Archive VCR Repair Answered Questions

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VCR Repair Answered Questions - Archived Files

Updated February 10, 2003

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QUESTION NO. P111-9: JVC HR-DD740U VCR blows the fuse in the power supply. Problem looks like a voltage regulator K2324 (M)72. I need a cross reference for this.

The full number is 2SK2324, an N-channel MOSFET rated 600 Volts, 2 Amps, 40 Watts. Possible crosses include IRFIBC20G or IRFIBC30G; or IRFBC20 or IRFBC30 with insulators, or NTE 2399 with insulation hardware. If it was shorted, also check components off the gate lead for damage.

QUESTION NO. P1210-3: Toshiba M-4285C VCR has a defective IC801=STK7251 (15 pin Sanken chop regulator)=Toshiba # 70135088 but Toshiba wants too much for it and I cannot get it as generic, I need other OEM #'s for that part. Note: Toshiba vcr European modelV309B (Pal/Secam) also uses that IC.

MCM Electronics (www.i-mcm.com) lists STK7251 for $12.90. Also try Dalbani.

QUESTION NO. P1024-2: Mitsubishi HS402UR when powering on, the display shows that a tape is playing (advancing), even when nothing is in the machine. On trying to load a cassette, the cassette stops short of entering the VCR just as the back end of the cassette is flush with the front of the machine. I checked for physical blockages but have found none.

Remove, clean & re-install mode switch, then check ground connections to front load switch/s, remove ALL of the old epoxy/glue (brown colored) found throughout the vcr. If that model has C9A1=220 UF,25v then replace with 35V.

QUESTION NO. P1019-6: Aiwa HV-MX1 VCR with 4 heads, has bad picture but good audio. I cleaned the head-role. In FF with PLAY, the picture looks better but not perfect.

Replace the video heads.

QUESTION NO. P111-7: Panasonic AG-1960 ProLine SVHS VCR - When playing any type of tape, unit will only play in black & white - displays colors when watching standard TV broadcasts.

Clean video heads & vcr. If problem persists, replace video heads Panasonic# VEH0355 or VEH0436,Taiko#457-3555.

This deck also has a color / B&W switch on the front panel. If this switch is in the off position, deck will not play back, or record color, but will still pass through a color signal. This deck is also notorious for having the Chroma demodulator go bad on the main board. It's a compete pack in a metal can 1X1 square

QUESTION NO. P117-4: Magnasonic MVC630 VCR, video is black/white haze, some lines, audio O.K. Cleaned heads, same output.

Replace video heads, I believe it is a Goldstar chassis. To confirm this, check FCC ID and UL code on back of vcr.

QUESTION NO. P1114-2: Sharp vch982u VCR, the led display dimmed briefly, now when power is turned on the motor runs continuously and then unit powers down again. Looked for fusable resistors, although most surface mount ones are unmarked, not sure of those.

Replace IC951=9 volt reg=KIA7809 (ECG1910) or KIA7809PI (ECG1966).

QUESTION NO. P118-7: Hitachi f150e VCR, when play button is pressed the machine goes through its loading process and then powers off. Occasionally will play but playback is slow with poor picture quality.

Unsolder clean then lube mode switch followed by cleaning the vcr particularly the video heads if picture quality still poor replace video heads, I think that model was made by someone else for HItachi, look up the FCC ID, and UL code.

QUESTION NO. P910-4: Mitsubishi HS-M1000 VCR has no color on the tuner's display picture when first switched on. After a couple of hours, the picture becomes color.

Replace electrolytic filter caps in the power supply, in a similar model they were C906=47UF,50v & C907=100UF,50v.

QUESTION NO. P917-7: RCA VR702hf VCR is intermittent. Play a tape then forward or reverse scan then play again. 2 - 14 secs later VCR turns off. Turn VCR back on and tape ejects. Tried this several times first rewinding tape to beginning or forward past the point where the problem occurred and same result. Used different tapes - one commercial and one personal and they were OK. The next day tried it again and the tape played fine. Customer reports problem can occur when trying to record as well. Has happened to brand new tapes -it is NOT the tape cassette.

Remove, clean & lube mode switch, usually located near cam gear.

QUESTION NO. P921-7: Emerson EV787 VCR. I need a source for a video head.

Go to www,tritronsinc.com.

QUESTION NO. P96-5: GE 1VCR6010X VCR does everything except record video and audio either from it's own receiver or from the audio/video input jacks. The modulator is fine, since it broadcasts programming from the TV or from its own receiver. When one holds in the record button and then the play button, only the word "PLAY" appears on the panel , then the tape is picked up and machine begins to play, but only shows snow on the screen when it comes up to speed. I believe it should say REC. Checked all the PB switches and associated connectors and they are OK. Do you think the microprocessor might be a good candidate?

Check the microswitch inside tape compartment which detects the "prevent Recording" tab of the video cassette. If switch or circuit is damaged you will get similar problems.

QUESTION NO. P822-3: Panasonic NV-SD30EOD VCR. I need the value of R17 and the name of IC2 (8 pins) from the power supply. The power supply is also used in the nv-sd10 and 20. The power supply is from the 1100 series and has the number VJB1569.

The IC is a TDA4605-3 and the R17 (R1117 is schematic) is a 4,7 K resistor. After changing them check also the electrolitic caps (I usually change them, no questions asked). Check R1114 (0,75 Ohms), D1113, D1108, R1118 (is a wire). Before you mount the MOSFET check if the new IC works (oscillates) on its own and has good filtered supply. Datasheet on the Infineon site.

QUESTION NO. P827-6: Samsung SV-435XV VCR. In power supply 2SC4517A, 2SC3203,a diode, 2.7Ohm are bad but the caps seem good. Can I replace 2SC3203 and 2SC4517 with other parts?

2SC3203 is crossed to a NTE 11, and 2SC4517 is crossed to a NTE 2339.

QUESTION NO. P814-10: NECD DS-8000U VCR, the clock runs fast. We replaced the 3.6 VDC NiCad backup battery and now the clock runs fast. We tried two different new batteries and tried swapping the timer/clock board, no good. If we remove the battery from the circuit, the clock runs fine. The batteries seem to match exact specs. but are generic not OEM.

Did you swap a new board? The clock IC OSC2001 goes bad in these sometimes.

QUESTION NO. P820-3: RCA VR526A VCR. After inserting cassette, unit unreels tape (eats it). I cleaned heads and rollers but that did not help.

Most likely the clutch is bad but before you replace it check the Idler. I have found miniscule objects like sand, dirt or roach droppings to jam these up.

QUESTION NO. P821-5: RCA VR506 VCR blows the 4A fuse, bipolar transistor?

You can try Q1& Q2 but they may short out again. These power supplies have a number of different components that commonly go out. Check zener diodes in secondary before replacing the primary transistors(Q1&Q2) also check the 10uf & 22uf filters in primary with a esr cap checker. After replacing these components slowly run the voltage up with a variac- if the secondary voltages go too high or you hear a squealing cut off the variac & check components in the 5v secondary circuit. Common failures in this circuit include IC1,IC2 c14& 100ohm resistor which connects to ic1 (cannot remember number).

QUESTION NO. P713-6: Samsung VT3560C VCR is erratic upon power up, and according to the customer will operate after warm up. It appears that the power supply shuts down when a tape is inserted, and will cycle on and off until the tape is removed. I suspect a problem in the servo control system but nothing out of the ordinary can be located.

Check for dry caps in power supply, start with two in the primary cct 4.7 uf 250v&22uf non polarized. Sometimes there are more in the secondary.

QUESTION NO. P716-1: Magnavox-VRU362AT VCR. CATV tuner works fine. When cassette is inserted there is a Blue screen. HF & Mono Audio works fine. All functions work ok FF, RW, Stop, Eject. Audio can be heard but the screen is blue.

Clean the video heads.

QUESTION NO. P52-2: Sony KV-27XBR50, the symptoms are pretty much same as P110-4 but I could not locate Q601, D1410 nor IC140. I replaced IC651, Q602 and Q603 but no luck.

Look for hairline crack on load motor spindle. I usually permanently super glue plastic spindle to load motor shaft, but be careful and quick, you only get one try at it!

QUESTION NO. P53-9: Sony V0-9800 VCR, after warmup the color starts to flicker, drops out (just black/white) and then comes back "locked in" in a sort of "rainbow effect" like the phasing is all wrong. It will stay this way till I power down the unit and then power it up again.

Replace leaky 6.3v capacitors in secondary stage of power supply.

QUESTION NO. P515-2: Samsung VX300 VCR. I need data sheet for circuit 'STR11006' from supply.

NTE's website lists its NTE7092 as the equivalent of STR11006. The datasheet for NTE7092 is at www.nteinc.com/specs/7000to7099/pdf/nte7092.pdf to check this.

QUESTION NO. P430-4: Philips Magnavox VRA431AT23 VCR will not power up or accept tape, and none of the buttons work. On the display screen are the letters PL. The fuse looks good and cannot find burnt places on the boards.

