Minor Maintenance

287.34(M1) Figure 7-22.—Playback through extension speaker. Minor Maintenance You can expect to do very little maintenance on tape recorders. Occasional] y, you may have to clean surfaces or change pressure pads but, as a rule, if more complicated maintenance is required, you should return the recorder to your maintenance department. PRESSURE PADS.—If the pressure pads do not hold the tape firmly against the heads, poor sound will result. With the machine on and in the PLAY position, check to see if the two felt pads are worn or are not pressing the tape squarely against the head pole faces. When necessary, the felt pressure pads furnished for replacement may be cemented in place with household cement. The pads should cover the shiny pole faces of the heads, and the side of each pad touching the head must be free of cement. LUBRICATION.—Generally, all moving parts of a tape recorder are permanently lubricated, and with normal use no further lubrication should be necessary. Cleaning The majority of defects, other than wear or breakage, can be traced to dirty surfaces. The play-record and erase heads, capstan, and pressure roller are subject to an accumulation of tape coating residue, which is rubbed off the tape as it passes these parts. This accumulation will cause faint recording and poor playback and will impair the ability to erase. Therefore, the accumulation must be removed periodically. Remove the accumulation by wiping off the record and erase heads, capstan, and pressure roller with a clean cloth. If dirt is caked or hard and will not come off with a dry cloth, dampen the cloth slightly with alcohol. 7-43