Sony WM-EX70 and WM-FX70 Repair Experience?

Discussion in 'Tech talk' started by Duey71, Apr 25, 2023.

  1. Duey71

    Duey71 Member

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    I'm sitting on 3 WM-EX70, and 1 is just for parts only. And 1 Mint WM-FX70.

    EX70, I installed new belt(routine cleaning) plays but no Auto reverse. Stuck playing Side B(clockwise rotation).

    FX70, I installed new belt(routine cleaning) plays but no Auto Reverse. Stuck playing Side B (Clockwise Rotation)

    I looked at the Korean YouTube Videos but he doesn't speak, but shows details.

    They sound very nice, before I unsolder the cables to look at the gears, I wanted to check if anyone has any experience in these two?

    The service manual doesn't go in detail on the gear positions like some of the older SM do.

    I would be happy to pay for or donate for your time.

    Thanks
     
  2. Recaptcha

    Recaptcha Well-Known Member

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    Hi there,

    This is a fairly common issue with the EX70. I've fixed a few and would be happy to try and walk you through the common issues.

    First a few questions to begin:

    1. Have you double checked that the new belt is tight enough to where it doesn't slip when changing sides? It takes a fair amount of torque to move the main gear that changes tape functions.

    2. Did you make sure the tape position switch was lined up with the mechanism? It's a small switch on the motherboard that gets moved by the tape mechanism as it changes. It must be lined up with the grooves in the mechanism. See the red circle in this image:

    Screenshot 2023-04-25 at 11.53.27 AM.png

    3. Have you cleaned the gears to remove old grease and checked for sticky or hard to move areas in the mechanism? This is a common cause of issue with these.

    In any case, if the first two questions are tackled and ok, you need to remove the motherboard to gain access to the mechanism. I've found this generation of walkman to be very sturdy, and you usually don't deal with broken gears like the older green key models.

    Here's a tip, when you remove the old gears, take them off and place them on a table or counter in the order and orientation they came off in. Take a photo BEFORE taking any gears off.
     
    Last edited: Apr 25, 2023
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  3. Duey71

    Duey71 Member

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    Recaptcha, I've just seen your reply! Been working long hours and just had a chance to read your reply. I will write back more when I have time.

    I have not attempted to remove the main board yet and check the gears, etc. As I was following some YouTube Videos from Walkman Mania on these.

    You list some things I didn't know also, about the detection switches, and yes I seen them on the lower right deck.(2 white switches).

    I will write back soon. Thanks many for taking the time to reply and write these good notes. Not much out there on these two models or the EX60.

    Kindest Regards,

    -Duane
     
  4. Duey71

    Duey71 Member

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    OK, I see what you mean on the Tape Position Switch in your photo. I seen that guy on Youtube play with that switch area you have circled in Red. But didn't really know. When I have more time I will get back to this and your notes.
     
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  5. Duey71

    Duey71 Member

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    Ok, I have the FX70 and one EX70 playing both sides! I changed out the pinch rollers also. Thanks Recaptcha.

    The only thing I'm puzzled? I changed out the playback head on the EX70. The EX70 sounds dull. (Muffled) with Dolby NR on. The FX70 sounds perfect. Any suggestions? I did change the PB Head, but same issue. Side A and B sound the same(treble low and muffled) The Dolby Playback Level is fixed on this.(No setting)

    Thanks,

    Duane
     

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