I've got a Pioneer T-6600 reel to reel with a couple problems.
The belts failed due to age related cracking. Where can I get new belts?
The stock reel brakes don't work so good which leaves the sound a little muffled during playback.
From what I've read online there was a mod for better reel brakes, but mine never got that mod.
How do I fix the brakes?
Also is there anything else I should do to this unit before putting it back into regular service?
I plan on using it to play a tape someone recorded that runs slightly fast by altering the AC input frequency to the reel to reel using a variable frequency AC supply.
I currently do that using my AKAI GX-255 for the playback and supply reel with an AKAI Terecorder being the drive unit and take up reel, but that requires work to set it up right as I have to remove the capstan roller off the GX-255 and I have to start playback on both units at the same time. The Pioneer has an AC motor so I can just lower the frequency to achieve the same thing.
The belts failed due to age related cracking. Where can I get new belts?
The stock reel brakes don't work so good which leaves the sound a little muffled during playback.
From what I've read online there was a mod for better reel brakes, but mine never got that mod.
How do I fix the brakes?
Also is there anything else I should do to this unit before putting it back into regular service?
I plan on using it to play a tape someone recorded that runs slightly fast by altering the AC input frequency to the reel to reel using a variable frequency AC supply.
I currently do that using my AKAI GX-255 for the playback and supply reel with an AKAI Terecorder being the drive unit and take up reel, but that requires work to set it up right as I have to remove the capstan roller off the GX-255 and I have to start playback on both units at the same time. The Pioneer has an AC motor so I can just lower the frequency to achieve the same thing.
Unfortunately the Pioneer doesn't spec as good on the 3 3/4 IPS speed as the AKAI GX-255 does so I'm questioning using it for anything.
Muffled means azimuth is out, nothing to do with reel brakes surely? Or perhaps tape guides are worn?
As for belts did you try googling? I found this immediately: https://westcoastbelts.com/product/...et-pioneer-t-6100-t-6600-reel-to-reel-player/
It's the brakes as I can apply slight pressure to the supply reel and the audio cleans up nicely.
Also I read somewhere a few years ago that there was an issue with the stock brakes and that there was a mod to fix the problem.
Hadn't googled for the belts yet as I always prefer to ask first as I've had two instances where I ordered a belt online and the belt wasn't exactly correct given the speed of the two devices is off with the only thing that could be affecting the speed being the belt. IN so doing it may be that a member has had an experience with the same device and knows exactly which belt will work.
Well apparently according to this I have the new brakes installed. So maybe they are out of adjustment, however depending on how old they are, the rubber might need replacement. Seems like I once used some rubber renew or similar on the brakes and things were good for awhile.
https://audiocircuit.dk/downloads/pioneer/Pioneer-QT6600-tape-sup.pdf
Also I read somewhere a few years ago that there was an issue with the stock brakes and that there was a mod to fix the problem.
Hadn't googled for the belts yet as I always prefer to ask first as I've had two instances where I ordered a belt online and the belt wasn't exactly correct given the speed of the two devices is off with the only thing that could be affecting the speed being the belt. IN so doing it may be that a member has had an experience with the same device and knows exactly which belt will work.
Well apparently according to this I have the new brakes installed. So maybe they are out of adjustment, however depending on how old they are, the rubber might need replacement. Seems like I once used some rubber renew or similar on the brakes and things were good for awhile.
https://audiocircuit.dk/downloads/pioneer/Pioneer-QT6600-tape-sup.pdf
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Ah, so there's no tension at all - that can misalign a tape!
Scraping off the glazed surface of the rubber on the brakes with emery cloth/paper might work - I'd be cautious about using a product which might affect the friction (for instance glycerol is good at restoring rubber, but its also a lubricant so wouln't be good for this)
Scraping off the glazed surface of the rubber on the brakes with emery cloth/paper might work - I'd be cautious about using a product which might affect the friction (for instance glycerol is good at restoring rubber, but its also a lubricant so wouln't be good for this)