ARCHIVED FORUM -- March 2012 to February 2022READ ONLY FORUM
This is the second Archived Forum which was active between 1st March 2012 and 23rd February 2022
Hello all! I wanted to pick your brains about a tape deck I have, the Beocord 2400: https://www.beoworld.org/prod_details.asp?pid=945
Firstly, I've been able to fix one thing. The playback/record switch was definitely dirty. I used Deoxit and worked the heck out of it. As a result, the right channel no longer buzzes and sound great. However, the left channel does not output.
This unit has dual VU meters and only the right moves during playback. Sometimes, when I mess with pressing the record function both move, though only a little on the left and it falls back down.
Also, to note, when I turn the unit on, both VU meters go all the way up and back so it definitely works. My guess is it's before the RCA and the meters.
Compare this post from a few years ago which seems a similar issue: http://archivedforum2.beoworld.org/forums/p/10772/93595.aspx#93595
Could it be the tapehead? I cleaned it with isopropyl alcohol but no change. Also, I tried recording and only the right channel records. My tinkering has only gotten me so far it seems. I haven't been able to look at the tapehead to see that the wires are on the right are connected yet because I haven't figured out how to remove the front fave plate.
Here's taking apart the 1900 model which looks similar: http://archivedforum2.beoworld.org/forums/p/13941/131373.aspx#131373
As a test, I slowly moved a magnetic screwdriver near the head and only the right VU moved. So I guess the path is broken somewhere.
I'm not sure how to proceed. I don't know where to look or what might be causing this issue. Also, never soldered before nor have the tool. Any insights would be greatly appreciated and thanks in advance all!
Hi,
I'm understanding that this neither plays nor records on one channel. Are you 100% sure? (by testing a recording made with nominal levels on another cassette deck).
If so, there is certainly an amount of common circuitry for play and record between the head and the switch, however to make much progress you'll need a means of tracing the signal along that path, ideally with an oscilloscope or a good DVM at a push if you're using a sine wave signal. The circuit diagram is available free on line.
However the above comes with a health warning - if you're not confident / equipped to fix the bad connection or failed component that you find, stop now as it will be easier for whoever does fix it to be assured no one else has done more than clean heads / squirt switches.
Good luck.