Quite a bit of work fixing and bringing this AKAI M9 back, mostly cleaning - but still. Here's the link where you can get a knob: hifijam.etsy.com I'll add a link to the files if you have your own printer soon.
You are a true magician who is not afraid of untangling audio spaghetti to bring them back to their original great shape. I admire your courage, creativity and troubleshooting skills Wish you could help me on some units I have
Nice job man! Crossfield - is an AKAI patetnted technology, main point of that - to fed bias to an extra head (one on the bottom) to reduce main head magnetic saturation. When property alligned - it gives more headroom on high frequiences, especially on slower speeds.
What a great job you did in restoring that deck. Having a mini lathe and a 3D printer enabled you to put the finishing touches to it. A fascinating video.
Thank You! A Vietnam Vet asked me to take a look at one he bought in 67. After the first couple hours I was thinking the unit was beyond hope. After watching this video, my attitude has changed. Too bad so many videos that were confirming by thoughts came up before I found yours. Major issues, Play/Record Cam has disintegrated. 120 VAC voltage correctly selected. Motor spins very slow though freely spins by hand. Frozen equalization knob. I'm going to forgo the dishwasher and tumble dry :) method. So funny regarding attempt at tumble dry! Great job at making such a difficult job entertaining and uplifting!
That cross field movable head is to add higher frequencies to the tape like AC biasing to make a cleaner sound. This was also used in cassette, and 8Track decks but the technology was built right into one head. The higher end modern cassette, 8Track, and RTR models with glass heads with also have this X Field technology. The deck you have here also has EQ biasing to clean up the sound of duller recordings. Most of this is automated now with the speed selector. This make is possible to even make a 1, 7/8 recording to sound decent. That is the control on the front you where messing with.
Wow, do I wish you were nearby to do work in my equipment!!! You are good, and maybe I could follow suit, and fix/clean my own audio electronics….. thank you… fun to watch and learn!
If you're in the United States, set the voltage to 120 volts. That is incredible what you did with it. Thank you for posting. I will usually fast forward the video but I watched it the whole way through. Excellent.
It blows my mind how you can put the effort into fabricating parts but not clean up the gunk from vu meters or the dishwasher smudges on the inside parts :). All in all a great job. And I like the stax headphones in the background.
GREAT video!!! I own an AKAI X-150D Half the size of what you restored and it plays and records like a dream. I about died laughing when you tried to fit it in the dryer!😅😅
Wow that machine is a lot more service friendly than the old Sony I've worked on. No need to desolder anything here. Great job on your restauration BTW!
Great video and an impressive restoration. You went above and beyond with the mini lathe and 3DP. Assuming you did indeed put the AKAI in the dishwasher, did you afterwards take apart and regrease the potentiometers? Without the grease, the carbon track rapidly deteriorates and can easily kill the potentiometer.
Nice video. With my limitations, I would never have picked up the machine in the first place, but you have a 3-D printer and lathe access and succeeded where I would have hit an impasse so cheers to you. Surprised that you didn't make up a new and matching set of speaker doors.
I considered it but sheet metal is tricky to work, and I don’t think it would’ve been a satisfactory result. I did end up making a sheet metal back panel for it, but that was after I had made the video. Glad you enjoyed.
An uncle of mine purchased a brand new M 9 probably manufactured , I believe , in the the year of the unit shown here : according to a capacitor that I saw in this video, the year is 1968. Later in 1977 I bought a used one , probably one of the last M 9 units turned out by Akai.
