Akai GX-730D is one deck that is extremely difficult to repair compared with Pioneer and Sony made in the same years. But its well worth it for the sound. In good working condition it actually sounds like the GX-747 open reel deck
Thanks- Lots of cleaning tips and dismantling - wish there is a portion where the counter belt was replaced. Do you have to remove the whole counter assembly to replace the belt?
Hi, if I remember correctly the back of the mechanism can be unscrewed with a little skill. That way, you can access the capstan and the belt. So nothing else needs to be removed.
@@retrodeck1956 Thank you- it was a pain but got it done, one of the 2 Philips screw behind the counter assembly is hard to get into and you need to use log nose pliers on the side to loosen it. ... my only issue now is that it wont play right (dragging ) the left redirection but right direction is awesome
@@raysar6912 In fact, this device in this video had a similar error. It didn't work well in one direction. It is important to have a tight belt and good idlers. The axis of the spindles must be cleaned, because even the slightest squeeze will result in an error.
I'm working on the same unit, play forward is very slow and distorted. I noticed if I press up on the right pinch roller it speeds up closer to normal but still a little off. Please let me know what you think!
Hello. If the belt and pinch roller are in good condition, check the spindles. Clean if necessary. But if I understand correctly, you say that if you press the right pinch roller, the playback speed will be better. Then it is possible that the arm pushing the pinch roller is stuck. The left pinch roller may be braking the tape.
@@retrodeck1956 Thanks for the reply! I followed your process in the video for inspection and cleaning. It appears the spindles are fine and the arm that controls the pinch wheel seems to work. It requires very little pressure to make the sound speed up to normal. Play in reverse works fine after changing the counter belt which I had already done before my comment. I'm assuming the pinch roller has worn down just enough to not make contact with the tape/capstan properly. A replacement rubber for the roller may be needed then. Please let me know if you have seen this problem occur.
@@prodbubby I have not come across one where the pinch roller is so worn that it does not touch the capstan shaft. However, there were cases when someone changed but installed a roller of a different diameter. In this case, it may not work properly. But this is a contradiction, because if the roller does not touch the capstan, then the playback is not slow, but fast.
I am having this model. Everything works fine except it keeps on cutting in and out between Forward Direction Play and Reverse Direction Play in every 5 seconds of play. Wonder what could have this to happen 🤔 Appreciate some advices if available 🙏
The first thing I would check is the tape end switch because it turns off the mechanism. If I remember correctly, the transmitter controlled by the counter works here as well. But it is worth checking the magnetic relays. After that, I would look at the playback function selection switch and the electronics connected to it. I recommend that you try to search for errors based on the service manual. Also, check the microswitches, there are quite a few in the device, but in the event of a contact error, the device does not work properly.
The counter assembly have a sensor to sense if the tape is moving. If your counter belt is broken or this sensor id bad it will do what you described .Depending on where the reverse function toggle was set it to.
Check the condition of the belts first. Often you don't even notice it, but it slips. The rubber idlers shown in the video must also be inspected, as they may also be defective. This video also shows the disassembly and lubrication of the drive spindles. In the case of these old devices, it is common that it gets stuck and therefore cannot move the tape. Also check the counter to make sure it turns easily.
