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I have an old A-77 that I would like to revive-
Purchased a few years ago, from an estate sale- but it had not been powered, and I have not plugged it in yet...
So, My question is what is the best way to get it gently powered up to see if it works as a first step..
Thanks in advance
Happy Listening
Follow Ups:
I performed factory authorized service for Revox back in the day. Haven't touched one since then, but I would imagine the issues we saw would be even more in abundance now. Not many electronic problems because they were younger back then, but typical wear included all the mechanical components that govern tape tension and handling, as well as worn heads. I don't know how someone now could actually restore a R-R without spending a fortune on things like test tapes and tension gauges. Those items were expensive enough 50 years ago, but much more now from what I've seen. The very first thing I would do in your situation is to get it running just enough to test the heads. OTOH, if the heads are grooved into the gaps, there wouldn't be a reason to continue the work unless replacements are readily available (and affordable). Revox was one of the better decks in terms of head life, but it's hard to imagine they wouldn't be heavily worn at this age.
I usually buy them for around $80.
The tentelometers (tools for measuring the tape tension) sold not too long ago for well under $100, I have two of them, they usually come in their cases with rotten foam, so I replace it. People tend to ask for more these days, but you can still find bargains.
Now, all that makes sense if you need them now and then. Buying them for just one job is probably not the best investment, but then you can probably sell a tentelometer in a case with fresh foam for more than you paid. :)
Having said that, maintaining a quality tape recorder is not inexpensive, that is why I usually try to keep people from buying them.
And let's not forget the brake bands and associated tensioning. :)
*********
We are inclusive and diverse, but dissent will not be tolerated.
I have never done that, so I don't know how it would react to "gentle" application of power. I would just power it up, never had any issues with that.
Be aware that there is safety interlock - it will not work with the outer case removed.
Victor,
Thank you-
I understand that there are lots of electrolytic caps which, when old, respond better to gradual powering up, as opposed to plug it in, and turn it on...
however I could be wrong...
Happy Listening
However, if they are dry (which is possible) they will not re-form, and no matter how you apply the power they will simply blow the fuses. The large ones in the power supply are normally replaced when people go inside. But, OTOH, the A77 that I got powered up perfectly well and has been working since then, and that doesn't seem to be an unusual behavior. I only replaced the dreaded RIFA caps and the caps on the plug in boards.
The RIFA's you should just go ahead and replace before even applying the power, as they produce mess when they fail.
thanks-
sounds like I have some work ahead...
Happy Listening
...that my advice here is based on very limited experience. You would get a much better one from those who regularly work on such equipment. There are technicians who have seen scores of them, and you can get in touch with them by going on one of the reel-to-reel forums. They could give you more specific guidance.
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