Can it only play certain cassettes? - Philips PSP-LFH0720/52 Model 720 Analog Desktop Transcription Kit, Tape Counter LCD, Auto Backspace Play, Volume/Tone/Speed Control, Fast Erase, Automatic Switch Off, Cue/Preview Function, Loudspeaker Switch, Record Protection, Auto Rewind, Simple Search For

There could be several reasons why a cassette does not play when inserted into a system, and the power light blinks within 5 seconds. Here are some possible causes and solutions:

1. Dirty or damaged cassette: The cassette tape itself may be dirty or damaged, preventing it from playing properly. Try cleaning the tape head and the cassette tape itself with a soft, dry cloth or a cassette cleaner. If the cassette is damaged, try playing a different cassette to see if the issue persists.
2. Faulty cassette player: The cassette player itself may be faulty. Try inserting a different cassette to see if the issue persists. If other cassettes also do not play, then the cassette player may need to be repaired or replaced.
3. Loose connections: Check that all the cables and connections between the cassette player and the amplifier or speakers are properly connected and not loose. If any connections are loose, tighten them and try playing the cassette again.
4. Low batteries: If the cassette player is battery-powered, check that the batteries are fully charged or replace them with new ones. Low batteries can cause the power light to blink and prevent the cassette from playing properly.

If none of the above solutions work, then there may be a more serious problem with the cassette player, and it may need to be inspected and repaired by a professional technician.

There are a few potential causes for this issue:

1. Dirty or clogged video heads: The video heads on a VCR can become clogged with dust and debris, which can prevent the cassette from playing properly. Cleaning the video heads with a head cleaning cassette or alcohol can often fix this issue.
2. Damaged cassette: If the cassette is damaged or worn out, it may not play properly. Try using a different cassette to see if the problem persists.
3. Malfunctioning transport mechanism: The transport mechanism is responsible for moving the cassette tape through the VCR. If it is not functioning properly, the cassette will not play properly.
4. Power supply problem: A malfunctioning power supply can cause a wide range of issues, including preventing the cassette from playing.
5. Failing electronic component inside the VCR.

It's likely that one of these issues is causing the problem you're experiencing. It would be best to take it to a professional repair technician for proper diagnosis and repair.

Replacement belts figure large in the repairman's armoury so most supplier's catalogues contain a popular selection of types.

I suggest you google your requirements and you should find lots of results to investigate or ask a local repair shop.

Belts are usually supplied by size and cross section. Even when the old belt is available to help identify the requirement a certain amount of guesswork is needed as the old belt will have stretched. Some cassette belts will do the job stretched just a little and some need stretching quite a bit. If the length isn't known it can mean a certain amount of trial and error and the purchase of two or three belts before the correct one is found.

Good luck!

There are 2 long switches, maybe 4" long, called record/play switches. These can certainly cause this. Try cleaning them with the power unplugged. You would turn the cassette deck on end, so the switches are vertical. Use LPS-1 or LPS-2, and spray a very small amount in the end. Work the switch back and forth and see if that helps. Good luck.

Just connect the deck via tape 1 the out of the deck going to the in of the amp. While the out of the amp goes to the in of the deck.


The tape deck itself will automatically choose the player that plays the cassette. One will play the other will be on pause (if you press both play buttons) till the tape stops then the other will play. For recording from tape to tape one deck will be the copy and the other the copier. There should be a dubbing button which you press to record tape to tape. Some models have a high speed dub also. For recording from the amp unless both decks have record buttons you will only be able to record with one deck. Make certain the dub button is not set.

Loose belts and lack of lubrication. Dual cassette decks are built to minimum standards so that it does not take much to push them over the edge to be non-functional. It is almost like they should provide a tape deck repair course with these types of units as it is most certain that you are going to need it. They want you to throw it away and buy another one. This is where the throw away economy started.

Cassette tape machines will occasional require maintenance after a certain period of usage. First open the cassette door and remove the tape and any broken tape remaining inside. Some models allow you to remove the cassette door allowing you to have better access to clean the unit. Next you will need to clean the capstan with alcohol and a Q-tip. The capstan is the metal post which the rubber wheel (pinch roller) pushes against to drive the tape across the tape head. Basically clean all the shiny metal parts including the tape head. Some of the tape residue may be difficult to clean, I use Tricloroetilene which has been regulated by the government, but you may try a product called Goof Off to clean the difficult parts, but it could eat the plastic and rubber parts so be careful. Next use a rubber cleaner on the pinch roller so you do not dry the rubber out, or it will become useless. The other problem is the cassette may be driven by a motor and belts. The belts may need to be replaced and the pulleys cleaned. For this you will need to disassemble the unit to access the belts but the cleaning of the pinch roller and capstan may fix your problem, if not you need to open it up to replace the main belt.

Hi. Make sure the flywheel turns freely and that the capstan pin and pressure roller are clean. If this is OK then it is more than likely that the belt is stretched, dried out or generally worn. These parts only have a certain usable life and are quite cheap to replace.

I also have a '95 ford explorer. Same problem. I took the screws out of the tape and opened up the adapter. I took out all the gears EXCEPT for the one large one in the middle two on either side. Now it works perfectly.

This was a common failure with this model and requires replacement of the control block assemble. This is an assembly with several functions tied together in one preformed unit with a flexible cable arrangement. This ordinarily is a pro repair situation. They have an upgraded part for this. Could be a bit pricey however. Good luck, magic seadog