Cantata 700 - Techmoan Nil
Added 2025-01-19 18:20:07 +0000 UTCIn this video I revisit the 3M Cantata 700 BGM tape system in an attempt to resolve some unfinished business.
https://youtu.be/fgwIs1QaJms
Behind the scenes I’m experiencing a bit of disruption at home while I get some work done. It’ll mean that eventually I should have more room available for working on projects and perhaps I’ll finally be able to set some things up that until now have had to remain in storage. I’ll explain more in the next update but I just wanted to let you know now, just in case in the meantime it creates some delays. The last time I had some guys round they cut through the fibre optic broadband…twice.
I hope you’re well and you’ve settled into 2025. It still sounds like a date from a cheesy science fiction film to me.
Comments
The head adjustment you did is the height, azimuth changes the angle and is highly critical. It is a screw on one side of the actual head mount. Usually has a spring below it. Either that or a defective or worn head.
LifeIsStrange
2025-02-09 23:05:12 +0000 UTCYou might be interested in Xytronic AX106 side cutters (other companies make them too). They capture and hold the lead when trimming from a board. Preventing the leads from flying across the room when you cut them. They work well, very simple.
James Sutherland
2025-01-28 16:44:11 +0000 UTCMy favourite thing about 3M is how often it comes up as an answer during pub quiz nights. I've lost count of the number of times I've heard the question "The Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company is better known by what name?".
OzRetrocomp
2025-01-28 08:30:23 +0000 UTCA fun video to watch and a nice laugh when you realize you've made it worse! Some of the most awful music ever recorded though. Nauseating stuff!
Kevin Closs
2025-01-26 15:51:34 +0000 UTCThe music sounds like the ones David Lynch used to use! In Eraserhead for example. Perfectlt pleasant! :) Thank you for your great work!
Nicolas Konstantin
2025-01-26 10:03:40 +0000 UTCreplacing that tone pot is all that comes to mind. if you said that and I missed it, sorry. but these are the really fascinating ones for me. I like it when you totally take things a part. reminds me of being a kid I guess. btw, did you get new eye glasses?
Darren Simon
2025-01-25 23:10:11 +0000 UTCI really enjoy watching your adventures with repairing things. I know I’m not the only viewer cheering you on! Is he going to get it working? Maybe! Maybe not! It’s great viewing! Keep on doing the great work you’re doing!
Rare Todd
2025-01-25 17:39:37 +0000 UTCWhat you're hearing is what tape based BGM systems sounded like, I remember them from the 90's - and they just kinda sounded like that. Particularly if the tapes were worn/old - which by that point, they all were.
Aloha
2025-01-25 17:01:57 +0000 UTCThat sounds very likely. Auto reverse did have a habit of shifting the heads out of alignment, which is why it was a feature shunned by so many of the high end decks.
Techmoan
2025-01-25 10:55:55 +0000 UTCIt’s been one of those weeks (again) but I’m still here. Hope you’re well.
Techmoan
2025-01-25 10:54:27 +0000 UTCUnfortunately lubrication would only affect the speed variation, the muffled sound would remain unaltered. I didn’t spend too much time looking at the board, even on something so simple I wouldn't have a clue what I was looking at, however all the connectors that should be connected were connected and this was the result. Perhaps one day I’ll bite the bullet and rethread a tape to see of the problems lie with the media rather than the player.
Techmoan
2025-01-25 10:53:49 +0000 UTCI'm watching this for the second time, what are the other connection points on the amplifier board? I'm sure they won't fix the issue it just seemed odd they were unpopulated and they seem interesting. I can see PFI 2 Test near them but that means nothing to me. Also I feel that lubrication might help but it's likely, based on prior videos, that you did that off camera.
Martipar
2025-01-24 23:59:37 +0000 UTCHappy birthday! I send cards for new year... I have to admit I am terrible with dates, but new year is easy
Raul Ramos
2025-01-23 15:38:02 +0000 UTCAnother great techmoan video! Hope all is well :)
Erik Granlund
2025-01-23 00:14:10 +0000 UTCShowing your vintage now grace! 1976 here
Ant Wakefield
2025-01-22 16:00:58 +0000 UTCWell Happy Birthday to you.
