Also the battery is CR2430. It is spot welded/soldered in. So you can't remove it by force. You don't need the battery except for savings scenes. For me the default scenes 1->12 are all I need. So I just left the old battery in there.
Thanks to this video I have a 688 I bought for 100 dollars original owner.. This video gave me the confidence to change the belt Its working Great!!! Thank You!!
Thanks for posting this! For anyone else struggling with getting the wrist piece off (on the front of the unit), I also had to take three additional screws off of the bottom. These are clearly visible and not hidden inside holes or anything. Also, he forgot to mention there are three screws on the right side of the transport control panel that need to come off before you can pull the panel off.
Big help, thanks. Don’t need to remove the armrest screws completely, just loosen. That will eliminate the risk of those two internal screws falling into the guts.
I just finished changing my belt thanks to this video! I also followed the service manual which you can get from hifiengine. You don't need to remove the screws for the wrist rest. Just loosen them a little and it will slide right out. When putting it back together, put on the side brackets before putting the wrist rest back on. There is a little L bracket that gets in the way of the side brackets. You have to remove it's bottom screw and rotate the L bracket out of the way. Then the side brackets goes in easily. Another gotcha was the screws that mount the transport to the frame. There are three, one on left and two on right. You need the right size screwdriver to get them out. I had to experiment with different bits to find that would grab. If none grab you can try taking pliers to grab the screw and rotate it. When putting these back in , don't over tighten. They are not meant to hold the transport securely. There will be a little wiggle room which gets removed when you put the two final scews that go through the cassette well.
@@fhussain44 thanks for reply ! Ive ordered from eBay too but it is to big ..even though it's been advertised as the Tascam Midistudio 644. Do you have the name of the ebay seller ?
Thanks, you've been a great help. I was almost there, now I know I won't break anything. FYI, those two adjustments in the video (that you said not to mess with) are speed control trimmers. R2 is used with pitch control in 'fix' position. R1 is used with the control in 'ext' position.
Hi Rod, is the belt for a 644 identical to a 688-belt? I'm looking for a new belt for my 644, but I can't find one. The 688-belts are available on eBay. Hope hearing you soon!
Wish I would've found this video earlier! I literally dropped of my 688 at Tascam in Montebello this morning to repair this issue. Thanks for posting for future problems!
Zero Cool the only place that I found that will still service them is the Tascam facility in Montebello. Every other place said they stopped working in these years ago. Mine came out brand new 👍
I just followed these instructions to get it open, sure enough the belt is age melted in there on the capstan roller. Time for a new belt and back to using this amazing machine. I’m surprised to see there is a button cell battery in the piece that you pull back, mine has not been changed since at least 1999.
Very nice helpful video I just had a custr bring one in he said it fast forwards rewinds fine but drags slips in play mode thinking capstan belt.thanks
There is some disagreement on whether you need to put grease/oil anywhere. I just put a drop of sewing machine oil inside the capstan bore after I removed the whole flywheel by sliding it out. Rest I just left as is since it was all functioning fine .
Someone just gave me one of these relics. Has the play problem. Gonna order the belt and idler tires. Thanks for the link (Dynamic Technology Group). Man I woulda KILLED for one of these back in the day. As it was I got a lot of mileage out of my lowly Fostex X15! Thanks for the vid!
gracias por el video y a la gente comentando. para quien le sirva, la 688 usa la misma correa que la teac mk112II. a veces es mas facil segun el pais de donde eres conseguir correas para decks que para portastudios. saludos
1, You don`t need to take the wrist support screws out , just loosen them 2 , if you take the wrist support off first and then remove the 2 clips (one either side) you dont have to fight with the side trim pieces AT ALL .
