So this is what I got last saturday at a garage sale for measly $15:
A beautiful, shiny CT-F1250 , with rack handles to boot.
But before you start hating me, let me say that she's not well.
Eventhough looking truly beautiful the deck needs the reel motor rebuild and there is something wrong with one channel: It's very low and VERY hissy...
At one time I actually got an almost normal output from that channel for a few minutes and then it went, down, down to almost silent.
When switched to mono (as in bias/level/eq calibration mode) both channels work OK. I'm assuming the calibration mode switches it to mono... right?

I'm not sure what's causing this... maybe the dolby circuit???
Any home remedies you guys know of?
What are the proper troubleshooting steps to take?

I can handle the motor refurb, the belts and the idle tire (I already have the parts), but I'm not sure about the electronics... a bit to much for me at this stage... there are just to many boards...

I hope you're happy for me... as this loooks like a really serious machine and will quite likely replace my entry-level Nak.
All I saw before was pictures of it, but frankly no pictures give it justice.
Kris

I wouldn't complain for $15!!! Think of all the people that spend over $100 just to have UPS drop the package or lazy ass ebay sellers pack it in a tissue box. I love the look of these units but I have never bought a cassette in my life.

Awesome deal there Kris !!! :thmbsp:

As sweet as she looks, make sure you take all the steps necessary to get it back in top form... that's Pioneer's best effort in the cassette deck line up. :yes:

I love the look of these units but I have never bought a cassette in my life.

I had to check your profile to be sure but I knew you were a youngin'! :)

How about an album?

I had to check your profile to be sure but I knew you were a youngin'! :)

How about an album?

i have an album for you broon


how about a european release of a Rush Compilation? Picked one up today $5 at a record shop in Seattle today. Printed on Mercury Purple Lable...still in its plastic wrapping and MINT....i'm happy

Nice score. I know you will enjoy her, once you get her up and running. I have 2 of them in primo condition, myself.

The rebuilding of a CT-F1250 is very similar to rebuilding a CT-F900/950 (the transport is essentially the same. I offer you my own tricks of the trade: http://audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=67191

The reel motor rebuild is detailed here: http://audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=53981

Troubleshooting the intermittent channel will require a service manual. You can get one (on CD) for around $10 from Quag West (ePay seller).

Enjoy,
Rich P

Excellent score! :yes:

As far as the channel dropping out... first things first... clean the switches and that includes
the REC/PLAY switch.

If that doesn't take care of it, then start digging into the guts. :thmbsp:

Scott

I had to check your profile to be sure but I knew you were a youngin'! :)

How about an album?


I have a album collection started. The only problem is the turntable I have is still in Chicago in its orginal box, but I cannot complain for $25