PL means unit is in parental lock. Using the remote, push and hold the power button until the unit turns on, takes about 7 seconds. The unit will now operate ok.

QUESTION NO. P425-3: Hitachi M150 VCR, when a tape is inserted, it starts to rewind. If the tape is already rewound, it will eject. If the plug is pulled and put back in, it might start to play but the only buttons that will do anything is stop. Pushing Play/Rewind/Fastforward will only start to rewind again.

Clean the mode switch using some cleaner and re-installed it. If that does not work, check the sensor.

QUESTION NO. P424-1: Emerson VCR3000 VCR. While attempting to load or eject a tape, the unit turns itself off. It can be turned back on and the tape will move, start to load or eject and turn off again. Can usually get mission accomplished after several tries.

We answered our own question - we cleaned the mode switch. Now all is well!

QUESTION NO. P410-3: Panasonic AG-7750 Professional SVHS VCR will not power on. I figured it out to be the switched power supply for when I take the power supply board from an identical working AG-7750 and install it in the bad unit, the unit powers up fine and works properly. Panasonic used to sell this power supply board with all of the components intact making the repair simple and easy, however it is no longer available and I must determine the problem with the bad power supply itself. One of the corners of the bad power supply's PCB is burnt. The fuse of course is ok.

I do not have any info on this particular VCR, but find most Switch Mode Power supplies to be pretty much the same. You did not say if the fuse was blown, but if is not then chance's are the problem will be with a electrolytic capacitor or possibly more then one. Do you own a ESR Meter for checking Caps? These meters are great for testing caps without there removal. Check all caps on the Switch Mode Power Supply. In particular, check to see if there is a NONE Polarized Electrolytic Cap located near the high speed Switching Transistor. These Caps go bad often.

QUESTION NO. P49-2: RCA vr652 VCR in PLAY mode in the first 2-3 seconds sound (hifi) seems okay and so does picture (except a bit of noise). Then the picture starts degrading. First, the colors fade out and the picture becomes darker and darker then everything comes back to normal. The problem does not disappear even if I go to stop mode and then back to play. Also fm signal from preamp shows a slight loss in response at the end of each field (tried to compensate by adjusting takeup guide-no change-same problem). Cleaned all heads and tape path thoroughly.

Replace DC Capacitors on the power supply 470mf, 220mf 330mf. They are dry, common RCA or GE problem

QUESTION NO. P327-1: Sony SLV660HF VCR will only power up 1 in 10 attempts and then will only stay up for a few seconds. Find nothing visually wrong with the ps and replaced fuse.

Replace the two red/brown colored "Elna" brand of electrolytic caps in the primary side that usually leak (also used in Toshiba TV in vertical section). They are C105=1 uf,100v and C109=47 uf,25v. Sometimes they destroy the following parts D205/7=RD16F=8-719-160-64, 1-413-468-11/13=ECG5075A=16v, 1/2w zener D202=D5S4M=8-719-500-70=ECG6083 D203=D2S, SB340, SR340, SB360, SR360=ECG586/579. Refer to the archived section of this website for further detail as there are many Sony VCR's modelsslv500's-800's with this problem.

QUESTION NO. P214-7: Magnavox VR9960AT01 VCR, will not take a tape in. Once it hits or triggers the infeed sensor, it acts like a tape is loading. Everything moves, belts turn, etc. but the tape does not move, then the unit will turn off. There are no broken gears. It is not the power supply, for the unit will stay on forever until you loading a tape.

Check the right side of the loading basket for it has a plastic tab that keeps a metal arm with teeth in place witch meshes with the loading gear. When this tab breaks the unit goes out of alignment. You can remove the basket and replace just the right side of the basket, and then the unit has to be re-aligned. Check to see if there is a solenoid mounted in the right front corner of the unit. You should be able to see it from the top. These solenoids burn out often, and the unit will not load. If it is bad, replace it and the mode switch. Both must items must be replaced or you will have the same problem in a little while.

QUESTION NO. P213-7: Samsung VK-300 VCR does not display anything. Sometime display works but very dim.

Although not familiar with the model in question as this may not be a u.k model, I think that the problem is simply an electrolytic capacitor in the secondary side of the power supply particularly if the power supply is enclosed within a metal can. If so look for 100uF and 330uF as a common one in u.k models C38 100uf 10V springs to mind.

QUESTION NO. P228-9: Toshiba V215 VCR appears to be dead but if I monitor the voltage rails they are cycling suggesting some protection circuitry is in action. Sometimes however if unplugged a few times, the supplies will come up and the machine works normally and all voltage rails read correctly. There are no dry joints and everything seems to read correctly in the power supply.

After much searching I have located the fault so I will reply to my own question. The problem was CP061 a 470uf at 25vw. It had lost capacitance. As it is a smoothing cap. on the 20 volt rail I think 25vw is low because the cap has 24 volts on it, The replacement is 470uf at 47vw.and the machine is now fine. For further information, no clock display is caused by RP051 a 39 ohm safety resistor P. No 70040456 and a dead power supply can also be caused by diode Dp052 a BAV20 which feeds the voltage comparator.

QUESTION NO. P130-9: Mitsubishi HS-402UR VCR will not turn on. Pressing power switch causes what looks like "temporary on" for 2 seconds. Power supply OK as best I can tell. Clock is setable and runs.

In most cases, this is due to a defective electrolytic capacitor in the power supply area. It could be because of low capacity or high ESR. Test all of them. A good trick that I found is to try to power the unit by successively pressing the popwer button. Try about 20 times in a row. If it works, you know that the power supply is fine but a capacitor in it.

QUESTION NO. P22-9: Sharp xa-310 4head VCR as soon as a tape is inserted, it goes into play mode in fast forward. I checked the loading motor and cam switch, they are both fine.

Clean or replace mode switch. Make sure you have the lid on when testing as light can upset the end sensors and you get all kinds of weird occurrances.

QUESTION NO. P12-2: JVC HR-D550MS VCR, the front panel lights do not work. The customer said that the segments grew weak progressively and then stopped.

Replace all secondary capacitors in the power supply.

QUESTION NO. P13-3: Philips Magnavox VRA631AT VCR has no color signal to the TV, only black and white. Quick check of internals shows nothing obvious.

Most likely the problem is a bad colorburst crystal - 3.579545 Mhz. This part provides color sync to the whole unit. The VCR was probably dropped, and the jolt dislodged the crystal from inside its metal can.

QUESTION NO. P12-7: JVC HR-VP654U VCR has no function and no display. All power supply voltages appear to be correct and at the right places.

Usually if the PS has Voltages but rest of unit is dead, it is the Main Clock Xtal for the CPU. Check solder connections on all crystals, and test them for correct oscillation.

QUESTION NO. P1221-4: Philips Magnavox VRX363 VCR. Same problem as QUESTION NO. P224-7, upon power-up, motor drives for a few seconds, no response from the buttons, and no displays, this happened after a power failure.

This sounds like a problem we have had on another Philips video that worked OK until the power was cycled. Replace the electrolytic caps on the HV side of the switch mode PSU.

QUESTION NO. P1218-4: Quasar VHQ 940 VCR when a pre-recorded VHS tape is played, the very top of the picture is bent to the right and it waves.

Check and replace defective filter capacitors in power supply, primary and secondary. Check for high ESR readings, if you do not have an ESR meter, just replace all of the capacitors.

QUESTION NO. P1128-7: Sony slv 715ub VCR, power supply dead. Checked and replaced MA2831, also found smoothing cap on output to have blown. 25v rating operating at 26v. Not oscillating, just brief whine from switch transformer when power applied.

Power supply regulation goes high because small cap in primary side, usually a 2.2 uf goes bad, causes feedback voltage to go low thereby ouput goes high. Change all caps in primary side, replace all damaged caps in seconday section and look for shorted zener diode (usually the 12v line goes first) in seconday. Also check diode in primary for feedback widing.

QUESTION NO. P111-7: RCA vr-657hf VCR, the display would flash on and off. I replaced c09 and seems to have taken care of that problem. But sometimes after running the autoprogram the channels will fade to snow or lines, pix fades away.

Try replacing secondary power supply components C14=220 uf, 16v and C15=330 uf, 25v (they are both for pin 6=AL 6v). If not there is a detailed schematic diagram and discussion about these Samsung SMPS and others in the Oct/Nov 1997 issue of Electronic Servicing & Technology magazine, 1-800-853-9797 (N.Y.,to order back issues, about $4/issue).

QUESTION NO. P1024-6: National NV-370-EZ VCR. When turned the power on, the clock is display but when I press VTR, the counter display after 5-7 seconds it disappear. Pressing VTR again and again result came up the same. Nothing else moving. Tried manually move the cassette transport and see if the vcr reset itself to its normal position. When I press VTR again, nothing moves it stays where it was.

I found the answer to my own question thanks to John Phillips from east Australia. Replace the fusable resistor R1101 on the main power suppply pcb. It is a 0.12ohms fusable resistor. Replace with the same ohms rating. If replaced with a higher ohms rating it will burn due to P = I square R.