Much respect to you for creating this video. Big boost in confidence on repairing myself. I'm experiencing the transport issues (random stops) & scratchy faders (buttons & knobs). Is there any precaution on opening the left side panels for inspection? Thank you !
using contact cleaner and air blower is good for faders and knobs. But opening left side panels is a complete mess for cleaning deep inside. Try a air blower for the faders and knobs. it works well. (sorry for my english)
Dude, This is great info. I am having a problem where the Capstan motor seems to be continuously spinning, even with no tape present. I noticed your Capstan was spinning until you powered down. My unit is as pristine as yours, with actually very few hours considering 1990(?) Purchase. Virtually no Stunt mode shuttling, or variplay, simply record and playback, maybe 100 hours lifetime on unit. I was always a diligent cleaning / degaussing engineer, having worked on 1” type C” Broadcast units since early 80’s at MTV and HBO. Is the Capstan motor supposed to spin all the time? It would seem that would burn out motor. I only noticed this very quiet day in my loud Condo. I see Battery for CPU under Board you removed, I have not even had to replace that. Thanks a million, any ideas? Do not have either my owners man or a service manual, though I downloaded a barely visible ops man. Great Unit for its day, still works, but I figured some micro switch was giving a false run signal, even without tape in unit. Idea’s? -Bobby
nice job,... one handed no less!.... not sure if I would attempt it with a camera in one hand. I have the same job in front of me... would you think the procedure is the same for a 644? also where did you find a replacement belt?.... thanks.
any recos for lubricants for the motor / belt that you mention? as well as cleaners? also have a 644 with the playback issue. ordered capstan belt and motor replacement and using this video to make the repair. thanks!
@@albino_gringo1912 super helpful. what about cleaning where the belt dissolved. i imagine remnants are still there once i open it up. just iso alcohol and cotton swabs?
I'm blown away how you managed to do this while holding a camera. Did this yesterday on my 644 just to realaize that the actual motor driving the belt was broken. And after that I accidently made contact with something and I think fuse or something went out. It doesn't even light up anymore. F a i l. Any ideas on what it might be? Would be extreeeemely thankful for any ideas. The fuse in the power adaptor seems fine and it sounds like the power adaptor works (low hum)
Thank you for this video. I replaced the belt, but my FF and RW still don’t work, and the playback is sluggish. If I try it without a tape, playback still sounds like it’s struggling, FF works, and RW looks like it tries but can’t get it moving. It acts like the motor(s?) is weak. What should I try lubricating to get it going? Other ideas?
You have to replace the idler tire too probably. It's a little harder to reach. You have to check if the middle motor is running properly. If it does you have to remove that motor and check the rubber tire, clean it or replace it. I'm afraid tascam does not make them anymore. Some shops still have them . Sluggish playback can also mean the pinch roller that presses the tape to the capstan is dirty or worn out
This is awesome, thank you! I've just completed this repair and all is well, but holy crap, I have having a living nightmare getting the side panels back on. Any suggestions from anyone? I just can't get the front clip to catch in the hole, and that damn metal tab up front is totally in the way.
Thanks for the video, I want to change the battery on mine now I know where its at. Do you know what coin cell to use 2016, 2032 and have you changed yours out?
Thanks for the vid! I just replaced my capstan belt (the old one had completely deteriorated). Now it rewinds and fast forwards fine, but plays at a manic speed. Any idea what I did wrong?
Hey, thanks for the great video! I have a question regarding the transports connection to the brackets (one screw on the left, two on right). When tightened all the way down, the transport is not 100 fastened (it wiggles). Was this done deliberately, relying on the two small screws inside the deck to stabilize the transport, connecting it to the front plate? Thanks!
He, have a Tascam 688 and it also stops the transport during playback. Would i be able to clean / hose it with contact cleaner without opening up the machine?
I found a belt on Ebay for 9 euros in germany(i come from France). Can't wait to change it. Motor seems to work when I power up the machine but it stops turning after few seconds.
@@albino_gringo1912 It must be the sensor switch , the tape was good. I had one other issue. A broken dbx 1-4 switch at the back panel. Maybe the previous first owner had a little accident with it. It had been used as a mixer a few times , the 688 looks brand new for most part.
Hi - I have an older grey 688. The fast forward and rewind work fine - but it wont play - the cassette head moves toward the tape then goes back and stops. However - strangely - if I hold the black plastic tap back as you suggested with no tape in - the right play motor turns fine. But when I put the tape in nothing turns and there is a skidding sound. I notice with the tape in the capstan against the black roller does not turn - is that supposed to be motorised?
