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Subject: Re: frame/end boards

From: "Doug Berg" <caddyfam@...>
Date: 2007-05-20

--- In Mellotronists@yahoogroups.com, john barrick <astroboy@...>
wrote:
>
> I'm wanting to remove the end boards from the frame so I can get a
> really good polishing job done on the aluminum, and I was
wondering if
> there are any issues with remounting them - or should they simply
> re-attach and that's it.
>
> Also, what are the specs on the resistor for magnetization
prevention
> that you need to put on the preamp lead from the headblock, and do
you
> simply solder it across the leads of the jack?
>
> Thanks,
> john barrick
>


Hi Again, Dealing with second question, resistor recommended is
40k, but do not presume you are going to leave it on there. First
let's look at the reason for this. On your headblock are 35 tape
heads. That is there are 35 coils able to store energy. Assuming
you are demagging headblock removed from machine, a good practice,
the coils can pick up a residual static charge. Think of them if
you will as capacitors. So before you plug heads into preamp, they
need to be drained. This is what the resistor does, but you can do
the same thing by shorting out the lead at headblock and the head
receptacle on preamp with same results. If you have run new ground
wires from frame to preamp and again at power supply, and replaced
coax from heads to preamp then to power supply, you should not have
any continuity issues. Again make sure all your connections are
clean and tight. This is the 'ounce of prevention" part.

As far as removing wooden sides, and strictly my opinion only, if
there were no misalignment issues with framework, I would leave it
alone and work around it. I would have to believe these frames were
jigged when originally assembled, which is why I believe the parts
that were riveted were done for a reason, and if you remove them,
you may not get same symmetry when reassembled without taking a lot
of measurements. I'm sure others have done frame rebuilds with
success, but unless you had issues with warped rails to begin with,
go with "play it safe" on this one. Be careful, Doug