Just got one in outwardly good shape for $50 (after driving 50 mi in each direction I wasn't going home empty handed - it was offered for $150 and I made what I thought was a ridiculous offer and he took it, although time will only tell how much money I'll put in it, but I digress.) I know I'll need a new rubber belt but I need a service manual to make it right. Now, the only thing it does with tapes is break them! With the forward button lit you push play and the right wheel is jerked violently by the left wheel and the tape snaps. No reverse. I figger there must be some balancing problem (obviously) with the motor "logic" even though everything is mechanical. All helpers invited before I just open it up and start guessing. Thanks in advance.

Crown 800 series transports are pretty smooth operators. So obviously, something is wrong here.

John Haines is the Crown RTR expert. He has parts, can sell you a manual or even repair it for you.

Please be very polite and respectful if you contact Mr. Haines. He is a retired gentleman, and you will find him to be a very nice fellow. He worked for Crown until such time as Crown got out of the RTR business (1977).

John W. Haines
2608 Martin Manor Drive
Goshen IN 46526-5425
574-534-9122

Please post a picture of your new purchase!

Got it out of the car; I made it into the garage; it'll stay here 'til my back feels better!

Ohhh, that brings back memories. I purchased a CX-724 new from Crown on their 'salesman's discount' program back in the mid-70s. After working on Teac and the other fine transports of the day, there was nothing more satisfying than the solid, "thock" sound that the Crown made when the pinch roller engaged. At your purchase price, you did quite well.

These units used DC braking and I wonder if there's a problem with the relays - age-related of course. What I'd suggest is that you pull the relays, carefully open them up and gently clean the contacts first. DeOxit on the socket and the relay pins isn't a bad idea at all, too.

Beyond that, you'll need to be inside with a voltmeter confirming voltages and need the service manual for it. It is good to know there's still someone around with parts. They deserve the respect they should get given their wealth of knowledge that's not written down.

Cheers,

David

When I get a manual, I can understand the things that are supposed to happen with each button push. As it it, one of the relays has been relieved of it's plastic cap and may be damaged; I didn't see any motion on 2 of the 3 that I can see the 'innerds" of. The quest for the grail continues!