Ant Wakefield
2025-01-22 15:57:13 +0000 UTCMaybe try demagnetizing the head? Not that it's ever made a major difference when I've done it, but you never know...
VWestlife
2025-01-22 02:00:05 +0000 UTCI wonder now if the azimuth was the issue with the JVC "boombox" we had in the 1980s. It was auto-reverse, yet side two of every tape sounded muffled. Turn it over as normal, and it sounded fine. Though, being about nine, I would have had no idea.
Brad Jones
2025-01-21 23:57:07 +0000 UTCI'd call that an entertaining nil-nil draw.
Jimmy Mounsey
2025-01-21 21:59:22 +0000 UTCWas working at a garden centre a couple of years back doing electrical work and was surprised to see an AEI propac player sat with the tannoy equipment, wasn't in use anymore but very cool to see these devices that Matt shows us in a place that once used them.
Tim Barker
2025-01-21 21:41:59 +0000 UTCI'm not 100% sure but was playback running a little slow on the machine? I was playing back at 1.25x speed & it was sounding a bit better
Will Wren
2025-01-21 20:45:42 +0000 UTCI had zero cards. 😑
Grace Robbins
2025-01-21 19:47:31 +0000 UTC2025 is just nuts to me as well!! I mean we've had about 1/4 of the 21st century done! Just weird being a 1980s MTV kid.
CJ Carpenter
2025-01-21 19:15:39 +0000 UTCWell you tried. And that's what I'm here for. Also thanks for the link to that other channel where the music is archived! Also also, I can't tell you how many times I've thought to myself "hm, you know who he should partner up with to fix this thing....", so thanks for addressing that before I embarrassed myself.
Douglas Cummings
2025-01-21 17:49:53 +0000 UTC2025 is just one digit off of "In the Year 2525".
VWestlife
2025-01-21 16:51:17 +0000 UTCHappy Birthday!
VWestlife
2025-01-21 16:50:59 +0000 UTCLol I beat you, I got 2
Neil Tonks
2025-01-21 14:07:47 +0000 UTCCollaborations are easy to imagine but hellishly complicated to organise. If this were a colab video it might be weeks before you would get see the end results of whatever the other person did. No one is waiting on my old junk arriving, they'd usually have their own thing going on. Whatever they did next though would have to be on their channel rather than this one. Also if I'd sent this away to get fixed there wouldn't be a video this week - this one would just be left pending until the next thing happened. On top of that though - I really don't know anyone, I'm a loner, I've just had a birthday and got five cards all from immediate family. Beyond that my circle stops.
Techmoan
2025-01-21 13:59:09 +0000 UTCI think a collaboration with another channel would be good. Not necessarily with Mend it Mark, but someone equally as skilled.
Neil Tonks
2025-01-21 13:20:20 +0000 UTCHave you thought of starting a YouTube repair channel? You could call it "Mend It Mat"!
Gadgetman
2025-01-21 01:31:24 +0000 UTCThese are my favorite types of videos of yours. some history plus some tinkering. Loved every second of it especially the twist ending….. I wonder if the problem is the motor? Sounds to me like it may be modulating the speed of the tape?
Bryan Hamill
2025-01-20 23:53:16 +0000 UTCAI created this cheesy 2025 movie poster: https://ibb.co/YLZqJ7M
Grace Robbins
2025-01-20 22:30:12 +0000 UTCTouch control for the car radio, who knew it's was first shown 50 years ago.
Gideon Jones-Davies
2025-01-20 19:19:32 +0000 UTCI run my soldering equipment at 350 C. That usually works well
Jonas Otter
2025-01-20 18:16:29 +0000 UTCI must admit I was intrigued by the ear to line little box you had. I have so many questions on how the hell that works. now I come to think of it, how can the out put of that player be for an amp or speaker. I would have thought there must be a switch or something.
