C64 not loading from tape

So after discovering the problem is with my tape drive I went back at it.

I cleaned the heads a lot more with WD40 Contact Cleaner (It specifically says it can be used for tape heads) and I visually aligned the head as I can't run a program to do so initially.

I managed to get it to read something (Stuff like - "FOUND xCa" etc)
I played around with the alignment and eventually go it to read "COMMANDO" ( the tape I was loading) but it didn't get far past the "FOUND" part....

I then re-entered the alignment program and it makes the screen flash a bit and a few times, for a split second, I could see that dots you are supposed to use to align, but they are all over the place (not in rows)
I'll keep fiddling with it, but I suspect the head is not good.

Someone over on Lemon64 suggested it could be magnetised.

I'm reluctant to spend money on a demagnetiser as there's no guarantee that's the issue.

I'm currently looking at videos on how to make one - but I'll need a 12VAC (or around 12V) power adapter which I'm not sure I have (lots of regular DC adapters, no AC)

I don't suppose anybody round here has one they can lend me ??

BTW - here's the head, which I think looks as clean as I'll get it:

eddhorse wrote: »

My take on this is that your time is worth money, how much does another tape deck cost?

Yeah - I hear you.

Apparently there's a deguasser in work and I might be able to use it. I'm looking into it.
At this point it's pointless as I've ordered an SD2IEC anyhow.

That being said, I just want to make it work as it was MY tape drive back in the day - does that make any sense ?

Tom Mann Centuria wrote: »

Is the c64 affected by the chutney field? Worth considering.

The what now ?

Tom Mann Centuria wrote: »

Or chuntey field.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.urbandictionary.com/define.php%3fterm=chuntey&amp=true

LOL - I hadn't heard that one before