[GreenKeys] Restoring Model 33 Tape Reader

[Robert Jarratt]

I have been taking a look at the tape reader on my Model 33. It doesn't work
and I think it may have multiple problems. It is an automatic tape reader (4
positions on the control lever).

 

The first problem is that when I move the control lever to the Manual Start
position, often nothing at all happens. Other times I will hear a kind of
buzzing sound which sounds like it is trying to read the tape but nothing
happens, and tape does not move. I think this may just be a poor contact. I
have made sure that the tape out and tight tape contacts are open, just to
be sure that they are not stopping anything.

 

The other problem I see I am not too sure about. From my reading of the
manuals there is an armature at the front of the reader which causes the
tape to be read and also feeds the tape. This armature does not move. In
fact, at rest it is pressed hard against the magnet, even when there is no
power being applied. Looking at the springs attached to the armature, it
would seem to be as if the armature should be pivoted away from the magnet
when there is no power, pivoting around the small shaft which is also at the
front of the reader, and yet that is not the case. I suspect that is why it
is not feeding the tape or reading it. Is my analysis correct?

 

I have tried gently prying the armature away from the magnet in case it is
stuck (there is some congealed grease in the area), but it does not seem to
want to rotate away from the magnet. I am wary of pulling too hard in case
that is not the expected movement. Am I doing this right?

 

Thanks

 

Rob

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