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 on right side of transport. If ok, retime entire machine.

QUESTION NO. P31-4: RCA VR270 and a Hitachi VT3400A (The RCA is just a clone of the Hitachi, same chassis and everything). My problem on both of them is no power at all. I have replaced almost everything in the power supply and still nothing. Good voltage on the caps. However, IC753 (BA6209) gets really hot. I replaced this IC and still the same thing. It is a 10 pin Single in-line package with a heat sink so I assume it is some kind of voltage regulator. Is there a short somewhere that is heating this thing up? I have not found one yet. Does anyone have any pointers on where to look for a short off this BA6209 chip? Or am I looking in the wrong place?

BA6209 is a Rohm motor driver IC. For pinout & specs, get the datasheet at http//www.rohm.co.jp/products/databook/motor/pdf/ba6209.pdf. The datasheet notes conditions that cause excess power usage, or IC misbehavior or damage, so you ought to be able to determine if the motor (off pins 2 & 10) is drawing excess current, or if the IC (or a component attached to it) is bad.

QUESTION NO. P218-4: TEAC model MV380. The machine does not appear to tighten the tape before ejecting. This causes the tape to snag the guide pins or get shut in the tape door.

Teac VCR's usually have a Symphonic deck. To check this, view the unit from the back. Look at the front of the deck under the tape up/down tray for a white plastic slide plate. To the left of center there is a metal post standing up with a small black rubber bumper on it that is a spacer for the slide plate. If this is your machine then that bumper needs to be replaced. In extreme cases the bumper may have totally disappeared. In addition to eating tapes when ejected these machines usually will not rew or ff, or make a loud noise doing so, although rew/ff scan is usually ok.

QUESTION NO. P226-5: Hitachi VCR model# VTFX621A, Q0851 is stamped on the part as FS3KM. What is it and is there an ECG equivalent?

What "FS3KM" is, is a fast-switching Mitsubishi FET. The "3" = 3 Amp, "KM" = TO-220F (isolated). I cannot give you a guaranteed ECG cross, though, because you did not provide the number that indicates the voltage, which comes after the "KM". Multiply this number by 50 Volts to get the FET's voltage rating, ranging from -9 = 450 Volts, to -18 = 900 Volts. Without knowing the voltage rating for a closer match, I can only suggest trying ECG2399 or NTE2399 with an insulator, since its 1KV voltage rating exceeds that of all the FETs in the Mitsubishi series, but using it may be overkill.

QUESTION NO. P118-6: RCA VCR model VR250, it will not play, it will fast forward and rewind. The tape loads/ejects OK. The rubber drive wheel spins/makes contact with drive spindle, but it will not pull tape through. Sometimes when ejecting, the tape will not rewind back into the cassette it stays in the VCR.

Had same problem with this unit the idler tire needs to be exact replacement. Make sure spring on top of tire is not reversed.

QUESTION NO. P25-10: RCA VR319 VCR FCC# A3LVT350W. Machine flashes "POWER" and "VCR" for a a couple of minutes after power switch is pressed. After that the machine quits flashing and pressing power again will restore machine to normal function.

Most likely C09, it is a little 22 uf lytic in the power supply. Part #194339, common problem on these machines. The kit comes with two caps, one polarized, one that is not. Use the same one as the original, usually the non-polarized one.

QUESTION NO. P211-2: Magnavox VCR VR9342AT22 that stopped recording audio. It will record video but will not erase or overide the old audio.

Check the record bias osc circuit.

QUESTION NO. P112-7: JVC HR-D566U Hi-Fi VCR. Playback is scrambled and audio speeds up every 4-5 seconds. Checked brass fittings underside of guide posts. EP is fine.

For starters chech the tapt path over the control head. If it is good then you probably need to replace the capstand motor.

QUESTION NO. P210-9: GE 9-7115 VCR. Audio and video are somewhat garbled. Cleaned audio and video heads and worked a little better, but still cannot get good tracking on either audio or video. The capstan motor makes noise, but it turns freely with power off. I am suspecting a speed control situation but do not want to buy a $70.00 motor for nothing.

Revise your estimate and replace the motor.

Symptom you describe, poor cylinder and capstan lock, usually black & white pix. Replace caps in power supply (many units) C15, C16, C18, C19, & C23.

QUESTION NO. P17-6: Where can I purchase a reel sensor (model number 513-194A) for a Goldstar VCR?

Try MCM Electronics at 1-800-543-4330.

QUESTION NO. P16-6: Goldstar GVH 9000. No sound or very little. Possibly bad IC module with surface mount caps?

The problem is usally the i.c (Goldstar p/n 669-058a) and it is usually not repairable.

QUESTION NO. P114-10: Sony SLV-393 VCR, when playing a tape there is horz bars across the screen, then goes into a blue screen. Tuner portion works fine, forward, reverse search, and pause works but has the same horz. bars across the screen.

It sounds like you need to do a guide alignment.

QUESTION NO. P18-8: GE VG4230A VCR. There was a static discharge to the RCA video jack and now the video is no good. No video out of the RF or the RCA jacks from playing a tape or from TV antenna - audio is ok in all modes. The VCR's 'on Screen' Menu is ok.

Check the last Video Amp transistor just before the RF Converter.

QUESTION NO. P25-6: The power on JVC hr-dr337ms VCR rarely turn on. Once on, the unit works fine even for a period of one month. In case of power failure or normal switch off, it is good luck to turn on the unit.

It sounds like you have a bad MEMORY battery or cap.

QUESTION NO. P21-3: Two White-Westinghouse HI-FI VCR's (WV-827) which I believe are manufactured by Philips. Both units play a tape perfectly but shut down during play/record in anywhere from a few seconds to many minutes of play (very intermittent on one unit). I checked the reel sensors for bad solder connections and cleaned the mode switch. I suspect the reel sensor or center mounted LED. I need the part numbers.

The problem is usually caused by the prism. We use a kit from Electrodynamics p/n 07-426 which includes the prism, center diode and both sensors.

QUESTION NO. P16-7: Symphonic 6450 VCR does not let audio through when the VCR tuner is used. Anything taped with unit has no audio. Video is OK, and playback of pre-recorded (store bought movies) is OK. According to the owner, if the unit is not used for several weeks, sometimes the audio comes back. Is this similar to problems of other units, in which a component requires resoldering or replacement? Can you help identify the component(s)?