@@albino_gringo1912 Hey thanks for that detailed reply! If I put the tape in and push the tab with extra pressure - it does not work. Yet of I take the tape out and press the tab t does - strange eh? I think the capstan motor not turning and sticking so much when the tale is pinched the transport gives up and returns to its position. So maybe thats that's belt as you say (I assume there is one that moves the capstan:).
Hi do you know where i can find a new belt for this? I replaced it with a 488 belt and got it play and rec but whenever the tape plays the audio sounds muffled but when i hit record it sounds normal Any help?
I am having problems with my tascam 688. I’m getting tracks 1 through 4 Recording to tracks 5 through 8. Also tracks 5 through 8 recording back to tracks 1 through 8. I’m not sure why this is occurring. I have one into the matrix and routed the tracks properly but this is not fixing the problem. I have change the recording input to line input and to microphone input. And still coming up with the same results. I have Erase my own presets and went back to factory presets but this is not working for me once again still having the same issue.can you me help out with this?
Hi there. I have a problem that I can’t diagnose. When I press the play the heads come up but don’t stay engaged and drop down ? I haven’t yes taken the unit apart as the ffwd and rew still work so I’m not sure it’s the belt but thought I’d ask you first for any insight ?
As a Teac Technician this is good to show people how to take something apart but you lack the terms of parts and never look at the service manual to give correct information- the board to the right of transport is for speed adjustments not power or bias. The Capstan wheel is called the Flywheel the plate to the rear is a Thrust plate, The nylon on the capstan motor is a pulley and so on. If you are going to all this trouble with videos get a tripod to get us off the ocean.
@@albino_gringo1912 It is Ok to work on decks yourself- many people I help do so but if one is going to make a video for instruction then would it not be a good idea to look at service manual and get correct terms and don't say things about adjustments with out having some idea what that is? I just am sensitive to those that try to instruct without the real knowledge that is needed to do the job right. Other wise I liked the video some of the way.
Aaawh man! Why didn't you post this five years ago when I had this very issue :) My 688 is long since gone and hopefully someone picked it up from the garbage room where I left it.
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Also the battery is CR2430. It is spot welded/soldered in. So you can't remove it by force. You don't need the battery except for savings scenes. For me the default scenes 1->12 are all I need. So I just left the old battery in there.
Thanks to this video I have a 688 I bought for 100 dollars original owner.. This video gave me the confidence to change the belt Its working Great!!! Thank You!!
Thanks for posting this!
For anyone else struggling with getting the wrist piece off (on the front of the unit), I also had to take three additional screws off of the bottom. These are clearly visible and not hidden inside holes or anything.
Also, he forgot to mention there are three screws on the right side of the transport control panel that need to come off before you can pull the panel off.
Big help, thanks. Don’t need to remove the armrest screws completely, just loosen. That will eliminate the risk of those two internal screws falling into the guts.
I just finished changing my belt thanks to this video! I also followed the service manual which you can get from hifiengine. You don't need to remove the screws for the wrist rest. Just loosen them a little and it will slide right out. When putting it back together, put on the side brackets before putting the wrist rest back on. There is a little L bracket that gets in the way of the side brackets. You have to remove it's bottom screw and rotate the L bracket out of the way. Then the side brackets goes in easily. Another gotcha was the screws that mount the transport to the frame. There are three, one on left and two on right. You need the right size screwdriver to get them out. I had to experiment with different bits to find that would grab. If none grab you can try taking pliers to grab the screw and rotate it. When putting these back in , don't over tighten. They are not meant to hold the transport securely. There will be a little wiggle room which gets removed when you put the two final scews that go through the cassette well.
nice tips , thanks ! where did you purchase the belt replacement?
@@jazzroom ebay
@@fhussain44 thanks for reply ! Ive ordered from eBay too but it is to big ..even though it's been advertised as the Tascam Midistudio 644. Do you have the name of the ebay seller ?
Thanks, you've been a great help. I was almost there, now I know I won't break anything. FYI, those two adjustments in the video (that you said not to mess with) are speed control trimmers. R2 is used with pitch control in 'fix' position. R1 is used with the control in 'ext' position.
thanks for the video. with all the free time I can fix my 644 and 688.
