02-04-2020, 08:34 AM
(This post was last modified: 02-04-2020, 08:36 AM by Mike Watterson.)
If the same head is used for playback and record, and it plays, it's not the head.
Use a scope to trace the signal from input towards the head. Note that the head in record may have 35 KHz to 85 KHz bias, I don't know what frequency is used. If the bias was missing on record it would just be distorted. If the oscillator was completely dead you'd have no erase and STILL distorted recording.
Or trace from head back towards the input.
How is the head wired? Is it really a single head or two heads side by side (to allow monitoring during record)?
Also if the "DC" resistance of the windings is OK, the head is likely doing something, heads can be worn or dirty, but that's obvious on playback with a single head system.
I have some old 1/4" tape heads, but that doesn't sound like the problem unless recording uses a separate head or separate poles in the same body.
Use a scope to trace the signal from input towards the head. Note that the head in record may have 35 KHz to 85 KHz bias, I don't know what frequency is used. If the bias was missing on record it would just be distorted. If the oscillator was completely dead you'd have no erase and STILL distorted recording.
Or trace from head back towards the input.
How is the head wired? Is it really a single head or two heads side by side (to allow monitoring during record)?
Also if the "DC" resistance of the windings is OK, the head is likely doing something, heads can be worn or dirty, but that's obvious on playback with a single head system.
I have some old 1/4" tape heads, but that doesn't sound like the problem unless recording uses a separate head or separate poles in the same body.