Check for bias at the adio bias transformer. You should have between 20 and 50 volts peek to peek bias. If you do replace the audio ic.

QUESTION NO. P24-8: In Question No P629-9 it states to replace C 09 22 uf ( non polorized ) in the main portion of the power supply. The value of the cap is 22uf @ 16vdc. I have not been able to find a 16 volt cap of this kind. I have found a 15 volt cap, but nothing larger. The unit is a Samsung model 8702 that loses all power when a tape is inserted.

For your cap check with Nationwide Electronics 1-888-634-7278.

The capacitor is the same as an RCA p/n 194339

QUESTION NO. P24-4: Mitsubishi hs-339ur VCR. The cassette will start to load, then stop. The basket only moves a short distance. It appears that the motor is turning only a few revolutions, even with the basket drive belt removed.

It could be the motor is bad. To prove it, monitor the output lines coming from the drive ic. They should be 12volts, for about 4 seconds. If they shut off too fast, load the basket by hand and check the temperature of the chip during reject. It should be cool if everything is good.

There is a possibility the mode switch needs cleaning or the timing is off.

QUESTION NO. P22-4: JVC HR-S4700U S-VHS VCR. There is video but no audio. The video is streaked with three horizontal bars of snow which are unaffected by tracking adjustments. The video that is uncovered by the horizontal snow seems normal. On the audio monitor, I only get a quiet buzzing and no other audio. The tape counter remains at 0000 regardless of how long the tape is running. Is this a roller guide problem or a video head/video drum problem?

You have a tape guide problem. Either one or both is out of adjustment, broken or not evtering the V blocks all the way.

QUESTION NO. P23-9: GE VCR model VG4230A. No video out from RF or video-in; on-screen programming is OK. Had a static discharge on video-in plug.

Have you checked to see if you have video coming from the IF circut? you probally just have a bad video switching transistor.

QUESTION NO. P128-8: Older RCA model VCR. All functions work but the video does not. The picture is mostly snow unless the tape is in fastforward or rewind during play. Is this due to a damaged drum, and if so is there a cheap generic replacement?

Replace the video head available from MCM 1-800-543-4330.

QUESTION NO. P129-3: Quasar VH425 Hi-Fi VCR. When playing tapes on Hi-Fi, the audio will 'flicker' between Hi-Fi and regular mode. I cleaned the video head but still no improvement.

Using a HI-FI alignment tape, readjust the entrance and exit guides for max envelope. You may also have to adjust the phase of the A/C head.

QUESTION NO. P120-9: Mitsubishi HS 330 UR VCR. The motor on the take up reel will not turn, no fast forward or play.

Replace the motor or drive ic.

QUESTION NO. P21-9: Mitsubishi hs402ur. When unit is first plugged in, all functions work , sometimes for hours. If plugged in & not turned on, after a while (varies), will not power up, sometimes fastforward indicator comes on. Replaced or checked all power supply caps.

Replace the microprocessor.

QUESTION NO. P22-10: Mitsubishi VCR Mod #HS 330UR a 5 motor machine. I cannot get the motor on the take up reel to run on play or fast forward.

Replace the motor.

QUESTION NO. P21-2: Goldstar VCR model # GVR-F455 that will accept a tape when it is first plugged in but will not accept a tape after a tape has been ejected. The cassette in light will blink and the VCR will try to load when it is empty. I thought it was the tape in sensor but it is working.

The IR LED that supplies light to the sensor may be bad (not putting out enough light to trigger the sensor).

QUESTION NO. P122-1: Fisher VCR (FVH-615) with a transistor missing from the power supply PC Board. The component number is Q901 and sits next to R904 on the bottom part of that PCB section. I have to lift up the PCB out of its slot to get at it. When I lift it up, it is located on the bottom left of the board.

TP15 usually causes this. The board is probably discolored under it. It is not the approved fix, but what works for me is to replace it with a higher wattage transistor. I tried it first on my personal set and it has worked for over 4 years. Check the electrolytics around the transistor for leakage.

Q901 in the power supply is a D894 transistor

QUESTION NO. P122-5: I need a equivalent of MA2831. It is a power regulator switching in the power supply Sony VCR

MA2831 is listed in stock by MCM (800-543-4330) and B & D Enterprises (800-458-6053).

MCM Electronics, has MA2831 for cost of $20.58 and B&D Enterprises does not have it. To confirm that this part is the problem check pins 3 and 4 for a short and check the 1 uF 200V (C108) capacitor. If it reads significantly lower (about 1 nF) then the circuit will not oscillate.

QUESTION NO. P1229-7: Need information on Akai Model VS-515U. TR710 and FR101 both blown, and unreadable.

Symptom - No power. Remedy - Check FR701 0.18 ohm 1/4W fuseable, FR702 0.36 ohm 1/4W fuseable and TR710 2SC2603 for short circuit. Note - It is best to change all three components as failure of one can destroy the other two.

QUESTION NO. P17-4: RCA VR280 VCR. It had trouble loading so I replaced the belts on the load motor assy. Now when I power it up, after a few seconds, the power LED starts to blink. Could I have gotten the gears of the load mechanism out of time? How can I check or correct the timing?

There is a gear in the side plate of the load carriage that bends on its plastic post and skips teeth. This gear and the gear that interfaces it are both 'interrupted' gears i.e. they do not have teeth all the way around. So they are easy to line up again but the side plate needs to be replaced. Of course, its going to break again but if you have access to a lathe, you can replace the post with a metal one. There are also plastic 'hooks' that keep the stamped metal linear gears in place which need to be checked for breakage. Turning the unit on with the load carriage removed should reset the drive mechanism to the eject position. Check the plastic load carriage drive gear for damage also.

QUESTION NO. P128-3: Samsung VCR model VX-375. The STR 11006 in the power supply has been replaced, but still there is a problem. After a few seconds, the power supply shuts down.

Replace all ele capacitors in power supply (105 degree cap.). Also replace loading motor ic they can drawn a lots of current,because the power supply shuts down when there is lots of current.

