Nakamichi 481 SERVICE MANUAL

CONTENTS

1. General .…………………………………………………………………………………… 3

2. Principle of Operation ….……………………………………………………………... 4

2. 1. Mechanisms ….……………………………………………………………… 4

2.1.1. Headblock ..……………………………………………………… 4

2.1.2. Erase Head ..……………………………………………………… 5

2.1.3. Double Capstan Tape Drive ………………………………… 5

2.1.4. Mechanism Control Cam Operation ………………………… 6

2. 2. Amp. Circuits ….……………………………………………………………… 7

2.2.1. Playback Eq. Amp. Circuit …..………………………………… 7

2.2.2. Record Eq. Amp. Circuit …………………………………………… 9

2.2.3. Bias Osc. Circuit …………………………………………… 9

2. 3. Mechanism Control Circuits …………………………………………… 10

2.3.1. Outline ……………………………………………………… 10

2.3.2. +12 v Power Source ……………………………………………… 11

2.3.3. Power-mute Signal ……………………………………………… 11

2.3.4. Auto Shut.off Circuit ……………………………………………… 11

2.3.5. Record Control Circuit ……………………………………………… 14

2.3.6. Mute Signal ……………………………………………………… 14

2.3.7. Control Motor Drive Circuit …………………………………… 15

2.3.8. Reel Motor Governor ……………………………………………… 16

3. Removal Procedures ………………………………………………………………… 17

3. 1. Cassette Case Cover Ass’y ……………………………………………………… 17

3. 2. Top Cover Ass’y ………………………………………………………… 17

3. 3. Bottom Cover Ass’y ………………………………………………………… 17

3. 4. Front Panel Ass’y ………………………………………………………… 17

3. 5. Headphone Jack Ass’y ………………………………………………………… 17

3. 6. Mechanism Ass’y …………..……………………………………………………… 17

3. 7. Meter Ass’y ..………………………………………………………………… 17

3. 8. Lamp P.C.B. R Ass’y and Lamp P.C.B. L Ass’y …………………………... 17

3. 9. Main P.C.B.Ass’y ..………………………………………………………………... 17

3. 10. Control Switch Holder Ass’y .……………………………………………… 17

3. 11. Switch P.C.B. Ass’y ………………………………………………………... 17

3. 12. volume P.C.B. Ass’y and Control Switch P.C.B. Ass’y ..………………… 17

3. 13. Rear Panel Ass’y, Power Transformer and Power Switch ..………………… 17

3. 14. Cassette Case Ass’y and Cover Plate Ass’y …………………………… 19

3. 15. Tape CounterAss’y ………………………………………………………… 19

3. 16. Capstan Motor Ass’y and Flywheel Ass’y ……………………………………… 20

3. 17. Sub Mechanism Chassis Ass’y ……………………………………………… 20

3. 18. Control Motor Ass’y and Reel Motor Ass’y ……………………………………… 20

3. 19. Cam Control volume ………………………………………………………… 20

3. 20. Reel Hub Ass’y and Idler Ass’y ……………………………………………... 20

3. 21. Cam Drive Gear and Control Cam ……………………………………… 20

3. 22. Head Mount Base Ass’y .………………………………………………………… 20

3. 23. Pressure Roller Ass’y and Erase Head ..…………………………………….. 20

3. 24. Playback Head Ass’y and Record Head Ass’y ..…………………………… 20

4. Measurement Instruments .………………………………………………………… 21

5. Mechanical Adjustments .………………………………………………………… 21

5. 1. Mechanism Control Cam Adjustment ……………………………………… 21

5. 2. Tape Speed Adjustment .………………………………………………………… 22

5. 3. Record Head and Playback Head Tilt Adjustment ..…………………………… 23

5. 4. Head Base Stroke Adjustment ...……………………………………………… 24

5. 5. Tape Guides Adjustment and Erase Head Stroke Adjustment .………… 25

5. 6. Erase Head Height and Tilt Adjustment ……………………………………… 26

5. 7. Playback Head and Record Head Height Adjustment and Azimuth Alignment 27

5. 8. Record Head Stroke Adjustment .……………………………………………… 28

5. 9. Tape Travelling Adjustment ………………………………………………………… 29

1

5. 10. Record Switch Linkage Adjustment ………………………………………………………… 29

5. 11. Flywheel Holder Adjustment ……………………………………………………………… 30

5. 12. Eject Wire Adjustment ………………………………………………………………………… 30

5. 13. Lubrication …………………………………………………………………………………… 30

6. Parts Location for Electrical Adjustment ………………………………………………………… 31

7. Electrical Adjustments and Measurements ……………………………………………………………… 32

7. 1. Adjustment and Measurement Instructions ………………………………………… 32

7. 2. Playback Frequency Response Adjustment ………………………………………… 35

7. 3. Check on Dolby NR Circuit ……………………………………………………………………. 35

8. Mounting Diagrams and Parts List ……………………………………………………………………. 36

8. 1. Volume P.C.B. Ass’y ……………….……………………………………………………36

8. 2. Control Switch P.C.B. Ass’y ……………………………………………………………………. 36

8. 3. Switch P.C.B. Ass’y …………………………………………………………………………. 36

8. 4. Control P.C.B. Ass’y …………………………………………………………………………. 36

8. 5. Auto Shut-off P.C.B. Ass’y ……………………………………………………………………. 36

8. 6. Lamp P.C.B. L Ass’y …………………………………………………………………………. 36

8. 7. Lamp P.C.B. R Ass’y …………………………………………………………………………. 36

