6 Sep
1999
6 Sep
'99
9:39 a.m.
There is plenty of tape around the reel in the
drive, so I tried to apply
power to see if it would rewind. The drive would wind for perhaps a second
three times, then stop completely and flash the red light. Looks to me as if
the motor isn't spinning properly...suggestions?
I suspect that one of the optical sensors is obscured by dust. If you've
got a source of (clean!) compressed air, or a nitrogen cylinder around,
try blowing out around:
1. The LED and photodiode that are on the "far" side of the head (the
side towards the rear of the TK50). These detect "stripes" that are in
the leader.
2. The LED and photodiode that are around the spindle on the far side
of the head. This is a bit more complicated - you have to remove
several screws, and it's probably best if you pull whatever tape remains
before trying this. When you get the cover off you'll see the little
rotational encoder wheel that the LED's shine through - make sure this
is clean, too, but don't bend it!
To pull the tape, pull back on the solenoid (right side of the drive,
near the front), move the lever, and pull the cartridge out. Now pull
all the tape out - preferably right into the garbage can!
--
Tim Shoppa Email: shoppa(a)trailing-edge.com
Trailing Edge Technology WWW: http://www.trailing-edge.com/
7328 Bradley Blvd Voice: 301-767-5917
Bethesda, MD, USA 20817 Fax: 301-767-5927
6 Sep
6 Sep
12:47 p.m.
1. The LED and photodiode that are on the
"far" side of the head (the
side towards the rear of the TK50). These detect "stripes" that are in
the leader.
I think I've found this pair...the whole wheel came out when
unscrewed...connected to a plastic strip on the bottom. Cleaned this pair. And
managed to get the tape out more or less intact.
2. The LED and photodiode that are around the spindle
on the far side
of the head. This is a bit more complicated - you have to remove
several screws, and it's probably best if you pull whatever tape remains
before trying this. When you get the cover off you'll see the little
rotational encoder wheel that the LED's shine through - make sure this
is clean, too, but don't bend it!
Not sure about this one...
To pull the tape, pull back on the solenoid (right
side of the drive,
near the front), move the lever, and pull the cartridge out. Now pull
all the tape out - preferably right into the garbage can!
I take it you think the tape isn't worth feeding back through?
Another curious thing...after I got the tape out, I tried to power the unit up
again. Same thing happened...three short jerks on the spool, and then the
flashing red light. I checked the phototransistor and LED...they seem to be aimed
through the hole in the guide belt. Is it possible that one is not working?
Cheers,
Chris
3:57 p.m.
At 16:47 06-09-1999 -0500, you wrote:
<snip>
It's never a good idea to try reusing a TK50 cartridge that's been stuck
and manually removed. Even if you get it out, God only knows where the tape
will have been creased or crinkled, and that puts your data at risk.
The same applies to almost any tape cartridge or reel, especially if it's
been physically stressed.
It's beginning to sound as though you have a bad drive, though.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Bruce Lane, Owner and head honcho, Blue Feather Technologies
http://www.bluefeathertech.com // E-mail: kyrrin(a)bluefeathertech.com
Amateur Radio: WD6EOS since Dec. '77
"Our science can only describe an object, event, or living thing in our
own human terms. It cannot, in any way, define any of them..."
To pull the
tape, pull back on the solenoid (right side of the drive,
near the front), move the lever, and pull the cartridge out. Now pull
all the tape out - preferably right into the garbage can!
I take it you think the tape isn't worth feeding back through?
9052
days inactive
9052
days old
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CLASSICCMP＠trailing-edge.com -
cureau＠centuryinter.net -
kyrrin＠bluefeathertech.com