QUESTION NO. P1026-6: Toshiba m -648 VCR in the display it looks like blinking. In the power supply had a 22Uf 16v bad c4418 shorted (transistor) 4.7Uf 200v bad. I checked ic 01 the input should be 35 and it turns on and off the voltage and only recives 16 the ic is pq12rf11.

By the description of the generic parts and locations it seems that your model is made by Samsung which it has vended to RCA,Hitachi, and others. There is a detailed discussion about these and many other SMPS in the Oct/Nov 1997 issue of Electronic Servicing & Technology (back issues ordered at 1-800-853-9797). A common problem is that C09=22UF,16v dries up and causes Q1=2SC4418 and Q2=2SC3203 to become defective,an effective solution is to buy most of the components, about 10 in a kit (lightning repair kits) from any supplier such as SK thomson, part# SKKIT71213,SKKIT71513,SKKIT71561.To receive a copy of RCA's SMPS parts catalog call RCA publications at (609) 853-2532 ask for product guide# 401.

QUESTION NO. P1019-5: Emerson 755 VCR, the motors can be heard initializing, all panel LEDs are lit. It loads and ejects a cassette, FF & RW all ok but will not load the tape to drum and when play is pressed, the drum starts to spin momentarily then stops. Unit powers down.

Check IC1003 BA6247, controls the front load motor and tape load motor. Tape side from Pin 2 and 10 of IC to connector CP2003 Pin 8 (TLM+) and Pin 4 (TLM-). Common checks are tape brake release, mode switch and sensors (tape load switches, there are two).

QUESTION NO. P105-6: Phillips Magnavox VRX222AT VCR. When you load a tape into the VCR it will immediately eject it.

Your problem is D511, LED diode. Part# 483513087139.

QUESTION NO. P925-1: Sony SLV-70HF VCR sometimes does not illuminate the tape icon in the display when a tape is present. When this occurs, it will not play, etc. Turning power off and then on again usually corrects the problem. I checked the micro switches on the bottom PCB, they are ok. I cleaned the mode switch with spray contact cleaner. That made it work for a few days, but now it is misbehaving again. I need a source for a new mode switch. Parts Express does not carry it, and MCM Electronics will not sell except to a distributor.

Mode switches do not fail. They only become oxidized, which inhibits electrical conductivity. The mode switch must be taken apart, any grease (or contact cleaner) that may be inside must be removed, then polish the metal contacts with auto polishing compound, and a Q-tip. Scrub until they are bright and shiny. Then remove all polishing compound with a piece of paper towel or brush,and clean the switch and wipers with contact cleaner. Takes about two minutes. Make sure that mechanism timing does not change and alignment arrows are right when re-installing mode switch. On Sony`s, even clean the pins that contact the mode switch, and if there is a shuttle control on the front of VCR, clean it`s connector pins,and lube the metal takeup arm post near the audio head, they are famous for sticking due to hardened grease.

QUESTION NO. P928-10: Magnavox VRU222AT21 VCR will not power up. I checked all active components and only found one shorted transistor in the power supply section, Q02. The only number on it is 3576. I replaced with ECG2361 switching transistor and partial function was restored, but am sure this is not the correct replacement.

The description sounds like Q02 is 2SC3576. An ECG2361 is not the closest substitute possible for this one, because it has much lower gain. Try an ECG or NTE 2503 instead, their specs are pretty close to 2SC3576.

QUESTION NO. P928-5: VC4142AT01 (Sylvanvia - Philips) VCR. Looking to replace a transistor in the power supply board. Markings - Q1(board), C4418 BD (transistor). Having trouble finding a replacement part number.

2SC4418 is a Sanken TO220F transistor, rated 400 Vceo, 5 Amp, 30 Watt. There seems to be no difficulty finding suppliers for 2SC4418; every supplier I checked listed it, including Mouser (www.mouser.com), MCM (www.mcmelectronics.com), B&D (www.bdent.com), Dalbani (www.dalbani.com), and Union Electronics (ued.net/index.html), among others.

QUESTION NO. P925-3: JVC HR-VP654U VCR, there is no voltage on the secondaries of Power Supply. I changed the power supply Mosfet and driver, optoisolator and IC5301 (LA5613). When applying AC to the input Mosfet will have pulses for a fraction of time, also I saw same situation on the secondaries.

Somewhere in secondary circuits must be a short. Check for shorted rectifier diodes, caps, etc.

QUESTION NO. P97-2: RCA VR526A VCR. Need a value to power supply capacitor C-22/ Board # is PCB 660290527-00B.

Can only find C222 in parts list . Part number is 193593 . Description is CAP LYTC 4.7 UF 50V.

QUESTION NO. P822-10: Akai vs-a77ek VCR, video will not play. FF and REW are fine but when play is depressed the display shows a letter L. I would guess that this may indicate a Lamp fault but cannot find any problems.

The VCR is locked for play. Press play or stop button for 8 seconds.

QUESTION NO. P810-4: Toshiba M751 VCR. Replaced a cam lever. Assembled everything back aligning hole in cam gear with hole in the chassis and mode switch notch with a notch on loading drive assembly. Everything seems to be aligned right, but when tape is loaded it does not seem to go all the way down causing take-up reel not to pull tape. I realigned loading drive assembly several times but loading does not seem to work right. Tape will play if I just slightly press on the tape.

Sounds like the tape tray in your carriage is not fully extended outward to its extreme limit. There is still too much play in the mechanism. Pull the entire carriage and power up the VCR and let it go into eject and shut down then install the carriage assembly making sure the tray has no slop in it by applying a little back tension upon installation. You may have to do this a few times to get the hang of it, but it works very well. Crude, but with practice you should be able to get carriage and vcr main frame in sync with just one or two tries.

QUESTION NO. P721-1: Samsung VR8559 VCR ate a tape, and would not eject. When I received it, the tape was still in the machine; it appeared that the tape had broken and been pulled into the cassette. By disengaging the cassette load motor and rotating the gear train by hand, I was able to manually eject the tape. The VCR will accept and load a good tape, thread the tape around the head, and stop. When "Eject" is pressed, it partially returns the tape to the cassette, then sits for a second, displays "BYE", and shuts off. Everything seems to be mechanically in order, but the idler gears don't appear to be engaging the take-up spindle properly. The idler assembly is pulled down to engage the gear on the take-up spindle by a sliding metal cam plate, which is driven indirectly by the load motor. It appears as though the load motor is not turning long enough to slide the cam plate into the position where it causes the idler to engage the take-up spindle. If I manually press the idler into position and hit "eject", the tape is returned to the cassette and it ejects normally. It appears that there is a rotary encoder on the circuit board which mates with a gear under the tape cage, which may be used to sense the position of the cam plate, and which may be bad.

Check for a dirty mode switch. I clean them if I can get them apart, but if it is a sealed unit it is best to not try and just replace it. By cleaning the swith it takes care of many loading problems that may crop up after it is returned to the customer.

QUESTION NO. P516-9: Sanyo VHR 2700 VCR loads tape, goes dead, have to hand cycle tape out. No lights on led panel. Replaced STK 5482 volt reg,. no help.

Remove and clean or replace the mode switch.

QUESTION NO. P428-1: Sears 580.53447190 VCR made by Goldstar. The Loading motor is slow to operate resulting in an "Alarm" indication on the display. The VCR will play if loading is manually assisted. VCC to the Driver IC is only 10.5 volts. I believe one of the PS regulators, D1414 is bad. Is their an ECG cross or other subsitute for this?

If this transistor is 2SD1414, that is a Toshiba NPN Darlington, rated 100 Vcbo, 80 Vceo, 4 Amp, 20 Watt, min. gain 2000, and fairly fast switching times. There is no ECG that is equivalent to this one, but the original is available; for instance, from B&D (800-458-6053; www.bdent.com) or MCM (800-543-4330; www.mcmelectronics.com).

QUESTION NO. P426-3: Zenith VRC4275hf VCR was working before power went out. Power restored but VCR is now completely dead. Suspect QP01 (c4533) and found QP02 shorted (c1006) but cannot find cross for either, ecg or nte. Also found several caps leaky in sec. of power supply (replaced). Fuse is fine.

If these are Japanese transistors, the full device numbers are going to be 2SC1006 (ECG/NTE 199) and 2SC4533 (ECG/NTE 2339).

QUESTION NO. P420-1: Sharp VC-A33X VCR keeps shutting off a few seconds after the power up. The display goes out and a high pitch sound is heard (15KHz or so).

Try testing ALL the caps in the switched mode power supply, usually a leaky cap will make the power supply squeal.

QUESTION NO. P418-9: Fisher FVH 839 VCR original problem was the tape not going all the way down. Repaired a broken base on one of the guide pins. Everything is mechanically working now. Changed the idler and all the belts. The heads were cleaned with chamois swabs and solvent. Now I have snowy video and sometimes the audio is garbled. What did I disrupt when I fixed the guide pin problem?