This video was absolutely instrumental in me replacing the belt on my 688. THANK YOU!!!
Thank you. Just replaced the belt on my Tascam 644. Your video gave me the skills required to have a go.
Yay it's working again. Thanks again brother
Hi Rod, is the belt for a 644 identical to a 688-belt? I'm looking for a new belt for my 644, but I can't find one. The 688-belts are available on eBay. Hope hearing you soon!
Wish I would've found this video earlier! I literally dropped of my 688 at Tascam in Montebello this morning to repair this issue. Thanks for posting for future problems!
Zero Cool the only place that I found that will still service them is the Tascam facility in Montebello. Every other place said they stopped working in these years ago. Mine came out brand new 👍
Zero Cool yeah the teac spot. It just needed a belt replaced and a few broken pots swapped out. I think it was around $150-200
Thank you so mush... have had this machine forever and nobody is servicing these anymore so i really appreciated this video
Thanks! Just replaced my belt and did a clean up of the insides 🙂. Really appreciate your help!
This was a tremendous help. Thank you for posting.
Nice work mate. Thanks for sharing information on how to fix it. The 688 is worth maintaining!
Thank you so much for this video!!! It helped me so much to resolve a problem with my TASCAM 688!!! Thank you!!!
I just followed these instructions to get it open, sure enough the belt is age melted in there on the capstan roller. Time for a new belt and back to using this amazing machine. I’m surprised to see there is a button cell battery in the piece that you pull back, mine has not been changed since at least 1999.
Very nice helpful video I just had a custr bring one in he said it fast forwards rewinds fine but drags slips in play mode thinking capstan belt.thanks
Thank you so much. I Have the Tascam 488 and the transport assembly was the same for replacing the belt and it now works again.
Thanks for this! I found one of these from a guy that was giving it away. It's on the way to me now. I may have to revisit this video.
There is some disagreement on whether you need to put grease/oil anywhere. I just put a drop of sewing machine oil inside the capstan bore after I removed the whole flywheel by sliding it out. Rest I just left as is since it was all functioning fine .
Someone just gave me one of these relics. Has the play problem. Gonna order the belt and idler tires. Thanks for the link (Dynamic Technology Group). Man I woulda KILLED for one of these back in the day. As it was I got a lot of mileage out of my lowly Fostex X15! Thanks for the vid!
Where did you order the idler tire from?
@@fhussain44 www.dynamtechgroup.com/
Great Upload , thanks OG
The service manual is on hifiengine if anyone needs it.
I found it on google. Pretty easy. Cheers anyway man.
Perfekt Video...thanks...i have the Same Problem With my 644👌👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
gracias por el video y a la gente comentando. para quien le sirva, la 688 usa la misma correa que la teac mk112II. a veces es mas facil segun el pais de donde eres conseguir correas para decks que para portastudios. saludos
1, You don`t need to take the wrist support screws out , just loosen them 2 , if you take the wrist support off first and then remove the 2 clips (one either side) you dont have to fight with the side trim pieces AT ALL .
That thing is a beast! I have a 414. I want one of those though. Bet they're expensive. 😐
Much respect to you for creating this video. Big boost in confidence on repairing myself. I'm experiencing the transport issues (random stops) & scratchy faders (buttons & knobs). Is there any precaution on opening the left side panels for inspection? Thank you !
using contact cleaner and air blower is good for faders and knobs. But opening left side panels is a complete mess for cleaning deep inside. Try a air blower for the faders and knobs. it works well. (sorry for my english)
Dude,
This is great info. I am having a problem where the Capstan motor seems to be continuously spinning, even with no tape present. I noticed your Capstan was spinning until you powered down. My unit is as pristine as yours, with actually very few hours considering 1990(?) Purchase. Virtually no Stunt mode shuttling, or variplay, simply record and playback, maybe 100 hours lifetime on unit. I was always a diligent cleaning / degaussing engineer, having worked on 1” type C” Broadcast units since early 80’s at MTV and HBO. Is the Capstan motor supposed to spin all the time? It would seem that would burn out motor. I only noticed this very quiet day in my loud Condo. I see Battery for CPU under Board you removed, I have not even had to replace that. Thanks a million, any ideas? Do not have either my owners man or a service manual, though I downloaded a barely visible ops man. Great Unit for its day, still works, but I figured some micro switch was giving a false run signal, even without tape in unit. Idea’s? -Bobby
nice job,... one handed no less!.... not sure if I would attempt it with a camera in one hand.
