In 1978 I bought a TEAC A-100 cassette deck to replace a used, yard-sale Realistic 999B R2R. It's not until you become educated that you learn about things: it was only after 18 full years that I realized that the Dolby B NR circuitry was inop in the left channel. Since day one. After hundreds of cassettes. I feel like a total idiot about it, but at least here at AK I can admit to stupidity and not be judged TOO harshly. (I hope)

A failed attempt was also made to adjust the bias and EQ adjustment caps inside by a dumbass (ahem- that'd be me) who thought he knew what he was doing.

Mechanically, this thing has never failed. My question is is it possible to fix and adjust it? Is it WORTH fixing? Are parts this old made of unobtainium? I've had nothing but trouble with my Sony dual well POS and am looking at the old beast as a possible resurrection candidate. Any input is appreciated.

Tom

Hi Tom,
Anything can be repaired as long as the parts are still available. The tricky part would be the Dolby chip. I'll make a few calls for you durning the week. The bias problem is minor.
Ron

Since this has happened since new it would probably rule out dirty switches. But it does not rule out dodgy solder joints. Try resoldering everything around the Dolby switches and circuits on the main board. I don't know if the A-100 has daughter boards for the Dolby. If you're lucky it may be as simple as this.
Cheers
Tony

Thanks, guys. I'll dig it out of the basement this week. At this point I'm not committing to anything but I am weighing my options and total costs (parts, shipping, labor, etc) versus replacing it with a fleaBay item or :dunno:.

Tony, all the circuitry is on one big PC board, IIRC; no daughterboards. I'll take a peek at the joints. Ron, I would appreciate your looking when you have time.

I feel so stupid for not recognizing the problem when it was still in warranty; the dealer who'd sold it to me back in the day was really good and I know I woulnd't have had any hassles:(.
Tom.

Well. After opening the TEAC up, I find:
*Mildew
*No fast forward.
*No rewind
*Four rotted, flabby belts
*Deep PC board trace gouges (NOT my doing! :no: )
*Solder joints all looked fine (checked with magnifying glass) around both Dolby chips
So. Considering what it'd cost for shipping two ways, diagnosis, labor, parts (if any could be found), and its age, I'd be at least 2/3's toward even an eBay purchase. I don't feel that it's worth it to me. All I want to do is get the music off my box of cassettes and burn them to CD, and tape jazz off the radio now and again. Final result is that SA got a donation this afternoon. Tony, Ron, thanks for your time and help anyway. I do appreciate it.
Tom