The Pioneer RT909 is the last reel-to-reel tape deck the company manufactured. It was discontinued in 1980. It features an early use of blinking LED lights for audio level meters. Previously, tape decks had used needle-type meters that twitched across the surface of the dial. The RT909 remains popular among collectors of vintage audio equipment for its reliability and sound quality. If the belt that drives the reels ever breaks or wears out, replacements are still available from Pioneer.
Instructions
1. Rewind the tape completely to the left reel by pressing the "Stop" and "Rewind" buttons in the lower right on the front control panel. Remove both reels by pulling them straight off the spindles.
2. Remove the screws from the back and sides of the unit.
3. Lift off the cover. Look straight down inside the tape deck. The two rollers for the drive belt face the front of the tape deck, behind the control panel. The motor for the component is attached to a metal plate, which is between the motor and the two rollers.
4. Unscrew the metal plate where it attaches to the two rollers. Pull the plate away from the rollers. Remove the old belt.
5. Place the new belt over the two rollers. Replace the metal plate so the motor shaft engages in the middle of the belt. Reconnect the metal plate between the rollers and the motor.
6. Slide the cover back onto the cabinet and reattach it.
Tags: metal plate, tape deck, control panel