Biasing up an RT-909

[df_genius]

Am in the process of biasing up my newly-acquired RT-909. I have a copy of the service manual but think the bias dummy traps need adjusting and the service manual doesn't cover adjusting these. It only mentions adjusting the main bias pots , I need these turned on minimum to get a reasonably flat response but then my S/N is dreadful (mainly using a 1khz tone to set). I am using a brand new Maxell XL1 tape with bias and EQ in position 2. Heads are properly adjusted

[df_genius]

OK I'm making progress. The procedure in the SM for this deck is different to what Akai use in their service manuals, I re-read the manual and found what I needed. However, I am stuck on the bias voltage adjustment. I measure between the two points either side of the "TP3" marking, my AC meter reports approx. 140V, whereas it should be 30V. Turning the voltage adjustment right down I can get it to measure 33V but it won't go any lower. With this setting I still get great recordings, if a little brighter than the source. Am I measuring accross the right points? The diagrams in the manual aren't very good at all.

Thelast problem I have is the display meter panel, it starts blinking and then goes off after about 30s, If i switch the deck off then back on it comes back. Sounds like a capacitor problem to me, but which capacitors manage the display illumination? The counter display is fine.