8. 8. Main P.C.B. Ass’y ………………………………………………………………………………. 37

9. Mechanism Ass’y and Parts List …………………………………………………………………………. 41

9. 1. Synthesis ……………………………………………………………………………………. 41

9. 2. Front Panel Ass’y (A01) ……………………………………………………………………. 41

9. 3. Synthesis Mechanism Ass’y (A02) …………………………………………………………. 41

9. 4. Meter Escutcheon Ass’y (B01) ………………………………………………………………. 42

9. 5. Control Switch Holder Ass’y (B02) …………………………………………………………. 43

9. 6. Headphone Jack Ass’y (B03) ………………………………………………………………. 43

9. 7. Mechanism Ass’y 481 (B04) ………………………………………………………………. 44

9. 8. Chassis Ass’y (B05) …………………………………………………………………………. 45

9. 9. Flywheel Holder Ass’y (C01) …………………………………………………………. 45

9. 10. Sub Mechanism Chassis Ass’y (C02) ……………………………………………………. 46

9. 11. Main Mechanism Chassis Ass’y (C03) ……………………………………………………. 47

9. 12. Rear Panel Ass’y (D01) ……………………………………………………………………. 49

9. 13. Reel Motor Ass’y (E01) ……………………………………………………………………. 50

9. 14. Control Motor Ass’y (E02) ……………………………………………………………………. 50

9. 15. Head Mount Base Ass’y (F01) ………………………………………………………………. 50

9. 16. Supply Pressure Roller Ass’y (F02) …………………………………………………………. 50

9. 17. Take-up Pressure Roller Ass’y (F03) …………………………………………………………. 50

9. 18. Head Base Ass’y C (F04) ……………………………………………………………………. 51

9. 19. Cassette Case Holder L Ass’y (F05) …………………………………………………………. 51

9. 20. Cassette Case Holder R Ass’y (F06) …………………………………………………………. 51

9. 21. Auto Shut-off Ass’y (F07) ……………………………………………………………………. 51

9. 22. Pneumatic Damper Ass’y (F08) ………………………………………………………………. 51

9. 23. P-8L Playback Head Ass’y (G01) …………………………………………………………. 51

9. 24. R-8L Record Head Ass’y (G02) ………………………………………………………………. 51

10. Overall Timing Chart ……………………………………………………………………………………. 53

11. Eq.Amp. Frequency Response …………………………………………………………………………. 54

11. 1. Playback Frequency Response ………………………………………………………………. 54

11. 2. Record Current Frequency Response ……………………………………………………. 54

12. Wiring Diagram …………………………………………………………………………………………... 55

13. Block Diagrams …………………………………………………………………………………………... 57

13. 1. Amplifier ……………………………………………………………………………………. 57

13. 2. Mechanism Control …………………………………………………………………………. 58

14. Schematic Diagrams ……………………………………………………………………………………. 59

15. Specifications ……………………………………………………………………………………………62

2

2. PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION

2.1. Mechanisms

2.1.1. Headblock

Refer to Fig. 2.1.1 Headblock.
Nakamichi 481 Headblock provides more stabilized tape
travel.
Accuracy of tape travel is one of the most essential
factors for a device to optimize its performance.
Inaccurate tape travel will therefore induce deterioration
exemplified by the following:
(a) vibration will be given to tape travel, as a result of

which flutter and modulation noise will become in
creased

(b) insufficient tape-to-head contact will result in level

drops

(c) tape skew will become greater and frequency re-

sponse will become decreased
Needless to say, constant tape travel must consist of
smooth drive mechanism, as well as of the fact that tape,
heads and tape guide are placed in the most appropriate
positions.
N481 Playback Head and Record Head, they are both
made small in size so that the both heads are assembled
in a space of the conventional Record/Playback Head.
Erase Head is located at the place where the Record
Head is located in the N-700II/1000II.
Both Playback Head and Record Head are assembled on
the Head Mount Base. Take-up Tape Guide and Supply
Tape Guide are fixed to the Take-up Pressure Roller Arm
and Supply Pressure Roller Arm, respectively. Erase
Head is placed on the Head Base. All these can be
separately adjusted.
Record Head is placed slightly backward, approximately

0.15 mm away from the Playback Head. Record Head is
placed approximately 3° inclined leftward. Shape of the
Heads and its location have been carefully studied to
bring about smoother contact of tape with the Heads. Pad
Lifter is affixed to the Playback Head so as not to let Tape
Pad touch the Head to give more stabilized tape travel,
making it free from the influence of the Tape Pad within
the Cassette Tape. Thus the trouble of changes in
azimuth can now be avoided at changing of cassette tape
if only the Record Head azimuth is properly adjusted in
advance.

