Harman Kardon TD262 - Page 10

APPENDIX ! — Troubleshooting
Tape heads and transport. Even the smoothest high quality tape
sheds particles onto the record and playback heads. This
build-up eventually causes loss of sound quality and increased
wear on tapes.
One option is to purchase a bottle of isopropyl alcohol and
some long-handled cotton swabs. Slightly dampen a swab in
alcohol and gently scrub the surfaces of each tape head. Then
dampen another swab and clean other exposed internal
mechanical parts which are close to the TD262 / TD212 tape
heads. Repeat this process after every 30 tapes.
The other option is to purchase a commercial tape head
cleaning kit which contains fluid and special cassettes with
cleansing tape inside. Follow the instructions included on them
and discard them when recommended.
Gradual magnetization of tape heads is another problem which
can cause degradation of sound. Record heads are intended to
impart a magnetic field, but not to be magnets in themselves.
Likewise, a playback head is supposed to react to the magnetic
field in a tape, but not to be magnetized itself. Unfortunately,
both record and playback heads CAN and DO gradually pick
up a residual magnetic field themselves. So does the capstan
and other tape guide parts. The result of this gradual magneti¬
zation is that any tape pulled past a magnetized head picks up
extra noise from the residual field and at the same time may be
slightly erased! Not only will new tapes have poorer sound
quality when recorded, but older tapes’ sound quality can also
be degraded.
The solution is a tape head demagnetizes Two styles are
available, handheld and cassette-sized. A handheld demagnet¬
izer plugs into a wall socket and is much more effective since it
can generate a stronger de-magnetization field. However, it
has to be used VERY carefully or it may do more harm than
good. Before you invest in one, consult with your Harman
Kardon dealer. Also read the instructions which come with the
unit carefully and make sure no recorded tapes are anywhere
near the demagnetizer when it is turned on.
A battery-powered demagnetizer in the shape of a cassette
reduces the danger of improper use. You simply insert it and
let it do its job. If you choose this type, make sure to use the
cassette demagnetizer as frequently as is prescribed in the
instructions which come with it.
External Surfaces. When cleaning your TD262 / TD212, avoid
the direct use of dusting sprays, abrasive cleaners or caustics
(such as dilute ammonia window cleaning solutions). Use only
a mild soap and water solution, applied to a soft cloth, rather
than sprayed directly onto the component.
Once again, thank you for choosing Harman Kardon. We wish
you many happy years of cassette recording and playback
listening enjoyment.
Checking these possibilities first may save you time and effort
getting your unit serviced. Your Harman Kardon dealer will
also be able to answer questions and help you discover the
problem.
No light Irom any cassette deck indicators.
1. Deck is not plugged into wall socket.
2. Wall socket or extension cord is faulty. Check for poor
connections and /or blown fuse.
No sound when PLAY is pressed.
1. The tape is at its end. Rewind it.
2. Sound is not recorded on the tape. You can determine this
by checking the LED PEAK INDICATORS. They will flash
if there is music recorded on the tape.
3. Other components in the signal chain such as preamplifier
and power amplifier are not turned on.
4. The SOURCE and/or TAPE MONITOR selector on your
pre-amp/integrated amp/receiver is switched incorrectly.
5. The tape deck is connected incorrectly. Double check that
the TD262 / TD212’s OUT connectors are attached to the
TAPE IN sockets on your receiver, etc.
6. The hook-up cables are internally broken. Replace them
with new ones.
Cassette deck does not record.
1. Erase-prevention tabs are removed from the cassette.
Change the tape or cover the holes with adhesive tape.
2. Cassette deck is connected incorrectly to the pre-amp/
receiver/etc.
3. Cassette deck INPUT LEVEL control is set to the “0” far
left position.
4. The hook-up cables are internally broken. Replace them
with new ones.
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