1 An introduction to the Porta02

1.2.4 Cleaning the heads

You should clean the tape heads of the

formance and longer life from your

Porta02 regularly to keep it working

Porta02. 

properly. Dirt and tape oxide buildup on

the heads will force the tape away from

WARNING

the tape head gaps that record and play 

back. Head cleaner will remove the dirt

Only use head and rubber cleaning fluid and 

and restore the sound quality.

cleaning swabs designed for use with tape 

recorders. The use of any other cleaning materi 

In addition to affecting performance by

als may cause damage to the Porta02.

coating the heads, and keeping the tape

away from the recording and playback

Clean the heads and metal parts of the

gaps, dirt and oxide in the tape path will

tape path before every session with the

also act in the same way as very fine

Porta02 and also after every session.

sandpaper, which will wear down internal

parts of the Porta02, and affect the

recording in this way as well. 

Heads and tape

guides

All of these problems can be avoided if

you buy a head cleaning kit such as the

Capstan

TEAC TZ 261 and keep it with your

Pinch wheel

Porta02 for regular use. The kit consists

of head cleaner, cleaner for the rubber

parts of the Porta02, and cotton tipped

1) Open the tape cassette cover.

swabs. The cost of such a kit is less than

the cost of a couple of high quality cas 

2) Carefully clean the heads and 

settes and will pay for itself in better per 

metal parts as shown in the 

illustration using a swab dipped in 

the head cleaning fluid.

3) Dry off the heads with a dry swab.

1.2.5 Cleaning the pinch roller

You should also clean the rubber pinch

3) Press a swab dipped in the rubber 

roller at regular intervals (at least once

cleaning fluid against the right side 

each day that you use the Porta02).

of the pinch roller.

If you press the right side of the roller, 

1) Open the tape cassette cover.

the swab will not get caught between the 

roller and capstan.

2) Press the 

PLAY

 key.

The pinch roller will engage with the 

4) Dry the capstan with a dry swab 

capstan shaft and start turning.

and make sure that there is no 

material on the pinch roller or 

capstan before you insert a 

cassette.

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