The Fig. 2.1.2 shows trackings of each head against a
tape of the N-481, wherein the figure shows ideal
locations at the time of designing, thus the tracking in
actual use will vary more or less, depending upon the
tape width, etc.

(1) Adjustment of Tape Guide Height

Tape Guide of the N-481 is assembled into the Take-up
and Supply Pressure Roller Assemblies. With a spring in
the stud of Mechanism Chassis Ass’y, Pressure Roller
Ass’y is tightly affixed with Tape Guide Adjustment Nut.
The Adjustment Nut is placed on a spring through Pres
sure Roller Arm, and therefore by either tightening or
loosening, height adjustment of the Tape Guide will
become possible.

(2) Playback Head Height Adjustment and Azimuth

Alignment

Azimuth and height of Playback Head can be made in
dependently and adjustment may be done separately
without affecting others. In order to adjust the tilt of
Playback Head backwards or frontwards, take off the
Height Gear Stopper and take out the Height Gear and
then turn the two Height Adjustment Screws. After the
adjustment is done, place the Height Gear back and fix it
with the Height Gear Stopper. After the tilt is adjusted in
such a way as above, adjust the height by loosening or
tightening the Height Gear. Azimuth alignment is adjusted
by loosening or tightening the PH Azimuth Screw. This
system has been carefully designed so as to minimize in

-fluence each other between azimuth and height adjust

-ment.

(3) Record Head Height Adjustment and Azimuth

Alignment

Record head tilt adjustment can be performed in the
same way as for the Playback Head.
Height adjustment can be adjusted while recording 400
Hz test tone by loosening or tightening RH Height Adjust
ment Screw to obtain the maximum level on the both
Level Meters. Azimuth alignment can be adjusted while
playing back 15 kHz signal by loosening or tightening RH
Azimuth Alignment Screw to obtain the maximum

level on the both Level Meters.
This system has also been carefully designed so as to
minimize influence each other between azimuth and
height adjustment.

2.1.2.

Erase Head

Fig. 2.1.3 shows the sectional view of the Erase Head. Fig.

2.1.4 shows the characteristics of erasing current and

assembled with the Head Base. It is installed with three
screws. By turning these screws, its height, tilt of back
ward or frontward, and tilt of leftward or rightward can be
adjusted separately, thus the best location of Erase Head
can be obtained.
the aforesaid occurrence and stabilizing wow and flutter
characteristics.

erasure.

It has the same characteristics with the previous type
Direct-Flux Erase Head but been purposely developed to
minimize the size further.
Conventional Erase Head had its inside core narrower
than its outside core, while this Erase Head is equipped
with an inside core wider than the outside core. This has
resulted more power sufficient enough for erasing with
small power consumption, approx. 0.5 W, though the head
width is as small as 3 mm. The smaller the power con
sumption is, the smaller will be the heat generation, and
this is of course another merit.

2.1.3. Double Capstan Tape Drive
As shown in Fig. 2.1.5, the double capstan system con
sists of two capstan shafts (a) and (b) connected to the
two flywheels which are driven by a capstan belt.
Against these capstans two pressure rollers (a) and (b)
are engaged to run the tape with an adequate holdback
ten sion created by the double capstan and pressure
rollers. Since the diameter of capstan shaft (a) is smaller
than that of capstan shaft (b), when two flywheels begin to
turn as shown in the figure, capstan (a) runs slightly faster
than capstan (b), which subsequently generates holdback
ten sion.
As you note, if the diameters of the 2 capstans should be
the same, the generation cycles of wow and flutter will be
come approximately the same, as a result of which defe
ctive portion will be doubly superposed and preferable
portion vice versa. The N-481 employs 2 capstans, each
having different diameter and rotations, thereby avoiding

(4)

Head Height and Tilt Adjustment

Erase

Erase Head is affixed onto the Erase Head Plate which is

As the double capstan system always creates a constant
and stable holdback tension between the two capstans,
the condition of the tape between two capstans will not be
affected by any external conditions such as irregular
take-up and supply torques, irregular loading of cassette
tape, undesirable mechanism vibration and etc., thus
assuring the superior wow and flutter characteristics. The
double capstan system provides a constant holdback
tension on the tape and maintains the stable pressure
onto the tape against the heads.
The only critical factor in the double capstan system is to
be considered; the two capstans have to be positioned
per fectly in parallel and to be precisely vertical against
the head base, the pressure rollers have to be evenly
pressed against the capstan shafts and the head surface
must be

5

positioned perfectly vertical to the tape surface. Other­wise, the running tape might become out of the tape
guide resulting in irregular movement.

