When it comes to inspecting your tape machines, it is important to know how to spot abnormal head wear. You can determine abnormal head wear by observing how the tape patterns appear. Generally, the tape pattern should be rectangular and centered over the gap. One common sign of worn heads is flaring at the top and bottom of the head. The curling effect of the tape under tension tends to wear the heads deeper at the edges. To avoid abrupt surface anomalies, most new heads come with edge relief slots.
Signs of abnormal head wear
Several common symptoms of tape head wear include loss of high frequencies and a bumpy response. Additionally, you may have problems with dropouts or an uneven wear pattern between tracks. These symptoms may be a result of improper winding practices or a combination of both. If you notice one or more of these symptoms, you should consider reconditioning your tape head. A qualified technician can help you determine if it’s time for reconditioning.
Signs of a bad bias oscillator
There are a couple of things to look for. One of these components is the bias oscillator. The bias oscillator drives the head and it can be damaged in many ways. Other possible causes of a broken bias oscillator are a blown drive transistor, a capacitor, or even a transformer. If you suspect that the bias oscillator is bad, you can try cleaning the head with alcohol. To clean it, wipe it from left to right. Some decks may need a transistor replacement.
Signs of a bad switching circuit or record switch
You might suspect a bad switching circuit or record switch if it starts making a buzzing or clicking sound. This could be due to a failing circuit breaker. Other signs include intermittent power loss and dimming of the lights. If you notice any of these signs, you may need to have your switch repaired. The next time you notice a buzzing or clicking sound, take a look at the voltage readings.
Using a signal generator or oscillator to align a tape machine
If you want to learn how to align a tape machine, it’s a good idea to hire a professional technician or have someone do it for you nearby. It’s important to be patient and careful with this process, as mistakes can throw the alignment way off. To do this, you’ll need a signal generator or oscillator. These devices can generate sine waves, which your machine can then use to determine where to place its record head. You can also use a standard AC voltmeter to measure the level of each track’s signal output.
To get the best results, turn the bias potentiometer to the left completely. This should bring the oscillator to 0VU, which will ensure a neutral bias for the tape. Then, feed the signal from the oscillator to channel 1 on the tape machine. Make sure the bias pot is completely to the left, so that it can match the bias settings on the channels. Also, you can use a 10 kHz tone to adjust the record high and low EQ.
You can also use a signal generator or oscillator to accurately align a tape machine. You’ll need to use a signal generator to record a test tone, which can reveal any issues with the machine’s electronic alignment. A standalone PB head will not produce the same quality as a Rec head, as it is mostly used for cue/reference signals in tracking.
If the magnetic tape is damaged or has a faulty head, you can use a demagnetizer to remove it. Before doing so, make sure that the tape machine is off magnetic media and hard drives. Ensure that the tape machine is in a clean room and that it is 3 feet away from the headstock. There are other ways to clean the tape machine, but a de-mag is the easiest way to clean a tape machine.
Cleaning a tape head
Before you start cleaning a tape head to see if it is worn, you should make sure to check for hardened oxide. These deposits may be difficult to remove using a cotton swab. To get rid of stubborn dirt and oxide, you can use a screwdriver, but be careful not to scratch the tape head! A cotton swab is an excellent tool for cleaning the tape head.
There are many cleaning products available on the market. For example, acetone works well for cleaning heads and guide rollers. But it can harm plastics. Other cleaning solutions include nitrites, which are marketed as video head cleaners. A few tips are listed below to determine if the cleaning cartridge needs replacing. Cleaning a tape head to tell if it is worn is important for the health of your equipment, so it is important to know what type of cleaner you should use.
The head of your tape machine will require cleaning every so often. The normal course of operation calls for cleaning the head of your tape machine every 20 to 30 hours. During this time, you should brush the oxide particles off the tape head. Clean the head as often as necessary to prevent it from further damage. Cleaning a tape head can also help to make sure that you get the best quality recordings. The head should be shiny and free of dirt.
While digital media is almost indestructible, open reel tapes are delicate and need special attention. Consider treating your tapes with the same respect that you would vintage photographs, first edition books, or original art. To prevent wear and tear, magnetic tapes should be stored in a clean environment. The heads must be free of dust and other contaminants to provide optimal performance. The presence of any of these contaminants may interfere with the intimate contact between the playing head and tape surface.
About The Author
Mindy Vu is a part time shoe model and professional mum. She loves to cook and has been proclaimed the best cook in the world by her friends and family. She adores her pet dog Twinkie, and is happily married to her books.