McClegend
2025-01-20 16:54:46 +0000 UTCWhen it played the music, it made me think about "The Shining" Fun to see the Cantata again though. Loved the video. As always, Thank You Mat.
Peter Jensen
2025-01-20 16:16:11 +0000 UTCPerhaps something for another day. The next time I encounter a tape deck with a failed mech but a working amp, I'll try to remember to hang onto it.
Techmoan
2025-01-20 14:45:17 +0000 UTCDespite the eventual outcome, that was a really interesting video, Mat. If you have an old working tape player, you could try disconnecting the Cantata head connection and wiring it to the head input on the other tape player and hitting play on both. Use the Cantata just as a tape transport. If the sound is OK, you have a Cantata electronics problem, if it isn't you have a tape or head problem. Just a thought. 😵
Stephen Bell
2025-01-20 14:36:46 +0000 UTCThe 1950s stereo tapes I’ve played in a couple of videos still sounds amazing. It’s possible that these carts might have been played for thousands of hours though. Maybe one day I’ll give in and rethread one onto a regular reel to find out how it sounds when played on decent equipment.
Techmoan
2025-01-20 09:54:08 +0000 UTCFull marks for effort, Mat - it certainly made for an interesting and entertaining video. I do have to wonder what type of establishment would have chosen that sort of music to encourage its employees to strive harder or stimulate shoppers to fill their trolleys with more goods - even it wasn't that muffled, it would have them heading for the nearest exits in droves....
Roland Bogush
2025-01-20 09:52:38 +0000 UTCI have 3M often in my mind. With the PFAS prohibition, I have a lot of issues on materials being replaced. It is also a little worrying to see how much stuff is affected, meaning cointains PFAS As a side note, everyone wanted to copy goretex and now... Well
Raul Ramos
2025-01-20 08:54:26 +0000 UTCUgh, nothing more frustrating than knowing you've exhausted all your efforts. Then it seems silly to go through it all when someone else already has uploaded what's on the tapes! But you get that nagging feeling like you want to get your own device working. I've held onto projects too long thinking I'll get to eventually. But you're right, sometimes you gotta known when it's time to move one. The original video on this system was one of faves of yours! Great to see another player!
Richard R.
2025-01-20 06:47:36 +0000 UTC"...and you’ve settled into 2025. It still sounds like a date from a cheesy science fiction film to me...." For us 60's brats...Oh Yea. 100% Agree. Your fortitude in just trying whatever to get old equipment working is amazing, sir. Just Another Excellent Video. A wise man knows when to call it. Kudos on seeing the difference in the screws!
Stephen Hamme
2025-01-20 03:22:33 +0000 UTCI have a reel tape that I recorded in the early '80s on a reel with tape from the early '60s...it sounds just as good today as when I recorded it...but head alignment matters...and the tape (sticky) might have lost a bunch of oxide.
Mike in Texas
2025-01-20 03:17:36 +0000 UTCThanks for sharing your efforts on this one, Mat! It's always frustrating when something can't be fixed, but it is still enjoyable going through the journey with you. P. S.: My ears were grateful when the outro music started 😁
Bruce Grembowski
2025-01-20 03:12:40 +0000 UTCI have one like his and a bigger one. I charge them with solar panels, as are part of my emergency system but you can charge them. Through a wall plug
Raul Ramos
2025-01-20 00:57:55 +0000 UTCFrom what I understand it’s the 1980s and 90s ones that tend to fail. These old ones were probably still working fine.
Techmoan
2025-01-19 22:05:35 +0000 UTCFortunately the Jackery charger is a universal voltage power brick with a standard kettle lead socket.