Regarding the voltage - I would put it on 120, just to be safe. It's not going to affect the performance, but it's a little insurance against overvoltage accidents. Great work on getting it going! Wholesale washing like you did is actually a valid technique, just remove the motor and rubber parts next time.
hi very good i have one as well there is a small pinch roller for 15 ips i played about the same for my deck funny thing i have a RS 1700 no it's not 100% a big spool hit the right side reel table i had to make a new part it was the left side lucky the motors are the same i pulled one motor apart and turned down the bad part and redrilled a hole ine the table and glued in a brass part with a 4 mm tap the tape i dropped is a 14inch one with 1/4 tape i have a scully 280 it's very ill came with 18 tapes and you done a super job the handles are all ways coming of all the time
Great video! Nice job! There is a Japan industries screw thread that bears no relationship to metric or imperial or American, I had the problem of finding some nuts for a Japanese meter. The thread pitch was identical to metric 3.5 but thinner! So I had to get M 3.5 nuts, and cut a thin slit in the nut and squash it such that the diameter was smaller! But it worked!
29:30 Japan has two electrical frequencies. 50 Hz in the east, and 60 in the west. As it's "portable", the frequency selector on the front could be pressed more that you'd think!
Great video. I just purchased a AKA M9 to restore and will reference your video as I proceed. I do have a question. When I remove the back I see two slots where cards were removed. Can you tell me what those two cards are so I con look for replacements?? Thank you..
4-40 screw in metric is 3mm. There are 4 different thread pitches that it could be, 0.2, 0.25, 0.35, and 0.5mm (0.5mm being the most common). I'm sure it's one of those, though I can't say which. There is a Japanese Industrial Standard for screw heads, but they just use regular metric for the threads. There are multiple traditional systems that continue to be used for very, very local things like knife-making and carpentry, but they legally adopted the metric system in the late 1800s, and consumer electronics from the 70s are all going to be metric with JIS screw heads
Hi I have one of these given to me by my Dad before he passed, most things work but there is no sound coming out of the right channel and it crackles a lot, if I input a stereo sound into it I can only hear one channel, but nothing records, my plan after watching your top notch video is to take it apart and clean out the amp side of things, I have a bad feeling the heads are worn out, is replacing the heads easy to do? More importantly are they available? I have tried cleaning them but no luck. Your input would be much appreciated.
Interesting how yours needed so much mechanical work. Mine needed not that much at all, apart from the usual belts, cleaning and a new pinch roller. Came to me in very good condition and with very low hours, likely stuffed down the bottom of a linen cupboard for 40 years until the original owner died. However the electronic side needed serious work, many of the capacitors (incl for the motor) were weak and needed replacing and major work was needed on the record / replay switch. Now works perfectly. th-cam.com/video/pLwZRDR3IaE/w-d-xo.html
@@HifiJelly I saw that dude who fixes Pioneer receivers take a real dirty Marantz stereo to the car wash and then put it in the oven when he got home. AH FIX IT is the channel name I think.
Wonderful job, would you consider doing the same job on a Revox b77, I have one that needs similar work doing to it but finding technicians in the uk with this ability and knowhow is difficult as it’s,sad to say, a dying skill.
Hello you are repair man i have problem in may recorder M 9 when i power the recorder the vu meter signal gon to red side of vu meter i dont no what's the problem can you help me how find this proplem.thinks
I didn't, i don't think it really needs it and a 3D printed replacement wouldn't look too great on it. I thought about manufacturing a new one from some sheet metal, but I think that may be beyond my current capabilities.
AKAI is Japanese mfg. METRIC Hardware and Measurements. METRIC THREADS … when you used (English, SAE) 4-40 hardware … it is suppose to be Metric M3 . You have a Mini-Lathe, but never used a Tap/Die ?? - RESTORATION TIP: BUY NYLON METRIC and SAE Nuts and Bolts to Test (Does not ruin threads). == As far as AC Voltages, you obviously do not understand Global Commercial AC Power. This is a Portable Reel to Reel. You also have to remember 1960s World when mfg. (before European Harmonization, 1990s). North America (NEMA) is an exception (120 VAC, 60 Hz) in the World of 230/240 VAC. In Japan, they traditionally used 100 Volts and 50 Hertz OR 60 Hertz (depending on Islands West/East of country). Europe / Great Britain had 220, 230, or 240 usually at 50 Hz
I'm pretty sure that if I put my Hi-Fi gear in the DISHWASHER to clean it, it will be totally DESTROYED! 👎🤣 USER MANUAL: "Warning! Do not clean this apparatus by placing it in a dishwashing machine!"
