This document is a service manual for the AKAI HX-R5 and GX-R6 Stereo Cassette Decks, providing comprehensive information for maintenance, repair, and adjustment.
Function Description
The AKAI HX-R5 and GX-R6 are stereo cassette decks designed for recording and playback of audio on Philips type cassettes. They feature a 4-track, 2-channel stereo system. Key functionalities include quick reverse, Dolby noise reduction (B and C types), and electronic record level control. The GX-R6 model includes additional features such as a Super GX Deck mode and electronic record level control.
Important Technical Specifications
Both models share many core specifications, with some distinctions for the GX-R6.
- Track System: 4 Track 2 Channel stereo system
- Tape: Philips type cassette
- Heads:
- HX-R5: Erase Head x 1, High Density for REC/PB x 1
- GX-R6: Erase Head x 1, Twin Field super GX head for REC/PB x 1
- Motors: Electronically speed controlled DC motor for capstan drive x 1, DC motor for cam drive x 1
- Wow & Flutter:
- DIN: 0.12%
- W. RMS: 0.04%
- W. PEAK (EIAJ): ±0.07%
- Frequency Response (-20 VU):
- NORMAL: 20 to 15,000 Hz ± 3 dB (HX-R5), 20 to 17,000 Hz ± 3 dB (GX-R6)
- CrO2: 20 to 16,000 Hz ± 3 dB (HX-R5), 20 to 18,000 Hz ± 3 dB (GX-R6)
- METAL: 20 to 17,000 Hz ± 3 dB (HX-R5), 20 to 19,000 Hz ± 3 dB (GX-R6)
- S/N: 58 dB (55 dB EIAJ)
- Dolby B ON: Improves up to 5 dB at 1 kHz, 10 dB above 5 kHz
- Dolby C ON: Improves up to 15 dB at 500 Hz, 20 dB at 1 kHz to 10 kHz
- Distortion (METAL): 0.7%
- Input:
- LINE: 70 mV/47 kohms
- MIC: 2.5 mV/5 kohms
- Output:
- LINE: 410 mV/1 kohms
- PHONE: 1.3 mW/8 ohms
- Power Requirements: Multi-voltage options (100V, 120V, 220V, 240V) for various regions, 50/60 Hz.
- Power Consumption: 18W (HX-R5), 16W-18W (GX-R6)
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 440 x 105 x 288 mm (17.3 x 4.1 x 11.3 inches)
- Weight: 4.7 kg (10.3 lbs)
Usage Features
The front panel of the cassette deck provides several controls for intuitive operation:
- Power Switch: Turns the device on/off.
- Cassette Holder: For loading and unloading cassettes.
- Digital Counter: Displays tape position or time.
- IPLS Indicator: Indicates Instant Program Locating System status.
- Eject Button: Ejects the cassette.
- Operation Buttons: Standard transport controls including FWD (Play), REV (Reverse Play), REC (Record), FF (Fast Forward), REW (Rewind), STOP, and PAUSE.
- Auto Mute: Automatically mutes during recording.
- REC Cancel: Cancels recording.
- Blank Search System (BSS): Locates blank sections on the tape.
- Intro Scan: Scans the beginning of tracks.
- Reverse Selector: Selects tape direction.
- Dolby NR Switch and Selector: Activates and selects Dolby B or C noise reduction.
- MPX Filter Switch: Engages the multiplex filter, especially useful for FM stereo recording.
- Output/Phone Control (GX-R6 only): Adjusts output volume for line out and headphones.
- Timer Start Selector: For timed operations.
- MIC Jacks (L/R): For connecting microphones.
- Headphone Jack: For private listening.
- REC Level Control: Adjusts recording input levels.
- REC/PB Level Indicators: Displays recording and playback levels.
- Tape Selector: For selecting tape type (Normal, CrO2, Metal).
- Voltage Selector: Allows switching between different input voltages (110V/120V/220V/240V).
Maintenance Features
The manual provides detailed instructions for various maintenance and adjustment procedures:
- Safety Instructions: Emphasizes the importance of using manufacturer-recommended parts for safety-critical components and proper grounding. It also details precautions for handling live parts and high voltages.
- Dismantling of Unit: Step-by-step photographic guide for disassembling the unit for service, with instructions to reassemble in reverse order.
- Principal Parts Location: Diagrams showing the location of key components and PCBs, including the housing, detector, reel rotation, output, power supply, control, syscon, meter, and various switches and jacks.
- Circuit Operation Description: Block diagrams and explanations of the pre-amp and syscon circuits, including electronic volume control.
- Mechanical Adjustment:
- Pinch Roller Pressure Measurement: Procedure to measure and adjust pinch roller pressure (270 to 370 grams) using a spring gauge.
- Winding Torque Measurement: Instructions for measuring take-up and back tension torque in FWD/REV and FF/REW modes using a cassette torque meter.
- Tape Speed Adjustment: Guide to adjust tape speed using a frequency counter and pre-recorded test tapes (1,000 Hz or 3,150 Hz) by adjusting a variable resistor.
- Head Adjustment:
- Tape Guide Adjustment: Using a mirror cassette tape to adjust tape guides for smooth tape travel.
- REC/PB Head Azimuth Adjustment: Adjusting head azimuth for maximum output using a 10 kHz test tape.
- Head Height Adjustment: Confirmation and adjustment of head height, including spacer replacement, to ensure consistent levels between FWD and REV modes.
- Head Block Projection Adjustment: Adjusting head projection using a gauge for optimal tape contact.
- Electrical Adjustment:
- Quick Reverse Sensitivity Adjustment: Calibrating the quick reverse sensor using a tapeless cassette pack and a digital voltmeter.
- Pre-Amp P.C Board Adjustment: Detailed table of adjustments for PB Level, Frequency Response (Normal, CrO2, Metal), REC Level, Bias Filter, Meter Sensitivity, and MPX Filter, with corresponding test signals and target results.
- DC Resistance of Heads: Specifications for REC/PB and Erase head resistance for both HX-R5 and GX-R6 models.
- Classification of Various P.C Boards: Lists all PCBs by title, part number, and model applicability.
- Parts List: Comprehensive lists of recommended spare parts for both models, categorized by mechanical block, pre-amp, syscon, power supply, and final assembly. Includes warnings for safety-critical components.
- Schematic Diagrams: Detailed circuit diagrams for ICs, power syscon, and amplifier sections for both HX-R5 and GX-R6 models, including voltage measurements at key points.
This manual ensures that technicians have all the necessary information to effectively service and maintain the AKAI HX-R5 and GX-R6 cassette decks, prolonging their operational life and performance.