DTC - 1000es, Sony's First DAT machine

[systemerror909]

Earlier this spring I purchased a DAT unit at a local garage sale for $5. Finally having some time to mess around with it a bit more, i've determined that its defective, at least the dat mechanism part which constantly eats tapes. Now i'm trying to decide about what I'm actually going to do with the unit. First off, even if I decide to just totally junk the thing, it is completely massive (at least 35lbs) and should have some very nice parts.

So I guess right now I'm just debating whether or not I should try and fix the thing, or junk most of the insides and use the very heavy duty copper plated case to house my first chip amp project. I don't really have a use for a dat machine *right now* but this is sony's FIRST ever dat machine, so I feel as somehow fixing it might be worth it. Anyone know where I could get schematics for the thing or better yet a repair manual?

If I were to put a chip amp in there, I think I'd try Chipamp.com's 3875 kit, unless anyone can recommend something that is significantly better, i've never made one of these before. But in the case that I do that, I'm wondering if the heatsink will be big enough, dimension wise the sink is: 3x2.5x1.5 inches, the case being 17x12x3 inches, a bit low if I want to fit a torroid transformer in this thing right? maybe the built in transformer will work? I havent tested its specs yet.

Any recommendations or suggestions would be greatly appreciated, Attached are some pics of this beautiful unit:

[systemerror909]

more pics

[systemerror909]

Really nice looking knob for volume control, actually two knobs in one for L/R channel control, hope i'll be able to save this if I do decide to junk it. Also, I'm figuring the headphone amp in this thing is pretty decent, maybe something to mess with if I get a chance.

[cowanrg]

nice unit, definately worth the $5.

you might want to check the power supply on the unit. it might be pretty nice.

[systemerror909]

nother pic

[systemerror909]

Just noticed this little sticker on the back saying this things 100 volts, thing turned on and seemed to work fine when plugged into standard 120v american current. I'm really still have a lot to learn about electronics, but ya don't think that would have anything to do with the dat mechanism eating tapes? Unit seemed fine otherwise. Currently I don't have access to a 100v ac power source to test, maybe sometime this semester. you're right though, I do need to test out that transformer, it probably weighs 8lbs, it makes the thing Considerably misbalanced when picking it up.

I know this unit when it came out in 1987 the thing was sort of an "international model" I can't remember where the thing was sold, but I'm thinking europe, so maybe my american power input isn't right.

Info from translated japanese page

[systemerror909]

Any other recommendations for what the heck to do with this thing? I'm open to suggestions.

[Tekko]

FIX IT!!!

[hifi]

Any other recommendations for what the heck to do with this thing? I'm open to suggestions.

Boat Anchor?

[systemerror909]

LOL, yeah I am a sailor. Still I think it would be a shame to see this thing at the bottom of Lake Ontario

Right now I really don't have the money to fix it, nor do I have a use for it. In the future though, I would like to start djing with a friend of mine who already works with some local clubs. Hes recorded a few mixes with his laptop's built in sound card, but i'm sure this thing would do better.

Any ideas of where I would go to get it fixed? relatively cheaply?