AKAI CS-M3 Cassette deck - motor always running

[michalism]

Hello all.

I'm restoring an old AKAI CS-M3 cassette deck and from the time I got it, the motor is always running regardless if the PLAY button is pressed or not. It is not responsive to any button (FF or REV). As soon as the unit is on, the motor is spinning. I have checked the PLAY button and it is working as expected (I have continuity on the meter if it is in the OFF position, and no continuity if it is ON).
I checked the service manual, and I suspected that something may be wrong with TR6 and/or TR10, and the associated components but all checks show no problems. I even swapped TR6 with a new transistor but nothing changed.

I'm looking for some guidance on how to continue since I have no clue what to do next.
Not sure if I am allowed to attach the service manual here, or the schematic. I have it available for anyone interested to take a look.

Thank you!
Michalis

[bob91343]

Trace the current path from the  motor to the power supply.  There is probably a little contact pair that may not be opening in the off position.

Without a diagram I can't make any other suggestions.

[mzacharias]

Quite normal on many models.

Edit - checked the schematic - this is normal for this model.

[coppice]

Quite normal on many models.

Yeah, even expensive ones. My father had quite an expensive Akai cassette machine where the motor started as you pushed the on button.

[coromonadalix]

yep  seen the circuit, this one is normal behaviour,  it will spin once powered on ...

Service manual
https://elektrotanya.com/akai_cs-m3_cs-m4.pdf/download.html

Free registration
https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/akai/cs-m3.shtml

[floobydust]

Cassette decks with power-assist transports have the motor running all the time.
The motor moves the transport (head, capstan) and for no lag, it's always running.

On older cassette decks, the play/ff/rew buttons directly moved the transport, it takes more force.
More expensive machines have a second motor dedicated to just moving the transport.

[michalism]

ok!!
Thanks for the education! I was not aware of that...

So ffw and rev buttons have no effect to the speed of the motor. correct?