TEAC 3340S RTR Question

[Able]

Hi, all:

I acquired a TEAC 3340S recently with plans to transfer several tapes to digital.

The machine I got has what looks like a third tension arm under the pinch roller. I don't remember this feature on the 3340 machines we used way back when, and it's not mentioned in the service manual either. Also, most pictures of other machines don't have this feature on it (some do, however).

Could anyone tell me what it does?

Thank you in advance-
Able

[Byll]

On earlier Teac 3340 units (and others in the Teac line-up), upon tape start-up, the action of the powerful pinch roller solenoid and the torque of the motors was strong enough to take the transport from full stop to full speed (3.735ips/7.50ips/15ips) in a very small fraction of a second. The power was such that the tape - especially at faster speeds - 'flapped' against the heads and the start was not smooth. There was an audible hesitation in the sound, and it took a moment for the transport to settle down. The Revox Corporation (Studer) A Series had the same start-up characteristic (flaw?) in their early models.

Both Tascam/Teac and Revox solved the anomaly in the same way in later units. You own an improved unit - including an added logic control system. The small tension arm takes up slack in a controlled manner by the viscous action of that arm on the tape and completely alleviates the 'flap' against the record and playback heads. Problem solved...

Best to you.
Byll

[dpd]

good luck with the transfers, but how do you know the transport is properly aligned? Do you have access to test tapes to check frequency response? An oscilloscope to check head azimuth?

[Able]

Thank you all for you input. That makes very much sense. I have observed this phenomenon in many RTR decks. I have a 700 Crown transport that has this characteristic where the tape bounces off the heads when first engaged. We used to take this into account when we used these machines...

BTW, this particular 3340S has been through an expensive rehab. The fellow who did the work is on an extended vacation and I found it easier to ask this well versed forum for your gracious help.

Thank you, very kind regards, and happy Thanks Giving in the USA.

Able

[edwards]

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[edwards]

Amp Services in Lake Worth FL.