8 track system

[marcok]

I have received the Akai CR 80 D and I and my hifi guru
this afternoon we have tested and cleaned it .
Unfortunately one channel is dead and the reason is ( probabily )
an AA 072 ic bad .
It's no longer available but it's possible to replace it with
a small discrete circuit .
https://postimg.org/image/6wobbxj4b/
Except this failure everything is perfect !
No problem : it was a calculated risk and next week I will build this circuit .
AA 072 bad is a common failure on Akai RTR and 8 track decks of '70s .
Ciao
Marco

 

[laatsch55]

Good luck and give em hell Marco....

 

[orange]

I have received the Akai CR 80 D and I and my hifi guru
this afternoon we have tested and cleaned it .
Unfortunately one channel is dead and the reason is ( probabily )
an AA 072 ic bad .
It's no longer available but it's possible to replace it with
a small discrete circuit .
https://postimg.org/image/6wobbxj4b/
Except this failure everything is perfect !
No problem : it was a calculated risk and next week I will build this circuit .
AA 072 bad is a common failure on Akai RTR and 8 track decks of '70s .
Ciao
Marco

If there are so many bad ones, can't you find one good leftover?

 

[62vauxhall]

Nothing simple like a dirty record/play switch?

 

[marcok]

Now I am sure that this IC is the guilty , because my hifi guru has inverted the two ICs .
No problem : I'm already studying a practical solution and tomorrow morning I will buy the components
from my dealer ( 200 mt. far from my home ) .
Total cost 6/7 € for two units . At this point it's better to replace both ICs ,considering that is
critical component.
Anyway my CR 80d is in good condition outside and inside .
I have only spray painted the top cover , cleaned capstan , deoxed switches , unlocked 50/60 Hz pulley switch and replaced
the wooden sides with mahogany solid wood .
Angle and height of the head are O.K. and the belt too.
Ciao
Marco

 

[62vauxhall]

What tapes do you have to play?

 

[marcok]

http://www.ebay.it/itm/SCOTCH-CLASS...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649
http://www.ebay.it/itm/11-DIONNE-WA...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649
http://www.ebay.it/itm/8-Track-Tape...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649

Gary ,
I think it's a good start set for a newcomer .
Ciao
Marco

 

[marcok]

And for emercency I have this kit .
Found at home .
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BASF-Magnet...ND-NEW-Sealed-Hobby-Box-4-avail-/172699825601

Ciao
Marco

 

[marcok]

My Akai CR 80d now is working after replacing the two ICs .
It took me about 5/6 hours to build the equivalent discrete circuits
and after my hifi guru has placed them on the amplifier board.
Unbelievable it works !!!
Anyway I have read in many forums that this IC ( AA 072 by Taiyo ) is
a " plague" for all Akai decks of that period , including RTRs like 2000d and 4000d.
Ciao
Marco

 

[Elite-ist]

Way to go, Marco. You are well-prepared. Motown music on 8-track will sounds great. Don't forget Herb Albert. And at the other end of the musical spectrum - Zappa.

Click on image to play video:

Nando.

 

[marcok]

Thank you Nando !
Now I'm recording my first cart with The Carpenters .
A perfect music of the 70's.
Ciao
Marco

 

[Elite-ist]

Already recording. Good choice in the Carpenters.<br>
<br>
<iframe width="854" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_BrSVOOK610" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br>
<br>
Nando.

 

[62vauxhall]

You will/did recondition the blank you're recording onto - right?

You probably know this but any and all factory sealed tapes suffer the same degradation as well used ones.

If possible, you should scrutinize the Scotch blanks you get. Those cartridge halves can be or are all sonically welded/glued together and all but impossible to get apart. I tried one once and severely damaged the shell.

Too bad you are so far away shipping cost wise. I have some reconditioned factory recorded duplicates but our musical tastes might be poles apart. Nothing remotely resembling The Carpenters exists where I live.

 

[marcok]

Gary,
I have only one blank cart ( it's O.K.), bought only for test purpose only .
The idea is to use the deck as player only .
Anyway I very happy of this deck and its sound .
Thank Gary and thank you Nando for your suggestions .
Ciao
Marco

 

[orange]

I've sent blanks to Darcy in Australia but yeah, Italy could be a bit harsh.