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fixed an IBM 729 tape unit today. this is one of several electromagnetic clutches used to engage the forward and reverse directions on the left and right reels.

a pack of three electromagnetic clutches, two of them with two V-belts around each of them. in the foreground is a set of metal contacts with wires attached. these contacts go to brushes that contact slip rings on one of the clutches.
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Tube❄️Time

in this case, the problem was that one of the carbon brushes used to transfer power from the stationary part to the rotating part had gotten worn all the way down.

a small carbon brush (attached with a copper braid and tensioned with a spring against a copper bar), worn all the way down to a tiny nub. it is around 2mm long but should be 10mm long.
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