2.1.4. Mechanism Control Cam Operation

Refer to Fig. 2.1.6 Mechanism Control Cam timing chart.
Function of N-481 Mechanism is done by Cam Control.
Cam is driven by the Control Motor. The Motor operates
so as to result zero in the difference of voltages between
each voltage corresponding to mechanism function and
each reference voltage which corresponds to each com­mands of the Control Switch. When the difference comes
to zero, then it stops. In this way, each function is kept
properly operated. For further details, please see the ex­planation on Logic Control. Here we explain principle of
its mechanical functions.
Cam Control System works as follows: Cam Drive Gear is
driven by Control Motor by means of Drive Belt. Cam
Drive Gear is related to the cam with which each function
may be mechanically set on.

(1) Play Mode

Press the Play Switch to make it Play mode. Then the
Cam begins to move from Stop position to Play position
and the Play mode will be set.
The Head Base which is linked to the Cam and which is
normally pushed against the Stop position gets released
and the Head Base will slowly come out for playing. To

explain this function, first the Head Base is latched and
the Reel Motor begins to turn. Then the Pressure Roller
will be pushed and the Brake will be released. Now the
tape begins to run. If you press the Pause Switch at this
stage, it comes to Pause mode. Brake operates and the
Pressure Roller moves away from the Capstan and the
Reel Motor stops.
Play mode may be changed to Stop mode by pressing the
Stop Switch, and latch of the Head Base being released.
The Cassette Case cannot be opened because of the
latched eject effect unless it is in Stop mode.

(2) Record Mode

By pressing the Record Switch and the Pause or Play
Switch, it may be made to Record mode. The Cam at this
moment moves from Stop position to Rec. position. At the
same time, Rec. Trigger Mechanism is driven and the
Record Switch on the Main P.C.B. is switched on to the
Record side. Further, the Cam turns until it comes to the
Pause or Play position. On the other hand, the Rec. Trig­ger Mechanism is released during this process. When the
Cam is set in Rec./Pause or Rec./Play position, Record
signals will be sent to Bias Oscillating Circuit from Logic
Control Circuit to let the Bias to oscillate.
Press the Stop Switch and the Cam comes back to the
Stop position. At the same time, it will set the Record
Switch on the Main P.C.B. to the Play side.

6

(3) F.F. or Rewind Mode

By pressing the F.F. or Rewind Switch, it comes either to
F.F. or Rewind mode. The only difference of these two
modes is that one is to turn the Reel Motor reverse and
the other to transmit the torque against the Reel Hub onto
the take-up side or to the supply side. Brake is re leased
at this stage and the Reel Motor begins to turn F.F. or
Rewind.

(4) Pause Mode

Press the Pause Switch to make it to Pause mode. In
changing it from Stop mode to Pause mode, the Brake is
first released, then the Head Base is latched, and again
the Brake works.
At this stage, the Reel Motor would not turn with the
Pressure Roller being apart from the Capstan, and the
tape would remain still.

2.2. Amp. Circuits

2.2.1. Playback Eq. Amp. Circuit

Fig. 2.2.1 shows the playback equalizer amp. circuit.
Fig. 2.2.2 shows its system diagram, and Fig. 2.2.3 shows
the time constant of equalizer.
Playback Head is connected to the input of this circuit.
Amplifier, which is composed of Q101 and Q102, is an
equalizer amplifier and its time constant is shown in Fig.

2.2.3. R111, R112, L101 and C109, which consist of a
peaking circuit, compensate playback head gap loss and
improve frequency response at high. L101 and C186
compose a bias trap circuit and prevent bias leakage from
playback eq. amp. circuit.
Playback eq. amp. gain adjustment should be performed
so as to obtain 100 mV at TP101 (TP201) by adjusting
VR101 (VR201) during the course of playing back 400
Hz Level Tape (DAO9005A). Eq. Switch (70 us/1 20 us) is
connected to the playback eq. amp. circuit and the overall
time constant of playback eq. amp. circuit will become as

Tape SW

ZX 70us

SX 70us

EX 120us Low-Noise High-Density

70 us Nakamichi EX, EXII

Eq. SW Tape

Nakamichi ZX

Nakamichi SX, TDK SA, Maxell
XL-II
Scotch Master 70 us

(including EX, EXll, TDK AD,
Maxell XL-l, Scotch Master
120 us)

follows:

7

It is specified in the IEC Standard that the time constant is
120 us on tapes of ferric oxide, and 70 us on tapes of
Cr02.
However, in the case of Eq. Switch on N-481, when time
constant at playback is changed, at the same time
constant at record must also be changed. Therefore,
even though record and playback is made by the method
other

than the IEC Standard, no deterioration of frequency
response or level difference will occur. (Any other method
for instance, record and playback on ferric oxide tape with
putting Tape Switch on EX and Eq. Switch on at 70 us.)
When Nakamichi EX or EXII Tape is used at Tape Switch:
EX, and Eq. Switch: 70us, S/N ratio will be improved by
approximately 4 dB (WTD).