I did like the video, and this channel, up until the point where vu meters and electronics got "cleaned" in the dishwasher. You can't be serious. Worst idea ever. I'm sorry, amature hour at it's worst.
@@HifiJelly You really can't use water on VU meters or any thin coils for that matter. Some moisture will get stuck inside, and the hairthin wire from the coils could get the green crusties and start to rot over time. Then it's goodbye to the coil, parts are not available. Please don't do this anymore. I'm an experienced tech, working for a long time in this field.
You are a true magician who is not afraid of untangling audio spaghetti to bring them back to their original great shape. I admire your courage, creativity and troubleshooting skills
Wish you could help me on some units I have
You are great. I have a difficult time taking anything apart these days. I also have units to be restored. Are you in the repair business? Thanks.
Your channel is super under rated!
Thank you!
Nice job man! Crossfield - is an AKAI patetnted technology, main point of that - to fed bias to an extra head (one on the bottom) to reduce main head magnetic saturation. When property alligned - it gives more headroom on high frequiences, especially on slower speeds.
Interesting! Thanks!
What a great job you did in restoring that deck. Having a mini lathe and a 3D printer enabled you to put the finishing touches to it. A fascinating video.
Thank you very much!
Thank You! A Vietnam Vet asked me to take a look at one he bought in 67. After the first couple hours I was thinking the unit was beyond hope. After watching this video, my attitude has changed. Too bad so many videos that were confirming by thoughts came up before I found yours. Major issues, Play/Record Cam has disintegrated. 120 VAC voltage correctly selected. Motor spins very slow though freely spins by hand. Frozen equalization knob. I'm going to forgo the dishwasher and tumble dry :) method. So funny regarding attempt at tumble dry! Great job at making such a difficult job entertaining and uplifting!
That cross field movable head is to add higher frequencies to the tape like AC biasing to make a cleaner sound. This was also used in cassette, and 8Track decks but the technology was built right into one head. The higher end modern cassette, 8Track, and RTR models with glass heads with also have this X Field technology. The deck you have here also has EQ biasing to clean up the sound of duller recordings. Most of this is automated now with the speed selector. This make is possible to even make a 1, 7/8 recording to sound decent. That is the control on the front you where messing with.
You glue tape, editing ?
for mad people only !
I have done a fair amount of work like this and I must say, very nice work. I am impressed.
Thanks!
This Akai deck is a mechanical monster. No wonder they die early. Good job on the repair!
Wow, do I wish you were nearby to do work in my equipment!!!
You are good, and maybe I could follow suit, and fix/clean my own audio electronics….. thank you… fun to watch and learn!
If you're in the United States, set the voltage to 120 volts. That is incredible what you did with it. Thank you for posting. I will usually fast forward the video but I watched it the whole way through. Excellent.
Thank you very much!
@@HifiJelly you're welcome.
It blows my mind how you can put the effort into fabricating parts but not clean up the gunk from vu meters or the dishwasher smudges on the inside parts :). All in all a great job. And I like the stax headphones in the background.
Fabrication is more fun than cleaning! 😁
@@HifiJelly Can't argue with that I guess :).
Legendary restore/repair..
Thanks!
You make it look so easy (and it is when and if you have all the right tools and knowledge)!
great job... Red Ball is a moving comp. looks like it was in storage for a time.
Great job!👍
Thanks!
GREAT video!!! I own an AKAI X-150D Half the size of what you restored and it plays and records like a dream. I about died laughing when you tried to fit it in the dryer!😅😅
Best episode so far. Amazing work.
Thanks!
@@HifiJelly
Wow that machine is a lot more service friendly than the old Sony I've worked on. No need to desolder anything here. Great job on your restauration BTW!
Great video and an impressive restoration. You went above and beyond with the mini lathe and 3DP.
