Do You Have A Gear Wheel Broken Technics Rs-TR333 Tape Deck? Here Is the Solution!
This is a wonder story of restoring a costly deck of Technics, Model No. RS-TR333. This belonged to a person, whom I got acquainted while travelling in train. He brought the set from Bangalore (about 500 Kms away from my home) on 31st March, 2017 with the complaint that Deck 2 was not playing in one mode and a mechanical crackling sound was heard. I opened the set and cleaned inside, which was more or less clean already. Played cassettes in Deck 1 and Deck 2. Deck 2 was having the problem as reported. So, removed both the mechanism units, for comparison purposes in case of a need.
Located teeth broken gear wheel near the take-up wheel in Deck 2.
So removed the two pinch rollers, releasing the locks. Unscrewed the auto-reverse head and record unit.
Then released the spring holding the up and down moving base. Upon which I could see the broken wheel clearly. Removed it to fetch a new one.
My several incessant attempts to fetch a gear wheel in the entire India and abroad through personal visits to shops in many places in India like Bangalore and Chennai and through contacts in Kochi, Mumbai and other places did not yield a result.
But I never gave up. I wrote to the company, who regretted. I had downloaded the service manual of this set from https://elektrotanya.com/technics_rs-tr333_sm.pdf/download.html . Many months and years passed in the process.
Finally, I almost decided to give up and even informed the customer that I would be refitting it for return. But my mind kept on saying that I would somehow get it. So, as a last resort, suggested by my ever helping brain, I noted down the part number of this wheel from the service manual and did a Google search. To my surprise and wonder, I stuck upon a website, Technics RS-TR333 gear Technics RS-TR333 gear – FixYourAudio located in Slovakia. The reference number matched perfectly and notes written there confirmed that this model of Technics had this inherent defect and many decks had failed due to this. So, they had fabricated this wheel using special tools and materials that would last long!
Looking through the Site, I could see a large collection of tape recorder parts. The site also contained tutorial about servicing of Tape Recorders including the tools required for doing it! What a wonderful service this team is doing! Great! I placed order for two pieces, with the permission of the customer. I ordered one extra as Deck 1 was also having a similar wheel and there was a possibility of its breaking. I ordered the items in third week of February, 2022 and in came the Registered Packet on 8th of March, 2022.
I was thrilled to see the wheels and got excited in restoring the set. I also kept the customer informed of the progress. Putting back the wheel in its place was easy.
But re-fitting the sliding base of head was a bit tricky and we need to be cautious not to break any of the plastic parts. With a bit of efforts, I could manage to slide it in, after which I fixed the holding spring, pinch rollers and head assembly one by one. Reconnected the deck and played and found it to be working very well, even in auto reverse modes. Allowed the set to run by loading cassettes in both decks. Heard a mechanical crackling noise on Deck 1, a clear indication of teeth breakage of its gear wheel! So, see our luck! If I had not ordered for two wheels, I would have got stuck! I removed Deck 1 and dismantled like before and picked out the following teeth broken wheel:
Fixing it back was easier as my experience was fresh to memory. Fit the Deck 1 back to the set and allowed it to run A & B sides of Deck 1 and Deck 2, by selecting auto reverse mode in both. I rewound both cassettes before loading. The Deck 1 played A & B in auto reverse mode and upon completion Deck 2 played A&B and stopped. I connected the outputs to my Valve Amplifier and played for some time. Later switched over to my old Remco Valve Radio, selecting pick up mode. I was really thrilled and excited to listen to the audio output which was damn good! So, fixed the covers and kept it ready!
Satisfaction intensified jumped into the collection bag, putting an end to this long pending case!
Special notes: (1) If our intentions are genuine and good, ways for a solution will open up, provided we have determination supported by patience and perseverance! (2) It is always useful if we get the service manual and use the part details whenever we are in need, especially that of any antique parts. (3) Google search will be fruitful only if we coin the searching words in all sorts of possible combinations! (4) Share and share all such information to everyone known to you to get blessings as return! No money can freshen and fuel you up, except such good deeds of charity! (5) Sow such seeds so that the reaps will come to our aid when we need it!
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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Arun Kumar
April 9, 2022 at 9:13 am
Great patience,
Parasuraman S
April 9, 2022 at 10:41 am
Many thanks!
Albert van Bemmelen
April 9, 2022 at 2:16 pm
This obviously once a very expensive tape deck surely would have been scrapped for parts if it hadn't been completely serviced by your excellent and professional care! And now even is completely restored to its old glory! Thanks for sharing this incredible repair that also is packed with a lot of valuable backup information!
Parasuraman Subramanian
April 10, 2022 at 12:28 pm
Many thanks! We all only glad and love to share our achievements and findings!
Waleed Rishmawi
April 9, 2022 at 3:32 pm
very interesting repair story and a successful one. sometime the customer is not willing to wait that long but I am glad it worked out to the best and yes totally agree always extra part beccause we never know when they are needed. have a blessed day and thanks for sharing.
Parasuraman Subramanian
April 10, 2022 at 12:29 pm
Many thanks for your comments, appreciation and encouragement!
Ray
April 9, 2022 at 9:15 pm
The repair story was good BUT what made this wonderful reading was your special notes !
Thank you so much. Peace and happiness to you sir from Australia.
Parasuraman Subramanian
April 10, 2022 at 12:30 pm
Many thanks for your comments and encouragements!
Yogesh Panchal
April 10, 2022 at 12:58 am
Good job! Sir,
fixing Mechanical & Pastic part is really thrilling Job.
Parasuraman Subramanian
April 10, 2022 at 12:30 pm
Many thanks!
Gary Cale
April 10, 2022 at 8:15 am
What a wonderful story of a difficult repair! The truly amazing part to me is the revelation of your thoughtful and creative process in spite of what looked like overwhelming odds of not finding success! Well done.
Parasuraman Subramanian
April 10, 2022 at 4:38 pm
Many thanks for your encouraging comments!
Lawrence Pina
April 11, 2022 at 4:54 am
You are amazing. I have a JVC KD85 Stereo Cassette Deck (c. 1975) that I would like to restore but I never thought that I would be able to get parts for it. Now, there's hope. Thank you!
Parasuraman S
April 11, 2022 at 12:27 pm
Yes, never give up hope! Many thanks!
Imoudu Onwumah
April 11, 2022 at 5:55 am
Wow!!! You never let it go unrepair.
Thanks for sharing.
Parasuraman S
April 11, 2022 at 12:27 pm
Many thanks!
Anil Kumar V K
April 11, 2022 at 3:10 pm
Good sir
Parasuraman S
April 11, 2022 at 3:52 pm
Many thanks!
AdamS
April 11, 2022 at 5:07 pm
Excellent job as always, Parasuraman! Also thankyou for sharing the FixMyAudio link - I shall definitely be able to make use of their products in future repairs.
Parasuraman S
April 13, 2022 at 2:31 pm
Many thanks for your encouraging comments!
Andrea Del Corso
June 13, 2022 at 10:06 pm
Ottimo lavoro di riparazione e di informazione per tutti gli appassionati di elettronica.Grazie tantissime!!
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Great repair and information work for all electronics enthusiasts.Thank you very much !!