Hello from the uk, i need some help !!!

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polsta

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Hi everyone ive just joined up i am in the uk

i have a Hitchachi trk 8190e which is in pretty good shape,all switches and knobs are present but i do need 1 new extendable arial for it if anyone knows where to buy them from ? (or a pair) , the radio works great which is what i mainly use it for aswell as decoration, looks superb sat on the shelf , ive been long meansing to get the tape sorted out but had no joy ringing around local trying to find an old school specialist

the tapes a bit iffy, although they spin/work they are poor sound and not very loud unlike the radio and it slows

what im looking for is someone in the uk, ideally in hampshire or the south coast, who can give the unit a good service, new belts and clean anc check everything inside and basicly get it in tip top working order

any help would be greatly appriciated

thank you !
 
Northerner

Northerner

Boomus Fidelis
Hi and welcome! I've got the same model and they're easy to work on. It will likely just be a case of getting in there, cleaning the switches with contact cleaner, then rebelting. Coulda shown you what to do as I've been near Southampton for the last week but I'm back North now. You can get a pack of belts and the cleaner from eBay for a few pounds. You just have to be brave and dive in there! :-D
 
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polsta

Member (SA)
thank you for the reply, id love to get it to full working glory

i dont mind taking apart and cleaning etc if its not a major risk of braking anything ? what is a belt change like for a 1st timer ? would the belts be the reason the volume is low aswell or would that be something like the heads or something else ?
 
Northerner

Northerner

Boomus Fidelis
I've only been repairing them for a few months and it took me time to build up the courage to start dismantling large scale. Best thing to do is take pics as you go and make sure you know which screw goes where. Low volume can be dirty heads but dirty contacts on all the dials and switches can cause all sorts of seemingly unrelated problems. I've had boxes that did nothing but buzz...bit of switch cleaner and it all works!...it's like magic! The main problem with belts is getting the right size as slightly too tight or slack and it won't run properly, its just trial and error sometimes. The 8190 is not too bad because the workings are all on a chassis that comes fully out from the front and back casing. I've had mine open half a dozen times and not bust anything on it in the process. Just watch for the connected wires as you take the back off...I think there are 5...2 top left and 3 bottom right, but you can disconnect them by hand.
 
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polsta

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thanks mate, dont suppose you know the belt size needed for the unit ? and have any pics of inside so can have an idea what im looking at ?

is there such thing as a belt changing guide on here anywhere for the beginner ?
 
Northerner

Northerner

Boomus Fidelis
Deleted the pics I took once I put it back together right. I looked into tryin to find out belt sizes when I started but honestly it's much easier just getting a bundle of belts and seeing what fits right. You can get a bundle of ten for about a fiver off eBay.

I'll start you off...from memory!...

1.unscrew back of unit and lift off an inch or two
2. disconnect the 5 wires by hand then remove back
3. remove all the buttons and levers from top of unit, they should just pull off
4. open tape door
5. gently remove the chassis...you need to lift it at the bottom whilst sliding it slightly down as well to slip the levers out of the holes in the top. It will still be attached to the front by speaker wires etc but I think I propped the front upright which meant I could lie the chassis flat
6. you've then got access to the tape mechanism. you'll need to take a few more screws out to get to the back of this as I think there is one small belt on the front (and the counter belt) but the main belts are on the rear of the mech.

Just do it slowly and gently and you'll be fine....none of it is that difficult its just the scare factor of thinking you'll bust something or not get it back together again! I've done loads of them now and not killed one yet! :-)
 
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polsta

Member (SA)
nice one thanks for the info,um not sure if i should have a go or not, 1st thing is to aquire belts, any chance you can look on ebay and post me a link to a pack like you say,that will definatly include one that fits !

i wish you were local, is there no one else on here from around this way ?
 
Northerner

Northerner

Boomus Fidelis
Ive salvaged belts from all sorts of places as well so I've no idea where the belts that fitted came from I'm afraid...I've pulled apart several scrap boxes for spares

I think there are plenty of collectors around you so someone might help you out but honestly it's not that hard, these boxes are made to be taken apart and repaired unlike modern crap

If you get stuck just message me and I'll talk you through it if that helps. Everyone on this fabulous forum helped me when I got stuck so you'll find plenty of useful help and advice here! :-D
 
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polsta

Member (SA)
excellent thank you, il hang fire for a while im in no rush, and see if i can find someone who can help with it who really knows what they are doing,as they will also know how these sound/should sound and work and be able to spot any other issues or improve it, hopefully someone will turn up

ive popped in many local places and rang around,used google etc,and not really had any joy, youd think there would be specialists dotted around, gone are the days of the old school hi fi repair man in shops all over the place who could :-/
 
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