Nakamichi represents the best in cassette machine design, the "Rolls Royce" of cassette tape recorders.
The Japanese word is 優秀 meaning excellence.
I had a number of Nakamichi's, this 480 was one of my frequently used machines until it just had too many problems to put up with any longer - 40+ years is a long time and eventually parts begin to fail.
Prior to carefully taking this machine apart, it was FUNCTIONING but the power ON/OFF switch finger had broken and all the rubber in the transport needs replacing and a complete clean - I have other machines to play with so hopefully others can make use of these Nakamichi parts/sub sections.
Nakamichi Cassette Recorder Model 480 SPARE PART
Complete Tape Transport Module:
Supplied only on this basis:
Source of spare parts
OR
Refurbishment
Not currently functioning correctly (RW-FF fine, Play though locks up after one second)
These are quite something from an engineering viewpoint and when these transports are working, they work great. However age has got the better of this unit and it must now be stripped down (and that is no mean task) so that all parts can be throughly degreased, re-greased (silicon grease) and ALL rubber replaced - belts, tires etc.
Actually a couple of the belts look good but the counter belt is loose (and that belt is critical) - it would be best to have all belts replaced and then the grease issue needs to be tackled as well. Over the years the original grease goes hard and fouls up the lifters, levers, cams etc
Visual inspection of the transport shows everything to be in good shape, no split gears or missing teeth but everything should be handled with great care, the plastic can go brittle after 40 years!
We last had the belts changed about 8 years ago, but this transport should have much more attention than just new belts fitted.
No items are missing, broken or cracked
Cassette door operates very smoothly and the front of the door is easy to remove, a feature of these machines.
Head looks ok although I didn't examine carefully - it was a long time ago when last used to do some work, I think the frequency response was fine at that time.
The lamp used for the photo-interrupter (sits below the mechanical counter) is working fine.
Motors (2x for transport and 1 as a mode changing motor) are all original Nakamichi and all are functioning fine.
Immediately prior to dismantling today, I ran FF & REW without any issues, very fast action. Of course I could not pull a tape through for normal Playback though.
Transport module is supplied with the main support screws and all connectors to the main board remain intact on their leads.
