PDA

View Full Version : ReVox A77 Head Cleaning ?



Cas
18-11-2016, 16:45
Any recommendations on cleaning the heads on a ReVox A77, finding it a bit difficult to get to them properly
with a cotten bud.

Audio Al
19-11-2016, 04:15
Lint free cloth and isopropanol will do the job :)

MikeMusic
19-11-2016, 07:54
Are you dunking the cotton buds in alcohol first ?
Industrial best, vodka may well work

Cas
19-11-2016, 10:10
I know exactly how to do it and what with, its getting in there to do it properly, you need to get in under the heads and the ReVox does
have loads of finger room, that is my little problem.

MikeMusic
19-11-2016, 17:11
I keep at it if the heads are dirty.

I wonder if you can safely use something a little harder like the other end of a match very gently like....

Cas
19-11-2016, 17:21
I keep at it if the heads are dirty.

I wonder if you can safely use something a little harder like the other end of a match very gently like....

No, what I am asking how is it best to reach the heads because of there position and getting something into them properly.

337alant
19-11-2016, 20:26
I must agree that the access to the tape heads on the A77 is a royal PITA.
I always use 99.9% Isopropanol alcohol and buy it by the gallon from ebay
Drop down the front drop bar, and remove the tape head cover.
Use a small mirror to inspect the heads for dirt
Cut a strip of microfiber cloth and soak the middle in Alcohol, using a shoe shine action clean the tape head be careful not to stress the leads from the tape heads
Clean all the guides and capstan with alcohol as well but only clean the roller with either water or a proper roller cleaner as alcohol can cause the roller to go sticky or harden and crack
Hope this helps
https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5587/30296760464_a0a3e44fa2_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NadPn3)20161119_194959 (https://flic.kr/p/NadPn3) by Alan Towell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/69508926@N05/), on Flickr

Alan

337alant
19-11-2016, 20:57
A picture of the tape head after cleaning and polishing with NuFinish car polish

https://c8.staticflickr.com/6/5511/30311363063_d4212caac5_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NbvEcZ)20161119_203717 (https://flic.kr/p/NbvEcZ) by Alan Towell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/69508926@N05/), on Flickr

Alan

Cas
20-11-2016, 08:54
I must agree that the access to the tape heads on the A77 is a royal PITA.
I always use 99.9% Isopropanol alcohol and buy it by the gallon from ebay
Drop down the front drop bar, and remove the tape head cover.
Use a small mirror to inspect the heads for dirt
Cut a strip of microfiber cloth and soak the middle in Alcohol, using a shoe shine action clean the tape head be careful not to stress the leads from the tape heads
Clean all the guides and capstan with alcohol as well but only clean the roller with either water or a proper roller cleaner as alcohol can cause the roller to go sticky or harden and crack
Hope this helps

Alan

Thanks just the advice regarding the head cleaning I was looking for on this machine.

337alant
26-11-2016, 00:44
BTW Methylated Spirit is very good to use on the pinch rubber roller

Alan

Cas
26-11-2016, 11:23
BTW Methylated Spirit is very good to use on the pinch rubber roller

Alan

Thank you

Barry
23-12-2016, 23:05
BTW Methylated Spirit is very good to use on the pinch rubber roller

Alan

I wouldn't recomend it. The pinch roller and capstan shaft should be cleaned with nothing more than warm soapy water.

Cas
27-12-2016, 19:32
I wouldn't recomend it. The pinch roller and capstan shaft should be cleaned with nothing more than warm soapy water.

OK, but soapy water for the metal capstain shaft ?

topoxforddoc
27-12-2016, 22:26
A dry wipe is probably all you need. Any oxide residue will come off onto a clean lint free wipe. If you decide to use a wet clean, then be very careful as you don't want fluid dripping down into the capstan bearing. As the capstan is metal, it won't matter if you use isopropyl alcohol or a damp wipe.

Barry
27-12-2016, 22:48
OK, but soapy water for the metal capstain shaft ?

Yes, but obviously 'mask off' the capstan shaft bearing sleeve and apply the warm soapy water with a cotton wool swab.

Cas
28-12-2016, 08:57
Yes, but obviously 'mask off' the capstan shaft bearing sleeve and apply the warm soapy water with a cotton wool swab.

OK, thanks.