Otari MX5050 External Transport / "Internal" Transport Issues

[karaslilbro]

Hello all. I'm new to this forum, as this seemed like the right place to go for this particular problem that I have encountered.

I've recently acquired an Otari MX5050 BII, and up until a few days ago, everything seemed functional and very cool. This is my first tape machine so forgive me if I don't know all the obvious things, but I really got this as a "learning" deck. The only concern I had was that the pots are noisy and will have to be replaced eventually, but I see that as a project for down the road, and not so much a concern because I got this for basically a steal. But now, the record, rewind, and fast forward switches seem to no longer function. There is no mechanical sound when I press the fast-winding buttons, so it's not like it is trying to go but can't. It simply does nothing in response to pressing those buttons. Everything else seems functional.

My gut-feeling is that it is an electrical problem with the transport. I don't have the proper equipment to test to see what's passing current and what's not, and likely nor the proper training as well, but what I do know is that an external transport can be had at a reasonable price. What do you guys think? Will a functional external transport completely replace the functionality of the internal transport, or is it dependent on the operational condition of the internal transport? Can that conclusion even be drawn without further testing? Thanks!!!

[Tinman]

Check the fuses inside and check that the micro switch works on the right tape lever. The deck won't run if it "thinks" there's no tape in it.

Marc

[karaslilbro]

The micro switch seems to be working because the play function works fine when the right tape lever is raised. I checked out the fuses earlier today, and they are fine. While I had the back open, I gave a quick look at the components associated with these functions as outlined in the schematics that were included. Nothing looks blown; no burnt resistors or bad solder contacts that I can see. I'm afraid it might be something that's less obvious like a bad cap or a funny IC. I don't know much about that subject, so it looks like I'll have to visit someone who does like a service tech if I want to salvage it, unless someone knows that this issue tends to happen and there's a workaround that I'm not aware of.

[Tinman]

You don't have the "EDIT" button pressed, do you?

Marc

[karaslilbro]

You don't have the "EDIT" button pressed, do you?

Marc

Funny you mention this, because just last night I read on another forum about the same topic that the edit switch often keeps the transport controls locked out on accident when you take it out of edit. So, after exercising the edit button for a bit, the record and fast-winding switches work again! I wouldn't have thought of messing around too much with the edit switch, but in retrospect it makes sense. I think, like the other pots and switches, that switch has just become so noisy that it will lock those functions out. One day when I have the time and resources I'll likely get those components serviced, but for now it serves its purpose, with a few quirks. *Spin*

[Skywavebe]

karaslilbro,

I think you are working with a wonderful machine even though it is used.
The pots are things that are getting hard to get in the electronics industry.
If you call Otari you might be able to get them now but later probably not.
They are likely to not be cheap being that they are not being produced as much as they were in the good old days. Most people just spray clean them with a contact cleaner and that takes care of the problem and does not require you to take them out. Like a lot of people that do not know tape decks they want a simple fix as replacing the transport for a minor problem that is with theirs. This is like changing an engine because of a bad spark plug- a waste of resources and money. It is a better idea to take it to a Technician and get the unit gone through and adjusted correctly for the tape you are recording on. Marc- Tinman is one I would suggest if you are in his location. There are a few others. If you think the unit works well now then you may be surprised further when you hear it to specs. Transports do not just plug in and go like a video card, there are a lot of interconnects such as rotational sensors, tension arm safety switches and so on. The better course is the Technician. I had a guy with a transport problem have an "Akai Technician" work on his unit and he replaced the audio section from an incompatible deck using wire nuts and of course now neither decks work. I have them here for parts.