680 ZX

[Paolo Cipollone]

Hi all,

my first post here. I recently picked up a very nice 680 ZX. It works fine on playback, but it doesn't record. Also the auto azimuth alignment doesn't work although the light blinks. Everything else, including half speed switch and meters does work fine. I am aware of the 'orange cap disease' but wonder if there's a list of components to change, or known to fail, on this very machine.

Thank you very much in advance,
Paolo Cipollone

[Scorpion8]

I am aware of the 'orange cap disease' but wonder if there's a list of components to change, or known to fail, on this very machine.

Welcome to TH's and congrats on getting a great deck. Someone with more Nak experience thsan myself may be along shortly, but IIRC the caps in the bias section are usually to blame for not being able to record on these. You may want to start there. Also, Luis Peromarta runs a great site devoted to Nak tape decks here (http://naks.es/start.html) that may be of some help.

[perry]

Welcome to THs! Well, if the bias orange caps are shot, (which is likely based on your description), then the auto azimuth can't work. It has to adjust the record head to the best signal of what is playing back on the PB head, capish? No recorded signal...nothing to adjust to. The service manuals are available here: www.naks.com/wiki I don't recall if you have to join to be able to download. Let me know what kind of tech help you might need, if any.

[Paolo Cipollone]

Hi Scorpion and Perry,
and thanks for your replies.

Perry:
the tech help I might need is the one mentioned in my first post, that is if someone has carried over a 'selective' faulty cap substitution, instead of substituting them all. I have the service manual and can go on replacing every single cap, but I know that would be overkill. That's why I posted here... :-). I obviously know the equation no recording-no azimuth adjust, but the motor is not even trying to adjust.

Thanks again,
Paolo

[Nakdoc]

Paolo,
replace C331 and C332 in the bias oscillator.

[perry]

Replace those 2 caps and see if the azimuth adjust works. I have a 680ZX that works, (and a 660ZX that needs work) ...we'll get yours working.

[Scorpion8]

Paolo,
replace C331 and C332 in the bias oscillator.

Trust the doc! *yes*

[Paolo Cipollone]

Thanks Doc,
I'll start with those!

Ciao,
Paolo