QUESTION NO. P1215-5: Daewoo VCR DV-F823N that has an intermittent problem when you are in play then push stop. The VCR tries to go in eject mode instead but the supply reel has not taken up the slack tape so it gets eaten when it ejects.

Replace mode switch and make sure that the timing gear is line up correctly. Also replace the clutch unit assy. (clutch unit are quite common to fail these days).

QUESTION NO. P129-10: Goldstar R-F900S. I had some problems with the power supply card but now the vcr does not want to switch on. I have tested the power supply card. It seams that the tension (Volt) on all of the pins are low. For example 16V for 33V, 3V for 19V. The tension fell when I plugged in the VCR.

Replace all ele capacitors in smps (use 105 degree cap). Also check dry joint and check high value resistor.

QUESTION NO. P1229-3: Fisher FVH-905A VCR that will not accept tapes. An indicator light (flashing red box) located between the fastforward and rewind indicators is continually on. I have no manual so do not know what this means. Does it have something to do with the timer?

I believe the cause of the flashing LED is the moisture sensor. If you measure the voltage, it may be open. What I did was to fool the unit into thinking there was no sensor problem.

QUESTION NO. P127-4: Zenith TV/VCR combo. The TV is ok, the VCR records and plays back ok,but will not play precorded tapes right. There is horizontal weave at top of screen. Could the backtension be the trouble?

It is possible that the new copy protection is causing problems. I have heard that this is the case on certain models/makes. There are some simple circuits around that can combat this.

QUESTION NO. P1228-3: RCA VCR model VR538) displays "LOCK" on the panel. How do I unlock it?

Try pressing and holding power button for approx. 10 seconds and this should "unlock" VCR.

The answer above is correct, but this has to be done with the remote. The panel power switch will not work to unlock the VCR.

QUESTION NO. P129-8: Rca VKT275. All belts and idler have been replaced, heads cleaned, etc. When play is pushed, all I get is noise, no picture. If I push rewind while still in play mode then release the rewind button, the picture and sound work but the sound is not in sync with the picture and it still has some noise.

If the audio is out of sync with the video, then the tape length between the video head and the ACE head is incorrect. This is due to either a seating problem with the right guide post or a grossly misaligned tracking adjustment. Most likely, the right guide is not seating fully and gets a little closer when the tape is reversed in rewind scan.

QUESTION NO. P1228-8: Magnavox VCR model#VR9630AT01. The led front panel lights go out and sometimes come back on.Also when playing a tape, light horizontal fuzzy lines appear.

Not for sure about front panel but about the fuzzy line check for a shorted / open cap ( c2023-220MFD @ 6.3v). NAP# 483512447168.

QUESTION NO. P1216-1: Old GE 1VCR2002X which has gradually lost its ability to take up tape on the right hand reel. It tries but cannot keep up. I have replaced the belts. Fastforward and rewind work as does the capstan.

Drive idler assembly, possible brake pads and adjustments.

QUESTION NO. P1210-2: Mitsubishi HS-U48 shuts down approximately two seconds after power turned on (clock works only). Will not accept tape, all mechanical parts in working order.

This is a power supply problem. It is located on the secondary part of the supply. Replace all electrolytic capacitors and everything will work again.

QUESTION NO. P1116-3: I have a Goldstar VCR that will begin to play when the play button is pushed and after a few seconds it will stop playing. It does the same thing when I use fast forward or rewind. It does not shut the power off, it just stops. The counter does not show that the tape moved. It always reads 0000.

Replace the takeup spool sensor. Also, you may try cleaning the dust out from under the takeup spool, but my money is on the sensor.

QUESTION NO. P129-6: Toshiba VCR model 650c. The bottom of picture (approx. 1/4 ) is noisey. I can see lines of snow intermittent, almost a timed sequence. Changed lower and upper drum assemblies. Checked everything imaginable, suspect power supply, but for once a vcr that has me stumped.

it sounds like the tape right guide is not adjusted or free, check it!!

QUESTION NO. P122-10: Sony 8mm VCR Model EV-A300 which is giving me some trouble that I cannot figure out. When inserting tape, it loads fine but when starting to play, the tape gets crinkled and seems to speed up and slow down. Sometimes it will play the tape fine but when I rewind or fast-forward and resume play, it starts the problem all over again. The machine has been cleaned. All other functions are fine. The tape is crinkled in a set pattern and is uniform. The sound also is affected in this condition. When the unit does work it is fine.

Look at the back tension arm and make sure the grease on the shaft that attaches it to the main deck assembly is okay. If not, remove it from the shaft and clean the old grease. The grease can go dry and the arm is not free to move under spring control.

QUESTION NO. P121-6: I am working on the power supply for a Sony model SLV-555UC VCR. Not having access to schematics, I need the part no. for the zener diode D207.

The diode in question is a 16V/1 watt zener. If that power supply is part #1-413-468-11/13, then also check R203, C109 is 47Microfarad/25V, D202 is D5S4M, D205 substitute RD16F.

QUESTION NO. P119-7: Mitsushi hs-402ur in for sevice. Sometimes it will accept the tape, w ill not load the tape into the machine. I have replaced the mode switch, capacitors in b+ line to loading motor, replaced the loading motor assembly and drive ic. Unit worked for about one month, now it is doing the same thing. I also replaced front load switches. My guess is that either the housing assembly is failing or maybe I have a bad mode switch , it was a new one but could be a dead spot .

The common for the sensors does not come from the plug on the loading basket (right hand side) but through the RHS rear basket mounting screw. Check to make sure you have a good ground or all kinds of things will happen.

QUESTION NO. P116-10: I have a GE VG4016. When power is off, the timer light flashes off and on and then when the VCR is powered on, all the lights come on and then the display goes blank and will not eject the tape and no matter what buttons are depressed, nothing helps. The clock was running on the display the whole time. Please advise to what componet with part numbers need to be replaced.

VCR is in Lock Mode. Hold the power button on the remote until it turns on (about 7 seconds) to unlock the VCR.

QUESTION NO. P1117-1: Have students working on Goldstar GVH-55FM. It shuts down during play, rewind, and fastforward. We get video on screen for a moment. We checked all the sensors but all seem to be working. We suspect it may be a defect on circuit board but have no manuals. Is there a source for these or can anyone point us in the right direction?

