[BC] Tape deck issue/cleaning solutions

[Rockwell Smith]

I haven't used it for years, but it used to be SOP to rejuvenate rubber 
rollers with a 50 - 50 solution of alcohol and glycerin.  IIRC it worked 
very well.  Cleaning with just alcohol tends to harden the rubber over time. 
This left it more resilient.

Rockwell Smith
Radio Engineering Manager
Journal Broadcast Group - Idaho
KJOT,  KQXR,  KRVB,  KTHI,  KGEM-AM,  KCID-AM
(208) 344-3511 - Main      (208) 947-5624 - Direct Line
(208) 947-6765 -Fax         (208) 869-6413 - Cell
Email:      rockwellsmith at journalbroadcastgroup.com
Personal website: http://www.engineer-exchange.com


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mark W. Croom" <markc at kjly.com>
To: "Broadcasters' Mailing List" <broadcast at radiolists.net>
Sent: Wednesday, September 20, 2006 8:12 AM
Subject: RE: [BC] Tape deck issue/cleaning solutions


>I have given up on Walgreens for 99% Isopropyl.
>
> They might have the 90% stuff, which is OK but not ideal. I've had the 
> best
> luck finding small quantities of 99% at the smaller, locally owned 
> phamacies.
>
> Just my experience in the Midwest.
>
> I don't think I've used a gallon of Isopropanol in my entire career put
> together.
>
> I think I'm going to try some of that ROR that was mentioned in another 
> post.
> That looks like pretty good stuff--their suggested uses page says it's 
> useful
> on VCR heads. That's where the alky with water in it just doesn't cut it 
> at
> all, leaving too much residue. Anything that works well on VCR heads will
> work on just about any other metal tape path component, in my experience.
>
> 2 cents worth on Paul's cassette problem--Even a clean pinch roller can be
> too hard to pull the tape correctly. They seem to get hard with age (and 
> lots
> of cleaning over time). Usually you can see this by watching the tape 
> wander
> a bit on the capstan when the machine is in play.
>
> You may be able to get a little more life out of that pinch roller by 
> gently
> roughing up the surface with some sandpaper (cuts the hard glaze on the
> surface). Make sure to clean it with your solvent again afterward.
>
> Then order up a replacement pinch roller because you'll get far better
> performance with the new one. The sandpaper method is a last resort, and 
> yes,
> it's possible to make the problem worse (I've done that, too). If you're
> careful to work as evenly as possible as you go around the pinch roller, 
> it
> can improve things while you wait for the replacement part.
>
> Mark
> MN
>
> On Tue, 19 Sep 2006 12:00:24 -0700, Robert Reymont wrote
>> You can still find it a drugstores but sometimes it takes a
>> search.  Just bought some this week at my local Walgreens.
>>
>> At 11:27 AM 9/19/2006 -0700, you wrote:
>> >Some of the electronic supply houses have 99.9% isopropyl alcohol.  I
>> >remember getting 99% at the drug store before, but, not now.
>
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