I have the same job in front of me... would you think the procedure is the same for a 644? also where did you find a replacement belt?.... thanks.
any recos for lubricants for the motor / belt that you mention? as well as cleaners? also have a 644 with the playback issue. ordered capstan belt and motor replacement and using this video to make the repair. thanks!
@@albino_gringo1912 super helpful. what about cleaning where the belt dissolved. i imagine remnants are still there once i open it up. just iso alcohol and cotton swabs?
Does anyone know about the Battery? How to change it..I thought it might just pop out but it didn't..Any info?
Good afternoon! Please tell me the characteristics of the drive belt. Its size, length, width. Very necessary. Thanks!
This video is amazing...
I'm blown away how you managed to do this while holding a camera. Did this yesterday on my 644 just to realaize that the actual motor driving the belt was broken. And after that I accidently made contact with something and I think fuse or something went out. It doesn't even light up anymore. F a i l. Any ideas on what it might be? Would be extreeeemely thankful for any ideas. The fuse in the power adaptor seems fine and it sounds like the power adaptor works (low hum)
Thank you for this video. I replaced the belt, but my FF and RW still don’t work, and the playback is sluggish. If I try it without a tape, playback still sounds like it’s struggling, FF works, and RW looks like it tries but can’t get it moving. It acts like the motor(s?) is weak. What should I try lubricating to get it going? Other ideas?
You have to replace the idler tire too probably. It's a little harder to reach. You have to check if the middle motor is running properly. If it does you have to remove that motor and check the rubber tire, clean it or replace it. I'm afraid tascam does not make them anymore. Some shops still have them . Sluggish playback can also mean the pinch roller that presses the tape to the capstan is dirty or worn out
This is awesome, thank you! I've just completed this repair and all is well, but holy crap, I have having a living nightmare getting the side panels back on. Any suggestions from anyone? I just can't get the front clip to catch in the hole, and that damn metal tab up front is totally in the way.
take off wrist portion first ...then loosen the bottom screw on ''L'' bracket and pull it away from the side panel.
@@willd302 Thanks, that did the trick! I just rotated the L bracket like 90 degrees clockwise
Thanks for the video, I want to change the battery on mine now I know where its at. Do you know what coin cell to use 2016, 2032 and have you changed yours out?
It is CR2430 and it is soldered in! So don't try to pry it out like I did..
Thanks for the vid! I just replaced my capstan belt (the old one had completely deteriorated). Now it rewinds and fast forwards fine, but plays at a manic speed. Any idea what I did wrong?
I don't think so, but I'll reopen it and check. Would that make it run too fast?
Mark Zanandrea whats was the solution to this problem ?
Hey, thanks for the great video! I have a question regarding the transports connection to the brackets (one screw on the left, two on right). When tightened all the way down, the transport is not 100 fastened (it wiggles). Was this done deliberately, relying on the two small screws inside the deck to stabilize the transport, connecting it to the front plate? Thanks!
I noticed the same issue. I think the two small screws inside the screws are enough to hold it all in place.
He, have a Tascam 688 and it also stops the transport during playback. Would i be able to clean / hose it with contact cleaner without opening up the machine?
just fixed the belt tanks a million you vide was really helpful however the record function is no working any idea why not? or what could be wrong?
would you be interested in replacing the belt and capstan on my 644 ?
This video is so useful, thx you. Do you know where to buy the belt and the motor?
I found a belt on Ebay for 9 euros in germany(i come from France). Can't wait to change it. Motor seems to work when I power up the machine but it stops turning after few seconds.
I Just bought a 688 , it seems to have good belts, but it stops playing the tape after a while. I hope this is the solution.
