SMART WASP In Antique SONY Tape Recorder TC-520CS
This Sony Tape Recorder Model TC-520CS was brought to me by one of my best friends, for changing belts. As you can see from the second photograph above, he had sealed all the screw holes with cotton to prevent wasp building its nest.
But you just see how smart this insect is. She has built it inside the battery compartment, which fell off when I opened the lid!
How did it manage to sneak into there is something that defeats me!
Anyhow, after my appreciation and grin over the joke as to how it outsmarted by friend, I opened the set, which was not having much dust and dirt inside, and cleaned it up as a routine. In order to access the mechanism, we need to remove the front panel, unscrew the mechanism holding screws and lift it up.
The belts can be replaced only after removing the capstan holding bracket. I replaced the belts and fixed it back. Gave power and tried, it worked very well.
So, fit the covers back and tried it again, playing one full cassette (A and B side).
Delivered the set back to my friend myself, on my way to the hospital, whistling and beaming with the satisfaction of having added one more to the bulging bag!
This article was prepared for you by Parasuraman Subramanian from India. He is 69 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.
Please give a support by clicking on the social buttons below. Your feedback on the post is welcome. Please leave it in the comments.
P.S-If you enjoyed reading this, click here to subscribe to my blog (free subscription). That way, you’ll never miss a post. You can also forward this website link to your friends and colleagues-thanks!
You may check on his previous repair article below:
https://jestineyong.com/provided-speaker-protection-circuit-in-philips-amplifier-22ah393/
(54)Dislikes
(0)
6 Comments
Leave a Reply
Albert van Bemmelen
July 1, 2019 at 9:14 pm
Nature tries to gain its territory back, but apparently mostly in countries like in yours Parasuraman. Like the often found lizards. These things never seem to happen very often in my country. I assume you didn't glue the belts this time, as you found new ones for this Sony cassette recorder.
Parasuraman Subramanian
July 1, 2019 at 11:24 pm
Yes, you are right. (1) We have wasps building its nest in screw holes and that is really a pain for technicians, as screw driver cannot have a grip on the head of the screw. We have to do a lot of cleaning including spray to remove this! (2) There was no need for gluing, as I had the exact replacement with me. I have more than 300 to 400 belts of different sizes!
Dipu Marak
July 2, 2019 at 10:10 am
Hello Sir, this is the nightmare of all antique collectors. We have wasp, lizards, ants nesting inside the tape. I also have my collection spoiled this way. I have 2 National RQ-2157 tape recorder which are damaged now. The belts are broken n i cannot find a replacement. Sir, do you have a replacement rubber belt for National RQ-2157 tape recorder ? I would like to purchase if you have. Thank you.
Parasuraman S
July 3, 2019 at 12:03 am
I may have. I need to know the size. Kindly get in touch with Jestine Yong to get contact details.
Robert Calk Jr.
July 2, 2019 at 8:51 am
Good job, Parasuraman!
Yogesh Panchal
July 4, 2019 at 4:14 pm
Reviving old stuff ! good job sir.