Thanks John. Just purchased a Fluke that had been in storage for the last 6-7 years and it has those very issues. Dried out belt and flat rollers. Will have to see what I can do about repairing the drive.

Pat Danis

John Robertson wrote:

Hi Folks!

A handy tip for those of us with working tape drives...rotate the spindles of your tape drive at least once a month so you do not get flat spots!!! Even rebuilt tape drives will develop these after sitting for a year or so...

Do this either by simply opening the lid and turn the spindles a bit - or read a tape.

Also, repairing these. I found that a square VCR belt that is 3.1MM seems to work the best to replace the original drive belt. Replacement is not too difficult, remove the tape drive from the case. Cut off the old belt, then fit the new belt over the brass spindle and between the drive sprocket on the left by lifting the right side sprocket and moving the brass spindle to the right. Now with a dental probetha thas a hook on the end pull the belt below the deck and fit it into the slot on the brass drive wheel and over the motor and turn the spindle by hand until the belt drops into place.

Put tape deck back.

If anyone needs the belts I bought them from MainElectronics.com - about $4 for five belts.

http://www.mainelectronics.com/belts.htm

John :-#)#
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