Spectrum +2 datarecorder issue

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Danger_Man
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Apr 27, 2021 2:24 am

Spectrum +2 datarecorder issue

Post by Danger_Man »

I’m trying to get a Spectrum +2 up and running and I’m having problems with the datarecorder.
When I press play, the tape plays for less than a second and then stops. If I hold the pause button down slightly (not all the way) then the tape continues to play and games load.

I think it may be an issue with the pinch roller but I’m not sure.
Any ideas ?
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1024MAK
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Location: Looking forward to summer in Somerset, UK...

Re: Spectrum +2 datarecorder issue

Post by 1024MAK »

Have you replaced the drive belt?

Also, is the is +2 (the case is dark grey, it uses a +9V PSU with a barrel power connector) or a +2A or +2B (the case is black, and the PSU uses a DIN connector)?

Mark
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Danger_Man
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Joined: Tue Apr 27, 2021 2:24 am

Re: Spectrum +2 datarecorder issue

Post by Danger_Man »

It is a +2 gray. I have not replaced the belt.
I'll do this and see if that fixes the problem. Thanks
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1024MAK
Posts: 5103
Joined: Mon Sep 26, 2011 10:56 am
Location: Looking forward to summer in Somerset, UK...

Re: Spectrum +2 datarecorder issue

Post by 1024MAK »

It’s also worthwhile cleaning the tape path with IPA, and checking and if needed, very lightly lubricating the moving parts. But don’t over do this.

Mark
ZX81 Variations
ZX81 Chip Pin-outs
ZX81 Video Transistor Buffer Amp

:!: Standby alert :!:
There are four lights!
Step up to red alert. Sir, are you absolutely sure? It does mean changing the bulb :!:
Looking forward to summer later in the year.
Danger_Man
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Apr 27, 2021 2:24 am

Re: Spectrum +2 datarecorder issue

Post by Danger_Man »

I replaced the drive belt and cleaned the heads and tapes are loading now.
Thanks for the help!
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