I came accross an unusual JVC Cassette Field Recorder. Never saw this model before. Bout the size of a NAK 350 / 550.
The transport seems fine - a bit of resistance to rewinding - but that seems vary. Seemingly no problems otherwise and really quite solid.
The circuitry is nicely component-ized. 1 main board and 2 sub assemblies.
1 sub assembly connects to the main board with a piece of that flat-film/ribbon multi-conductor stuff - has a something like an IDE plug on 1 end(plugs into main board), the other connects to the smaller board on a series of large pins/solder.
Symptoms:
No sound on playback. However - it almost seems like I can hear tape noise and indeed I can hear the NR circuit go to work when I switch it on and off. If I crank up the headphone volume I can hear a little in one channel - no movement on levels.
When trying to record - I can only get signal on one channel (L) same on both mic and line setting(input is selected via a switch). I can monitor this on the headphones and the L channel level controls work. If I try to play this back - nothing - no sound. But if I put it in another deck - the L channel IS recording...
So this is a little funny...
Im inclined to start at the tape head...Question:
Can I direct the output from the tape head to another preamp and see if there is any signal? Will just running the transport produce any output from the tapehead?
Next - I'm suspicious about that flat film connector and am tempted to replace it with some actual wire...any known issues with that kind of connector?(especially in mid-70s era gear) Is it prone to poor/cold solder connections...? I was suprised to see this kind of material in a device this old. The socket end had some goo on it...I cleaned that off - but that didnt change anything...
At the moment, Im trying to work my way over to the input select switch on the side of the unit. I'd like to clean it, at least look at it.
Nothing seems intermittent or dirty...no crackles in the controls...
Running it off AC now - any reason to test it with Batteries?
I know its a long shot...but if anyone has any insights - they are appreciated.
My camera batteries are charging at the moment - pics to follow...