11

2.2.2. Record Equalizer Amplifier Circuit

The record equalizer amplifier circuit consists of the Out
put Amp. incorporated in the Dolby NR IC and peripheral
circuits as shown in Fig. 2.2.4.
VR102, VR103, and VR104 are the record calibration
semi-fixed volumes for ZX, SX and EX tapes. The output
of the Output Amp. is given to these volumes, and the
outputs from the volumes are fed back to the inverting
input of the Output Amp. via amplifier Q103 and a
time-constant changeover circuit.
By adjusting L104, compensation for the high frequency
range is made by setting a resonance frequency at 21
kHz or neighborhood.
L105, C138 and C139 compose a recording bias trap cir­cuit.

2.2.3. Bias Oscillation Circuit

Fig. 2.2.5 shows a push-pull oscillator with an oscillation
frequency of 105 kHz which is constructed by capacitors
C302 and C303, coupling the collectors and bases of two
transistors (Q301 and Q302).
This is used to provide recording bias and as an erase sig

-nal.
By pressing the Record and Pause, or Record and Play
Buttons, (Play+ Pause)-position signal conducted from
the Logic P.C.B. Ass’y becomes H and Q303 turns to ON.
Therefore, +24 V is applied to the circuit, as a result of
which oscillation begins.
When the record mode is released, oscillator output is
damped by the discharge of C304. This prevents mag

-netization of the Record Head.

11

2.3. Mechanism Control Circuits

2.3.1. Outline
(1) Control Button Operation

Record, Rewind, Stop, Play, and Fast-Forward Buttons
consist of a 5—way switch and are interlocked each other.
When one button is pressed, it is mechanically locked in
the ON state and other buttons are mechanically released.
Stop Button is of momentary type and acts to release
other buttons mechanically. But it is not used to control
circuits electrically. Pause Button is independent from
others and is of push-on and push-off type. Note that if
two or more buttons are pressed simultaneously, these
buttons are locked in the ON state. Under the normal con
trol button operation, only Record and Play Buttons are
pressed simultaneously to set the N-481 in RECORD
mode. In this case, both Record and Play Buttons are
locked in the ON state and RECORD mode is set. The
N-481 is designed so as not to occur erroneous operation
even if two or more buttons are pressed simultaneously.
Further, to prevent from abnormal tape tension, loosening
of tape, etc., the N-481 changes its mode by passing
through momentary STOP mode automatically, for ex
ample, when PLAYBACK mode is commanded while FF
mode, or REW mode is commanded while FF mode.

(2) Auto Shut-off Function

Refer to Fig. 2.3.1 basic circuit diagram.
During FF, REW, or PLAY (PLAYBACK or RECORD)

mode, auto shut-off will be activated when the tape comes
to end, and FF, REW, or PLAY mode is changed to STOP
mode.
Following explanation is made in regard to REW mode:
In the initial condition, Q428 is turned ON and +24 VS is
applied to the emitter of Q402. When Rewind Button is
pressed, it is locked in the ON state, as a result, Q402 is
turned ON, the REW signal becomes H, and the N-481 is
set in REW mode.
When tape-end comes, auto shut-off is activated and
Q428 is turned OFF, as a result, +24 VS is shut-off, Q402
is cut off, and the REW signal becomes L. In this way,
REW mode is changed to STOP mode. (Note that Rewind
Button is still locked in the ON state.) When Play Button is
pressed in this state, REW Button is released and Q428 is
turned ON, as a result, +24 VS is applied again, Q418 is
turned ON, the PLAY signal becomes H, and the N-481 is
set in PLAY mode.

(3) Unattended Recording or Playback
Unattended recording or playback is carried out by the
use of the lock mechanism of control button, therefore, no
special circuit is required for this purpose.
If Record and Play Buttons are pressed, unattended re
cording can be carried out when the power is connected
to the N-481. If only Play Button is pressed, playback will
be carried out when the power is connected to the N-481.

11

2.3.2. +12 V Power Source

Refer to Fig. 2.3.2 circuit diagram. Only +24 V DC power
supply is used in the N-481. The circuit acts to produce a
+12 V power source from the +24 V DC power supply.
Mechanism control is done by using thus produced +12 V.

2.3.3. Power-mute Signal

Refer to Fig. 2.3.3 circuit diagram and Fig. 2.3.4 timing
chart. Power-mute =

L signal is produced pulse-likely
when Power Switch is turned ON or OFF. This L pulse
mutes the amp, circuit and also acts to shut off the shut off
circuit initially.