Techmoan
2025-01-19 22:04:17 +0000 UTCMat, if you see, drop me a mail. The ones I’ve got for you, keep bouncing. Andy AVAV Cheers
Andy Vizor
2025-01-19 21:45:46 +0000 UTCCan’t install it here, down South anymore. No capacity, it’s choked
Andy Vizor
2025-01-19 21:44:50 +0000 UTCI was about to say I'd love to try and fix this for you. Then I remembered it's American voltage/frequency so definitely couldn't help. Jackery supply was definitely ok during this test? How do you charge the Jackery?
Steven harris
2025-01-19 21:39:28 +0000 UTCYou did a great soldering job, but since sound didn't change much it seems to tell these old caps may still be good after all this time.
CheeseParis
2025-01-19 20:56:32 +0000 UTCThanks for that; I should know by now to check comments 😀
Grace Robbins
2025-01-19 20:52:38 +0000 UTCSomehow I missed that video before. As one of the commenters pointed out, because this was the BBC and they don’t advertise they’d greeked the logo with black tape but you can tell it’s a Blaupunkt because of the 🔵 so I've done a search and sure enough Blaupunkt did eventually commercialise this prototype with the ‘Berlin’. https://petrolicious.com/articles/revisiting-the-original-uber-audio-upgrade-the-blaupunkt-berlin
Techmoan
2025-01-19 20:45:08 +0000 UTCAlthough Mat tried something similar in the past, I think a known good amplifier which could take the direct output from a play head would be a useful test device for him.
Duncan
2025-01-19 20:42:56 +0000 UTCI would say come and say hi once you’re on the Scottish island but I’ve moved to Twickenham for work 😂
StevieC
2025-01-19 20:41:27 +0000 UTCDon't sell yourself short - you replaced the capacitor in the Hipac-type BGM machine and it did speed up the playback.
Grace Robbins
2025-01-19 20:37:12 +0000 UTCPretty nice kit, that desolder station, for someone who doesn't know what they're doing. I suppose the definition of a professional is someone who gets paid for doing something. Oh, that's you 🙂 It takes a certain strength of character to know when to call it quits. I don't. I wonder how it would sound if the cart was re- recorded. Take a permanent erase magnet from an old cassettes recorder, stick it in place with blutac. Desolder the wires from a cassette recorder head and sold them directly onto The playhead of this player instead of it's own wires. Turn on the cart player and record using the inputs on the old cassette recorder. Then throw the cart in the bin because it's probably ruined.
CBits Tech
2025-01-19 20:33:29 +0000 UTCI think that more than qualifies you as an internet expert.
Techmoan
2025-01-19 20:31:12 +0000 UTCI find it a luxury to ignore politics these days. I apologize that our mess is bleeding into your news, though. Maybe this video will make up for it... was it a prototype? https://youtu.be/JlbZyKVgI4g
Grace Robbins
2025-01-19 20:29:14 +0000 UTCI'm used to recapping just because in tech they do tend to leak (esp on older apple and microsoft devices), but other than that, I think you're correct. If they're not a leaky cap they are likely fine.
Longplay Games
2025-01-19 20:27:49 +0000 UTCWell thanks for that, it doesn’t feel as much of a wasted effort now.
Techmoan
2025-01-19 20:27:23 +0000 UTCYes it’s definitely not the best, muffled or not.
Techmoan
2025-01-19 20:26:51 +0000 UTCI think you could categorise this one as a Shaggy Dog Story. It goes on a long time and nothing really happens in the end.
Techmoan
2025-01-19 20:26:07 +0000 UTCI did watch a review of it the other day. If I ever buy that house on a Scottish island it might come in handy.
Techmoan
2025-01-19 20:23:49 +0000 UTCBut that’s because you’re a reasonable chap who doesn’t start every sentence with the word ‘Actually…”
Techmoan
2025-01-19 20:22:17 +0000 UTCI suppose there are worse ways to spend a week.
Techmoan
2025-01-19 20:20:42 +0000 UTCI’ve yet to see any benefit from replacing any capacitors, but I can guarantee if I hadn’t done it this time, the majority of the comments would be from people adamant that the sound issue was caused by them.
