Hi
There are so many modern greases and oils, it makes it difficult to know.
For low speed or sliding mechanisms: I use a thin grease that does not dry out or go sticky when you rub it between your fingers.
The best ones are made for model servo gears, such as Futaba Gear grease.
However I use a light brown grease, on sliding parts and slow gear mechanism, made by Ultimate Racing. Part UR0904, but I don't know what it is.
I am sure that modern graphite greases and grease for sliding parts are all good.
For high speed rotating parts and motor bearings: I normally use a modern thin oil for bearings in model cars. Ie not for large bearings.
These model car oils are very good , but expensive for the small quantity.
Makes such as Hudy and Trinity Royal Oil, are what I use.
Nick Adams Thank you for your informative response. I ended up buying an American product called Super Lube, a multi purpose synthetic grease for the larger moving linkage parts. It is supposed to be good for metal and plastics both. For the lighter moving parts on pivot posts, I opted for Singer sewing machine oil. I am not sure if that's good or not. Now I have your information I'll look further. Many thanks and I enjoy your videos.
Hi Nick! How much do you charge for the full restoration of the Technics RS-1500?! Tx🤝
Hi Dmitriy
Sorry, I am not able to do a full restoration. Possibly fix specific problem.
Does it have a fault, or just not used for a long time?
Hi there again,I haven't used my Technics RS 1506 for a few weeks and ,today when I pressed play to my surprise the left hand spool kept feeding the tape but the right hand one only works for one revolution and then it will not rotate anymore. The motor works and the rubber rollers touch and work ok. Because the tape is not being spooled on to the right hand reel,the sensors activate on the arms and the deck stops...so weird as irt was perfect before. Also I noticed that it will ff perfectly but not rewind or struggling to rewind...again very weird as before it was strong on both directions...Brakes do not rub or impede the spindle,I don't know what on earth has happened. Any advice please Nick. The room where this thing sits in is a bit damp to say the least,I have had issues with the Akai GX-635 in this room but once I shifted it in another room works a treat...
Hi Mike
90% of these problems are the brakes (brake pads)
But another fault is the speed switch, gets a bad connection as it is not used much.
Work the speed switch several times.
Otherwise help the spool to turn and get it running and stopping , to see if brake pads free up.
Otherwise it is very rare to have an electrical problem.
Let me know
Hi Nick - I've just received one of these. It seems to play ok, but won't spool in either direction. Activating the buttons during replay takes it out of play, but won't spool. Any ideas?
Is there other components that you need to remove to get the reel motors to move back out of the way?
Anyone know?
Thank you
Hoping someone sees this. On mine with the tension roller knobs screwed all the way in my tape movement grinds to a halt. I have to loser it so tape can move freely. It came to me with the tension roller knobs fully tightened. Is this correct ?
Hello nick, I have a 1700 model. When I press the play back the right reel , it turns in the opposite direction, as well as during the rewinding of the tape. In reverse play, it works but very slowly, but the winding is fast. Do you have a solution to the problem please, I am waiting for your response
Hello , Nick very informative video I'm replacing pads and counter belts , the meters is another task , how can I get that program Scorpion ZZZ 's lab it can be downloaded for a fee ? Thanks
i have a rs1700 i done alot of work on it over time it work ace BEWARE i drop a tape on the right side reel by misstake i fixed it a BLACK M4 bolt hold nab holder on
it was a 14 inch x 1/4 i had to take the motor apart and turn out the bad part and put a new brass corr in with a m4 tap so be carefull with tapes i lost £400 that day
i not selling it just be carefull with big spools
hello i have technics rs 1500 and it has a problem i canot get the pinch rollers to engage if i press play it tries to play but but then stop unless i push in the pinch roller slightly after i hit play works fine
Hi Alex The deck does need some maintenance adjustment after many years of use or no use. Mostly making sure everything is nice and free, a liitle oil can help. But there is a service manual (free online) which can help with adjustments.
@@nickadams5411 Hello Nick thanks very much for your reply i got it working the power supply was out putting 4.7 volts on the 5 volt rail. I got the service manual downloaded now but cant find any information on the potentiometer on the power supply board VR601 it turned it but none of the voltages change but the deck does seem to work fine. I'm in the middle of trying to service it. All ive done so far is recap.
what oil should i use and doe the motors need lubricating i@ve heard they have sealed bearings im not very mechanical minded to be honest. thanks for your help
@@alexanderson1866 Hi Alex. Well done. Use only a very light oil. Most bearings are sealed, but they may have grease which goes hard over time. A thin oil, or even teflon oil is okay. Very little is needed, .
Hello, I wonder what is the name of the music at 26:22 ?
Hi Damjan
That is the Original first recording of "War of the Worlds" by Jeff Wayne.
The pitch on mine is speeding up and slowing down a little bit. Makes it sound real strange. Can you help me?
Hi Chris. There are several reasons, but most are simple. First make sure all rollers etc are moving freely. Because it speeds up and then slows, I assume randomly, it cannot be the rubber parts that are worn or out of shape.
There could be problems if the brakes are not fully disengaged, but you can test the spool turning strength by touching them to see if they are pulling okay.
The speed pot may need clean lubrication. But turn it many times, and the speed switch as well to clean the contacts.
Sometimes the board contacts inside may need unplu/plug to seat them , but that is less likely. The electronics is normally very reliable, but there are adjuistment pots inside that may need turning if they have developed bad contacts. You will need the service manual for that.
@@nickadams5411 Thanks Nick! It turned out to be the osc adjustment.
All of these adjustments need to be made with the output level set to number 8 . The output at number 8 should be -5.2dB , I`m not too sure which manual you are using , but what you are doing doesn`t seem right to me . Before you set the output level you have you have to set the playback EQ with a Technics calibration tape , which I have , or the frequency response is going to be way off .
hi @davidhaney1394, i don't have a Technics calibration tape. I do have MRL calibration tape though, 15ips 1kHz and 10kHz tones. Should I also be reading a 0.55V output level at the line-out jacks when the output level VR is set to "8" position on front panel?
Why did Technics these flimsy reel brakes? I know much more solid tape brakes from Akai and Revox, which have a wrap of about 270 degrees and a contact area ten times larger.
U in uk 🇬🇧 thanks
Yes, UK
Imate li koji za prodaju ili sličan sa zvučnicima 50 do 100 vati za upotrebu.
I get really fed up with this sort of presentation. Pointing to vague images on service sheets and commenting that the and that were adjusted without actually showing the work being done is a complete waste of time. To see how a video should be made covering this sort work watch 12voltvids. Full explanations followed by showing the actual repair is priceless.
Hey Nick...stop your work.......you can`t calibration an tape Recorder via the VU or Peak Meters......These meters not exactly enough. You Need ever Scope and a NF Milivoltmeter, And Special Calibrations Tapes,
Se ve $$$$$😢
Gosppod nik kako da nabavim texniks treba mi ko vazduh. Joška g.m. srbija.