If the reel table surface is flush with the front panel, the height must be adjusted to avoid operational problems
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Occasionally, we come across decks that have apparently fallen on their face.
Symptoms are:
This picture of an Akai GX-220D, shows normal reel table height- the table surface is approximately 1/4 in. from front panel
If the reel table surface is flush with the front panel, the height must be adjusted to avoid operational problems
The following diagram from a Teac X-1000R service manual demonstrates how to adjust the reel table height:
Although the process shown in the figure covers essentially all decks,
gaining access to the table mounting screws vary widely by maker/model. Generally, slots are provided that allow access with a screwdriver but the slots may be on the sides or top of the chassis. For some models the deck must be slid out of its case a few inches. For the
Akai GX-220D, the slots are on the top. To access them, one must first remove the top panel ( remove 4
screws/washers from top, 3 screws and the top 2 feet from the back), 2 front
panel screws, 2 transport control knobs, head cover and surrounding head panel
(4 screws). This allows one to pull the top of the front panel forward far
enough to access the slots that provide access to the screws. To completely
remove the front panel, one must also remove the knob from the pause control
lever but it may be held with a very odd size Allen set screw, which many people
will not have in their tool box.
This picture shows
one of
the screws, which are several inches below the access slots (a 6 in. long #2 phillips screwdriver is required):
Turn the reel table until
you gain access to 1 of the screws, loosen it and rotate the table a few degrees to
access the second screw. Loosen it, then push/pull the table to move it to a position
that appears correct. Tighten one screw only, push the front panel back into
place, install an empty reel on the table and evaluate the table height. The
Teac manual suggests running the reel but I prefer to rotate it by hand. Repeat
as necessary on both tables to achieve the desired height then
tighten all 4 screws and reassemble everything.
Last modified 16 October, 2006