Hello, I recently bought an Aiwa HS-PX377 as "fully functional". But the seller warned me: during an ultimate test before shipping, one roller came out while ejecting the cassette. I managed to replace the roller easily, without any tool. It was only fixed by clip. But the unit still does not work. When pressing the start button, the unit powers on and one can hear some mechanical noise but the cassette does not run, as you can see on this first video. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1is03WO1xlHIXQCx4e2aGgl9PKGUiMrdy/view?usp=sharing I managed to show you what happens inside without a cassette by holding down the cassette sensor while playing: the head moves to the tape, and the rollers move alternatively on and off. See the second video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z9ACMkD-986g_cYQvyAKANcEVh0jouTj/view?usp=sharing Can you help me for troubleshooting please ? I really like this small device which powers with standard AAA batteries without extension. It will be a good alternative to my beloved HS-P303 (thanks @Valentin for this one) when going outside.
I'm trying to open the unit to inspect the belt. It's really hard to figure how to open it. The service manual does not show how to do this: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vEuhE_fzMUg3rbPuwFswDbnzVo0z1Crl/view?usp=sharing I'm afraid to brake something as it seems very fragile. Is there someone here who has already disassembled this unit ? Also, I cannot see any belt on the mechanical exploded view from the service manual. Is there a different mechanism without belt in this model ?
It seems there aren't many pictures available with this unit, so I suggest to take some pictures of all sides, for reference. Probably there are more screws that needs to be taken out (that apparently seem unrelated to the back cover). The unit does have a belt for sure, it's part #40 marked in this picture: Very few walkmans don't have a belt and most of them are the DD (disc drive) series from SONY. Panasonic RX-S40 and RX-S41 are the only 2 that are truly direct drive (the capstan/flywheel assembly and the motor rotor are the same part). Look here, as both are very interesting models, unfortunately very rare and expensive: https://stereo2go.com/forums/threads/direct-drive-dd-sony-vs-panasonic.1084/
Stupid me, the cassette mechanism exploded view was 2 pages further. OK, there is a belt. I knew about Sony DD but Panasonic RX-S4[0|1] are new to me. I expected to find a belt in this Aiwa HS-PX377. I'll take some pictures of the device.
Here are some pictures of every side of the device: [GALLERY=media, 1671]Aiwa HS-PX377 front by Mighty Mightor posted Jun 15, 2021 at 2:08 PM[/GALLERY] [GALLERY=media, 1672]Aiwa HS-PX377 back by Mighty Mightor posted Jun 15, 2021 at 2:09 PM[/GALLERY] [GALLERY=media, 1673]Aiwa HS-PX377 side 1 by Mighty Mightor posted Jun 15, 2021 at 2:10 PM[/GALLERY] [GALLERY=media, 1674]Aiwa HS-PX377 side 2 by Mighty Mightor posted Jun 15, 2021 at 2:11 PM[/GALLERY] [GALLERY=media, 1675]Aiwa HS-PX377 side 3 by Mighty Mightor posted Jun 15, 2021 at 2:12 PM[/GALLERY] [GALLERY=media, 1676]Aiwa HS-PX377 side 4 by Mighty Mightor posted Jun 15, 2021 at 2:12 PM[/GALLERY]
I only see 2 screws in the back that are obvious. Are there more in the cassette comprtament ? If not, it is possible that the back cover it held on mostly by plastic clips, in which case a plastic spudger like those used for opening phones is useful. It is also possible that the units opens up from the top: first taking of the cassette door out, then the frame and mechanism. And the bottom cover acts like a chassy. I have seen devices that are build like this: one of them is the JVC CX-F7K that I have recently repaired which opens exactly like this. The rule of thumb is this: if it requires too much force, that's probably not how it's designed to open. Unfortunately there isn't any info on this walkman, so probably you will be the first to share how it is opened.
OK, here we are. To open this model, you must first remove the cassette door. There are 2 screws to remove on the left and right side. Then you can access inside the device. Remove the 3 screws marked red on this picture (note that the screws remain attached to the unit so no risk to loose them: Then you can remove the back cover using a spudger to detach all the plastic clips.
And now, here is how it (does not) work when playing a cassette: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZKZHe0Mr8WxUg2BLPwkYAVx9fFK2T5Ez/view?usp=sharing Not sure it is a belt problem. What do you think ?
Try to help the mechanism to engage by rotating the pulleys manually when the belt stretches. By the looks of it it's either the right hand flywheel or the middle gear that engages the mech. In my opinion the belt looks like it needs replacement, it shouldn't stretch that much. It looks like type of belt that is very elastic (similar to the SONY WM-EX series) and in time it looses it elasticity, although it looks good when there's no load on it.
If the pulleys are those big black wheels on left and right and the small one in the center, then helping them rotating with the finger does not change anything. I may not have the good timing or direction. Where can I find a spare belt ?
Maybe this one: https://www.ebay.fr/itm/32426450073...-53476-19255-0&campid=5338722076&toolid=10001 Is it a reliable brand ?
I managed to make the mech engage in both directions by rotating the pulley manually, without powering the walkman. Here is the video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WPn3HUqswg9sfl8bMvP2Srt1Vb2XM0lc/view?usp=sharing
Yes, the DeckTech is a reliable brand (it's actually the one I wanted to suggest). I have used dozens of their belts and all were ok.
I've just received the belt, replaced it and... IT WORKS !!! The unit plays beautifully. In the beginning, the sound was very poor, until I notice that I must not plug the jack of the Apple Ear Pods entirely. It's not very practical :-( I have to find a good pair of headphones with no mic. The original headphones can be plugged as usual, but they have a very bad sound quality. It's a shame because I won't be able to enjoy the convenience of the remote control. I never had a portable device with electronic controls, it's very nice. Thank you for your help, I am glad to have brought this unit back to life ! PS: I changed the way I uploaded the photos in the thread, there are now thumbnails ;-)
I could easily find the service manual, but I cannot find the user manual. Does anybody here have it and can share ? Thanks.
