From: trevor@home.net   
      
   "chuck"  wrote in message   
   news:4c49p610mqvsm0okg0e9sluqb9j3djpv8r@4ax.com...   
   > On Thu, 31 Mar 2011 12:22:06 +0000, Technics Fan   
   >  wrote:   
   >>'Mark Zacharias[_3_ Wrote:   
   >>> ;928698']"Trevor"  wrote in message   
   >>> news:4d93a429$0$13392$afc38c87@news.optusnet.com.au...-   
   >>> > More likely the 4 track head is misaligned and it just sounds like   
   >>> > it's  acting as a 2 track head.   
   >>> >   
   >>> > Trevor.   
   >>> >   
   >>> >-   
   >>>   
   >>> You're correct - that does sound much more likely.   
   >>>   
   >>> mz   
   >>   
   >>Thanks for the info..I know the switch is good..has to be something   
   >>else..is there a procedure/instructions for attempting to re-align the   
   >>head? I am technical, I just have not aligned many tape heads. It looks   
   >>like there are adjusting screws on the head block. I dont think I have   
   >>much to lose as if I target the 4 track playback head (looking at unit I   
   >>believe it is top/left side of block) if I do incorrectly it wont effect   
   >>any of my 2 track operations. Any directions would be appreciated.   
   >>thanks.   
   > You need to buy or borrow an alignment tape and use an oscilliscope   
   > to monitor the deck's output.  I hope someone can provide you with the   
   > specific instructions for that deck as my service manual is long gone.   
   > Chuck   
      
      
   Whilst an alignment tape and CRO is the best method for doing the job, if it   
   is as bad as it seems he is correct in assuming he can't make it worse. Just   
   leave the 2 track head alone, although there are no guarantees it is aligned   
   properly either. You won't get the obvious problems with 2 track playback,   
   but you may not be getting the best frequency performance either.   
      
   And remember you can use a computer soundcard and software to do the job of   
   an audio CRO these days. There is even freeware available.   
   The real problem is finding a test tape. However if you just want to align   
   it to play tapes from another deck, simply record test tones using the other   
   deck. There is no shortage of software that can generate the test tones for   
   you as well.   
      
   Good luck.   
      
   Trevor.   
      
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