Teaching an old deck new tricks
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[Deleted User]
Posts: 7,658
Hello,
One of the things the venerable Revox A77 open reel tape deck doesn't do is go from either the rewind or fast forward mode directly to play. You have to first allow the transport to stop and them press play. Really not too big a problem, but compared to more modern tape handling transports a bit "old fashioned", kind of like having to double clutch an older car.
A very clever German company, called Pievox, offers an add on module to solve this problem. With a few wires being added to the tape motion circuit board and some reflective dots on the take up motor you can have complete logic.
This kind of reminds me of the modifications to classic Polk speakers that forum members do. Taking a vintage great performing product and, with a little cleverness updating it to new levels.
Enjoy, Ken
One of the things the venerable Revox A77 open reel tape deck doesn't do is go from either the rewind or fast forward mode directly to play. You have to first allow the transport to stop and them press play. Really not too big a problem, but compared to more modern tape handling transports a bit "old fashioned", kind of like having to double clutch an older car.
A very clever German company, called Pievox, offers an add on module to solve this problem. With a few wires being added to the tape motion circuit board and some reflective dots on the take up motor you can have complete logic.
This kind of reminds me of the modifications to classic Polk speakers that forum members do. Taking a vintage great performing product and, with a little cleverness updating it to new levels.
Enjoy, Ken
Comments
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Interesting...easy to order and install??
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Sure is clean inside!
Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs -
Yes, it is easy to order via email to Pievox and cost $140.00, however due to differences in the exchange rate and shipping destination it might be more or less. You can do it either as a complete DIY with them sending an already prepared wiring harness and very thorough instructions. Or, they can prepare a circuit board with the cable attached and you send your original board to them in exchange. Naturally that's more expensive and involves a refundable deposit once your board is received.
The installation involves removing the top faceplate (two screws), the cabinet (four screws), the button assembly (two screws) and the tape control board (two screws).
Then there is a circuit board trace that has to be cut and eight small wires attached to the board. Then the three reflective dots are placed on the take up motor and a sensor module is mounted to the AC interlock housing. That's it. -
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Here's some additional photos of this deck with the front faceplates off and upside down for cleaning. I replaced the non-moving left hand tape bearing with a rotating bearing. While this doesn't seem to effect tape motion it does reduce wear on the tape. Everything has cleaned up nicely, the brass arms of the four controls always look good when spruced up. The three heads show no wear at all. This deck was sold not working, I had to repair the transport function and there are signs that the owner couldn't get the power on/off knob removed (scratches on the faceplate looks like he used a screwdriver to try and pry it off).
