debugging a tu58? blank tapes or bad read channel?

From: John Lawson <jpl15_at_panix.com>
Date: Wed Mar 31 14:03:33 2004

On Wed, 31 Mar 2004, Brad Parker wrote:

>
>
> Is there any way I can test the read channel without having a good tape?


  Using a known non-magnetized small screwdriver (or a freshly-degaussed
one), observe the head output with the scope, and move the tip of the
screwdriver blade very close to the head face. If you want, you can wrap
a bit of cellophane tape (1 thihkness max) around the tip to keep from
scratching anything. You should see some disturbances on the scope, if
you are actually watching the raw analog sigs from the head... or you may
'fool' the electronics into thinking that it's read a bit... anyway, this
can give you an indication that the head is good... beware using an
ohmeter on magnetic heads, unless you have a degausser for same and use it
afterwards - the DC voltage from the ohmeter will magnetize the head, and
this is a Very Bad Thing for subsequent tapes.


  Cheers

John
Received on Wed Mar 31 2004 - 14:03:33 BST