(1) Power Switch ON

Q433 is turned ON at every positive half cycle of the out
put from the secondary winding of the power transformer.
When Q433 is turned ON, C416 is discharged, as a result,
the voltage of C416 can not exceed the VBE of Q432, and
Q432 is in the cutoff state.
Therefore, the Power-mute =L pulse is produced for a
certain period of time when +24 V is built up after Power
Switch is turned ON.
The Power-mute= Lsignal makes Q4l6 to turn ON, as a re

-sult, Mute signal becomes H and the amp. circuit is
muted.

Meanwhile, the Power-mute =

L pulse is applied to the

shut-off circuit and shut-off is activated.

(2) Power Switch OFF

The output from the secondary winding of the power
transformer ceases quickly, and Q433 is turned OFF.
Consequently, the base current flows to Q432 through
R481, Q432 is turned ON, and the Power-mute signal
becomes L.

=

The Power-mute

L signal makes Q416 to turn ON, as a
result, Mute signal becomes H and the amp. circuit is
muted. At the same time, shut-off circuit is shut off by the
Power-mute =

L signal.

2.3.4, Auto Shut-off Circuit

Refer to Fig. 2.3.5 circuit diagram and Fig. 2.3.6 timing
chart.

(1) Shut-off Sensor

Light from lamp PL407 is projected through holes in a disc
rotating synchronously with the take-up reel, and the
intermittent flashes coming through the disc are converted
into electrical signals by a phototransistor Q450. These
signals are amplified into square waves, and transmitted
to the shut-off detecting circuit in the subsequent stage.
When the tape-end comes, the take-up reel and the disc
stops rotating, and no pulse is output from the sensor.

11

(2) Shut-off Detecting Circuit and Peripheral Circuits

Shut-off conditions are as follows:
o reached tape-end during PLAY (PLAYBACK or

RECORD), FF, or REW mode
mode is changed as follows:

o

from FF to REW mode, or vice versa from FF to
PLAY mode

from RECORD mode to FF or REW mode
When the mode is changed, shut-off is momentarily
activated and the mode is changed to STOP mode in
a short period of time, and after this STOP mode is
over, a new mode is set.

Power-mute = L pulse is generated when Power

0

Switch is turned ON or OFF
memory rewind function is activated.

0

(a) Reached tape-end during PLAY (PLAYBACK or

RECORD), FF, or REW mode

Explanation is made for PLAY mode as an example. For FF
or REW mode, the shut-off function is the same as for PLAY
mode.
As Play Button is locked ON mechanically, Kplay = L.
Accordingly, R488 (100 kohm) is grounded through Play
Button and the voltage at the point A becomes approx. +23
V. Since the voltage at the point A is not lower than the
emitter voltage of Q424, Q424 is turned OFF and Q426 is
also turned OFF. (Q424 and Q426 will be turned ON when
the voltage at the point A is further lowered as described in
subsequent (b).)
Q425, Q427, Q430, R470 and C412 consist of a shut-off
detecting circuit. During PLAY mode, the voltage at the point
A is approx. +23 V. therefore, Q425 is turned ON and C412
(2.2 pF) is charged toward +24 V through R470.
Meanwhile, pulses from the shut-off sensor are applied to
the base of Q427 through R489 and C418, and, at every H
cycle of the sensor output pulse, Q427 is turned ON and
C412 is discharged through Q427. When the tape-end is
detected, pulses from the shut-off sensor are not trans­mitted and Q427 is turned OFF, resulting in C412 being
charged continuously.
When the voltage of C412 exceeds the sum of the emitter
voltage (approx. 5.5 V) and the VBE of Q430, Q430 is
turned ON and the base current flows to 0429. Con

-sequently, Q429 is turned ON, Q428 is cut off, +24 VS is
shut-off, PLAY mode is changed to STOP mode, and play
lamp goes out.
Q430, Q429, Q428, R476, R474, R456 and C420 consist of

a Schmitt circuit which provides hysteresis characteristics
for ON/OFF of Q430. Accordingly, Q430 will be
turned ON or OFF without chattering for the input waveform
with a large time constant developed across C412. If Pause
Button is pressed during PLAY mode, tape stops and no
pulse is transmitted from the shut-off sensor, but Q427 is
kept ON since Q423 is turned ON during PLAY.PAUSE
mode, therefore, no charge is made at C412 and shut-off is
not activated.
When shut-off is made at the tape-end during PLAY mode,
PLAY mode is changed to STOP mode.
If Stop Button is further pressed, Play Button will be re
leased and the voltage at the point A returns to +24 V as
R488 is released from grounding, as a result, Q425 is
turned OFF and C412 is discharged quickly through D423
and R467 (10 kohm). Accordingly, Q430 is turned OFF,
Q429 is turned OFF, Q428 is turned ON, and +24 VS is
again applied preparing for the next control button opera­tion.

(b) Mode is changed

1) From FF to REW mode, or vice versa, or from FF
to PLAY mode

Refer to Fig. 2.3.7 timing chart.

