I've had Technics decks get sticky brakes after a long time of non-use. This can cause the reel 
motor to appear "frozen," but if you hold down the two top spring-loaded guides, then hit fast-wind 
and start a big NAB reel spinning, that will usually un-stick the brakes. Then just run the motor a 
while, both in FF and REW. Do same for both reel motors. Usually, that will cure the problem, but 
sometimes the brakes will get gooey and then you need a professional.

Steve Smolian's suggestion is also very good, make sure all the heads, sensors and guides are clear 
and tape runs smoothly. The person should check the whole tape path for crud and goo.

-- Tom Fine

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Steven Smolian" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, November 03, 2012 5:22 PM
Subject: Re: [ARSCLIST] Technics RS-1520 reel-to-reel recorder


> Have you checked to see if the tape path including the guides are not full
> of debris from the passage of a sticky tape?
>
> Steve Smolian
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Association for Recorded Sound Discussion List
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of carlstephen koto
> Sent: Saturday, November 03, 2012 5:17 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: [ARSCLIST] Technics RS-1520 reel-to-reel recorder
>
> Hey Jim,
>
> The first thing you need to find out is if the Technics does this without a
> tape threaded. Also, if this symptom occurs at all speeds.
> In either case, there are a number of possible problems. A fairly common one
> is a failure of one of the IC's on the control board. On the "easy fix" end
> is that it's the result of playing sticky tapes where residue from tape
> binder failure is stopping the tape travel (where thorough cleaning of the
> tape path is needed).
> I've repaired a number of these machines and while some of the solutions can
> be quite simple for the end user to fix him/her-self, finding the root of
> the problem can take a bit of Q&A.
> I suggest that you have your friend register and post an inquiry to the Tape
> Project Forum. There are a great number of Technics RS series users there
> and I can help him to get the 1520 up and running and the thread will add to
> the troubleshooting data base there.
>
> http://www.tapeproject.com/smf/index.php
>
> Steve Koto
>
>
> On Oct 24, 2012, at 1:43 PM, Jim Long wrote:
>
>> Another person contacted me recently about his 1520, having found from
>> a
>> 2008 post I made to the listserv that I had a 1520 and both its
>> Operating Instructions and Service Manual. His symptom is that after
>> hitting the play button the unit starts to play but then stops
>> virtually immediately.  On page 6 of my manual, there is a Symptomatic
>> Check List.  The closest thing to the symptom described to me is "tape
>> stops running during playback" with the "check point" of "too strong a
> pressure between pressure roller and capstan,"
>> noting that a "pressure roller pressure adjustment" is needed.  Pages
>> 14-15 describe the process by which the pressure can be adjusted to
>> 900 +/-100 grams.
>>
>> Does anyone have a hands-on familiarity with the 1520 to add any
>> further comments/warnings/encouragement regarding this symptom?  I
>> will pass on any info received.  Thanks!
>>
>> Jim Long
>> Baroda, MI
>