Reel sensor. I had the same problem on a Goldstar VCR. The sensor appeared to be okay, but after replacement, it worked fine.

Old Goldstar modification for reel sensor circuit. In model GHV55FM, change value of R929 (close to timer IC) from 100K to 220K.

QUESTION NO. P1120-3: Zenith 19" TV/VCR combo. The TV is good.,VCR will record & play back ok.,but will not put all pretapes weaving at top of screen. Tracking control has no effect.

It sounds like the back-tension on the supply reel is out of calibration. Check your back tension band for wear, also check the mechanism in that area for binding and make sure all springs are in their proper positions. These things do slip or fall off entirely!

QUESTION NO. P1123-1: I have a Panasonic NVHD605 VCR with a Philips 29PT828C surround sound television. Certain video tapes crack during particularly loud bits of the soundtrack (on the front & rear speakers mainly). Changing volume settings does not help - the cracks can still be heard even when all volume settings are very low so it appears to be something to do with the VCR.

It is realistic that your problem only occurs during the playback of HI_FI tapes. As well, the machine in question is HI-FI. These decks use the video head (upper cyl) to convert the HI-FI signal. Your first action should be to insure the heads are completely clean. Next, try adjusting the Switch Point, a small pot located on the main PCB. Labeled Switch Point, Sw. Pt. etc. First, mark or note its setting in case you make things worse. Then, using small adjustments, attack the problem while playing the HI-FI tape. The problem will most likely crop up during a musical section. Small, deliberate turns in both directions until the problem is solved. In some cases, replacement of the head is necessary.

QUESTION NO. P1124-5: I am working on an RCA VCR model number vr321. When a cassette is inserted, the drum spins, starts to play then stops with drum still turning, unit will fastforward for a short time before stopping, will not rewind. Also has word lock displayed on control panel- have owners manual- do not see any info on unlock procedures.

To "unlock" the VCR, hold down "VCR1" or "VCR2" button on the remote for about 7-10 seconds (while pointing it at the front of the VCR, of course). This will take it out of "lock" function.

QUESTION NO. P1124-7: I have a JVC HRS-6600U VCR. When I plug it it, the clock flashes 1200, as expected. When I push the power button while no tape is inserted, the display changes to the "on" state ok, but the motor along the right side of the cassette tray quietly spins in one direction for a few seconds (nothing else seems to move), then in the other direction for a few seconds (nothing else seems to move), then the unit shuts off (flashes 1200). If I hit the power button again, it repeats the process. If there is a tape ready-to-load when I hit the power button, hitting the power button causes the unit to turn on and load the tape ok, but the tape guides only move through about 1/2 of their full travel sequence, then they reverse direction to their home positions, then the unit ejects the tape and turns itself off (flashes 1200). At no time does the head drum spin. I moved the loading motor by hand, and it proceeds through its entire loading sequence ok. Could it be the mode switch? Or maybe something else?

I would say the belts are to culprit. Replace the belts, be sure to clean the pulleys good. After the belt replacement, if it still does this, clean the mode switch (or replace). That should take care of it. Another possibility are the sensors.

Check your power supply , especially elec caps.

I had the same problem with JVC HR-DX62U .I found ic protector open CP601.

QUESTION NO. P1120-8: I have an Emerson VCR754 that when a tape is loaded, video shows on the television for approximately 30 seconds but only as if the video is in the Pause mode. After that time, the VCR will stop. I cannot locate the mode select switch for this model to clean it.

These units are known for failed capstain motorsors. Replacing just the bearing usually is only a temporary fix, better to replace the entire motor assembly. Parts available from most suppliers, ie Fox, Pacific Cost, etc.

Look around base of capstan for cracked "limiter post assy". MCM p/n 32-3860. Small plastic lever that moves "review arm", plastic cracks, small metal pin falls out.

QUESTION NO. P1120-9: Looking for an RF modulator for a Zenith VR5100R VCR (old 2-piece unit). The part number is PU56569-5. I was quoted a price of $85 but cannot believe it can cost that much. Is there a reasonable price out there?

The price for your tuner is correct but before replacing the tuner you can just check again the cold solder in the tuner and on the main board, most tuner problems are the cold solder. If you have time, you can resolder every solder you see.

QUESTION NO. P1030-4: RCA VCR model VR321. Unit accepts tape, head spins, take up reel turns briefly then stops, head continues turning, will not play. Rewind will fastforward briefly, ejects ok.

Check that the mechanism drive belts (tape threading, etc) are not slipping. Then check, clean, or replace the mechanical state sensor (sliding switch, if you prefer) that is hiding on the underside of the unit.

QUESTION NO. P1119-6: Goldstar VCR. A tape will play for a few seconds, then it will stop (the power remains on). This problem exists when fast forwarding or rewinding as well. The digital counter does not increment or decrement, it reads 0000.

Bad reel sensor.

QUESTION NO. P1110-6: I have a JVC-HRS500U VCR exhibiting extremely noisy video. The tracking of the unit is good. Heads have recently been replaced.

If memory serves me correct, this is a 4-head video drum. If this is the case, then try this first play back a pre-recorded tape in all three speeds. If noise is not evident in all three speeds, you probably have one dirty video head which just needs a good cleaning. If noise is evident in all three tape speeds, then check these points:

1. Clean video heads anyways and try again (if you have not already done so).
2. Check if new video drum assembly was installed 180 degrees out. It is possible, but only one way is correct, due to dual azimuth angles of the video heads.
3. Is noise only at top or bottom of picture, or right through? If only top or bottom portions, check your tape path guide post alignment. Not impossible without a scope, just adjust left post for top of picture, right post for bottom of picture.
4. Is picture also jittery? Check your head switching alignments. Virtually impossible to do accuratelly without a scope.
5. Was the new video drum an aftermarket, or OEM? I have sometimes had bad luck with aftermarket replacements, only an original manufacturer's replacement would work.

QUESTION NO. P116-6: Have a Toshiba VCR model m-64. When turned on, the led's just flash and the controls do not work. At present, there is a tape stuck in it which will not eject either. At first, if you let it sit flashing for awhile, the power would stabilize and it would work. Now it just flashes all the time. Nothing is dirty and inside looks like new, suspect power supply.

