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Vintage Tape (Audio), Cassette, Wire and Magnetic Disc Recorders and Players Open-reel tape recorders, cassette recorders, 8-track players etc.

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Old 21st Aug 2017, 7:14 pm   #1
ndg-2000
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Default Sony TC-200 tape recorder

Hi all.

I have held onto this in my attic for a number of years and also a number of tapes to go with it. I have decided to try and get this going. Does anybody have any experience of this tape deck and have any tips.

Many thanks
Nigel
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Old 22nd Aug 2017, 12:29 pm   #2
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Default Re: Sony TC-200 tape recorder

Hi I would also like to clarify the I've never used a reel to reel tape deck before.
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Old 22nd Aug 2017, 5:14 pm   #3
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Default Re: Sony TC-200 tape recorder

No experience on that model but it looks like a nice stereo deck from the '60's. If it powers up without blowing any fuses, I'd be inclined to leave it running for an hour or so and check for any unusual burning smells or noises. If it's still running after an hour, clean the heads, check that controls operate the reels (belts may have deteriorated) load up a tape, and tell us what you find on the tapes
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Old 22nd Aug 2017, 5:27 pm   #4
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Default Re: Sony TC-200 tape recorder

The early version is hybrid, i.e. all valve except for the transistor output stage. The later
version is all transistor. If you are using with a hi-fi use the audio output on the 5-pin
DIN socket instead of the speaker jacks.

Most maintenance will be the usual cleaning, demagnetising, and lubrication.
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Old 22nd Aug 2017, 10:52 pm   #5
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Smile Re: Sony TC-200 tape recorder

Hi

just a little update i tried it this evening all seems well with the tape machine i will need to give the volume pots a good clean as they are very noisy at the moment. the mikes work and the speakers are also good.

i did have a problem with the felt pads that flip up to keep the tape on the heads but managed to figure out that a spring had come off after opening it up.

i haven't tried a tape on it yet as i don't seem to have an empty one to spool the tape onto.

when i looked inside its one of the early ones with an all valve line up.

how do you demagnetise the heads i haven't a clue and also whats the best thing to clean the heads with?

thanks for your help

nigel
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Old 23rd Aug 2017, 7:13 am   #6
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Default Re: Sony TC-200 tape recorder

Drop us a PM, I can let you have an empty reel for the postage.

Demagnetising the heads is done with a de-gausser, though for your machine I wouldn't worry too much about this.

Alcohol wipes/swabs as used for cleaning skin for pre injection are good for cleaning heads, you can get a big box off ebay/Amazon for not much. Meths will do at a pinch but can leave a residue. Vodka or any spirit works too.

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Old 24th Aug 2017, 3:14 pm   #7
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Default Re: Sony TC-200 tape recorder

Hi diabolical artificier pm sent
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Old 25th Aug 2017, 5:24 am   #8
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Default Re: Sony TC-200 tape recorder

I have an all-transistor version that was given to me in 1981. Even though the motor capacitor was good, it had significant speed stability/accuracy issues that required lots of work to get under control. I 'retired' it, so to speak, about 30 years ago.

As old as the OP's 200 is by now, no doubt the motor cap will be bad, and very possibly the rubber drive idlers in the mechanism may be somewhat hardened and perhaps cracked with age.
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Old 25th Aug 2017, 5:22 pm   #9
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Default Re: Sony TC-200 tape recorder

As I don't have an empty reel as yet I cannot test the speed. The tape reels appear to run as expected and the internal rubber drive wheels are currently not cracked but as you say the rubber maybe hardened but I will run a tape through it when I get the reel from Diabolical Artificier and report back
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Old 11th Sep 2017, 2:01 pm   #10
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Default Re: Sony TC-200 tape recorder

Hi

A big thank you to Diabolical Artificier for the 5 & 7 inch reel they arrived safe this morning.

Unfortunately after trying multiple tapes I have found that the channel 2 of the stereo is not playing back any sound. I tried the micro phone in input 2 and get good sound through the system and have eventually found that the playback head is open circuit on head 2. The head is a Sony PP30-4202. Does anybody know if they are still available or if not is there an equivalent available. Many thanks for your continued help with this

Nigel
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Old 17th Sep 2017, 6:06 am   #11
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Default Re: Sony TC-200 tape recorder

Biggest problem I found with those was belts & idlers cracking/hard; and gummed up mechanicals.
Belts are hard to find here anymore, and spendy if you do find them.
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Old 17th Sep 2017, 10:20 am   #12
Edward Huggins
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Default Re: Sony TC-200 tape recorder

Not mentioned earlier, but don't put anything Metallic near to the Heads.
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Old 20th Sep 2017, 7:23 pm   #13
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Default Re: Sony TC-200 tape recorder

Or any reels of tape!
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Old 20th Sep 2017, 10:25 pm   #14
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Default Re: Sony TC-200 tape recorder

I hope that's sarcasm as I have plenty of tape and this is the only thing I have to play it on !

It was my step fathers and I think there are some old recordings if him on some of the tapes
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Old 21st Sep 2017, 5:16 am   #15
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Default Re: Sony TC-200 tape recorder

I think the warning is not to allow (possibly magnetised) metal objects (like tools) to come into contact with the reels of tape. Not that tape can't be brought near the heads.
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Old 28th Sep 2017, 3:15 am   #16
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Default Re: Sony TC-200 tape recorder

Indeed. Poor wording on my part.

The tapes need good contact with the playback head to play properly.
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Old 14th Oct 2017, 8:33 am   #17
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Default Re: Sony TC-200 tape recorder

Quick update
i've found a a replacement head just waiting for it to arrive from USA then I can set about fitting and adjusting the head.
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