It sounds as if the tape path needs adjustment. More than likely it is the nut on top of the ac head or the output/takeup tape guide or both. Someone may have misaligned these components.

QUESTION NO. P419-3: Panasonic PV-4115S VCR. Dead on arrival, found blown 1.6A fuse & shorted 2SC4662 primary switching transistor. Replaced both but found additional shorted zener diode D15 in secondary circuitry. Problem is zener is not marked, but has glass body with cathode color band of brown, center color band of grey, with a red dot on the cathode lead wire. Looks like 1 watt size. Capacitor across zener is 330uF/18V so zener voltage is probably less than this. How do I identify this zener for replacement?

That color code would correspond to a Matsushita (Panasonic) MA2180 zener, rated 18 Volts, 1 Watt.

QUESTION NO. P412-8: Samsung VR8704 VCR when plugged in no LCD function. Power supply seems to be o.k. I replaced all electrolytic capacitors but not major improvement. Sometimes turns on and loads tape and functions o,k., sometimes the unit is just plain dead.

Try cleaning the mode switch first. Make sure you mark the location of any index tabs, so you can get back in the proper way. Clean out all of the old grease, with a "Q" tip. Then clean the circuit trace where the switch fingers ride. An eraser works well to polish the trace (or a fiberglass brush). Clean out any residue, then relube the switch. If this will not cure the problem, look at the UL # on the back, if it is 333Z, then change the IR LED, which is mounted directly under the prism in the center of the load tray. I have found that ECG 3017 works very well.

QUESTION NO. P413-2: RCA vr658hf VCR, the tape goes in but will not go down. I changed the I/R LED and both start and end sensors and it worked for a few days. Then started doing the same thing. I ordered more sensor and I/R LED's and replaced them one at a time starting with the I/R. Same problem. Changed the start sensor, same problem. Changed the end sensor - same problem. After changing these parts I looked at the resistor that is connected to the end sensor. One end is soldered to a perfect circle (it goes no where on the board) of solder about 1 inch from the end sensor. The other end is soldered to one of the leads from the sensor (if it is a resistor it was open). The color code is RED- RED- ORANGE- WHITE. I called an RCA supplier EIGER Electronics they do not show it in their prints. I called RCA's 900 number and they do not show it on any of their prints. I replaced it with a 22k resistor and it did not make any difference. I pushed the carriage down with a tape in it. Now it will go in and down and load every time but it starts forward for two seconds then goes in reverse and ejects. I changed the power supply, same problem.

Clean or replace the mode switch. The CPU does not know what is going on.

QUESTION NO. P320-8: Panasonic AG-1290P VCR plays fine but when entering FF or RW mode with tape in, no movement of tape. Can hear the motor running. Works ok in FF /RW with dummy cassette in the unit.

There is a tension band that is wrapped around the reel on the left hand side of the chassis. Usually this controls the tension that is needed in order to compensate for the take up assemblies tension. Contributing to this also would be the pinch roller. Getting back to the tension band, there is a screw holding it on as well this can be used for adjustment of the band. If you are still having the problem check the idler arm tire. It can have enough grip to turn the take u assembly but not enough when there is a tape in place.

QUESTION NO. P412-9: Magnavox VRZ263AT21 VCR takes tape in. When play is pressed tape playes for approx. 10 sec. (video and audio are fine) then unit shuts down. The cassette inside light and the number 1 are lit and flashing. FF and rewind tapes starts and unit shuts down with same fault flashing. Have to press power button to eject tape.

Sounds like the tape movement sensor is not working, or tape counter. Check sensors for b+ also check soder joints on ir led's located under take up and supply reels.

This is a Funai-Symphonic built unit that needs the sensor L.E.D. Replace D511 I think- right in the middle of the PCB. Also the sensor prism may have warped out of alignment to the reel sensor light guide, (found a kit for this at Tritronics) so replace the sensor prism.

QUESTION NO. P329-4: Sony SLV-757UC VCR. Need value of D207 in power supply module and possible cause of immediate shorting when power is applied. Tried one from a known good power supply and it shorted as soon as set was plugged in.

Replace D207 is RD16F= ECG5075A(Zener 16V). If it still blows check IC202, C203and D202.

The answer is the same for all Sony machines that share this common PSU. There is a small electrolytic cap. connected to the primary side of the switching transformer via a diode. This cap feeds a reference signal to the switching driver IC. This provides the secondary side voltage regulation. The cap is 22uf or 10uf @ 25v (if I remember correctly.) During running conditions, there is about -10v on this cap, but at the moment of plug-in this voltage can exceed -75v. This cap eventually becomes leaky, causing the secondary voltage to rise and the zener diode on the 12v output to short. ***To fix these PSUs once and for all, replace this cap with the same value, but minimum 100v voltage rateing, and replace the zener with the correct value.

QUESTION NO. P324-10: Mitsubishi HS-U250 VCR. Video is fine on playback but very little audio. It is distinguishable if volume is turned way up.

Sounds like a bad filter cap in the audio output section. If you do not have service literature just follow the sound cable from the ac head to where it connects to the sound board. Check all electylytic caps in the same number range as the sound ic. Also check the power supply filter er cap for the sound ic.

Sounds to me like your audio/control head is out of alignment and you might want to check the right guide post for tightness when in the loaded position. You might have a sloppy tape guide. Also, before you try any of this, did you try to clean the audio/control head?

QUESTION NO. P39-10: Magnavox CRM202-AT01 VCR. Cassette had to be hand cycled to be removed via carriage removal. Pinch roller also replaced. Upon reassembly and power up, power indicator and timer flashing, cassette would not load. I read in the archive that this may mean unit must be reprogrammed with remote. Is this the case here? Or, what is the CPU trying to tell me?

Reprogramming time & date has alleviated flashing timer indicator. Other symptoms persistent. Television receiver functioning.

QUESTION NO. P217-7: Magnavox VRT242AT22 VCR. The timer light is constantly on and the VCR refuses to accept the tape, it does after some time. I checked,cleaned the micro switch and belts, everything looks ok.

Did you try programming the clock? Sometimes these VCR's will not let you do anything until the clock is set.

QUESTION NO. P224-7: Magnavox VRU240-ATOL VCR. As soon as unit is plug into power, unit will start its operation. Cassette tray will move foward as in loading tape,with no cassette in unit. Head is turning. Tape guides move forward as to place tape around head. Again no cassette is in unit. No lights on display are working. No switches will function. Only way to shut down unit, is to pull power plug from wall plug,and everything remains in place.

Sounds like mechanism is out of time. Need to get service manual and retime mechanism.

QUESTION NO. P225-9: RCA VR505 VCR plays tapes, ff, f-rewind properly. Upon eject command as the tape guides pull back under the cassette housing and before cassette unloading, the take up reel does not pull the excess tape back into the cartridge which causes it to be caught behind the guides. The capstan motor does not run during this time, it must to drive the takeup idler. I substituted a mode sense switch but it did not help.

Check all the electrolytic capacitors in power supply mainly on the ouput side of the transformer.

QUESTION NO. P214-9: RCA VMT285 VCR, have EE audio but no playback audio. No service light. IC401 on main board has good EE audio there and I assume that this also is where the PB in and out should be.

Replace IC 401 part# BA51195 should fix the problem.

QUESTION NO. P229-6: Toshiba DX-7 VCR. Power supply is open on the primary side. Managed to get into the power transformer and discovered that the primary consists of some type of inline coil inserted into the body of the power transformer (TPW1353AM). The inline coil has the following markings UMI 124 133 Degrees C 2A 250V~. Any ideas as to what this part is?

That looks like an inline fuse to me. 2A 250V.

This device is not a coil, it is a thermal cutoff, a temperature-activated fuse. It will go open, cutting off the current, at a set temperature, to prevent a fire from any transformer overheating. This one was made by Uchihashi Estec Co. of Japan; it is rated for 133�C, carrying up to 2 Amps, at 250 Volts.

QUESTION NO. P127-4: Goldstar R-Q40F VCR plays back all tapes in black & white only.

Does this unit have A/V Jacks? If so, what does it look like on them? If ok on A/V Jacks, modulator/tuner is bad. If neither of these, Check/adjust tape path.

QUESTION NO. P22-1: Akai vs33u VCR. Original problem, machine will not load & rf out connector loose. Resoldered connector and changed belts. Machine now plays but there is a lot of noise if I use the rf out. Using video and audio out everything normal. rf bad? What is the part number and where can I get it?

Is Akai still in business? Sounds like you hit it right, the tuner pack is bad. Try Precision Tuner Service. I do not have their number but I think the 800 directory operator could give it to you.

QUESTION NO. P218-2: Samsung VCR PB-981R VCR is dead, no lights no nothing. I checked the power supply, there are three output pins to the main board 6, 9, and 12 Volts. As soon as I connect the power supply to the main board the 6v pin drops to 0.25v. I am not sure if this is correct.

Checke the voltage reg ic. If ok, I would suspect a filter cap,diode, or possibly a transistor somewhere downstream on the 6v supply that is leaky or shorted. If you do not have service data you will have to use your educated finger to trace the circuit and check all above devices you encounter that intersect 6v trace.

