HP Forums

My newly acquired HP 85B will need repair of its tape drive.

Unfortunately I have no experience in that, nor do I have the tools and skills to create my own capstan replacement.
Now I found a source on TAS - a guy from Hongkong offers a replacement capstan, rubber-coated, for $ 50.-. The assembly seems to be very easy. I asked whether the new capstan is compatible with QIC tapes, but didn't get an answer. Installing a new capstan that is not QIC compatible wouldn't make much sense, since the old tapes aren't reliable any more at all, right?
So can I assume that the offered item is what I need, because otherwise it would be an almost useless part?
( By the way, I know that another small modifcation (additional resistor) would be necessary to complete the QIC tape modification. But that seems to be done relatively easy).

Maybe anyone knows a better (cheaper?) source for this replacement part?

I'd also be happy to find a repair partner in Europe ( because of shipping costs).

By the way: Once the modification is done, which exact type of tape (DC200 ? manufacturer? ) would you recommend for use (easy to get, reliable )?

Hi Michael,

My tape drive was modified by Larry Atherton. http://stores.ebay.com/la-tech-renewal

In addition to turning a new capstan and changing the write current resistor, a larger hole needed to be cut in the PCB to accomodate the larger door on the QIC tape cartridges. The refurb included two prerecorded tapes and two blanks. I can't identify the mfg but I don't think there's anything special about them except this from Larry's literature.

Tape Note1: The QIC cassette cartridges available from us use tape stock with the correct FTPI- and Oe-rating for the tape drive in your HP-85. Tapes from other sources, may not produce the same data read/write reliability. To maintain the reliability of your QIC tape-drive system, please obtain QIC cassettes from us (price is currently $39.95 each).

I also got two printer belts from Larry.

The drive is now compatible with both the DC100 and QIC40 cartridges, though I haven't found a DC100 cartridge that isn't deteriorating to bits.

Dave

Thank you for your quick help, Dave.
Unfortuntely I'd have to pay around $ 300.- just for shipping my HP 85 back and forth from Germany to California, not really an option.

(12-02-2017 09:46 PM)Michael Fehlhammer Wrote: [ -> ]Thank you for your quick help, Dave.
Unfortuntely I'd have to pay around $ 300.- just for shipping my HP 85 back and forth from Germany to California, not really an option.

Even though Larry's close to me, I shipped him only the tape drive. That should be significantly less. However, Larry's fees are not cheap, but he has the best reputation with 85 refurbs.

Just shipping the tape drive seems feasible. I will ask Larry about his fees.
But maybe I'm lucky and someone living in Europe offers a tape drive repair service also.

(12-02-2017 10:45 PM)Michael Fehlhammer Wrote: [ -> ]Just shipping the tape drive seems feasible. I will ask Larry about his fees.
But maybe I'm lucky and someone living in Europe offers a tape drive repair service also.

I agree, local is easier. Try posting an inquiry at https://groups.io/g/hpseries80.