You are probably right. Typically, when something exhibits that behavior it is because electrolytic caps are on their way out. If they are borderline, they will gain capacitance slightly as they warm & operation will return to normal as unit warms up (as opposed to marginal diodes which tend to worsen as they warm). As time passes, they lose too much capacitance and symptoms you describe usually occur. At this point you will have to test each in the supply w/ cap meter, or just replace one-by-one until you get the right one.

I recently had the exact same problem with a Toshiba M-64. Turned out to be the C09 capacitor which is a 22�f 16v. Be sure to check the polarity before removing it as it is not clearly marked on the board.

QUESTION NO. P1110-4: I have a JVC VCR hr-d760u that apears to have a bad head. Replaced heads twice but symptom remains. Half the picture is gone. I have checked all the signals, switch pulse, sync,and data are all present.the motor and pickup coils appear good. I have also replaced servo processor ic. Sw control and tracking do have an effect on picture but not enough.

Have you overlooked the roller guides popping up (common on the JVCs) which prevent them from full seating properly?

QUESTION NO. P112-1: I have a Sears VCR model 580.53483090 will not allow any of the audio through for TV signal. It will play the audio for tapes fine most of the time.

Look for r661 4.7ohm on side board in some models.

QUESTION NO. P1112-9: Zenith VR1810-1 VCR FCC# ASIP902020. Tape loads to V stop but no cylinder motion. Fastforward and rewind work but no counter movement so unit shuts down. Also, after tape is ejected the cassette trap load motot continues to spin.

Probably volt. reg (STK****) when these symptoms occur.

QUESTION NO. P1110-10: Where can I get discontinued Panasonic parts specifically for a Panasonic NV-9600 3/4" recorder? The machine only needs $11.00 in parts to be perfect, but they do not seem to exist.

Unless you can find a unit to be field scrapped having the particular part you are out of luck. A lot of manufacturers do not make parts for items over 7 years of age, some much less.

QUESTION NO. P106-10: I have a VCR, LXI Model 580.53428290. It plays in black & white, no color. Even when I try play rented pre-recorded tapes. Do you have a clue as to what could cause this problem?

First, make sure your 3.58mhz. crystal is operating. If not, it could be the crystal or the chip.

QUESTION NO. P115-10: Working on Zenith VCR vr2100. It loads half way and ejects tape. Cleand out the hardened grease in the loading motor. Replaced mode sensor. If I manually power up the loading motor, it completes the loading cycle.

Recheck the mode gear timing, then confirm you do not have any bad switches. Loading motor speed will also cause this. It may be timing out.

QUESTION NO. P1024-10: I have a JVC HR-D780U VCR, that is dead. Fuse is good. Couple times scoping the power supply with scope probe will bring VCR back to life. I am sure that power supply has a couple of bad capacitors.

Thomson/SK sells a power supply repair kit for this unit. It is cross referenced for models HR700 and HR800, which do not exist. I think the number for this kit is SK71511, but check it first. It will help to fix these, but for these symptoms you may have to coat a small area of the pc board with epoxy to keep out moisture. I have seen two of these units that had no parts bad in that section of the circuit but went nuts when I breathed in the power supply. It seems that the circuit is poorly designed, and this "band aid" is about the only fix. The area that needs to be coated is the area near the optoisolator in the power supply. I suspect that the PC board itself is the culpret, with the poor circuit design aiding it. Locate the sensitive area by breathing through a straw onto it and coat both sides of the board with 5 minute epoxy. I suggest using the repair kit as well, just to be sure. It is fairly cheap and comes with a lot of components.

QUESTION NO. P1022-8: I have an RCA VR450 with intermittent capstan in play. FF and REW are fine. Mode switch is good.

Replace the capstand power diodes on the main pcb.

QUESTION NO. P108-10: I have a Fisher VCR Model FVH-720 Unit is dead. Checked fuse, OK. Thought voltage regulator, but I decided to measure transformers primary outputs and got a good old "OL" reading on my DMM. Anyone have a junk Fisher Power Supply (that would work for this one, of course!)?

If you cannot find another transformer, here is something to try.

1. Remove transformer from VCR.
2. Carefully cut the tape covering the windings.
3 Now you should be able to see the primary winding thermal fuse.
4 Replace the fuse (or bypass it).
5 Retape and reinstall the transformer.
NOTE: For UL certification, all power transformers have a primary fuse. You can get them from MCM ELECTRONICS - 800-543-4330. If you choose to bypass it, The VCR is still protected by the main AC fuse. Replacing is best!

QUESTION NO. P1030-9: Goldstar VCR. No sound when using VCR tuner, but sound is ok on playback of tape. Video is fine.

You need to make sure your VCR is not in 2nd audio mode or simulcast mode. You can also check the audio in jacks, some have built in switches.

QUESTION NO. P1030-4: RCA VCR model VR321. Unit accepts tape, head spins, take up reel turns briefly then stops, head continues turning, will not play. Rewind will fastforward briefly, ejects ok.

Bad reel sensor.

QUESTION NO. P1110-6: I have a JVC-HRS500U VCR exhibiting extremely noisy video. The tracking of the unit is good. Heads have recently been replaced.

Have you overlooked the roller guides popping up (common on the JVCs) which prevent them from full seating properly?

QUESTION NO. P112-1: I have a Sears VCR model 580.53483090 will not allow any of the audio through for TV signal. It will play the audio for tapes fine most of the time.

Look for r661 4.7ohm on side board in some models.

Probably volt. reg (STK****) when these symptoms occur.

Unless you can find a unit to be field scrapped having the particular part you are out of luck. A lot of manufacturers do not make parts for items over 7 years of age, some much less.

First, make sure your 3.58mhz. crystal is operating. If not, it could be the crystal or the chip.

Recheck the mode gear timing, then confirm you do not have any bad switches. Loading motor speed will also cause this. It may be timing out.

QUESTION NO. P1022-8: I have an RCA VR450 with intermittent capstan in play. FF and REW are fine. Mode switch is good.

Replace the capstand power diodes on the main pcb.

If you cannot find another transformer, here is something to try.

