AIWA 3 Head Tape Deck Repair (AD-FF90 / AD-F990)

Mend It Mark34 minutes read

A workshop featuring the AA ad ff90 cassette deck from 1982 was repaired through various steps, including rewinding a seized motor and replacing components like resistors and capacitors. After addressing issues with the circuit board, solenoid, and take-up rollers, the tape deck was successfully repaired and tested for full functionality.

Insights

  • The AA ad ff90 cassette deck from 1982 is a Japanese Market model with unique features like a pure amorphous alloy head, Dolby HX Pro, and a variety of input/output options, but it requires 100v AC power and may face mechanical issues like a seized motor that necessitates rewinding.
  • Repairing the cassette deck involves intricate processes like unwinding and rewinding motor windings, identifying and replacing faulty components like resistors and capacitors, adjusting the motor's direction for noise reduction, and replacing worn parts like tires, showcasing the complexity and thoroughness required for successful restoration.

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Recent questions

  • How does a cassette deck work?

    A cassette deck operates by playing cassette tapes through a series of components. The tape is inserted into the deck, where it passes over a magnetic head that reads the audio information. The deck includes motors that drive the tape movement, allowing functions like play, rewind, and fast forward. The audio signal is processed through various circuit components, such as resistors, capacitors, and diodes, to ensure proper playback. If any mechanical or electrical issues arise, the deck may require disassembly, component replacement, and rewiring to restore functionality.

  • What are common issues with cassette decks?

    Common problems with cassette decks include mechanical issues like seized motors, worn tires on the tape mechanism, and solenoid malfunctions. Electrical issues can arise from damaged components like transistors, diodes, and resistors, leading to circuit malfunctions. Additionally, issues with voltage output, motor noise, and interference can impact the deck's performance. Identifying and addressing these problems often involves disassembling the deck, replacing faulty components, rewiring motors, and adjusting magnetic shielding to ensure proper operation.

  • How to repair a cassette deck?

    Repairing a cassette deck involves a systematic approach to troubleshooting and fixing mechanical and electrical issues. Begin by identifying the problem areas, such as seized motors, damaged components, or worn-out parts. Disassemble the deck to access the internal components, replace faulty parts like resistors, capacitors, and diodes with suitable alternatives, and rewire motors if necessary. Adjust magnetic shielding to prevent interference, apply grease to moving parts for smooth operation, and test the deck for functions like play, rewind, and fast forward to ensure successful repair.

  • What tools are needed to repair a cassette deck?

    To repair a cassette deck, you may need tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, soldering iron, multimeter, and variac for Japanese Market models requiring 100v AC power. These tools are essential for disassembling the deck, testing components, rewiring motors, and replacing damaged parts. Additionally, having access to schematics of the circuit board can aid in identifying components and their connections, facilitating the repair process. Proper tools and equipment are crucial for effectively troubleshooting and fixing mechanical and electrical issues in a cassette deck.

  • How to troubleshoot a cassette deck?

    Troubleshooting a cassette deck involves identifying and addressing mechanical and electrical issues that affect its performance. Begin by inspecting the deck for visible problems like seized motors, worn-out tires, or damaged components. Use a multimeter to test voltage output, resistance, and continuity of circuit components to pinpoint faulty parts. Disassemble the deck to access internal components, replace damaged parts like resistors, capacitors, and diodes, and rewire motors if needed. Adjust magnetic shielding, apply grease to moving parts, and test the deck for functions like play, rewind, and fast forward to troubleshoot and resolve any issues.

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Summary

00:00

1982 AA ad ff90 Cassette Deck Repair

  • The workshop features an AA ad ff90 cassette deck released in 1982, known for its stylish design and numerous buttons.
  • The cassette deck includes a pure amorphous alloy head and Dolby HX Pro for selecting different modes.
  • The back of the deck features stereo mic input, line in record, line out, and play back options, along with an MPX filter.
  • The deck is a Japanese Market model requiring 100v AC power, necessitating the use of a variac for operation.
  • Upon inspection, the tape deck's door does not shut with a tape inside, indicating potential mechanical issues.
  • The internal components reveal various branded chips, microcontrollers, and a twin motor design with a Servo mechanism.
  • The motors in the deck are not running, with measurements showing low voltage, suggesting mechanical trouble.
  • Further investigation reveals a seized motor, requiring disassembly and rewinding of the motor's windings.
  • The rewinding process involves carefully unwinding the burnt winding, counting turns, and reassembling the motor with new wire.
  • After rewinding and testing the motor's resistance and functionality, the deck is reassembled, ensuring proper alignment and insulation for safe operation.

23:31

Troubleshooting and Repairing Circuit Board Components

  • A schematic of the circuit board was created to identify components and their connections.
  • The mode control chip is from Panasonic or Mateta, but information about it is unavailable.
  • Identified issues include a melted transistor, a shorted diode, and an overheated fusible resistor.
  • Current flowed through the transistor to the base, causing damage.
  • Two resistors in series, one fusible, totaling 910 ohms, were found, with unusual values.
  • Fusible resistors typically handle 1 Watt power, but the 883-ohm resistor's low current capacity posed a challenge.
  • Replaced components included resistors, capacitors, and a diode with suitable alternatives.
  • Identified a capacitor, labeled C4, as the cause of the issue, not a fusible resistor.
  • Reassembled the circuit board, ensuring proper connections and insulation.
  • After repairs, confirmed the circuit board's functionality and voltage output.

45:37

Repairing Tape Deck: Solving Motor and Roller Issues

  • The motor is making noise due to a solenoid issue, but fixing it by adjusting the direction of the motor results in a quiet operation.
  • The take-up rollers are not moving as they should, leading to the need to dismantle the cassette tape holder to investigate further.
  • After disassembling the mechanism, it is discovered that a worn tire is causing the issue, which is replaced with a suitable alternative.
  • Adjustments are made to the motor's magnetic shielding to prevent interference, allowing the mechanism to function correctly.
  • Grease is applied to various components, including the head support ball bearing, to ensure smooth operation.
  • Despite encountering some challenges, such as a slow motor and flashing lights, the tape deck is successfully repaired and tested for functions like fast forward, rewind, play, and pause.
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