Comments on: Tape machine reel motor pulleys | the mind reels and I've got that sync'ing feeling.

Question: Tape machine reel motor pulleys | the mind reels and I've got that sync'ing feeling.

goodnewsfortheinsane — Wed, 15 Mar 2006 12:14:34 -0800

What are reel motor pulleys on a reel-to-reel tape recorder and how do I replace them?

I am looking to purchase my first analog multitrack tape recorder. The machine I am looking at, a Fostex R-8 (second-hand, of course) seems to be in good condition. However, the owner has noted that he has ordered new reel motor pulleys to be included in the sale, because they need replacement. I have no reason to believe the machine is, for the rest, not in good shape.

All fine and dandy, but: what are reel motor pulleys? Anyone with more than a passing acquaintance with open reel tape machines out there who can tell me what they are, what their function is, and whether they are difficult to replace? I am reasonably adept at servicing electronics and audio equipment, but I've never actually opened up an open-reel tape machine.

I have searched the web, but with little usable result. Of course, I could just ask the guy, but I don't want to give the impression that I don't have a clue about tape machines - I do, just not enough of a clue to understand what these pulleys do. Also, it would simply be nice to get an independent take on this.

So, thanks a heap, tapeheads, and keep it reel! ;)

By: 6550

6550 — Wed, 15 Mar 2006 13:33:08 -0800

My best guess is that the reel motor pulleys are simply the pulleys that turn the reels via a belt. It's likely if they are in need of replacing then the belts should be replaced as well.

By: Kirth Gerson

Kirth Gerson — Wed, 15 Mar 2006 13:42:15 -0800

I suspect the nomenclature is off. The pulleys are either metal or a hard plastic, like Delrin. They're driven by electric motors. It seems unlikely that they'd wear out. If they did, then the belts would almost certainly be gone, too, as 6550 says. If the pulleys got damaged somehow, that would make me suspect abuse of some kind; I'd walk away.

Ask if you can see the form he used to order the pulleys. Then look up the part number, if it's on the form.

By: flabdablet

flabdablet — Wed, 15 Mar 2006 14:09:11 -0800

There's a gentle introduction to the guts of open-reel machines here.

I'm with KG - I think you're probably dealing with somebody who says "pulley" when he means "belt".

By: chocolatepeanutbuttercup

chocolatepeanutbuttercup — Wed, 15 Mar 2006 14:17:13 -0800

The Fostex A-8 series were belt driven; I believe the R-8 series, which came out a few year later, were also. It's like a turntable belt - very easy to change.

By: Rhomboid

Rhomboid — Wed, 15 Mar 2006 16:56:08 -0800

I wouldn't be surprised if the pulley itself was made out of hard rubber that can crack and start to crumble apart after many years.

By: goodnewsfortheinsane

goodnewsfortheinsane — Wed, 15 Mar 2006 16:59:35 -0800

Thanks for your input so far. So are the pulleys these circular things around which the driver belt(s) run(s)?

By: Rhomboid

Rhomboid — Wed, 15 Mar 2006 18:13:34 -0800

You should expect to see something like this or this. The small one is called the capstan and the pulley is the larger bit that pushes against it, with the tape going in between the two.

By: Kirth Gerson

Kirth Gerson — Wed, 15 Mar 2006 20:02:16 -0800

Rhomboid, that's not connected to the reels, so I don't think that's what we're trying to identify.

goodnews, yes - the belts run on the pulleys, which are wheels with grooves of some kind on their outer circumference that accept the belts.

By: flabdablet

flabdablet — Wed, 15 Mar 2006 20:06:05 -0800

Rhomboid: that's not a pulley, that's a pinch roller.

By: Rhomboid

Rhomboid — Wed, 15 Mar 2006 21:18:21 -0800

Ah you're right... I read the post too fast. Disregard me.