QUESTION NO. P1030-9: Goldstar VCR. No sound when using VCR tuner, but sound is ok on playback of tape. Video is fine.

You need to make sure your VCR is not in 2nd audio mode or simulcast mode. You can also check the audio in jacks, some have built in switches.

QUESTION NO. P930-7: RCA VR506 VCR. Original problem was a pulsating power with no response from any of the controls. I replaced C09 220muf 16v capacitor. The power problem was fixed, but when I ejected the tape that had been stuck in the machine, it will no longer load. Now when I insert the tape, the VCR starts to spin-up but the tape will not drop into place.

Check the capstand diodes on the main pcb.

Suspect you have another faulty capacitor in the power supply unit. I have found after change out of the 220/16v capacitor that C14 220/25v capacitor in 14vdc circuit was faulty.

It could be that the VCR is slightly out of alignment. The problem is that the carriage is out of sync with the chassis. Customers always tend to try to cheat the tape in when they know the VCR is not working properly and because of that the gear of the carriage slips one notch.

QUESTION NO. P1014-8: I have a Zenith VR 4126 VCR that plays and records normally . There is a problem with timed recordings I did not believe it until I saw it myself. I do not have any service manuals for this unit. After setting the event in the on-screen programming menu and invoking the timer, it will turn on and record only channel 4. (No matter what channel is selected during programming of the event.) The unit tunes normally with the remote and you can instant record with no problem.

Replace the timer ic. This is one of those wierd factory flaws! We have seen it here on the west coast a few times.

QUESTION NO. P1026-6: I have a Panasonic PV4780 if the unit is unpluged from the ac outlet for a period of time, the next time you connect the unit to the power the fluorescent display takes about 30 minutes to come up to full strength and the power supply makes a high piched sound during this time period also, the vcr does not work properly until the display ia at full strength.if the vcr is connected for some time and not used the power supply will again start to make the high piched sound.

I would bet the house you have bad electrolytic (or 2) in the supply (in the secondary). Use a capacitor meter to find out which. If you do not have one, get some freeze spray & hit 'em one-by-one and observe the display. It will crap out just like it does when first plugged in when you get the right one.

QUESTION NO. P1023-7: I am working on an AWA VCR (Model #AV 65). Plays some tapes ok, but on some tapes, the audio becomes wobbly if there is tape speed variation. I have replaced belt, pinchroller and capacitors in the power supply.

May be the bushing for capstan. I have been able to take motor out & grease shaft and bushing w/PRB molylube (or the like). It has worked on many occasions. You might have to replace it. Also, if clutch is not operating correctly it will tug on the tape & these pulses will affect audio sometimes. Do not forget to clean any excess grease after re-assembly!

QUESTION NO. P102-7: Working on RCA VCR (model VR506). First had problems with pulsating power and no response from VCR controls. Replaced C09 capacitor (22 mfd 16v). Fixed power problem and I was able to eject the tape. Now when I insert the tape it starts to spin-up but the tape will not drop into place and it ejects back out. Is there an alignment adjustment I can do to fix/reset this problem?

It sounds like your problem is caused by the carriage and associated gear being out of time. Look at the front of the basket assembly on the right side close to the front carriage mounting screw. You will see a plastic gear that meshes with the metal rack teeth. In the "at rest" position, with the tape carriage in the eject position, the last tooth on the rack should be in the last gear notch of the plastic gear. If this gear is white, you will have to replace it with a new gear which will be black in color. To do this, you will have to remove the entire tape transport assembly from the machine and remove the loading motor assembly from the bottom of the transport. There are small timing marks on the gears to line up when reassembling.

QUESTION NO. P108-6: I have a Funai Mk3-V6. The power supply went, and I have replaced all the faulty parts, but it is still not working. The switch mode supply will not oscillate.

It is a V3-MK6 Funai VCR by the way (not the other way around ). There is a schottky barrier diode on the secondary side (14 V supply) of the transformer that is not rated high enough. This shorts and overloads the primary side components. Replace with a higher rated diode (1N5822 bit of an overkill, but it works), check all the 14V supply capacitors. Primary side replace the switching transistor with a BUT11A and the smaller duty cycle control transistor with a ecg2503 (this transistor has a resistor (3k9) and a capacitor (3n3) connected to its base which also burns).

QUESTION NO. P1020-6: I have an old RCA VCR model VLT 270. I cannot find a manual locally. The problem is the LED display does not work but the rest of the VCR works ok. I can get 24 volts on it , seem ok, no negative voltages. The IC for the display is right underneath it. On a seperate board, there are two other IC's that link through cables. I do not want to replace everything. Do you have a hint what I can check to verify if the display is open?

Check for 3-5VAC to the display tube, usually this is across the pins at both ends of it (from the pin at one end to the pin at the other). Trace back to the PS transformer to be sure. If you have AC and nothing on display at all, I would suspect the driver under it. Typically, when I have seen tubes break, it looks like they are displaying something in Klingon. Of course check to see if you have power to the driver IC to rule out other causes.

Problem is the d to d converter small metal sheilded box on plug in board. Circuit protect and three caps need to be replaced also. EDI and MAT Electronics have complete kit for about $9.00.

QUESTION NO. P1013-5: Have a Sanyo tls-900 time lapse VCR. Unit records and plays back in the 2hr mode with no problem.When it is placed in the 12 or 24 hour mode, the picture is tearing at the top and it seams the tracking of the unit did have a shiny pinch roller and the capstan was tight, but problem still exists.

Your problem sounds like excessive FORWARD BACK TENSION, check and adjust tension as necessary. Be sure to clean the lower drum assembly real good, and remember it should look dull, not shiny.

QUESTION NO. P107-1: I have a Hitachi VT-M281A VCR that takes a tape in very fast and immediately goes into fast forward. If you press "play", it stays in FF "search" mode. When you press "stop" it stops but will not eject tape and immediately shuts down.

I had the same problem. 1. Check the mode switch, clean it. 2. Check the power supply voltage regulation and dried out electrolitic cap.

QUESTION NO. P930-1: I am working on a Hitachi VCR model VT-F362A which plays back pre-recorded tapes fine but has very low & distorted audio from the tuner on both L & R channels. Has anyone seen this?