Assuming you did indeed put the AKAI in the dishwasher, did you afterwards take apart and regrease the potentiometers?
Without the grease, the carbon track rapidly deteriorates and can easily kill the potentiometer.
Nice restoration, I am very happy to see such a thing.., Thanks.
8:00 Nature does like to take back everything, doesn't she? 🤣 Awesome video as always btw! 👌
Thanks!
Best episode so far. Amazing work.
Nice video. With my limitations, I would never have picked up the machine in the first place, but you have a 3-D printer and lathe access and succeeded where I would have hit an impasse so cheers to you. Surprised that you didn't make up a new and matching set of speaker doors.
I considered it but sheet metal is tricky to work, and I don’t think it would’ve been a satisfactory result. I did end up making a sheet metal back panel for it, but that was after I had made the video. Glad you enjoyed.
Really nice restoration 👍
Thanks!
Very nice job!
An uncle of mine purchased a brand new M 9 probably manufactured , I believe , in the the year of the unit shown here : according to a capacitor that I saw in this video, the year is 1968. Later in 1977 I bought a used one , probably one of the last M 9 units turned out by Akai.
Regarding the voltage - I would put it on 120, just to be safe. It's not going to affect the performance, but it's a little insurance against overvoltage accidents. Great work on getting it going! Wholesale washing like you did is actually a valid technique, just remove the motor and rubber parts next time.
Thanks!
Nice job. The lathe work is what sets it apart. Did you try recording on it?
And what difference is 10 volts going to make? nothing.
I had one those. Thanks for bringing the good old days back
hi very good i have one as well there is a small pinch roller for 15 ips i played about the same for my deck
funny thing i have a RS 1700 no it's not 100% a big spool hit the right side reel table
i had to make a new part it was the left side lucky the motors are the same i pulled one motor apart and turned down the bad part and redrilled a hole ine the table and glued
in a brass part with a 4 mm tap
the tape i dropped is a 14inch one with 1/4 tape i have a scully 280 it's very ill came with 18 tapes
and you done a super job the handles are all ways coming of all the time
great job iam waiting for more
More to come!
no way you put it in the dishwasher hahahah, love it
Very nice job!
Great video! Nice job! There is a Japan industries screw thread that bears no relationship to metric or imperial or American, I had the problem of finding some nuts for a Japanese meter. The thread pitch was identical to metric 3.5 but thinner! So I had to get M 3.5 nuts, and cut a thin slit in the nut and squash it such that the diameter was smaller! But it worked!
🤔If it's good enough for dishes - it is good enough for Reel to Reels... Wonderful... LOL🤣🤣🤣
#How brave was that... But it worked.
Absolutely love this !
Thank you!
29:30 Japan has two electrical frequencies. 50 Hz in the east, and 60 in the west. As it's "portable", the frequency selector on the front could be pressed more that you'd think!
Wow this turned out so well,
form piece of junk to a working machine.
The 50 or 60 Hz. Japan uses (or used to have) tose two. Southern and Nothern Japan used different Hz.
Great video. I just purchased a AKA M9 to restore and will reference your video as I proceed. I do have a question. When I remove the back I see two slots where cards were removed. Can you tell me what those two cards are so I con look for replacements?? Thank you..
4-40 screw in metric is 3mm. There are 4 different thread pitches that it could be, 0.2, 0.25, 0.35, and 0.5mm (0.5mm being the most common). I'm sure it's one of those, though I can't say which. There is a Japanese Industrial Standard for screw heads, but they just use regular metric for the threads. There are multiple traditional systems that continue to be used for very, very local things like knife-making and carpentry, but they legally adopted the metric system in the late 1800s, and consumer electronics from the 70s are all going to be metric with JIS screw heads
nice
Hi I have one of these given to me by my Dad before he passed, most things work but there is no sound coming out of the right channel and it crackles a lot, if I input a stereo sound into it I can only hear one channel, but nothing records, my plan after watching your top notch video is to take it apart and clean out the amp side of things, I have a bad feeling the heads are worn out, is replacing the heads easy to do? More importantly are they available? I have tried cleaning them but no luck. Your input would be much appreciated.