When mode is changed from FF to REW mode, or vice
versa, or from FF to PLAY mode, momentary STOP mode
is automatically taken in view of the response of the tape
deck mechanism, and after this is over, a new mode is
set.
The following explains in regard to the case when FF
mode is changed to PLAY mode by pressing Play Button
during FF mode:
During FF mode, R486 (100 kohm) is grounded by the
NOT Kf.f. =

L signal. When Play Button is pressed, it is
locked ON and FF Button is released. Although FF Button
is re leased, the

NOT Kf.f. signal is kept L for a short

period of time because the delay circuit (C605 and R608)
connected in parallel to FF Button acts to prolong the

k.f.f = L signal. In this period, the voltage at the point

NOT
A becomes approx. +22 V from +23 V pulse-likely as
R486 and R488 are grounded by the NOT Kf.f = L and
NOT Kplay =

L signals respectively. Consequently, Q424
and Q426 are turned ON, and C411 is charged up to +24
V, but C411 will be discharged after this period is over.
The base current to Q430 is supplied from C411 through
D424 and R475, as a result, Q430 and 0429 are turned
ON, Q428 is turned OFF, and +24 VS is shut off resulting
in STOP mode. On the other hand, since the base current
to Q427 is supplied from C411 through R469, R427 is
turned ON until the discharge of C411 is completed.
When the voltage of C411 is lower than the emitter
voltage (approx. 4.2 V) of Q430, Q430 and Q429 are cut
off, Q428 is turned ON, and +24 VS is supplied, as a
result, the PLAY signal becomes H (+24 VS) and PLAY
mode is set.

2) From RECORD mode to FF or REW mode

When mode is changed from RECORD to FF or REW
mode, momentary STOP mode is automatically taken in
view of the tape deck mechanism, and after this is over, a
new mode is set.
When Record Button is released by pressing either FF or
REW Button, Q419 is turned from ON to OFF, therefore, a
negative differentiated pulse is applied to the point A via
C421 (22 uF).
This negative pulse acts to turn ON Q424 and Q426, as a
result, C411 is charged up to +24 V. FF or REW mode is
set after passing through a certain period of STOP mode
in the same manner as above (1).

=

(c) Power-mute

The Power-mute

L

=

L pulse is generated when Power

Switch is turned ON or OFF. During the Power-mute sig

-nal is L, the voltage at the point A becomes lower than
the emitter voltage of Q424. Subsequently, Q424 and
Q426 are turned ON, C41 1 is charged up to +24 V, and
shut-off is activated in the same manner as above (b).

(d) Memory Rewind

During REW mode and with Memory Rewind Switch
turned ON, C414 is grounded when the tape counter

comes to “999” and Q431 is turned ON pulse-likely. As a
result, Q430 is turned ON, and shut-off is activated
resulting in STOP mode.

13

2.3.5. Record Control Circuit

Refer to Fig. 2.3.8 circuit diagram.
RECORD mode is set by pressing Record Button, then
Play Button together. By pressing Record Button, the
Krec. signal becomes L, Q419 is turned ON, Q421 is turn
ed ON, and the record lamp is illuminating. Then, by pres
sing Play Button further, the Kplay signal becomes
L,Q418 is turned ON, the PLAY signal becomes H (+24
VS), and Q420 is turned ON.
Accordingly, the base current flows to Q403 via C406
connected to the base of Q403, and Q403 is turned ON
pulse-likely.
The output of Q403 is fed to the control motor drive circuit
and acts to bring the cam to the record position, When
Q403 returns to OFF, the cam then moves to the

play position and stays there, thus the mechanism is set
to RECORD mode.
Record circuit is designed to protect from the erroneous
setting of RECORD mode even if wrong record button
operation is made.
Q422 is turned ON during FF or REW mode, or when the
cam is set to the play or pause position, i.e., PLAY or
PLAY/PAUSE mode. In this case, as D422 is grounded by
Q422, Q421 is not turned ON and the record lamp is not lit
even if Record Button is further pressed.
Further, the base of Q420 is grounded via D419 and
Q422, consequently, Q420 and Q403 are not turned ON
and no pulse is output from Q403 to the control motor
drive circuit.

2.3.6. Mute Signal

Refer to Fig. 2.3.9 circuit diagram.
When Q416 is turned ON, the Mute = H signal is fed to
the amp. circuit and the amp. circuit is muted.
The condition that the amplifier circuit is muted are
(Mute =

H):

14

R/P Switch : When R/P Switch on the Main P.C.B.

is in the record position, +24 V is
applied, but when it is in the play
position, no voltage is applied.

