Section 6 Transport Adjustment and Parts Replacement
6 - 8
May 1992
MX-5050 Operation and Maintenance Manual
6.6 Tape Speed Adjustment
Tape speed is adjusted by measuring the tape speed using a special test tape,
and then adjusting the speed to bring it into the desired range. Tape speed
should be adjusted at the normally used tape speed. Also, since tape tension
affects tape speed, to accurately measure tap speed, the test tape should first
be played normally from the supply side, and then the reels should be
reversed and the tape played near the end. In this way, the average tape
speed from one end of the tape to the other can be determined.
Note: A special tape is required for this procedure. If an accurate speed tape
is not available, please contact your Otari dealer for further information.
Follow the procedure below to measure and adjust the tape speed.
1. Clean the Head, Capstan Shaft and Pinch Roller before the measurement.
2. Press the Speed Mode Select button to set the FIX mode. Set the Record
mode button to SAFE position (protruded position).
3. Connect the frequency counter to the output connector. Press down the
Monitor button set TAPE position.
4. Set the machine to the most often used tape speed.
5. Wind the Test Tape of the selected speed around a blank of a NAB (10.5")
reel. Set this Test Tape on the supply side. Thread the tape on the machine.
Set the Reel Size Select switch to "L" size.
6. Press Play and read the frequency counter indication. This reading should be
2994Hz to 3006Hz (3000Hz ± 0.2 %) with a 3000Hz speed test tape. Reverse
the reels on the machine and check the speed again at the other end of the
tape to determine the average overall tape speed.
7. If the reading is out of range, adjust DIP SWs 1-4 and 1-5 on the CONTROL
PCB Assembly for the best speed reading. The switches affect tape speed as
shown in the table below.
SW1-4 1-5 OFFSET
ON ON +0.1%
OFF ON -0.1%
ON OFF -0.2%
OFF OFF 0%
Table 6-3
Tape Speed Settings