Super !
Interesting how yours needed so much mechanical work. Mine needed not that much at all, apart from the usual belts, cleaning and a new pinch roller. Came to me in very good condition and with very low hours, likely stuffed down the bottom of a linen cupboard for 40 years until the original owner died. However the electronic side needed serious work, many of the capacitors (incl for the motor) were weak and needed replacing and major work was needed on the record / replay switch. Now works perfectly. th-cam.com/video/pLwZRDR3IaE/w-d-xo.html
I love to know where you sourced the replacement belt for this machine.
Got it from here: www.vintage-electronics.net
Nice work on this. I have a Akai 747 that I would love to have working again. Would you be interested in taking on this task?
I refuse to believe you put it in the dish washer. I will never believe you 😅
Haha it worked so well I'll probably do it again in the future!
@@HifiJelly I saw that dude who fixes Pioneer receivers take a real dirty Marantz stereo to the car wash and then put it in the oven when he got home. AH FIX IT is the channel name I think.
Wonderful job, would you consider doing the same job on a Revox b77, I have one that needs similar work doing to it but finding technicians in the uk with this ability and knowhow is difficult as it’s,sad to say, a dying skill.
What is that song called on the outro ?
Awesome Video
Thanks! Here’s a link to the song: on.soundcloud.com/X68wZUTx1CWCdbq9A
cool music at the end! who is it? and out of curiosity, where are you located?
How many belts does the Akai M9 have?
I have an m9 its works ; play ok but when rewind its make little noise then speed keep lower and lower..moving?
Can you help please. Thanks
Hello you are repair man i have problem in may recorder M 9 when i power the recorder the vu meter signal gon to red side of vu meter i dont no what's the problem can you help me how find this proplem.thinks
this is nice, mine was much worse. in fact only the meters survived because they were plastic, everything else corroded badly
Did you print a flap cover for the missing speakers?
I didn't, i don't think it really needs it and a 3D printed replacement wouldn't look too great on it. I thought about manufacturing a new one from some sheet metal, but I think that may be beyond my current capabilities.
@@HifiJelly oh ok got it.
Can I send you my nakamichi 1000 for repair ??
AKAI is Japanese mfg. METRIC Hardware and Measurements.
METRIC THREADS … when you used (English, SAE) 4-40 hardware … it is suppose to be Metric M3 .
You have a Mini-Lathe, but never used a Tap/Die ??
-
RESTORATION TIP: BUY NYLON METRIC and SAE Nuts and Bolts to Test (Does not ruin threads).
==
As far as AC Voltages, you obviously do not understand Global Commercial AC Power.
This is a Portable Reel to Reel.
You also have to remember 1960s World when mfg. (before European Harmonization, 1990s).
North America (NEMA) is an exception (120 VAC, 60 Hz) in the World of 230/240 VAC.
In Japan, they traditionally used 100 Volts and 50 Hertz OR 60 Hertz (depending on Islands West/East of country).
Europe / Great Britain had 220, 230, or 240 usually at 50 Hz
I'm pretty sure that if I put my Hi-Fi gear in the DISHWASHER to clean it, it will be totally DESTROYED! 👎🤣
USER MANUAL: "Warning! Do not clean this apparatus by placing it in a dishwashing machine!"
'Promosm' 💖
a kai not ak ai
I did like the video, and this channel, up until the point where vu meters and electronics got "cleaned" in the dishwasher. You can't be serious. Worst idea ever. I'm sorry, amature hour at it's worst.
You gotta remember to use Jet Dry, as to not leave any water spots on the VU meters
@@HifiJelly
You really can't use water on VU meters or any thin coils for that matter. Some moisture will get stuck inside, and the hairthin wire from the coils could get the green crusties and start to rot over time. Then it's goodbye to the coil, parts are not available. Please don't do this anymore. I'm an experienced tech, working for a long time in this field.