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1 An introduction to the Porta02
7
1.2.4 Cleaning the heads
You should clean the tape heads of the
Porta02 regularly to keep it working
properly. Dirt and tape oxide buildup on
the heads will force the tape away from
the tape head gaps that record and play-
back. Head cleaner will remove the dirt
and restore the sound quality.
In addition to affecting performance by
coating the heads, and keeping the tape
away from the recording and playback
gaps, dirt and oxide in the tape path will
also act in the same way as very fine
sandpaper, which will wear down internal
parts of the Porta02, and affect the
recording in this way as well.
All of these problems can be avoided if
you buy a head cleaning kit such as the
TEAC TZ-261 and keep it with your
Porta02 for regular use. The kit consists
of head cleaner, cleaner for the rubber
parts of the Porta02, and cotton-tipped
swabs. The cost of such a kit is less than
the cost of a couple of high-quality cas-
settes and will pay for itself in better per-
formance and longer life from your
Porta02.
Clean the heads and metal parts of the
tape path before every session with the
Porta02 and also after every session.
1) Open the tape cassette cover.
2) Carefully clean the heads and
metal parts as shown in the
illustration using a swab dipped in
the head cleaning fluid.
3) Dry off the heads with a dry swab.
1.2.5 Cleaning the pinch roller
You should also clean the rubber pinch
roller at regular intervals (at least once
each day that you use the Porta02).
1) Open the tape cassette cover.
2) Press the
PLAY
key.
The pinch roller will engage with the
capstan shaft and start turning.
3) Press a swab dipped in the rubber
cleaning fluid against the right side
of the pinch roller.
If you press the right side of the roller,
the swab will not get caught between the
roller and capstan.
4) Dry the capstan with a dry swab
and make sure that there is no
material on the pinch roller or
capstan before you insert a
cassette.
WARNING
Only use head and rubber cleaning fluid and
cleaning swabs designed for use with tape
recorders. The use of any other cleaning materi-
als may cause damage to the Porta02.
Heads and tape
guides
Capstan
Pinch wheel