Porta05 ministudio doesn't disengage playhead

[Lenno]

Hello
First of im german, so sorry if my english is lacking.

I just bought a used portastudio 05 ministudio that allegedly was in good condition. The playhead, along with the rubber capstan and all the readhead is always engaged which makes putting cassettes in hard, and getting them out almost impossible.

I've opened it up a bit, but am hesitant to just prod further, since i've never repaired anything this complicated.

I am using a aftermarket dc-plug which apparently only outputs 12v. On the model it says 11-15v, so i don't think this is a problem, but i also don't know anything

I'd be glad about any help i could get.

 

[Jack Saturn]

What is the polarity of the adapter you're using? You also want to make sure that is correct.

 

[shredd]

What is the polarity of the adapter you're using? You also want to make sure that is correct.

This. ^^^
"Observe Polarity" is one of the more critical maxims in electronics.
And - although your adapter appears to have sufficient VOLTAGE rating - you'll want to be certain it can provide the CURRENT (amps/milli-amps) that your device requires. This info is typically in the unit's specs/manual.

 

[Lenno]

Thanks for the input!!

The polarity is center negative on both the portastudio and the adapter, so there shouldn't be a problem and the adapter provides 2.25A. The manual says the portastudio need 350mA, so that should also be sufficient.

Thanks for reminding me to check on that tho!

 

[Jack Saturn]

Excellent! With that confirmed, have you inspected the belts to see if any of them are slack? Also check that there isn't a crack in the black plastic head base, which would be right behind the record/playback head.