This particular model VCR has a mode switch buried under the transport mechanism on a long narrow PCB which is connected to the rest of the electronics via a flat ribbon cable with connectors at both ends. In this case, the connection on the transport end PCB was not making good contact due to old age. All that needs done is to pull the ribbon cable out of the connector a very small amount to contact a new spot in the cable which has not taken a "set" (i.e. crimp).

Check to see if unit has SBX-1637 MTS sound module buried on sound plug in board.

QUESTION NO. P923-2: Working on a Hitachi VCR model VT-F362A (HiFi stereo). The audio out of the tuner is very garbled/distorted but it has normal audio when playing pre-recorded tapes. Customer also states that rewind is very slow, but I can only find one belt, the rest are gears. Any ideas on either problem?

Have worked on several Hitachi VCR's with poor reel drive operation and found, without fail, that the slip-clutch assembly has sprung apart, sometimes popping off the nylon clip on the end of the shaft. Assemblies are only friction fit, I have never had a comeback by putting a touch of glue on joint faces before pushing assembly back together.

QUESTION NO. P1013-6: Does anyone know who carries Memorex TV/VCR parts?

Check for FCC device id information on back panel and search FCC web site to determine who original manufacturer of VCR is. Then you may have a chance of getting appropiate repair parts.

Contact Tandy Corp. Fort Worth, Texas for Memorex parts.

QUESTION NO. P106-8: I am currently working on a JVC HR-D750EA VCR. I am looking for a datasheet on IC1 on the power supply PCB. It is labelled "STR10006" and "9N01" & has 5 pins. I suspect this chip as bad. Upon powerup, there were some sparks from the unit at the power supply PCB. Checking components reveals C28 (2200uF/10v) at 1800uF. No other baddies. Anyone have any other problems with this unit?

The problem with the arcing is that the heatsink the STR10006 is mounted on does not have an insulating washer. This means that it is live and very close to an adjacent track which they put glue all over. Scrape the glue off the PCB. Obtain a new STR10006 and *fit an insulating washer*. It is also a good idea to replace C14 1uF 50V as it commonly causes no power.

QUESTION NO. P911-2: I have a Goldstar VCR model #gvrf435 fcc#bej9qka4610. This will not power up. I have changed zd503 so far.What is the cross reference for QP01 in the power supply?

To answer my own question, replaced qp01 with ecg2337. It checked good, but was defective. Set powered up and found out cass. in led was defective. Replaced with a lg.LED from a remote and all is great.

QUESTION NO. P103-3: I am working on a Goldstar VCR model GHV-1910 which plays most tapes ok but on some the audio and video become distorted as if there is tape speed variation. I have already replaced the pinch roller, the drive belt and the capstan motor.

Goldstar were kind enough to help me with this problem, hope this helps. Symptom - When playing Warner Bros tapes the sound wows. Remedy - Diagonally connect W234 and W244 front right hand corner of main PCB MAKING SURE that the links DO NOT short out.

QUESTION NO. P107-6: I have a Magnavox VCR Model VRU 240 that will play for about an hour and then shut down. What would be the likely cause?

On the "Will Play for an hour" question, I would check the mode switch.. Clean it or replace. Also, check reel table and clean reels, sensors to reels, etc. Possible sluggish movement at the reel table (including the tension portion), watch unit as it plays. Do you have a PseudoCassette to do this?

If the Magnavox VRU 240's Sensor LED is Marked D511 (a SID1K10CXm, LN66a Philips part# 4835 130 97092), I think it may be the problem having weak output which gets weaker with time and causes loss of reel pulses causing the unit go into the stop mode. The under side also has a plastic prism which directes the Sensors LEDs output to the reel counters sensor. Replacement will cure this and load and eject right away problems.

QUESTION NO. P921-6: Working on a Mitsubishi HS-412UR. Need part numbers for replacement heads.

The Dalbani catalog cross reference has the Mitsu HS-412UR heads listed as part number 928B-984021. They have them for $39.50. 1-800-325-2264

QUESTION NO. P101-9: I have a three-year old Sony VCR that resists ejecting and inserting the tape. I opened the top and did not see any obstructions. After the tape is in the cassette, the eject motor starts up and the tape attempts to eject but only goes up about 30% of the way. The motor struggles some more and then gives up and the tape falls back into place. The tape will eject with a little assistance or when the VCR is up on its side. Could it need a little lube? I am in South Korea at the time and getting any special lube is all but impossible to find. Any suggestions on a substitute?

There is a very common problem in some late VHS Sony videos that may cause the symptoms you describe. Check the loading motor at the right side of the cassete compartment. Usually the plastic joint that connects to the motor axe is broken and the motor cannot complete eject. Solution: a new motor that comes with a new plastic joint.

QUESTION NO. P104-10: I am trying to troubleshoot a Sharp VCR model A230. I observe that the tape retract mechanism is not fully exposing the tape to the head. On seven out of eight attempts at play, the retract mechanism only pulls the tape 1.5 inches into the unit just barely making contact with head assemble. When properly working, the tape is pulled 2.5 inches into the unit and wraps around fully 1/2 of the head assembly. Is this a mechanical align problem or an electrical switch sensor issue?

Clean and lube the mode switch with GC tuner lube. Mode switch is the round switch mounted undereath the loading motor, on top of main cam gear.

QUESTION NO. P106-2: I have a new JVC video hrj241ms. After a few minutes, it starts to run (the capstan motor). I think it is a power supply problem but I do not have any schematics or other information to measure. There is a regulator LA5613. Does anyone have the data sheet of this?

The PDF datasheet for LA5613 is available from Sanyo at http//www.elisnet.or.jp/login-sanyo.htm.

QUESTION NO. P102-8: I have a Sears model 30152 (Canadian (Goldstar mfr) VCR with CSA code LL58446. This is further info to my previous posting. My VCR will not FF or REW. It has a gear idler and on FF it moves the tape hub very slowly until it stops. The gears still run fast but some contact is not sufficent to the cassette hub gear. On rewind, the gears move fast but the cassette hub does not move. In both cases, the system stops these functions and either ejects or brings the cassette into stop position. I need a schematic as to how to take the idler gear system apart to remove and replace it. Also need the idler gear replacement assembly if this is indeed the problem. How do I dissasemble the idler assembly? Sears says they do not supply assemblies but only wheels. Which part is the idler clutch? Could this be the problem?

