TASCAM 488 MKII - Broken Gear C & identifying any other maintenance required
I began digitising my archive of tape recordings, but after 10 unused years on the shelf my TASCAM 488 MKII broke its Gear C two days into the operation.
In this video I diagnose the problem & any other problems/maintenance that need attention.
Common problems & how to fix them
Broken Gear C
I live in Australia, so the part is not as common as being in the US or UK. But it's not an expensive part to replace $20-25 for a single Gear C
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/175437781...
If you want to order a completely new set of gears, I have to import them for about $100 (including postage)
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/302018966...
or
https://reverb.com/au/item/48584208-t...
Belt
I'll be replacing my Belt as well. Luckily I can get this in Australia so only $22
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/173850970...
Engine Motor
This I won't be doing as my current motor is fine (the one I showed is discontinued). But if you did need a new one, you need to know the original Mabuchi EG-530KD-2B motors aren't made anymore, but some people do sell them on Ebay. Don't buy a cheap Chinese knockoff brand, as in most cases they will be worse than the motor you are replacing.
Overall you'll be looking in the $70-110 range
These are a few good ones (remember you want a EG-530KD-2B model)
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from...
Cleaning Alcohol & Silicone Grease
Isopropyl Alcohol Cleaner (IPA) - $20-25
https://www.melbournesolvents.com.au/...
Silicone grease - $15-250 (depends on the quantity you want)
https://okay.com.au/product/ct-r14/?p...
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