Sony Bitcorder SDC-500 - not playing tape

Supporter (1)

10-02-2021, 01:16

I recently picked up a Sony SDC-500. Mine doesn't roll the tape when I try to load a game though the lights come on and I can hear the motor running.
When I press load, the mechanism moves forward into place but it's difficult to get it to release again if there is a tape in it.

I took it partially apart and I found that the motor is running and the belt seems to be intact and spinning the fly-wheel. However the spindles are not moving. Is there another belt that may have disintegrate or gotten stuck? Mine has two; one for the motor to the flywheel and another from the tape spindle to the tape counter.

Also my FF and REW buttons don't seem to do anything.

Any suggestions?

Por journey

Champion (506)

10-02-2021, 08:51

I have that tape model too, but in my case the belts are melted down, and I don't know where to get new ones ..

Por jltursan

Prophet (2453)

10-02-2021, 09:13

Looks like a belt indeed. AFAIK, is not the SDC-500 the same mechanical belt used in HB-501 models?, if so, you can check the service manual: http://www.msxvillage.fr/upload/sm501.zip.
It has three belts, two main belts and the tape counter belt.

The belts, IIRC, are standard square section ones, you can find assorted belt packs in eBay easily and usually find the needed sizes.

Por Metalion

Paragon (1343)

10-02-2021, 10:00

slaanesh wrote:

When I press load, the mechanism moves forward into place but it's difficult to get it to release again if there is a tape in it

I just "restored" my 1989 HiFi cassette deck, so I can relate ... The difficulty to release with a tape in it is typically a pinch/capstan problem. The mechanism of those parts that allows them to go up and pinch the tape uses a white grease on its axis that solidify with time. Once it's solidified, the pinch roller moves up/down very slowly (or even not at all), and that blocks the mechanism and the release of the tape.

Por journey

Champion (506)

10-02-2021, 11:08

jltursan wrote:

The belts, IIRC, are standard square section ones, you can find assorted belt packs in eBay easily and usually find the needed sizes.

Thanks for the advice!