One of the most important procedures to keep a Walkman (or any other tape recorder) in alignment is checking the azimuth and tape speed.

Thankfully oscilloscope software exists to provide a solution for those who do not have the real thing. Using the soundcard of your computer, it's possible to align a tape recorder using audio cables.

Here's one that I am using: Scope by CZeitnitz.

Link:

http://www.zeitnitz.de/Christi...en7gmen837g715sksfe6

Using a 10khz test tape, you can follow the azimuth procedure mentioned in many Sony Walkman service manuals and aim get a perfect X-Y graph.

It also includes a frequency generator and counter, useful for checking tape speed/wow and flutter. For example, a 3khz tape could be created with a D6C, which is a quartz-locked machine.

Another software is Audiotester.

If anyone else has alternatives, do list them.

Originals tapes are recorded full track, but if you are going to make your own alignment 2 tracks, you need a reference deck, like a rebuilted modded ZX-9. Never use metal, like Sony Ceramic Metal Master as it heavy, seen alot of techs make this mistake, use CrO2 quality EMTEC tape with modded shell and cut tape around 15 mins. For Sony decks the dolby circuits. This is done with a modulated 400Hz level tape. You also need a 10khz -10db for head alignment and a 3khz for speed. Would also use a mirror tape, to check path so you don't wreck the tape

As far as three heads deck, you need then a Sony Ceramic Metal Master cassette, or reference type 4 cassette for recording if it's uses discrete heads, separate record head not on the same block.

Connect ocilloscope, VTVM, or true RMS AC voltmeter to output, start with right if you are using muiltmeter.  When aligning the deck you what to look for the max output voltage using a vtvm or scope, also a properly aligned signal will be “in-phase”, thus making sum maximum and difference reading minimum. An “out-of-phase” signal will make difference maximum, and sum minimum.

What a mirror tape look like as it has a cutout with a mirror so you can see tape move pass path and heads.

How you signal sure look when in phase with max output.

Most d6c's and dd9's I see are always out of phase 100 degrees and need to be completely overhaul and modded, as they are way out of spec, if you want them to sound good. plus most always have to deal with mechanical issues first, then electronics, before even thinking about doing a alignment

Agree about the D6Cs being out of alignment stock- at least for mine.

Going back to the original question posed...

I use TrueRTA. It isn't freeware, but even the demo version has its uses.

Comes with spectrum analyser as well as oscilloscope and tone generator. Paid up version offers higher analysing resolution, with the more you pay the more resolution you get.

I use TrueRTA, which I find good for my purposes.