Commodore 1531 Datassette User Manual page 7

STEP 4 Press the PLAY button on the DATASSETTE™ . Look to see that, as
the button is engaged, the READ/WRITE heads move towards the
spindles and the capstan comes into contact with the pinch roller
(see Fig. 1). The take-up spindle should be moving smoothly in a
counter-clockwise direction.
STEP 5 Now press the STOP button. The heads should move back and the
spindle stop.
STEP 6 Press the REWIND button. The tape heads should remain in the
inactive position and the supply spindle should move rapidly
clockwise.
STEP 7 Press STOP again and then F.FWD. The tape heads should still
remain in the inactive position and the take-up spindle should move
rapidly counter-clockwise.
STEP 8 Press STOP once more and then GENTLY attempt to press
RECORD. You should feel strong mechanical resistance.
STEP 9 If all has worked properly, proceed to the operations test on the
next page. If you have encountered any difficulties with the
preliminary checkout, please turn to the last page in this manual.