Becker BE1480 audio issues

[massMB]

I measured resistance from head ground to
Channel 1: no reading*
Channel 2: 230 ohm
Channel 3: 230 ohm
Channel 4: 242 ohm

From the service manual (attached) channels 2 and 3 are right and channels 1 and 4 are left.

When playing a tape, this is the issue: playing side 2, there is audio in right side only; when playing side 1, there is audio in right side only, but playing in reverse. This is the signal from channel 2 in both scenarios (sides 1 and 2).

So that would mean channel 2 is working. And I’d assume channel 3 as well (same resistance). Not sure what’s up with channels 1 and 4.

So all in all, this seems to partly explain the issue (only right channel sound). But it doesn’t explain why it’s playing in reverse when set to side 1.

* I get a brief reading on the display that seems to exceed the 2000K ohm limit

 

[Perry Babin]

For the channel where you get no reading, measure again at the back of the head. If the wire is broken, it's likely repairable. If the head is bad...?

 

[massMB]

I’m not sure I can even measure at the back. There’s next to no space to get to the back.

 

[Perry Babin]

Desolder the board and take it off.

 

[massMB]

Unfortunately, that will already be past my current skill level. I would love to learn to work on electronics to fix stuff like this, but I'm also afraid I'd end up doing more damage than good. I'll read up on what I'd need and the practice needed.

 

[Perry Babin]

Look in the service manual to see if they show how to remove the entire assembly so you can get to the back of the terminals.

Desoldering braid and liquid flux should be all you need to remove the top board.

 

[massMB]

Will do. I've had the unit apart several times over the years, but I don't remember ever having it that much apart. I'll look in the manual and report back.