Service & calibration notes

Notes from servicing an original Mini Pro, written for owners doing the same. This section grows as the restoration progresses; each topic gets added once I've actually done the work and can vouch for it.

The one thing to check first: the dummy plug

If your transport is completely dead, check the accessory/remote socket before opening the machine. The transport control circuit passes through that socket and must be closed by a shorting "dummy plug" whenever no remote is connected. A missing plug makes a perfectly healthy machine look broken — mine was sold as faulty for exactly this reason. The full story is in the restoration log; plug wiring details will be documented here once drawn up properly.

Coming as the work happens

• Transport inspection and lubrication
• Head condition assessment and demagnetisation
• Playback alignment against a calibration tape
• Record bias and level calibration
• Capacitor and component survey of the preamp cards