@@albino_gringo1912 It must be the sensor switch , the tape was good. I had one other issue. A broken dbx 1-4 switch at the back panel. Maybe the previous first owner had a little accident with it. It had been used as a mixer a few times , the 688 looks brand new for most part.
@@albino_gringo1912 I think i'm going to clean it first, because the unit was not used for many years.
Hi - I have an older grey 688. The fast forward and rewind work fine - but it wont play - the cassette head moves toward the tape then goes back and stops. However - strangely - if I hold the black plastic tap back as you suggested with no tape in - the right play motor turns fine. But when I put the tape in nothing turns and there is a skidding sound. I notice with the tape in the capstan against the black roller does not turn - is that supposed to be motorised?
@@albino_gringo1912 Hey thanks for that detailed reply! If I put the tape in and push the tab with extra pressure - it does not work. Yet of I take the tape out and press the tab t does - strange eh? I think the capstan motor not turning and sticking so much when the tale is pinched the transport gives up and returns to its position. So maybe thats that's belt as you say (I assume there is one that moves the capstan:).
I just need to find a new belt. These desk's are getting rare. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Hi do you know where i can find a new belt for this? I replaced it with a 488 belt and got it play and rec but whenever the tape plays the audio sounds muffled but when i hit record it sounds normal
Any help?
The Tascam 688 has 2 dbx switches. if you play a non dbx tapes it sounds really bad. maybe switch dbx off at the back of the unit.
what size of belt do you need to use?
thank u!! BIG HELP!!!
Merci !!!! thank you !!!
I am having problems with my tascam 688. I’m getting tracks 1 through 4 Recording to tracks 5 through 8. Also tracks 5 through 8 recording back to tracks 1 through 8. I’m not sure why this is occurring. I have one into the matrix and routed the tracks properly but this is not fixing the problem. I have change the recording input to line input and to microphone input. And still coming up with the same results. I have Erase my own presets and went back to factory presets but this is not working for me once again still having the same issue.can you me help out with this?
Hi there. I have a problem that I can’t diagnose. When I press the play the heads come up but don’t stay engaged and drop down ? I haven’t yes taken the unit apart as the ffwd and rew still work so I’m not sure it’s the belt but thought I’d ask you first for any insight ?
@@albino_gringo1912 many thanks for coming back . I’ll give that a go
@@albino_gringo1912 and are you still using your 688
Kind of a repair beginner here, do I need a designated 688 belt or do any cassette deck belt do the trick?
Designated belt. I got mine from ebay
Anybody know where to get the belts for the Tascam 688
As a Teac Technician this is good to show people how to take something apart but you lack the terms of parts and never look at the service manual to give correct information- the board to the right of transport is for speed adjustments not power or bias. The Capstan wheel is called the Flywheel the plate to the rear is a Thrust plate, The nylon on the capstan motor is a pulley and so on. If you are going to all this trouble with videos get a tripod to get us off the ocean.
@@albino_gringo1912 It is Ok to work on decks yourself- many people I help do so but if one is going to make a video for instruction then would it not be a good idea to look at service manual and get correct terms and don't say things about adjustments with out having some idea what that is? I just am sensitive to those that try to instruct without the real knowledge that is needed to do the job right. Other wise I liked the video some of the way.
Having trouble tracking down a belt. Any tips?
www.ebay.com/itm/Tascam-MiniStudio-688-Cassette-Deck-Capstan-Belt-1-Belt-/332300355786
Is there only one belt
Any one know how I could fix noisey headphone outputs?
Aaawh man! Why didn't you post this five years ago when I had this very issue :) My 688 is long since gone and hopefully someone picked it up from the garbage room where I left it.
this broke my heart
Hi whats the diameter of the belt...thanks
Did you find the belt diameter?
@@wul01 yeah Man, thank u Very much
Duardo MusiCantor what was the diameter?
@@wul01 The belt that worked here was the flat 9cm belt when folded
You mentioned the two screws were a pain in the ass to get out. You didn't mention that they didn't need to come out ALL THE WAY.
sorry my free video didn't meet your expectations
So you didn't actually show us how the belt goes on because you did NOT remove the capstan wheel...
I find it to be self-evident but thanks for the sass