Techmoan
2025-01-19 20:19:40 +0000 UTC3M is an interesting company. I suspect someone has written a good book about them that I’d never get around to reading.
Techmoan
2025-01-19 20:16:46 +0000 UTCI really don’t like having people round, but it’s a means to an end. It’s like going to the dentist or having a prostate exam, I’ll be glad when it’s over. It’s really odd at the moment because the media in the UK spends an inordinate amount of time talking about two individuals in the USA, whose antics should have zero impact on a late middle aged bloke living in Wigan. However even if their decisions did somehow have a bizarre transatlantic knock on effect, what do they expect me to do about it.
Techmoan
2025-01-19 20:14:18 +0000 UTCI've said this before...your tireless efforts to make whatever comes into your hands work, in one way or the other, is to your huge credit! Please keep on doing your thing, we're all here for that. Thanks as always, Mat!
Mark Persad
2025-01-19 20:13:39 +0000 UTCThat so called music, could make you a fortune, sell it to some shady organization for some evil purpose like getting folk to talk for example... "Please STOP THE MUSIC! I will tell you E V E R Y T H I N G I know NOW!"
Pin Swede
2025-01-19 20:12:12 +0000 UTCYou're doing it wrong (I've never soldered anything in my life)
Alan Lee
2025-01-19 20:00:02 +0000 UTC• Holy mackerel, you weren't kidding when you said it's been a rough week. • I really enjoyed the capacitor replacement despite it not resolving the sound quality issue. • I think the date on that circuit board is 3 March 1978. I would have been nearly one month old at that time. I don't work as well as I used to, either. • These tracks have a bad polka flavor to them. Every time you turn off the music my ears rejoice, and I tend to tolerate BGM fairly well. • I'm amused by that YouTuber name CrapTwenty. • Doubtful, but are you expanding your studio into the micro spare bedroom? Here's hoping the invasive workers efforts prove worthwhile. • '2025' sounds like an apocalypse movie, and I'd expect an apocalypse after Monday. Enjoy your evening and take care. 🤍
Grace Robbins
2025-01-19 19:49:01 +0000 UTCBecause it looks so similar you have sent me down a 3M copies rabbit hole. https://clickamericana.com/topics/money-work/vintage-copy-machines-office-photocopiers-1960s-1970s-1980s
Duncan
2025-01-19 19:48:00 +0000 UTCI liked this Mat, I know you battled with the repair going wrong videos. I liked it and it was good to see inside of it and, in a way, the spirit of "give it a go, no one will otherwise" I have an amplifier I cleaned and went on to protection after working absolutely fine before on my list.
Raul Ramos
2025-01-19 19:43:54 +0000 UTCWhat an excellent video! This was absolutely excellent, and I never expected a TechMoan recap video :D
Longplay Games
2025-01-19 19:28:44 +0000 UTCThis one I consider a thoroughly satisfying repair video. Did you get the thing back into top-notch condition? No, but you did everything within your ability and although the sound quality was just as rubbish at the end as it was at the beginning, you did all you could and didn't make it any worse. And of course, we were all entertained in the process so all in all, a job well-done.👍🙂
Mark Hesse
2025-01-19 19:16:43 +0000 UTCI'm so used to hearing percentages and turning them into approximate old school fractions in my head on the job that I've more or less settled into the fifth quarter instead.
Oscar Røhling
2025-01-19 19:11:34 +0000 UTCSnatched defeat from the jaws of victory. Annoying when you are sure you have found the issue, just to spend time and money to find out you just wasted the time and the money. On the plus side, you got more experience with soldering. I've been soldering regularly for 35 years and your finished solder joints looked ok to me.
evilution
2025-01-19 19:05:33 +0000 UTCIdontcare@mywheeliebin.com classic techmoan thanks for the laugh
Retro Nick
2025-01-19 18:50:22 +0000 UTCIf they cut thru it again, might be an excuse to review elons starlink internet? 🙃
StevieC
2025-01-19 18:23:07 +0000 UTC
