TAPE PATH COMPONENTS
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This graphic is located in all the Beta repair manuals. It identifies the components that direct the tape through the path. Proper operation requires that the video tape travel a very precise path through the machine. Here is how the tape travels. The heavy black line with the arrows at each end represents the tape. (If you would rather see the tape path in red click the picture.) It comes off of the supply reel inside the cassette (not shown), past the number one, two, three and four guides; all the while being angled slightly upwards. It takes a 180 degree turn at the number five guide roller then goes past number six and onto the drum. It then wraps around the video drum at an angle going back down. It exits the video drum, passes by the number seven guide and over the ACE assembly. It continues on past guide number eight and arrives at the capstan. The rotation of the capstan shaft with the rubber pinch roller presses against it pulls that tape at a regulated speed. From here it proceeds around the number nine guide roller, past the number ten and proceeds into the cassette and onto the take-up reel inside (not shown). While the tape is traveling through the path it receives back tension to maintain good contact with guides, video drum and the audio/control erase head. The specification is usually 46 ± 5 grams. Control of the back tension is the responsibility of the number one guide. It can pivot slightly and supplies back tension to the supply reel using a felt band or electronics (depends on the model). The forward pressure required to properly wind the tape on to the take-up reel is regulated by the reel motor. It is specified to be 80 ± 5 grams. These methods will be discussed in detail in the coming pages. This tape path illustration will be referred to a number of times throughout the refurbishing process. It will be made available on those occasions. To see a drawing of the tape path design used by the other Betamakers click on the picture. (If you would rather see the tape path in red click the picture.) To see the periodic checks chart click here. To see the machine interior click here. To go on to the next section on the TAPE HANDLING COMPONENTS click here. Do you have a mpeg viewing program? You can watch the tape loading and threading process by clicking here. |