Tandberg TD-20A with problem in the electronic department

[Squank]

Hi all!
I need advise on whether to buy a TD-20A that a seller is trying to sell it for a customer of his and was told that there is some problem in the electronics, but can't test it to be specific on what kind.
If it goes for a low price, would it worth the trouble of servicing it?
Is it a difficult deck to service?anyone knows of standard issues that may occur with those in that department?
It is the 4track version and cosmetically looks flawless.
What to do?

[jdurbin1]

"Standard" issues are usually obvious: failed switch detent on the power, reel size, or speed switches (particularly power switch) so that the switches won't stay depressed, and broken reel table/reel retainer.

Following that next most common issue will be sticky old grease impeding movement of the pinch roller arm.

Electronic problems might include intermittent signal due to switch or control oxidation, failed capacitors, etc.

John

[tandberg]

I've got a OK TD20A (wich I actually got for free) and when i wind/rewind and play it goes right away into play without 'stop an wait' and it 'eat' the tape.

The technician who served these at the Tandberg service department said ''We used to change the logic PCB'' Wich probably means they were tricky to search for faults at component level.

[Squank]

So,probably I should let it go by and keep an eye for one that is in stated working condition right?
Or maybe buy it and keep it as a parts unit for a working one,if and when I find one?*?confused*

[tandberg]

Can you go there and test it yourself ?
I believe ''audio-faults'' should be possible to fix.
If the price is right, parts are nice to have *reelspin* *reelspin*

[Squank]

Can you go there and test it yourself ?
I believe ''audio-faults'' should be possible to fix.
If the price is right, parts are nice to have *reelspin* *reelspin*

Unfortunately I can't, the seller is in another country and the cost alltogether with the shipping might be about 300€.
I asked to call his client and he replied that he couldn't get him on the phone, plus he does not have the mains cable in the shop to power it up.
Sounds like lame excuses to me, to tell you the truth...

[tandberg]

Sounds like lame excuses to me, to tell you the truth... *bigthumbup*
'' So convenient ''
If it would work, a good price, if not, too high.
Where do you live ?? Close to the sea ? Maybe someone bring you one and meet at the ''TABEPNA'' and take a Kleftiko and Mythos.

[Squank]

*bigthumbup*
'' So convenient ''
If it would work, a good price, if not, too high.
Where do you live ?? Close to the sea ? Maybe someone bring you one and meet at the ''TABEPNA'' and take a Kleftiko and Mythos.

Sounds like you've been around our traditional restaurants ha ha!


Anyway, I got another response from the seller stating that someone took a look at it and said it must be something wrong with the mains circuit.
He can't say what for sure though, could be a fuse, could be a transformer.
How bad or difficult to cure is that department?

[Squank]

"Standard" issues are usually obvious: failed switch detent on the power, reel size, or speed switches (particularly power switch) so that the switches won't stay depressed, and broken reel table/reel retainer.

Following that next most common issue will be sticky old grease impeding movement of the pinch roller arm.

Electronic problems might include intermittent signal due to switch or control oxidation, failed capacitors, etc.

John

Are those easily fixed by a technician and consumer parts or I must find exact replacements by Tandberg?

[jdurbin1]

The failed switches will require specific replacement parts, although I have on occasion been able to mend the original. They are occasionally sold on eBay, particularly one seller in Germany that parts out a lot of 20A's. That seller has the complete transformer setup for sale currently, for reference.

These do have a detachable power cable, but not difficult to find new ones. They also have configurable transformers so voltage support from US to Europe and vice versa is no issue for a competent tech.

John

[Squank]

They are occasionally sold on eBay, particularly one seller in Germany that parts out a lot of 20A's. That seller has the complete transformer setup for sale currently, for reference.

John

Can you give me a link to one of his listings,I'm sure he could turn out handy, if not right away, in the future for sure...Thanks!

[Scorpion8]

The Tandbergs seem to have a LOT of unobtanium ICs and transistors if I recall. You could be parts-hunting for awhile.

[jdurbin1]

Her listings, actually... here's the one for the transformer & parts:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130487463262&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

John

Can you give me a link to one of his listings,I'm sure he could turn out handy, if not right away, in the future for sure...Thanks!

[jdurbin1]

Has never been an issue for me, with the exception of the logic IC's used on their cassette decks. There are actually plenty of them left in stock but only in the inventories of the obsolete parts distributors. I may have to break down and buy a ton of them at some point, gets old having to scrap an otherwise perfectly good deck.

Transistors are just not an issue. Can always find the originals or a modern equivalent, even those pesky thermally bonded matched pairs or dual transistors they liked to use in the power amps.

I don't disagree that you need to have some parts-hunting skills but there are still parts to be found there.

John

The Tandbergs seem to have a LOT of unobtanium ICs and transistors if I recall. You could be parts-hunting for awhile.

[Squank]

Her listings, actually... here's the one for the transformer & parts:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130487463262&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

John

Thank you, I appreciate it!