The torque on the supply reel in cassette deck playback refers to the amount of rotational force applied to the supply reel in order to feed the tape through the cassette deck during playback.
Torque on the supply reel is important because it affects the speed and stability of tape movement, which ultimately impacts the quality of sound during playback. If the torque is too low, the tape may slow down or stop, resulting in distorted or muffled sound. If the torque is too high, the tape may move too quickly and cause playback issues.
Torque on the supply reel is typically measured in units of force per distance, such as Newton-meters or pound-inches. It can be calculated by measuring the force applied to the reel and dividing it by the radius of the reel.
Several factors can affect torque on the supply reel, including the type and condition of the cassette deck, the type and condition of the tape, and the tension of the tape on the reel. Other factors such as ambient temperature and humidity may also play a role.
To adjust or correct torque on the supply reel, the tension of the tape on the reel can be manually adjusted using the tension control knob on the cassette deck. In some cases, the cassette deck may have an automatic tension adjustment feature. It is also important to regularly clean and maintain the cassette deck and tape to ensure proper torque and playback quality.