I just saw Techmoan’s video on the Panasonic RX 2700, although his was branded as a National. He couldn’t repair it, so my question is, is it impossible or has someone been able to swap the belts? If so how long did it take and how did you go about doing it? Because I would really like one but I don’t know if it would be worth it and did Techmoan even do it correctly.
It is no doubt possible to replace the belts. Having a service manual to explain the correct process of opening and taking apart the device would be extremely helpful if not essential considering the apparent complexity. It would be wise to pay for a service manual if a free one is not available. And then post page scans or pictures of said service manual here on a separate topic to help all others in the future Remember that changing the belts requires intense cleaning of the old pathways and pulley surfaces to remove the often invisible residue of old rotting belts that will attack the new belt. And oiling this and that with a syringe of oil etc.,
I never use a service manual taking something apart. I just take anywheres between 40 to 60 on the average amount of pictures. Taking something apart the most. I've ever taken pictures is for a c100f iconic boombox that one I took over 200 pictures. Cassette2go is one of my YouTube channels where I've taken apart lots of radios & presently here in the tech talk of the boombox area in this forum I've taken apart quite a few different things. None of them. Walkmans presently because I have more boomboxes than I have Walkman. When taking something apart, simply have lots of patience. Lots of time to walk away, clear your mind and come back to it. So you need some space to have this and not have to worry about somebody coming along and disturbing your progress. And just take lots of pictures. Take more pictures than necessary. Take pictures of each and every little Minor detail that you may not think is necessary. But it's beautiful when you can get to a point and discover something wrong. You can just go back through your pictures and say hey that's where it was. I've even tried shooting a few videos of start to finish but I ran out of time on the camera or the camera is shut off because it only can shoot so long which is basically 48 minutes before it changes to a new file. So I can't do that because I don't do editing of videos. But that's another story. I've spent as long as a week just taking something apart repairing it and putting it back together or not but at least I've had The satisfaction personally of trying to do so and I've documented what I've done and then I posted it to the world when I was successful or not because either way that still helps somebody. I could rattle on about common sense on how to do something but I'll leave you here and your thoughts.
I watched that video when it came out and can't remember exactly what the issue was outside of lot's of solder joints and crammed circuit boards. If I was doing it I'd use my blue silicone mat, make sure all the screws are in order, take a boatload of photos and take my time. If I didn't finish I'd put the mat in a safe place until I went back to work on it. Like C2G says, the service manual is ok, for me there's always a hidden screw or two on the case that are impossible to find without it. Some service manuals will have electronic measurements you can take on various parts to ensure they are still working correctly and there's always a spring that you can't remember where it goes. I consider the RX-2700 to be a very cool looking unit, while small, it's not the smallest boombox but it's pretty close. Mine is a "National Panasonic" but there's no FCC (or UL) on the back, maybe it's Canadian? I don't think my tape deck works but it's a shelf queen anyways. You might want to start with something easier, watch some My Mate Vince Videos on Walkman repairs and see if you like it. I always use JIS screwdrivers on these, they bite the screws better and you won't damage them which is a real drag.
I have JIS screwdrivers too. I'm familiar with the blue silicone mat, but I like using a towel over a foam rubber pad..
I can pick up my pad and place it somewhere safe, plus they have all the cool little spots for screws.
@Anthony I know the thread is old, but want to add some info. This unit is very possible to repair, just not the easiest one out there. First of all, as @Cassette2go mentioned taking pictures is a must. Especially in regard to where wires are soldered, as you will need to desolder wires. Unit needs to be fully disassembled to reach the mechanism and by that point you will want to fully overhaul it not just put new belts and call it a day. In regard to disassembly there are 2 things where you need to be careful of: 1. The small board with motor governor can be damaged if a longer screw is not retracted/removed. Can't remember which is the screw exactly is, but pay careful attention when removing front panel. If it doesn't come out easily, don't force ! 2. The REC/PB switch has a spring that needs to be installed from the front panel side (it's impossible to install the main PCB otherwise). For this radio board needs to be installed last. Apart from normal maintenance (cleaning, re-oiling, new belts, pinch roller), this mechanism has some idler tires which need to be sanded/replaced and a clutch which tension needs to be increased. More info here (Infinity has same mechanism): https://stereo2go.com/forums/threads/infinity-walkman-restoration.6958/ Even worse is depending on particular model (if it's National or Panasonic brand, year manufactured), these may have leaky electrolytic capacitors. If caps are Mitsubishi brand (you see Mitsubishi logo or CE marking), chances are they have leakead. So careful inspection is necessary before assuming this is not a problem.
Nice thanks for the information. I opened it years ago and came to the same conclusion that it's better to close it again and leave it as it is. At that time it played well with the original belt, but didn't forward or rewind. If I feel like it and have time for a challenge, I will try it again