QUESTION NO. P217-6: Sony slv660hf VCR will not turn on. After looking at the power supply D203 is suspect but I cannot find the specs on that diode, only a mitusumi # of d2s.

If the body of D203 is marked 'D2S', I suspect it is actually a Shindengen D2S rectifier, which is a 2 Amp Schottky rectifier. If so, and the polarity band is silver, it is rated 40 Volts; if the band is blue, it is rated 60 Volts. Note that this Schottky will have a low Vforward (0.2-0.3V) on a test meter. But if a substitute is required, you might try a General-Semi SB340 or a Rectron SR340 (40 Volt/3 Amp), or the SB360 or SR360 (60 Volt/3 Amp). Mouser Electronics (800-346-6873; www.mouser.com) carries these rectifiers (cat. nos. 625-SB340, 583-SR340, 625-SB360, 583-SR360). ECG/NTE 586 or 579 are also possible subs.

QUESTION NO. P114-2: Two Fisher fvh-7600 VCR's with the same problem. When a tape is inserted, the tape loads up properly, then the units shut off. When trying to eject the tape, the units shut off. You have to very patient, and lucky, to get the tapes out. When no tape is in the machines, everything works fine.

Mechanical alignment, Mode switch, drive belts, FF/REW assembly. General maintanence on these machines.

QUESTION NO. P15-3: Magnovox VR9942aT01 VCR will load ok but when Play is pushed the head will spin for a few seconds then re-tract the tape in the cassette and power down. No picture comes up on the TV. Also when ff and rewind are pushed they will turn for a few seconds then power down.

Remove power supply and check caps, if you have an esr meter. If not, just change all of the ones in the secondary. These will be the ones on the side of the transf that has 6 - 8 caps. You are not talking about that much money.

QUESTION NO. P124-6: Thomson V4590 VCR. In play back, the image is shuffled. Often half of the screen correct, but the other half shuffled, or a part of the image is OK but I there is a large noise bar (1 cm) a the bottom of the screen.

Sounds like filter caps in the rf mod-tuner section usually agc.

QUESTION NO. P17-10: Akai VS-112ea VCR. When a tape is played, the picture is displayed on half of the screen. When I adjust the two pins that have drawn the tape out to the head I get a clear picture. If the tape is ejected and put back in it is back to the fuzzy 1/2 screen picture.

Probably a faulty drum motor.

QUESTION NO. P1216-7: RCA VR319 VCR when first powered on, the head spins but as it picks up speed there is a loud high-pitched tone. The unit will also stay powered on for approx. 5 secs before it shuts itself off. I changed C09, C14 and C19, (all I have found to be dry), in the power supply pcb.

Check Timing, and aligment. Also check to see if VCR thinks it has a tape already in it. May have bad lamp sensors. If all of that is ok, replace mode switch.

QUESTION NO. P1215-2: JVC 7200s VCR orks properly in play, but FF or RW do not work (after play, tape is eaten when ejected). Power supply works but no voltage measured at the motor, which is tested separately, to be in good condition.

Try cleaning the mode switch. If that does not work, replace it.

Check Idler tire/Gear for slippage. Use a test jig if you have one. If tire is worn, replace it. If the gear is defective you will have to replace the entire unit.

QUESTION NO. P1221-9: Panasonic AG1240 VCR. Panasonic tells me that the rf modulator # VEQS0420 is no longer available. Is there a cross to another manufacturer or a generic available?

For your RF Modulator, you might try the following places as they may may have old stock Andrews 800-289-0300, Hermans 800-666-0060, Citronix 800-255-5229, Tritronic 800-638-3328, MCM 800-543-4330, Dale Electronics 212-475-1124 all carry Panasonic Parts. What is wrong with your unit, perhaps it can be fixed. See back of Radio Electronics, or Electronic Servicing as there a few other places that also stock Panasonic items (pays to see EST Replacement parts showcase issue usually around Oct or so.)

The part you need #veqs0420 can be ordered from MAT Electronics 800-628-1118, cost is $24.95 plus epostage in single qtys.

QUESTION NO. P1123-9: Symphonic SE226D VCR. I need a source for a TO-220, 3 pin device. I do not know what it is, but it has written: SEC 617 CS5020-0.

This is a Samsung NPN fast-switching transistor, KSC5020-O. The ratings are 800 Vcbo, 500 Vceo, 3 Amp, 40 Watt, gain 20-40, 18 MHz. Samsung sold its power semiconductor division to Fairchild, but if you want a substitute, a close match would be 2SC3446, available from B & D Enterprises (800-458-6053; www.bdent.com) for $1.35. Although only it is rated for 450 Vceo, an NTE 2333 might also be a possibility.

QUESTION NO. P128-4: RCA VR690HF VCR, the picture starts out clear but after three seconds an click is heard and then video static (looking like tracking lines) starts in the middle of the screen and spreads to full screen then blue screen appears. This is repeated over and over in playback but not in FF/REV search modes.

What I found was capacitor C613 is causing a capstain/drum phase problem due to high ESR. And the audio click sound was the HIFI turning on and off. In fact, I tried to compare C613 ESR to another 10mf 16v capacitor in the machine and I found all (9 total) the 10mf 16v capacitors to be leaking with high ESR. RCA must have got a bad batch of cap's.

QUESTION NO. P1112-8: JVC HR-D960U VCR has ps problem. When apply power to it there is whirring noise near/at transformer (and "SAP REC" LED on front panel lights up) then the thermal fuse (I believe) in transformer opens, shutting down power after ~1 sec. If I quickly cycle power the interval before shutdown decreases. Interestingly, the problem occurred for a while then went away and recurred (permanently, it appears) after a power outage. Is this problem with ps itself or merely a symptom?

Check tha 120 mic cap at location c33. I have soldered in a 100 mic cap on top and a 22mic non-polor on the underside to give me the right value.

QUESTION NO. P1116-3: JVC HRD960U VCR. Half of the picture is missing, I replaced the heads. Also, being in rush, I went to replace the surface mount cap on the drum cylinder (3.3uf @ 50v) and forgot which way the polarity goes. Which way does the neg. face, towards the drum cylinder or away?

The black or neg side of the cap goes toward the back of the machine. So an easy way is black to the back.

QUESTION NO. P1118-6: Sony SLV-575UC VCR with a dead power supply model number 1-413-532-11. The fuse is blown and R215 appears to be burnt so I need the value of this resister and any other parts that may be common to blow in this model of power supply.

The value of R215 is 10 ohm ( BRN, BLK, BLK, GLD). Before powered-up, checked for a short after R215.

QUESTION NO. P1119-5: Emerson VT0952 TV/VCR will not go into PLAY. Upon loading tape onto reel table unit will go into FF mode instead of PLAY. Pushing PLAY causes FF. REW and PAUSE work. Have cleaned tape path thoroughly, replaced A/C head and system control IC's. Mode switch seems to be okay but cams do not make complete circuit to fully load tape into tape path. Checked all gear alignment and it is okay. Capstan motor is working.

Replace Mode select switch. Also check out end sensor operations. Unit should cycle up when power applied to find "home" so processor knows what state transport is in. End sensors tell system control if tape is in and at what end. If it thinks its at the end of a tape it will go into RW.

QUESTION NO. P1118-3: JVC HR-S4700U VCR with an extensive hi-fi dropout problem. Unit plays back pre-recorded tapes and recordings made on other machines fine, but anything recorded on this machine drops out constantly. There is also a low volume hum or whine present when any hi-fi tape is played back. Video playback quality is perfect, though other machines have difficulty adjusting tracking enough to play recordings made on this machine.

Defective ACE head or aligment, also poor tape path alignment could cause these symptoms. Check the ACE and Erase heads first and their physical position and alignments. The control path being recorded at the incorrect position of the tapes will cause tracking problems when played back on other machines. The unit will record and playback fine by itself but will cause incompatability problems.

Most likely, upper cylinder (video/hi-fi audio heads) nearly worn out, recording a weak FM signal onto the tape, then playing back the weak recording with same worn heads. Prerecorded tapes may play fine with this condition- for a while.

QUESTION NO. P1110-1: NEC ds8000u VCR has no video and audio on rf out but audio is present if I use audio and video out. Have cleaned the heads so far. Also need to know where to get parts and service manuals.

NEC took itself out of consumer electronics manufacturing over 5 years ago. They do not support any or all of their one-time consumer products. A lot of the necessary parts are available as generic items but manufacturer specific parts are almost non-existant.

Check with A.G. Tannenbaum @ www.agtannenbaum.com They have MANY service manuals for VCR's, test equipment, etc. It is the ONLY place I was able to get any information on NEC equipment.

QUESTION NO. P1014-8: RCA UR674HF VCR has one third of picture missing on top. Cleaned head and no results. Still there in ff and rew. scan.

Replace small electrolytic surface mount cap on capstan pcb.

