Hi all, So, I recently got my first D6C ever, it feels like I'm holding a treasure when I use it. Anyway, I have some 4-tracks that are also very dear to me, and some Aiwa units that need service, but none of them made me feel like the D6C, and I really hope that I can maintain it and keep it working for a long time and so, I have seen in this and other forums very knowledgable individuals who know how to work on these things and I hope some of you can give me some guidance: If you could make a list of ten things to learn in order to be able to service a walkman or a 4track at more than a basic level, what would those things be? For example, enrolling in a specific electronics course? What list of equipment do you think is basic for this kind of work besides a soldering iron, an oscilloscope, meters? Do I need to find calibration cassettes? I started learning from posts here and there, got some service manuals, I'm good at soldering and have worked on PCBs, but I have never been good at math or learning electronics/engineering topics but I love these units and I really want to learn how to repair them. There is lots of info on posts in forums but learning from threads is hard for me, hard to get a clear perspective from all of the ideas that come from different comments in threads that are about specific problems about different units and brands. I'm just not good at learning like that, and besides, I thought, having a list like this might be really helpful to a lot of people out there who want to keep these amazing units working for years to come. I even enrolled in an online electronics course but they asked me to start from the basics and so I'm stuck in algebra for a while I'm better at following step-by-step guides that's why I ask this question, in short, would be so good if we could make a guide for becoming a rookie in the art of repairing and servicing walkmans, decks, and more. Thanks in advance.
There have been quite a few articles like this published in the past. http://stereo2go.com/forums/threads/how-to-service-cassette-decks.4777/ The good news about the D6C is that it is one of the most popular units with one of our members being an expert on them. The real problems occur when you have an obscure unit with no information available.
enrolling in electronic course is good, I did it myself few years ago. Calibration cassette, oscilloscope,..... all are good BUT My opinion: Buy a cheap walkman , something like a $10 plastic walkman and play with it, change the belt, remove the motor, clean it and place it back. separate PCB to get full access to mechanical parts. remove the pinch roller, clean it (or change it with a new one) and place it back to its position. clean the head and adjust the azimuth. Try to follow service manual when working on a walkman. do not touch your D6C yet ( i mean do not try to repair of fix it yet) If you find my advice is helpful, go to Akihabara and pay my regards to the whole electronics neighborhood
It is indeed a great advice, thanks! I actually bought my Aiwas thinking about doing this but the task seemed too challenging at first. I guess the path is a bit clearer now, the electronic course and the hands on approach with service manuals are my main challenges for now
As far as the equipment, I'd head over to AudioKarma and read this excellent thread https://audiokarma.org/forums/index...udio-gear-eh-heres-the-tools-you-need.333423/ add in a Wow & Flutter Meter for the cassette decks. A guide would be difficult since one issue may have multiple solutions, I have an older electronics repair guide that trys to break down issues through a flow chart, that would be the best way to set up any guide but also labor intensive to write. Some of the better service manuals have sections on testing using the different tools available, I think that would be a great way to learn, find an easier model with an extensive service manual and go to work, you'll learn how to use a test tape, W&F meter, signal generator, etc. The good news is, with the exception of test tapes, the other equipment is a fraction of the cost is was new, some W&F meters were thousands of dollars when new. Test tapes tend to go for big money but there are some companies reissuing them.
The best advice I have seen on this thread so far is Boodokhan’s one in post #3. If you are not good at this things like you say, I say leave them well a lone and let the techs do what they are good at. I have seen too many people try to repair these unit, only to turn them into parts only sale. I know my limits, I leave it to the pro’s. I’d rather pay the money and have it done properly, so I can sit back and enjoy the fruits of their labour.
