Updated 26 April 2022
I am running a search algorithm through the eBay affilliate program to search for Pioneer RT-1020L tape players for sale. The search criteria is very specific but there are times no tape players of this exact model are for sale. Similar alternative sale matches are then displayed. I am hoping that these players will also be of interest to you.
Die-cast Framework and 5mm thick chasis board
Pioneer describes the RT-1020L as an unusually well built unit where no materials or workmanship have been spares to enhance the durability and reliability. An extra-thick 5mm (3/16 inch) chasis board has been selected for the from surface board. The Pioneer three-motor mechanism is mounted with a seperate unit block. The die-cast base provides additional framework strength. Pioneer says that this gives stable suspension and dimensional precision. I think that Pioneer are saying that the RT-1020L is built like a tank. Pioneer also stresses that the RT-1020L is very easy to service for periodic maintenance.
Like their smaller compact cassette cousins, much marketing of tape players goes into the quality of the motors. The Pioneer RT-1020 has a 4/8 pole two-speed hysteresis synchronous motor to drive the capstan. The capstan is 6mm (¼ inch) Ø. The capstan connects to the flywheel to improve stability. Pioneer reports that this results in a rotational error of only 0.2µ for rotational drive. The flywheel is also a large 100mm (15/16 inch) Ø. Remember, that it is the capstan that drives the tape forward in the play position. All of this effort is to reduce variations in the rotational speed of the capstan during playback. Variations can arise from input voltage fluctuations and also microvariations from the AC motor slightly pulsing from one pole to another during rotation.
The capstan drives the tape past the head at a constant speed. Additional motors are required to control the reel during operation. The perfect reel motor makes sure that there tape is smoothly controled without risking excess tensile force. The Pioneer RT1020 uses a six-pole special induction motor for the reel drive. Pioneer says their special induction motor is superior to an eddy-current type motor and a conventional induction motor. Pioneer claims that their motor avoids the "hunting effects", powerful starting torque and little rotational inertia. The Pioneer RT1020 features differential bandbrakes that protects your reel tapes from exessive force. The machine includes a useful back tension changing switch that adjusts the amount of torque. This feature allows the machine to maintain the correct levels of torque to avoid those messy tape dropouts.