The modes in which the amplifier circuit is not muted are

2.3.7. Control Motor Drive Circuit

Refer to Fig. 2.3.10 circuit diagram and Fig. 2.3.11 timing
chart. The control motor is turned by varying amounts,
according to which control button is set. This motor is
connected to the mechanism control cam, and the
mechanism is set to the mode indicated by this cam.
The motor is driven by the differential amplifier IC402 (1/2)
and drivers Q405 and Q406. In the control motor stop
condition, both voltages at pins No.5 (non-inverting input)
and No.6 (inverting input) of lC402 (1/2) are equal and the
difference of both inputs is zero. When a new mode is
demanded, the balance of both inputs is broken, as a
result, the control motor is driven until both inputs are
balanced. The cam control variable resistor VR601

amplifier IC402 (1/2) becomes zero, the control motor
stops.
The following table shows the relationship between cam
position and the voltage at the sliding contact of the cam
control variable resistor VR601, and the state of transis­tors in each mode.

Position on
Cam
Record
Stop
FF/REW­Pause
Play

Typical Voltage at Sliding Contact of
Corn Control Volume

16V
15V

13.5V
I0V

7.5V

moves synchronously with the motor so that the voltage
at the sliding contact of VR601 is changed.
When the voltage at the sliding contact of VR601 is
changed and the input difference of the differential

Mode ON OFF

Q410 pulse Q412

Record
Stop
FF/REW
Play/Pause
Play

Q403,
Q412
Q404, Q410 Q412
D417 ON Q411, Q412
Q411

Q404 Q411
Q403, Q404,Q410 Q411
Q403 Q411
Q403, Q404, Q410
Q403, Q404, Q410 Q412

15

2.3.8. Reel Motor Governor

Refer to Fig. 2.3.12 circuit diagram.
One end of the reel motor is connected with +12 V and the other end is a terminal for
controlling.
During FF mode, Q413 is turned ON and the reel motor is grounded. Accordingly, the reel
motor turns in the direction of fast-forwarding. On the other hand, during REW mode, +24 V
(REW H) is applied to the reel motor and the reel motor turns in the direction of rewinding.
During PLAY (PLAYBACK or RECORD) mode, Q412 is turned OFF and the Pause-position
signal becomes H, as a result, Q417 is turned OFF and the reel motor is turned at a constantt
speed by the governor composed of Q414 and Q415.
During PLAY/PAUSE mode, Q412 is turned ON and the Pause-position signal becomes L,
therefore, Q417 is turned ON, Q414 is biased in the reverse direction, and Q414 is cut off, thus
the reel motor does not turn.

Take-up function at loading:
When a cassette tape is inserted and loaded, Eject Switch will become open. Consequently,
the base current is applied to Q413 through C409, and Q413 is turned ON pulse-likely. During

in

Q413 is turned ON, the reel motor turns

the direction of fast-forwarding and eliminates tape

loosening of the cassette tape if any.

3. REMOVAL PROCEDURES

3.1. Cassette Case Cover Ass’y

Refer to Fig. 3.1.
(1) Press the Eject Button to open the Cassette Case Ass’y.
(‘2) Pull out F01 (Cassette Case Cover Ass’y) upwardly.

3.2. Top Cover Ass’y

Refer to Fig. 3.1.
Remove F02 and F03, then disassemble F04 (Top Cover Ass’y).

3.3. Bottom Cover Ass’y

Refer to Fig. 3.1.
Remove F05, then disassemble F06 (Bottom Cover Ass’y).

3.4. Front Panel Ass’y

Refer to Fig. 3.2.
(1) Refer to Fig. 3.1. Remove Top Cover Ass’y and Bottom Cover Ass’y referring to items 3.2 and 3.3.
(2) Pull out F01 (Volume Knobs).
(3) Remove F02 (Power Switch Joint Bar) by releasing the self-interlocking pin of the Power Switch Joint Bar

from Power Switch, and turn F02 (Power Switch Joint Bar) by 90 degrees either clockwise or counter
clockwise, then disassemble F02 (Power Switch Joint Bar) from the Power Switch Knob Ass’y.

(4) Remove F03, then disassemble F04 (Front Panel Ass’y).

3.5. Headphone Jack Ass’y

Refer to Fig. 3.2.
(1) Remove Front Panel Ass’y referring to item 3.4.
(2) Remove F05, then disassemble F06 (Headphone Jack Ass’y).

3.6. Mechanism Ass’y
Refer to Fig. 3.2.

(1) Remove Front Panel Ass’y referring to item 3.4.
(2) Remove F07 and F08, then disassemble F09 (Mechanism Ass’y including 5 connectors and record

switch linkage).

3.7. Meter Ass’y

Refer to Fig. 3.2.
(1) Remove Front Panel Ass’y referring to item 3.4.
(2) Remove F10 (Meter Ass’y) by releasing self-interlocking pins of the Meter Ass’y.

3.8. Lamp P.C.B. R Ass’y and Lamp P.C.B. L Ass’y

Refer to Fig. 32.
(1) Remove Meter Ass’y referring to item 3.7.
(2) Remove F11 (Lamp P.C.B. R Ass’y) and F12 (Lamp P.C.B. L Ass’y) by releasing the self-interlocking

pins.