Before I say anything, yes the sync is off. The problem is simply that track 8 won't record. Channel 8 plays back just fine when I flip the tape (track 1 flipped) and I can also record through channel 8 onto other tracks. When I engage the machine for recording on track 8, both track 8 meter and the stereo mix meter light up. But it doesn't record. I don't think it's an issue with the sync switch because when it is on, track 8 meter doesn't show, but the stereo meter does. And when the sync is off, both meters light up.
However, when I record 'nothing' to test the erase ability of track 8, it works perfectly fine. It erases what I had recorded on the flipped track 1. So I think the issue is isolated to the record ability of track 8. I cleaned the heads with 91% isopropyl and even though it was my first time, I think I did it it correctly.
I opened up the machine and checked as well as reconnected all the connectors. One guy on another forum pointed out a specific 8 pin connector on a vertical PCB that could be the culprit, but I went through all of them anyway. He seems to think it's a faulty relay. I'm no electrical engineer but I have built EQ, compressor, and preamp kits. Those are more like Legos for audio nerds though and I don't have much knowledge of the deeper workings. My soldering technique ain't bad though!
The other more minor issue is the headphone jack is scratchy and cuts out a bit when I move it around. Maybe it's a bad solder joint? I tried reconnecting the connector to the tiny headphone PCB but it didn't do anything.
I'm quite amazed at the sound quality achieved by this machine... 8 tracks on an 1/8" cassette! I would love to get it working. Any ideas or advice?
However, when I record 'nothing' to test the erase ability of track 8, it works perfectly fine. It erases what I had recorded on the flipped track 1. So I think the issue is isolated to the record ability of track 8. I cleaned the heads with 91% isopropyl and even though it was my first time, I think I did it it correctly.
I opened up the machine and checked as well as reconnected all the connectors. One guy on another forum pointed out a specific 8 pin connector on a vertical PCB that could be the culprit, but I went through all of them anyway. He seems to think it's a faulty relay. I'm no electrical engineer but I have built EQ, compressor, and preamp kits. Those are more like Legos for audio nerds though and I don't have much knowledge of the deeper workings. My soldering technique ain't bad though!
The other more minor issue is the headphone jack is scratchy and cuts out a bit when I move it around. Maybe it's a bad solder joint? I tried reconnecting the connector to the tiny headphone PCB but it didn't do anything.
I'm quite amazed at the sound quality achieved by this machine... 8 tracks on an 1/8" cassette! I would love to get it working. Any ideas or advice?
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