8-Track Changer Fix-up
Added 2022-07-17 10:16:11 +0000 UTCI’ve played about with quite a few cassette changers over the years, but now it’s time to take a look at a five-cart 8-track changer.
Quite a few 8-track changers were released - I’ve got another more elaborate one in storage that I need to take a look one day too. As you’ll see in this video though, the simple nature of the 8-track play mechanism lent the format to multi-cartridge machines. Cassette changers required far more elaborate solutions (like a ski slope).
Oh and I must apologise, I know this will generate complaints when the video goes live, but there was nothing I could do about it. I do sound rather bunged up during sections of this video. This occurred on the days preceding a hospital appointment when I wasn’t able to take any remedies to mask the issue. It was either a bunged up video or no video.
Enjoy the week and I hope to have a new video for you soon. Take care.
UPDATE
Re-uploaded the video to remove a section where I said 50hz instead of 60hz - also took this opportunity to minimise pedant magnets though the smattering in of a few verbalisations of things that whilst common sense, were previously unspoken.
Comments
Bit late joining the convo here, but very impressive repair job :-) A couple of hints.. If the motor runs off mains voltage, it's almost certainly a synchronous motor and speed is determined by line frequency (having the frequency printed on the motor is also a clue).. The switch used for selecting heads is the type used on multimeters. The secret to cleaning is to use a pencil eraser (rubber) then smear vaseline onto the pcb to discourage oxidation. Also, if you measure the diameter of the motor shaft with a caliper, you can find odd pulleys on eBay; might get one that just works. I was going to suggest you could build a 60Hz 110V supply using an American inverter and alarm battery, but you literally were reading my thoughts at that exact moment,..
Gordo
2022-10-21 21:10:49 +0000 UTCHello Techmoan. I would have a cheap, easy and lasting suggestion on how to fix the speed of the 8-Track in your recent video. I do CAD drawing as a bit of a hobby, so if you send me the current measurements of the part which is driving the belt I should be able the create a CAD drawing with the correct measurements to make it run with the right speed. Since there is not particularly much strain on this part you should then be able to just print the model out on a 3d printer (there are many services with which you can do this nowadays, both online and in shops, sometimes even for free in libraries, universities etc.) and install it on the motor. Theoretically I could even print it out and send it to you since I have a 3d printer myself, but since I live in Germany I think the other options would probably be simpler and cheaper. I always enjoy watching your Videos and would be glad to help you out with this. 😊
Niclas Wyatt
2022-08-05 20:12:56 +0000 UTC
