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TPS-L2..Received and Restored!

ken80s - 2012-10-14 01:08

 

I remembered the last time I held a TPS-L2 walkman, I was about the age of 10. I don't know if my cousin still having this unit with him after almost 3 decades. Until recently, I won a unit from the US ebay and it took about 2 weeks to reach me. Apparently, I almost  in tears when I got to hands on the TPS L2 for the first time after more than 30 years, feeling nostalgic of my childhood enjoying music on the world's first walkman.

 

This walkman was not in working condition and there were no further details provided by the seller or whatsoever about the problem but cosmetic level is in pristine condition and also came with a clean original case plus a pair of MDR-1 headphone. Here are some of the images of the unit just to share with you guys, it was also successfully restored and now this unit is in full functional mode.

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I believe that this unit has very low usage as you can see there are no physical wear, no scratches, no nicks and dents anywhere on the surface, control buttons also looks clean. The pinch roller and tape head is in good condition as well.

 

2012-10-13 10.52.46

 

 

2012-10-14 10.24.28

 

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The tape drive doesn't move but only the LED indicator lights up. So I decided to take a look inside to further diagnose the problem.

1) The motor was seized up and fail to spin. The lubricant on the bearings has dried up over time, but I manage to free up the motor by soaking some light penetrants. Let it run for about 10 minutes by placing the motor vertically to allow the oil gets into the spindle and bearing.

2) Replace 1 new drive belt for the flywheel. The other belt was still manageable as there is still tensile on the rubber.

3) Also readjust the tape drive motor to correct the speed.

3) No capacitors on the control board were replaced as the sound is still full and clear.

2012-10-13 11.09.36

 

2012-10-13 11.01.45

 

2012-10-14 10.31.02-1

 

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Another fully restored walkman, the TPS-L2 added into my collection.

 

2012-10-14 13.44.34

minty - 2012-10-14 03:23

Well done. Nice to bring an old Walkman back to life. Gives you a great sense of achievement.