QUESTION NO. P1025-7: Magnavox VCR9223AT01. After tape loads, unit goes into rewind mode for several seconds then ejects the tape when the rewind (left) takeup reel does not engage. Takeup reel clutch seems OK, but the lever that lifts up on the clutch seems to be hanging up on the mode lever. Cannot find part # or supplier for this lever that looks like the problem. Not 100% sure that this is even the whole problem.

Answered my own question. Tape was ejecting because the cover was off and light was reaching sensor. The Philips/Magnavox part number for the idler arm was #483540297538 and could be ordered through MCM.

QUESTION NO. P1022-4: Problems with synchronization capstan motor in Tensai (old model) VCR. I need any documentation or description of 112070300A4, a controller for capstan (and probably drum too) motor driver.

Check for a leaked cap on capstan (if it has) or Sony CPU. Also check CTL head.

QUESTION NO. P1013-6: Sharp VC-A206U VCR. The capstan motor does not turn in any mode rew, ff, etc. I replaced the mode switch, but this did not repair the problem.

Check for open foil pattern on capstan motor. Between 12 volt input at connector & capacitor C6.

QUESTION NO. P928-8: RCA vr664hf VCR display blinks off and on. The power button seems to turn it on but just for a moment.

There are three caps that need replacing in the power supply module (in the primary section 22uf-np, 4.7uf , in the secondary there is a 220 or 470 uf that also goes bad). I cannot remember the board locations of the parts.

QUESTION NO. P104-10: JVC HR-D337MS which is a multi-system VCR. There is a problem with the power supply. The AC input to the VCR can be any between 90 to 240 V. There is no DC output from the power supply section. I found out that the switching IC (STRD1706) that control the switching of DC to the primary of the transformer is not doing the job. I have a hard time to find this part.

STRD1706 is available from many places in North America, some of which are, B&D Enterprises (800-458-6053, www.bdent.com), MCM (800-543-4330, www.mcmelectronics.com), Union Electronics (800-648-6657, www.unionel.com) in the US, or Pacific Semi in Canada (www.pacificsemi.com). Perhaps you are located elsewhere, but did not mention this??? In Europe, try Donberg Electronics (www.donberg.ie), in Ireland, or VAAG Electronica HS (www.vaag.es), in Spain. B&D and MCM are also able to ship internationally.

QUESTION NO. P928-6: Toshiba M-650 VCR. After a storm, the unit will not power up.

Sounds like the power supply is the culprit. Most of these supplies can be fixed by replacing the 22uf 10v non polarized cap and the 330uf 16v cap. I do not have a schematic handy, so I cannot give you the locations. Maybe someone else can provide that information.

QUESTION NO. P825-2: Mitsubishi HS-U590 VCR will not accept tapes sometimes, or it will try to eject the tape and take it back in and out a number of times before shutting down. This model has only infared eyes and no mechanical switches. I cleaned all the eyes and pathways and checked function on each. More often, it will play fine with no evident problem until long-term usage.

Replace LED, also sometimes Mode Switch can become dirty and cause this problem.

QUESTION NO. P98-7: Sony SLV-585HF VCR. The half load arm is not working properly. I tried to re-apply some lubrication to enhance its movement but this did not fix the problem. The tape still does not get loaded properly. The tape feeds in behind the half-load arm, instead of front.

This is a common problem with several models. If the half load arm is still sticking even slightly it will continue to cause a problem. You stated that you applied more lube. Did you remove the locknut and clean the parts first? I have seen this problem many times and the only sure fix is to remove the locknut and arm, clean thoroughly with alcohol or acetone, lube again and re-assemble. Works every time.

Remove the arm and clean the shaft and the inside of the arm mount with a swab and acetone.After you have cleaned the parts very well, lube with machine oil. Make sure you are adjusting the arm to its proper height.

QUESTION NO. P826-2: RCA VR601HF VCR. Tape begins loading and ejects before end of horiz travel (never sets down into "loaded position"). Load Photo Eye is OK because if blocked, it starts load. Have reset carriage gears (they look good) and motion is smooth. Customer says problem started intermittently, then all the time.

RCA VR-601HF is actually Panasonic made. Problem is a faulty 'Casette down switch' SW6002, Panasonic Part# ESE105SV1, RCA Part# 206922. Part is not repairable, you have to replace it.

QUESTION NO. P728-1: Emerson 964n VCR plays recorded tapes fine,but tapes recorded on the vcr, have a fixed line on it. Heads were cleaned.

Alignment of the exit roller or pinch roller guide will clear up the problem in most circumstances, as long as a faulty tape is ruled out first.

QUESTION NO. P812-2: JVC hrs3500u VCR has no power. The main fuse is ok. The tape was playing at the time it lost power.

Most later model VCR's, especially JVC, have additional fuses soldered into the power supply PCBs. They are usually referenced as "circuit protectors" and look like small, 2 lead ICs. They are actually fuses for the 5 volt supply to all the semiconductors in the VCR. Look for something similar, usually near the output connector, and probably designated as CP-?. In my experience, these blow much more frequently than the line fuses.

QUESTION NO. P89-1: Jvc hr-910u VCR. Cassette will load up around video head but head will not spin and capstan will or reels also will not spin including loading tape back into supply reel.

Check the ICP that goes to the heads, I have found this to be common with JVCs.

QUESTION NO. P721-5: Panasonic PV1600 VCR is approximately 20 years old and was one of the first! It is highly mechanical. When attempting to record (pressing both play/record switches), they engage and within a few seconds, time-out and reset. Attempts to override are unsuccesful. All belts/tensioners appear intact.

Check and clean safety record switch.

QUESTION NO. P728-4: RCA vr290 VCR will not accept a tape "e" flashes in display. Also the "tape in" indicator stays lit even without a tape.

Replace the tape end sensors located on the carriage, available from MCM.

QUESTION NO. P729-6: Emerson vcr-874 VCR, will not play. It will play with a test jig inserted, fast forward, everything seems to work. But with an actual tape, there is no reel movement and the unit shuts down.

Look around the capstan post for a white piece of plastic with a hole in it. The hole originally housed a metal stud, which falls out. Remove the white piece of plastic, not really needed. Small sector arm.

QUESTION NO. P726-9: LXI 580.53448290 VCR that is dead. I am missing my 5.3 and 6 volt taps, all other voltages are higher than normal by about 2 volts. I changed a blown zener diode and checked the caps and IC'S and they seem fine.

Have the main board rebuilt by PTS Electronic. They charge about $150. and guarantee the board for 6 months.

QUESTION NO. P726-5: Goldstar GVRC435 VCR goes into FF CUE speed when play is pushed. Occurred suddenly and is consistent. Cleaned heads and checked tape path. Seem OK. Also will not rewind but fastforwards ok. Unit is a bear to service because top PCB plugs into lower and front panel PCB's. Goldstar has a "service harness" available to allow operation while disassembled, but it costs $40! Any way around the need for the test jig?

The problem may be abient light effecting the sensors. Try setting the cover over the machine.

QUESTION NO. P730-3: Sanyo VHR-6100 VCR. Could anyone give information about STK5473 hibryd component?

The STK5473 is a voltage regulator IC. It is also a common failure in Sanyo/Fisher VCR's.

QUESTION NO. P727-9: Sony SLV595HF VCR. Cassette drops and then ejects. I put a tape in and the cassette loaded, tape loaded, video and sound good, stopped at the end of the tape. I tried to rewind, the machine made a couple of movements and the cassette ejected. Tried numerous times to load and would load the cassette but not load the tape and eject.

Check for defective clutch assembly.The sony Pt# is A-6739-096-A.

QUESTION NO. P77-7: RCA VR664HF VCR. When the power is on it just continually cycles, trying to load the tape. It never drops the tape down, with or without a tape in. If a tape is put in, it will cycle a few times, then spit the tape back out.

Check loading for correct phase, remove loading and rephase, check a small window, need to be front of sensor. This problem occurs if you do not put a tape in correct position. Check also for a metal label, need to be hard to maintain tape. Also you need to replace loading.

QUESTION NO. P720-10: Symphonic SE426g VCR. Found fuse f001 blown, q001 shorted out. Number on part c5020-0, need cross reference on this, believe it to be a 5v or 15v regulator.

C5020-0 is not a regulator IC, it is KSC5020-0, a Korean fast-switching transistor, 500 Volt, 3 Amp, 40 Watt, TO220F. The logo "SEC", for Samsung Electric Co., might be visible on it. A possible cross can be NTE2339; another possible alternative is 2SC3971(A), listed by MCM (800-543-4330) or B&D Enterprises (800-458-6053).

QUESTION NO. P622-10: Zenith vr4207 VCR. It tries to load tape in by itself even without a tape. I cleaned the sensor but still does not work. When I took the cover off, the VCR seems to work fine.

The Led inside the chassis is weak and not emitting enough light to the load sensor.

Order Zenith kit, p/n 903-1487-01, contains Cassette LED, resistors, & instructions.

