Saved An Antique Panasonic Walkman And Fixed Its Broken Eject Door
This antique National Panasonic RQ-212S cassette recorder was among the six sets brought by a regular customer from a far away distance. The complaint was that it was dead and kept aside for a long time. The eject door was broken in its hinges and was coming out. (I just kept it in place to take the snap given above) Opened the set and cleaned inside thoroughly.
Then applied CRC on the mechanisms and operated the switches vigorously to release these free. Applied lubrication oil on the record switch, while manually pressing it several times to do a self-cleaning. Also lubricated other switches on the board including the Volume Control. This set uses gears for driving the capstan wheel unlike the other similar sets that use belts.
A thick round light brown belt is used for the REW/FF functions. A battery compartment can be slid out by releasing the lock. This set works on 6V DC, so requires four cells.
After checking that there are no shorts in the input power and also cleaning the DC socket, that has a switch to cut off Battery supply when DC Jack is inserted, I marked the + and – clearly on the terminals. Then applied 6V DC and found that the recorder was working well. I applied IPA spray on the inner belt while running the mechanism without cassette loaded, to release the lubrication of CRC to avoid slipping.
I cleaned the Pinch Roller also using IPA. I played A & B sides of a cassette fully. After ensuring that the set was working perfectly, I took up fixing the hinges of the eject door. I removed the screws that hold the hinges on the front cover and took out the broken pieces held there. Removed the spring too.
Then joined the broken pieces with Superglue. Then used my soldering iron to insert cut leads of resistors and other components that I collect for such uses. I inserted these on both sides so that the hinges are held in place. Then fixed the door with its spring back on the front cover. Here are the pictures:
Mission successfully accomplished and satisfaction got added to its collection!
Note: (1) Look at all odd jobs that come up as an opportunity to use our skills that will open up innovative ways to fix a problem. (2) It is very easy to dodge cumbersome works, but it will spoil our grit and determination and the thrust within. (3) Our satisfaction is more important than other aspects when we undertake a service work. (4) Accept all challenges to keep our brain active and alert.
This article was prepared for you by Parasuraman Subramanian from India. He is 72 years old and has more than 30 years’ experience in handling antique equipment like Valve Radio, Amps, Reel Tape Recorders and currently studying latest tech-classes conducted by Kerala State Electronics Technicians’ Association. He has done graduation in BBA degree, private diploma in Radio Engineering and retired as MD of a USA company. Presently working as Consultant to Hospital and other institutions.
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Albert van Bemmelen
February 26, 2022 at 5:53 pm
Another well written repair about a succesfully fixed walkman. A device that although no longer in production anywhere in the world, is saved by our Indian Master Mr. Patience (lol).
Parasuraman S
February 26, 2022 at 11:16 pm
Many thanks dear! You have always been encouraging! I enjoyed the fun too!
ANIL KUMAR V K
February 27, 2022 at 12:39 am
Good work sir
Parasuraman S
February 27, 2022 at 5:16 pm
Many thanks!
Yogesh Panchal
February 27, 2022 at 12:42 am
Good JOB! Sir,
Reviving Old equipment will Re waking some old memories.I found one old Sony Walkman from my junk storage but i did not have cassette to test it still hoping find it somewhere nearby friend circle.
Parasuraman S
February 27, 2022 at 5:18 pm
Yes, you are right! Many thanks for your comments!
Peter van Beveren
February 27, 2022 at 2:13 am
Very imaginative repair of a vintage audio history.
Parasuraman S
February 27, 2022 at 5:18 pm
Many thanks for your appreciation and comments!
Lynn Blakely
February 27, 2022 at 2:38 am
Sir Parasuraman: Another satisfaction in to the bag. Good Job.
Parasuraman S
February 27, 2022 at 5:19 pm
Many thanks for your appreciation and comments!
Tayo
February 27, 2022 at 5:37 am
Masterfully done Parasuraman. Using a hot tip to impregnate steel into plastic is a trick that has save my bacon many times. If not for this, the hinge would not stand the test of time as CA isn't strong enough by itself. Though it never occurred to me that you could use something as thin cut leads to accomplish this. Brilliant!
Parasuraman S
February 27, 2022 at 5:19 pm
Many thanks for your appreciation and comments!
Ajay Kumar
February 27, 2022 at 11:11 pm
Good job Sir, and well illustrated too !!
Parasuraman S
February 28, 2022 at 11:46 pm
Many thanks dear!