Is a 410 worth getting?

[kroogur]

I discovered a new indoor type flea market and aside from a small stack of common 2600 games I spotted a boxed 410 Tape drive. The person who rents the space was busy and I had to go but am thinking about going back to get it.

 

I have read the older threads about belt problems but aside from that are they reliable? Or should i pass on it? What would be a good price for one?

[Urchlay]

I have read the older threads about belt problems but aside from that are they reliable? Or should i pass on it? What would be a good price for one?

 

The belt problem with the 410 is a design problem: the belt wraps around a spindle at an acute angle, and when the 410 sits too long without the motor moving, the belt develops a kink in that spot... you can assume any 410 found in the wild will require a new belt, so I wouldn't pay much for it if I were you.

[rchennau]

I have read the older threads about belt problems but aside from that are they reliable? Or should i pass on it? What would be a good price for one?

 

The belt problem with the 410 is a design problem: the belt wraps around a spindle at an acute angle, and when the 410 sits too long without the motor moving, the belt develops a kink in that spot... you can assume any 410 found in the wild will require a new belt, so I wouldn't pay much for it if I were you.

 

See this thread for where to buy belts for the 410: http://www.atariage....ost__p__1291762

 

I just purchased two myself last week. Delviery was fast and they are really quite inexpensive. My old 410 belt was only slight loose but I am continuing to clean it and so forth before I add the new belt. Amazingly enough I am able to load cassattes about 10% of the time without yet cleaning the system.

 

As far as 'worth it' goes? Well I've invested about ten hours on my 1010 which I purchased off of E-Bay for $12.95. The value I get out of having this stuff is priceless. I'm not planning on fixing and selling. Just fixing, learning and occasionally taking it for a spin. If you can get a unit for less than $10.00 go for it. If you want a pristine model for show then be prepared to pay more...

Edited September 6, 2009 by rchennau

[kroogur]

Thanks for the information. The place is open again Wednesday so I will stop by and see how much they want for it.