No Cassette Play In Yamaha TC-520 Cassette Deck Resolved
This deck is revisiting me for the same complaint after a gap of around 8 years! It visited me in November, 2017 and now again in January, 2023. Kindly see my previous article here: https://jestineyong.com/servicing-yamaha-tc520-tape-deck/ This proves one thing; a super glued belt would last its life time! I opened the set and cleaned the inside as usual, using a powerful blower.
I took a new larger belt, as I was not having the correct size. Then calculated the length required from the old belt and cut off the extra length. I made the belt slightly shorter for a correct tight fit.
Then kept the finely cut ends side by side ensuring that the ends meet as closely as possible without causing a strain or bend. Then took one drop of Superglue and touched the joint and allowed it to bond well. (Kindly read my previous article for more details)
Then fixed it back on the mechanism and allowed it to run for quite some time so as to ensure that it had no other defects to be looked into. Did a general lubrication too. Did change the belt of counter too.
After trying it out for several more hours, closed the case and moved it out for delivery to customer.
Mission accomplished easily adding satisfaction to its collection!
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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George Nutzul
June 3, 2023 at 8:10 am
Very interesting article, Parasuraman! I have never tried to customize a flat belt by making a lap joint using super glue. I always thought the constant flexing during operation would make the joint fail, but your fix lasted 8 years! I will assume you clean the area to be joined very well with IPA before glueing. Again thanks for the great articles you write... I have learned a lot. God Bless!
Parasuraman S
June 3, 2023 at 2:51 pm
Many thanks for your comments and encouragement. Yes, I do clean the belt itself using IPA before bonding.
Albert van Bemmelen
June 3, 2023 at 2:59 pm
The fact that these exact fitting replacement belts are very difficult to find sadly means the end of most cassette and also VCR players. Especially if these belts are thick and round or even toothed too.
I however wonder if it also would be possible to cut a brandnew flat belt from a used old bicycle tire and glue those ends together? Maybe someone already made a small cutting machine to easily make many of these flat belts for free?
From your previous articles we already know that other smart repair engineers in your country have no problem with rewiring old defect transformers which is an incredible service that probably doesn't exist anywhere else in the world.
Parasuraman S
June 3, 2023 at 6:10 pm
I think the quality of rubber used for belts and that of cycle tubes are different. The belts should be smooth and might have just enough tension for holding on to the wheels for rotation. The cycle tube, in my opinion, might eat the metal surface. Well, it is just my guess. I have no idea and hope someone ready to make a comment here might clarify. Many thanks for your keen observation and comments!
Yogesh Panchal
June 3, 2023 at 6:05 pm
Good fix! sir
Parasuraman S
June 4, 2023 at 7:35 am
Thanks, dear!
AdamS
June 5, 2023 at 7:32 pm
There are still plenty of sources for original specification belts for many of these decks. Vintage Electronics in the USA offers a full belt kit for the TC-520, for example.
https://www.vintage-electronics.net/yamaha-tc-520-belt-kit.aspx
Parasuraman S
June 5, 2023 at 10:19 pm
Many thanks for your comments, suggestions and link. It is not economically viable for us to import such parts from abroad, as the courier charges are prohibitively very high. Anyhow, let me check the source sent by you.
Waleed Rishmawi
June 7, 2023 at 4:15 pm
Very interesting super glue repair. I have not encountered such a repair but thanks for sharing. Have a blessed day
Parasuraman S
June 8, 2023 at 8:31 am
Many thanks, dear friend!