QUESTION NO. P628-10: Symphonic TVCR9G1 VCR/TV Combo the VCR faults and shuts off after about 8 seconds with either a play, F-search, R-search, FF, or RW. One interesting note I can toggle between forward and reverse search every couple of seconds and not have it shut off. The real time counter works fine and the idler and main drive belt are not slipping as I have seen cause other VCRs to stop. The tape end sensors appear to be working fine but I still believe the problem to be electronic and not mechanical, and probably a sensor of some sort. Have you seen anything like this before in a Symphonic or Funai based VCR or combo?

Symphonic had a whole bunch of VCR's and combos where the IR LED in the middle of the deck would go bad. More than likely, that is your problem.

Check the middle led emitter. They are very common to go bad. You said you checked the end sensors but the middle emitter is the one that causes the problem

Try changing center led and both sensors.

Cassette LED p/n is QPQSSLR938CV.

QUESTION NO. P64-8: Orion VR0220 VCR has continually become worse at accepting a cassette until finally it will not take one at all. I have checked sensors and all have a strong 5V reading. Could it be the mode switch or is their a loading completion switch?

Relube the loading mechanism, replace the loading belt and make sure the pulley of the loading motor is not slipping on the shaft (seen that on two Orion VR358 since '89). If necessary replace the modeswitch. Alternatively disassemble the switch and clean it by hand. Using contact cleaner on the switch is a way to troubleshoot but no fix. Though it might work for a while it will eventually collect dust and gum up, making replacement inevitable.

QUESTION NO. P610-8: (II) JVC HR-E939 dynamic drum VCR still image problem. When paused, two identical frames are visible in the still image, vertically displaced by ~10 lines. It causes an annoying visual jitter, stronger than the one caused by differing half-frames (PAL system). No problem during standard or long play and cueing. While reversing from review to cue, there is a brief (0.3 sec) perfect still image without jitter, while the dynamic drum adjusts its tilt. Pause jitter = unavoidable "feature"?

Adjust head-switchover for for Stillframe to match pictures. Somtimes no seperate control is available and you have to check and realign the general Switchover controls for head 1 and 2. What you describe is normal behaviour if the switchpoint is a little off. On stillframe and cue/rev a vertical sync pulse is generated by the controller based on the head-switchover signal and any mistiming shows as shifted half-frames. On all other modes the vertical sync pulse is not generated but read off the tape along with the rest of the signal and thus timed okay. So no visible jumping effect there as long as switchover is not taking place during the Vsync pulse distorting it.

QUESTION NO. P69-8: NEC n-9052a VCR. After recording picture jumps and rolls vertically on playback. Any other prerecorded tape (i.e. from another machine) plays fine.

1. Check backtension is applied to the tape. 2. Check head-switchpoint at recording is ahead of vert.sync pulse (6.5 lines with European standard 50Hz/625lines). If problem persits check alignment of tape guiding posts.

QUESTION NO. P611-9: RCA VR621HF VCR functions normally when playing back factory recorded tapes, but is distorded when playing back tapes that it or another vcr recorded (looks like the vert. hold on the tv has been turned all the way one direction). I cleaned the heads repeatedly with no effect.

Were the factory-made tapes done at SP, and the home-recorded tapes made at EP or LP? If so, that sounds like a 4-head VCR with a problem using the 2 heads for EP/LP (the 2 heads for SP would be OK). Check the head-selection circuit, check the head preamps; replace (or clean again) the video head drum.

Clean audio/control head, check backtension is applied. Check head switchover is ahead and not within the vertical sync area and align the tape guiding posts for correct height scoping FM-level.

QUESTION NO. P622-10: Zenith vr4207 VCR. It tries to load tape in by itself even without a tape. I cleaned the sensor but still does not work. When I took the cover off, the VCR seems to work fine.

The Led inside the chassis is weak and not emitting enough light to the load sensor.

Order Zenith kit, p/n 903-1487-01, contains Cassette LED, resistors, & instructions.

Symphonic had a whole bunch of VCR's and combos where the IR LED in the middle of the deck would go bad. More than likely, that is your problem.

Check the middle led emitter. They are very common to go bad. You said you checked the end sensors but the middle emitter is the one that causes the problem

Try changing center led and both sensors.

Cassette LED p/n is QPQSSLR938CV.

QUESTION NO. P69-8: NEC n-9052a VCR. After recording picture jumps and rolls vertically on playback. Any other prerecorded tape (i.e. from another machine) plays fine.

Clean audio/control head, check backtension is applied. Check head switchover is ahead and not within the vertical sync area and align the tape guiding posts for correct height scoping FM-level.

QUESTION NO. P521-5: Sony SLV-555UC VCR. Need value of R201 in the power supply section.

Resistor value should be 8.2 ohms. Recommend changing all electrolytic caps in power supply or resistor will go open again.

QUESTION NO. P521-7: Sony SLV900HF VCR. When it was playing in SP mode, the player stops after about 1 hr. Same for the recording. It does not do this in EP mode. When I checked it without the cover, the tape just stops and goes a couple of times before it eventually stops. I am suspecting the head for SP mode is worn out somewhat, which causes this problem only in Sp mode.

It could be the capstan bushing. Since SP is a faster speed, it heats up quicker and stops the motor. Run it FF & REW to the ends of the tape & listen for a squeel. The bushing ass'y is available seperately from the motor from several sources. Sony pt # X-2625-356-2, MCM # 32-7390.

I would try capstan motor first they can cause this and many more faults. One notorious fault is the berring which can be checked by inspecting the coils in motor for rubbing and or cueing the tape and pushing and pulling on top of capstan and listening for rubbing. New motors come with an increased berring housing height for brtter heat dissipation.

QUESTION NO. P69-7: Toshiba V-130G VCR. Takes cassette in, stop sign on display blinking, then goes into shutoff. Same with play, ff, rew just the recording sign blinks, no action of the loading motor. When turned maually on power-up it spins in unloading direction only. Suspect driver IC BA6109 but cannot get info on that one. What are the inputs and common voltages on that IC during operation?

Rohm's BA6109 is obsolete, so instead try the datasheet for driver IC BA6209 for the information you want. This IC works similarly to BA6109, except for higher output current capability (1.6A vs. 0.5A). Get its PDF datasheet at http//www.rohm.com/products/databook/motor/pdf/ba6209.pdf.

QUESTION NO. P67-7: We have run across many RCA Type power supplies in VCR's and have replaced the 22uF 16 NP cap and various other caps. We now seem to have a problem with several units emitting a high pitched hissing sound. Again we have checed and/or replaced the cap's.

If you can get a Global Semiconductor parts book there is a kit for these and related power supplies.

QUESTION NO. P520-2: Panasonic dvd a110 VCR, works for about 10-30 minutes then then picture then go into freeze mode.

Suggest getting the complete circuit module from Zenith. After all, do you already know what else is damaged in the set? Also check the crt to see if the set is worth repairing, they have been known to arc and crisp the modules.

QUESTION NO. P61-2: RCA VR696HF VCR. If I take the batteries out of the VCR remote overnight then replace them, the remote will work fine the rest of the evening. However next day the remote is non-functional again. What causes this? This remote has a jog/shuttle feature. Where can I get a new remote for this VCR if needed?

MCM Electronics (800-543-4330) is an authorized distributor for Thomson, and has access to virtually any remote for RCA/GE/Proscan brands.

QUESTION NO. P61-10: VR528 RCA that the head motor starts and the top load gears jump time the minute that you plug it in. I have retimed it over and over only to have it do the same thing.

This particular model has a Panasonic side plate (that would be the right side facing the unit)examine it by removing it from the chassis. On the side plate a piece of the guide is broken off. This causes misalignment, trigerring the sensors to start an erratic loading. Once you have replaced it, align your gear markers to the indentations on them and you should be fine.

QUESTION NO. P524-3: GE VCR, dead power supply. C09 and switch tranzistor were changed, tested all diodes was no problem. Once I changed C09 and a switch transistor the power supply started making a buzzing noise and a voltages on T1 were not there. Also noticed another transistor and two other diodes were burned. Parts were replaced with exactly the same ones.

Try a power supply repair kit, either at Tritronics or Edi Electronics and also on c09 cap rca makes a kit for that part # 194339.

QUESTION NO. P511-10: Panasonic NV-J35 VCR. When turned on, the front panel display lights up normal. After 5 seconds the E9 shows up. Cannot turn on or do anything. This model is an Australian vcr.

Change every cap in power supply. This will also eliminate any other faults associated with over heated caps.

QUESTION NO. P420-7: GoldStar VCR, picture fades out to noise but audio still ok. Heads cleaned problem still persists but not all the time.

On this particular model remove the power supply and change the 47uf-63>100volt caps. Also the pinch roller motor should have 3 electrolytics-replace them. If problem persists examine head. Insert a clear white piece of paper between the drum and the headchips, carefully!!! Examine the chips for any inconsistencies. If head looks bad order a new one.

QUESTION NO. P57-3: Akai VS-616U VCR, the tape plays but there is a series of characters on the screen that will not go away. It almost looks like a computer virus, is it the cpu?

Replace character generator chip.

