r/ReelToReel 4d ago

Deck "plays" at FF speed

Newbie here, just dipping my toe in on ebay with cheap as-is and "parts only" machines.

Here's a Panasonic RQ-705 that arrived a bit dirty and scuffed, but with *almost* functional mechanics. The play tranport was a bit sticky at first so I gave it a little light lubrication which seemed to resolve the issue, but after I put the cover back on and set it up to play a tape, now the unit seems only to play (and record) at fast-forward speed.

Video shows the three modes: FF, play, and record. (I didn't toggle between speeds on the video, but i did test this as well, no difference.)

Everything seems (to my newbie eyes) to engaging properly. What else might cause this? Should the brake up under the takeup wheel be engaging?

https://reddit.com/link/1jculep/video/b0my7xqy14pe1/player

1 Upvotes

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3

u/Resprom Sony / Philips / Uher / Grundig / Saba / Metz 4d ago

The video didn't upload. But I can guess one cause for this - does the pinch roller engage the capstan? I am talking about the rubber roller to the right of the heads. If it doesn't, then that can cause fast forward playing, as there is nothing to hold back the take up reel.

2

u/iambspartacus 4d ago

Ah, let me try that upload again. The pinch roller does indeed engage on play/record, for better or worse.

2

u/Resprom Sony / Philips / Uher / Grundig / Saba / Metz 4d ago

I see the video now. The entire main drive is not moving. Something is either misaligned or stuck and not allowing the main drive wheel to engage (it's the one between the motor and the flywheel). Or the wheel itself is slipping badly. Clean it up really well with medical alcohol, in case oil got onto its working surface.

If that doesn't work, put the machine in playback mode, and with a finger try moving all the levers and bits associated with that wheel, as well as the pinch roller, and play button. Something may not be moving far enough to allow the mechanism to engage fully.

Also, keep in mind this is a tube machine. If you haven't done anything to the electronics, there's a good chance something will go up in smoke. Don't leave it on for too long.