You will probably need to pull the hubs and clean and lubricate the spring loaded friction bushing behind the hubs. If you turn it by hand and it is quite stiff or springs back after you release the hub then they need cleaning. Most of the hubs are screws in the plastic so a easy to strip when tightining so don't over do it. They may come pre stripped. The manual goes into how to put the hubs on. Try somewhat tight and if they slip tighten some more. The screws are serrated head so may need to be replaced if slipping and worn. A little slipping won't hurt for initial testing but will wear the shaft long term. I used some epoxy thread repair material since some of mine were prestripped. It sort of worked but wasn't really strong enough. Putting in a helicoil might be better but I didn't go that far. The tape motion can be tested in local mode and the manual has adjustments for clean stopping. When no tape in installed both reels should turn in opposite directions. With a tape on it should not turn until you hit forward or backward. The lights may be burned out. They were sold as assemblies but they are a custom order now. You can open them up and carefully solder in a new bulb inside. I bought a couple similar bulbs from Mouser and picked the one I liked. Since mine had no good bulbs I can't say what was the closest match. The capacitors have been discussed. The 4 motor capacitors are obvious if they are going, junk will be coming out the vent. Altough after shipping it may of all broken loose. The power supply in the back also has a big capacitor in it for the motor drive voltage (36V?). It wouldn't hurt to reform that one. I haven't always reformed the capacitors most of the time its powered up ok but did have them fail in one item. I use the current limited supply method. Also note you provide either 5V or 10V, not both. I have a video of operation of my unit online if you need to see what it looks like running. David Gesswein http://www.pdp8.net/ -- Run an old computer with blinkenlights. Have any PDP-8 stuff you're willing to part with?