QUESTION NO. P513-7: VR532 VCR. On power up the display reads "LOCK ----" initially, then the "LOCK" goes away. Tape will load but will not eject. No buttons work but power and eject cause "LOCK" to reappear briefly. Power supply checks OK. Remote power on causes "LOCK" to reappear.

Push the power button on this VCR's remote, and hold it in about 7-10 sec, until the VCR disengages from its child safety lock mode.

QUESTION NO. P512-1: AIWA HV-FX1000 VCR has problem with vertical control on half the movies played. It does not have a problem with tapes recorded on the machine. The picture keeps jumping. Baffling part is only half the movies exhibit this.

Check movies for copy protection. Some tapes have special vertical sync to prevent copies from being made. Look at vert sync pulse for "funny" square waves.

QUESTION NO. P57-8: RCA VR653HF VCR which is dead, no power, fuse was alright. I believe it is the switching transistor in power supply. Where can I get the transistor BUL26XI made by ST? I checked on ST's website, and the electronic distributor, Newark, Electrosonic, they do not have it.

Remove the power supply module and replace 250v. 4.7uf cap + 16v 22uf NP cap then in the aft end of the power module replace 2 330uf 6.3v caps. Replace with a 50v.22uf NPolar cap.I do not have the location numbers so good luck in your venture.

QUESTION NO. P422-5: Zenith VR2235 VCR,.dead. Checked fuses, they are in tack. No visable damage.

Check the capacitors in the power supply and the STK**** IC.

QUESTION NO. P428-8: Panasonic NV-SD200 VCR center deck. It functions ok when cold. When I try to play a tape it accepts the tape but does not load the tape, it then ejects. I have tried freezing p.s.u., etc. I have checked the loading motor connectors.

If you can hear the loading motor turning when the symptom is present, the motor pulley has broken and the axis of the ldng mtr is rotating on its own failing to complete any move within specified time. So unit unlaces and ejects.

QUESTION NO. P56-5: Akai vs-31u VCR. It is a belt drive and FF and REW work great but the motor does not spin at all when in play or rec. However, the head still spins in these modes so I assume the play button is fine. It apparently worked fine befor a tape got stuck and was forced out. I fixed the front loader and checked voltages on the motor. There are 3 wires(- 3 gnd's) and there is 10Vdc on one when in FF, on the second when in REW but there is never any volts on the third wire in any mode. In play and record none of these have any volts.

Check, or better replace, electrlytic capacitors on capstan motor PCB, before replacing it.

QUESTION NO. P413-7: Testing a JVC HR-J633U VCR with the remote from a JVC receiver RX-664VBK The VCR powered down and will not turn on, not even with panel switches. The clock is working and will even auto reset time after overnight power down. There is a symbol that looks like a minus sign after the time.

It looks as if the unit has entered child lock mode. Point remote towards vcr and press power on (operate) until the symbol disappears and unit returns to normal operation.

QUESTION NO. P419-2: National NV-H70 VCR. Ok going to CA and TV RF as a tuner when playing video mostly black screen on RF and video in when off, tuning on RF asn see heads OK Showing snowy negative picture - power circuit ? head amp? Does it play HI FI in Australia ( stereo ) off the regular tuner?

Change all capacitors in PSU, check for dry joints on head amp pcb.

QUESTION NO. P429-6: Magnavox VR9965AT01 VCR. After playing about 1 minute, it ejects tape and powers down. Does not power down and eject in record, ff, rewind.

Try to resolder or replace tape in sensor. Also wipe off sensor.

QUESTION NO. P423-10: Panasonic pv4263 VCR. Picture from tuner is flat lacks gain, faint pattern moving in background (not herring bone), all channels same. On tape playback picture noisy, snowy with little or no color. Suspect power supply but output voltages seem ok on DVM.

Suspect all caps in ps, otherwise some units have module in back left corner of unit. If not luma chroma surface mount ic 301 usually fixes.

QUESTION NO. P427-4: SHARP VC-A#%# VCR, has no sound and picture. Play, rewind, FF and stop work fine. The tape is threading normally but every three to four seconds the tape comes out of the pinch roller going up and down. I adjusted the pinch but still get no sound or picture just a raster. Sometimes when removing the top cover the modes do not work. When play, FF or rewind the pinch roller is still biting the tape.

VC-A models are prone to failure of mode switches, capstan motors and idler assemblies.

QUESTION NO. P420-8: RCA vr270, it will fastforward and rewind, plays sometimes when fastforward and play are switched right after each other. Replaced the belt and cleaned tried different tape. It is like when in play the break near take up reel is jammed or idel gear wheel is not making the right contact with take up reel.

May need to clean or replace mode switch, also carriage alignment is very important in this model.

QUESTION NO. P45-2: Emerson vcr-4003a. During rewind or FF, sometimes during play unit will completely stop for just a second or so, (dead stop!!), then resume function. Iam guessing Capstan Electronics.

Lubrication on capstan breaks down on bearings and bushings. If it makes noise from the capstan, remove shaft then clean and relubricate again. If this does not work you may have to replace. Also check clutch and idler. This model also has problem with pinch roller spring stretching.

QUESTION NO. P413-10: RCA vr344 VCR with timer led flashing problem when powered on. Service manual does not address this problem in the fault finding capabilities of this model.

Unit needs to be programmed. Use remote to program date, time, etc. Once this is done, the unit will work properly.

QUESTION NO. P316-2: Sharp VCR model no vc-h855 that will not load tapes. When actuating the load motor by hand slightly it attempts to load but at a slow rate or even stops. It will then "time out" and shuts down. I have checked the mode switch and also cleaned the switch and surrounding area to no avail.

Either replace the loading motor or drive ic or both.

QUESTION NO. P48-5: RCA PFR 2675E (Color Trak 2000). There is an audio tone (probably a mix) on CH 4. This occurs when the cable is connected directly or through the VCR when the VCR is in the TV mode only. The interfering tone is not present when I go through the VCR in the VCR mode. All other channels are OK when connected directly. There is no CH 4 on the air in this area, only cable. I connected directly to two other TV sets, and the interference was not there. The tone is not on CH 4 with no cable connected.

Replace U-2300 (179728) clean all the glue off the board, L-2307 (183120), L-2316 (183121), L-2306 (181129), L-2305 (181133), L-2308 (181128), C-2311 (189983).

QUESTION NO. P315-8: RCA VCR model #VR657HF. This unit had a flashing display. Found and replaced defective capacitor C09 and the unit now powers up. Now after inserting a tape, it will take up the tape and begin to play, then begin to rewind, stop then eject the tape.

You have found the main culprit, C09, but there are most likely more dry caps on the secondary side. Check for bad ESR on all secondary caps and you should weed out the problem right away.

You can find a large section of power supply rebuild kits for RCA, GE and other VCR's, at Unionel.com. It even has a cross reference by VCR model #.

QUESTION NO. P42-1: Sony SLV585HF VCR works fine except that I cannot stop the on-screen display of the date, time and counter. I do not have the manual and see no controls for clock display etc.

The button you're looking for is only on the remote control and is marked "Data screen".

QUESTION NO. P32-6: LXI VCR model# 55117, and after a few minutes to hours the machine stops playingor recording and the power shuts off. When power is restored the tape is ejected.

LED D511 Weak

Try to change the LED or reel sensor.

QUESTION NO. P33-10: RCA vmt670hf capstan drive will not work after installing tape. Motor checks out ok, but machine shuts off after a few seconds in rewind or ff. In play the tape guides will extend then the machine shuts off.

Yes, can be tape guide problem, but also 4.7 uf 35v cap sma type on bottom of video head.

QUESTION NO. P34-5: Panasonic VCR pv4862. I rebuilt the power supply with an sk kit. Original problem was a short. Now there is a whining noise that sounds like a leak.

Usally either a cap or xformer squeals. Check ps caps on both sides of switch mode xformer and then ring the xformer.

QUESTION NO. P225-10: I replaced the heads on an old beta 11/111 VCR. How is an eccentricity adjustment performed on these machines, as I cannot seem to get the heads aligned properly?

After removing the upper fixed drum and mounting the gauge, do this: Adjust the gauge so that it reads about 5 microns. Loosen the mounting screws just a little. Rotate the head by hand slowly. Now tap the head into position so you have a MAX deflection of 3 microns per 1 head rotation. With 5 as your base number your deflection should be between 3.5 -6.5 microns. It takes time but if you are patient you can get it down to a 1 micron deflection.

QUESTION NO. P24-10: RCA VR526 with bad P/S. I found bad Q1 TO-220, 2sXXXXX device shorted in P/S module. I removed it and blown 1.6A fuse. I have since misplaced the defective parts and do not have the 2Sxxxxx # to obtain replacement.

Q1 is 2SC4418 and I suggest change C9 22uf /16v.BP capacitor is in primairy side. Also check for short zeners diodes on secondary side and bads caps.

QUESTION NO. P224-10: Zenith VCR model # VR4227HF tries to eject tape continually then blinks "ERR" on display.

Check that spring mount is not broken o