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Chuffed with myself!

northerner - 2012-07-12 15:10

I know it's sad and a poor reason for a post but I'm new to fixing boxes and I have this evening plucked up the courage to delve into my Sharp GF525 and sort the tape decks. I'm sure it's an easy job for some but bearing in mind you have to do a fair bit of dismantling I'm pleased to have done it and got it back together!!! Sorted both capstan rubbers, rebelted, and got rid of a hum and a crackly volume dial. Chuffed to bits as its all now perfect but my family aren't impressed so I thought I'd tell you guys!!

nak.d - 2012-07-12 18:46

Sounds like you did a fairly good job there! Also worth checking is tape head alignment, cleaning and a good demag.

northerner - 2012-07-12 23:33

Thanks! I did give it a really good clean, tapes played perfectly so head alignment presumably is good, don't know anything about demag-ing?...how do you know it needs doing and how do you do it?

metad - 2012-07-13 02:15

Originally Posted by Northerner:
I know it's sad and a poor reason for a post but I'm new to fixing boxes

Oh no it's a good reason to post. Years ago, people on here used to post threads like this a lot, unlike these days. So, do not hesitate to share your joy, everyone (okay, almost everyone) on here understands such a joy and excitement, congratulations

deliverance - 2012-07-13 02:58

well done mate , sometimes the only way to learn is to have a go your self , its a good feeling knowing that you have mended a box , if it sounds okay on the decks not muffled just leave them as they are and enjoy it

northerner - 2012-07-13 04:01

Thanks guys!...nice to get a 'well done' as the wife just nods at me and gives me a look as if I'm mental whenever I tell her anything about boxes so its nice to be be able to share this with others who appreciate the joys of this obsession!

 

And of course without this forum and the expertise held within it I wouldn't have been able to fix it so thanks everyone!

mitchelljames - 2012-07-13 06:36

Well done mate, i need to start doing a bit of this stuff myself.

docs - 2012-07-13 14:03

Well done for fixing it up, now enjoy it and play it loud !!

northerner - 2012-07-13 14:24

I've got it playing a tape right now and its sounding bloody good for an old man of 31...found its date stamp when I was fixing it...feb 1981. Better than any modern crappy iPod dock!!!!

boomboxace - 2012-07-13 17:37

Top job man

bba

nak.d - 2012-08-18 09:45

Originally Posted by Northerner:
Thanks! I did give it a really good clean, tapes played perfectly so head alignment presumably is good, don't know anything about demag-ing?...how do you know it needs doing and how do you do it?

Should have posted this sooner, apologies Northener! Specialist demag devices are available. I have a TDK type. After demagnatization you should notice the higher freq's will be more evident, particularly if it's never been done before. Try something like this eBay Demag cassette thingy. It's a required thing as by their very nature cassettes will magnetize the head. Turn down the volume though as a high pitched squeak will be audible through the speakers when in use.

driptip - 2012-08-18 10:03

congrats northerner,  i have done some of those my self, and its a great feeling after its done, and dont expect wife or family to congratulate you for this , thats when we come in, thats our job, we understand the milestone acomplished .

northerner - 2012-08-18 10:15

Cheers Driptip! and thanks Nak D I'll get one of those and run it through all my boxes, thought they'd be more expensive than that. Cheers mate

lav.loo - 2012-08-19 14:05

nice one SI, iv'e ventured in a few boxes in my time but i know my limits, a detailed clean is as far as i go congrats mate well done