My very old TC-D5m is still working perfectly. There is one thing I cannot resolve. When I connect the 6 V power, the current is about 320 mA. Nothing is running, everything is quiet. After pushing 'play' the current remains 320 mA. Nothing is getting hot. What could this be?
This only happens when powered via DC in jack, not with batteries ? That 320mA current draw being exactly the same when on and off, but nothing running when off is strange. And fact the FWD draw spec in the manual is also 320mA, it seems that most likely the unit never stops... Otherwise it doesn't add up. Just motor not running should reduce the current draw by a significant amount.
Exactly the same with batteries too. I normally use the deck exclusively with NiMH D-cells. They recently ran out completely. So, it draws a constant 300 mA, but the board doesn't get warm anywhere. I've removed the batteries and use it exclusively with the original Sony adapter. My other TC-D5 (a PRO II) doesn't have that current draw. I would like to fix this problem, because that is what it is, but I don't know where to look. It is also not that easy to troubleshoot due to the complex structure...
This recorder also activates the electronics when only the record button is pressed. It remains silent, the motor doesn't run, but it does consume power. Could it be that the internal switch for the record button isn't releasing properly? Testing is easy. In that case, the meters will illuminate when the light button is pressed. It's not something I've experienced in practice, but it's worth checking. Normally, the batteries don't drain when it's not in use, even after years.
"Testing is easy. In that case, the meters will illuminate when the light button is pressed." That's the case!! The light's go on when I press the Light Button. And the left meter goes completely to the right. So it must be the left channel that is not releasing properly. Record level 'zero'.
Left VU-meter acts as battery level check (see the green marking), that's why only the left needle moves.
When you press the light button, a single meter acts as a voltage gauge. That's why it deflects to the right. It indicates the battery status. Your problem is most likely that one of the leaf switches under the board, in the mechanism, isn't releasing properly and is keeping the board hot. This, in turn, drains the battery. This is a mechanical problem, which can arise after replacing the belts, for example. I think it would be worthwhile to check the switches and their wiring to the board. Also, check whether the mechanism is properly activating the switches. It shouldn't be too complex to solve this
Hopefully, I've helped you get started. The idea is that the recorder is actually off when it should be. Heel veel succes ermee
I checked the four leaf switches in my D5. All are working as mentioned in the service manual. So there must be another component that is causing the high current in stand-by.
