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C64 not loading from tape

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Comments

  • Registered Users Posts: 4,183 ✭✭✭deadl0ck


    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:
    IMG-20190108-213708.jpg


  • Registered Users Posts: 5,780 ✭✭✭eddhorse


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


  • Registered Users Posts: 4,183 ✭✭✭deadl0ck


    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 ?


  • Registered Users Posts: 3,716 ✭✭✭The Last Bandit


    The C64 power supply has 9V AC output (NES is also 9V AC), that may be enough to generate a weak magnetic field.


  • Registered Users Posts: 10,845 ✭✭✭✭Tom Mann Centuria


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

    Oh well, give me an easy life and a peaceful death.



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  • Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 6,769 Mod ✭✭✭✭nuac


    Just came across this thread.
    Remember the VIC 20 and then the COmmodore 84 when they first came out.
    Altho I had no technical nor computing knowledge was able to dive in and experiment.
    Recall entering a database of 700 records on the Vic and being able to search is sequentially on the tape.
    They were great machines


  • Registered Users Posts: 4,183 ✭✭✭deadl0ck


    Is the c64 affected by the chutney field? Worth considering.
    The what now ?


  • Registered Users Posts: 10,845 ✭✭✭✭Tom Mann Centuria


    Oh well, give me an easy life and a peaceful death.



  • Registered Users Posts: 4,183 ✭✭✭deadl0ck




  • Moderators, Computer Games Moderators Posts: 3,180 Mod ✭✭✭✭Dr Bob




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