Testing an old K7 deck

Archived from groups: rec.audio.tech (More info?)

Hi,

I want to buy a used K7 deck but I don't know how to check the
state of the heads. I don't mind some other minor problems but I
guess it would be difficult/expensive to replace the heads.

So the cuestion is: How do I check if the heads are used but
acceptable or simply to worn to be worth?

Any other thing I should check before buying it? I'd like to
check if the rubber transmission bands are in good state, but the
seller won't probably allow me to open the case.

Thanks for answers

Toni

Archived from groups: rec.audio.tech (More info?)

En Robert Gault va escriure en Tue, 22 Jun 2004 13:31:22 GMT:

>> I want to buy a used K7 deck ...
>>
>> So the cuestion is: How do I check if the heads are used but
>> acceptable or simply to worn to be worth?
>>
>> Any other thing I should check before buying it? ...

>If you can't open the case, can you take the unit on a trial basis?

Unfortunately not, it is from a used things shop. They allow you
to try it at the shop, but once you give the money to the cashier
it's gone.

>One way to check the heads is with a small magnifying glass looking for
>wear. If you can see wear caused by tape sanding down the head surface,
> the head may need replacing. It will need to be replaced if the wear
>has produced a notch in the head. If you don't see wear, make some test
>recordings.

>Belts can be checked by seeing if moderate pressure on a tape reel stops
>the tape transport mechanism. However, it is not just belts that wear
>out but capstans and capstan pressure rollers.

Good ideas. I'll do it.

I know I am buying used equipment that will not necessarily be in
very good condition (it will be costing 1/8th the price of new).
I just want to be able to distinguish between "used" and
"abused".

Thanks,

Toni