I am not familiar with that animal but do know a very common problem on the Goldstars of the late '80s/early '90s vintage. They have a small tab on the black plastic clutch engaging mechanism on the bottom of unit under two center gears which breaks off allowing coil spring end to jam gears stopping movement of supply and take-up reels. If this is the problem, it can be seen before removing anything (other than bottom cover). Fix (by drilling small hole & making wire loop to hold spring in place - solder quickly so as not to melt plastic) or replace. The repair I came up with in this case is better than replacement since it will break again if replaced.

QUESTION NO. P925-8: I have a Panasonic VCR ag1960 svhs that does not play Svhs tapes.

Sounds like you are one tooth off somewhere in the gear alignment. Also check to make sure your pinchroller is in the proper gear slot.

QUESTION NO. P918-1: I have a Magnavox VCR model VR9261 AT01. The video is really bad. I tried cleaning the video head. Is there a better way to clean the heads, and, if they are bad, where could I get a new one, about what is the price and is it easy to replace with out damaging the new head when putting it in? I never had to replace a video head before and think it might just be the cleaning of the head to correct it.

Try cleaning the heads with ACETONE and a leather chamios stick (must use this). Be carefull with Acetone. One drop on any plastic and OOOpps. Works good on video heads. Be sure to scrub well then let dry. Try Play again.

QUESTION NO. P922-3: I have a Sears 30152 VCR that plays but will not RW or FF. The FF and RW motor sounds are there and the capstan and heads spin but the tape does not move.

That is not a good model number. Sears uses 11 digit models XXX.XXXXXXXX. The complete model is needed.

QUESTION NO. P921-10: I have a Samsung stereo VCR vt9460cc. When I got it, the front loading was halfway in, you would plug it in and turn power on there would be a loud noise then it would turn off again. I took out front loading systems, turned the power on so it would complete its cycle and hand turned the front loading system to its regular position. Before putting everything back together again, I tried the front loading system to see if it worked properly and it did. Now that everything is put altogether, I put in a cassette press play, ff, rew. All functions work ok but cassette does not want to come back out. When eject is pressed sometimes there is a loud noise than it stops and sometimes it comes out but goes in again. I replaced the loading belts on it because there are two on the loading motor. Can anybody give a hand with this please?

Sounds like you may be so close to the problem that it is evading you. Sometimes having the loading gears just one tooth off will cause this problem. You have to be very patient and try it just one tooth at a time + or- four teeth should work. I also have taken the mode switch apart on many vcrs, cleaned and relubed them and fixed a host of ghostly problems.

QUESTION NO. P824-9: Funai XR-1000 VCR FCC BFYVRA2A1NAB Machine will not load tape on its own but there is no resistance to manually pushing tape in to load position. After that no functions, not even eject. Timing marks are not obvious and this is a new design for me.

Whites Westinghouse, Funai, and Magnavox that have the same chassis with the problem you described. The main LED diode in the center of the unit under the cassette mechanism is too weak. The fix for the 1 million plus vcrs that were made is to order the special replacement diode. Call Magnavox to find out the part number.

QUESTION NO. P919-5: I have a Sony Videoscope Model # KPR-46EX20. Red out of focus on top right. Red cross hair counterclockwise swirl in upper right quadrant of alignment screen. Severe whistle noise after 20-30 minutes of operation.

Check convergence output devices and PCC control circuits. Also, squeal from smps usually indicates overload of some type.

QUESTION NO. P827-8: Have a Hitachi VCR Model VT-M190A. Need to know value of R02, in the power supply section. It appears to be a 2 Watt Flameproof.

The value of the 2W resistor in the Power Supply (connected to the +ve side of Bridge Rect.) is 4.7 ohms.

QUESTION NO. P93-5: Have a Panasonic AG-505P (with LCD screen). Tape loads ok, but capstan motor moves jerkily in a pulsing manner in both fast forward and rewind. Mechanically ok, suspect linear driver. Do not have schematic, located driver ic and "chilled". No change.

Replace the two 6.3V caps in the VCR power supply. They may be 330 or 1000 mf.

QUESTION NO. P827-3: I am trying to track down the manufacturer, parts supplier and/or anyone that may help me locate parts. The VCR has a Multitech Label, Model # MV-189. The Ul Listing shows portavision, and Shinsom West Corp. (closed their doors). It is a cheap unit, I know, but the customer is urging repair if possible.

The Multitech is a Funai same as Symphonic.

QUESTION NO. P94-8: JVC HR-S4700u super VHS vcr has no EE video or tape playback video(blank raster); sound OK. Displays "SET CLOCK" when plugged in with power OFF. Do not have JVC remote and universal remote changes channels etc but will NOT bring up setup menu. Do I have a setup problem or should vcr work without the remote for basic operation etc? Except for the "no video", vcr appears to be working; all power supply voltages are present and all display indications appear normal. Tape transport operation appears normal.

VCR should work without remote for basic functions; play, record, EE video, etc. However, remote is required for VCR/tuner/ Clock setup etc. Tuner setup could affect reception of channels 14-83 etc. Lack of EE video could be caused by a disconnected plug on the upper PC board. This plug is in the center of the board near the outer edge of the VCR and can be pulled out of its socket when the board is raised up to service board components or the power supply.

QUESTION NO. P93-1: Does anyone have a source for parts for NEC VCR's, specifically 951u (pinch rollers belts, etc.)?

Try MCM Electronics. They have many generic parts that you can cross to.

QUESTION NO. P810-6: The PSU of my Samsung VFK-330 VCR is out of order . I have checked the fuses, diodes and capacitors with my DMM and did not find any bad components. The DC voltage after the rectifier is 319V. Is this correct? Does anybody have a suggection to help me (drawings, advices, voltages expected)? The regulator pcb code 66029-0414-00A.

Although I am not familiar with that model, if it has a SMPS, change C9, 22@16NP and C14, use 470@25.

QUESTION NO. P819-2: I am working on an Emerson model # vcr4003, unit will not eject tape. Traced suspect problem back to IC 1003 but I have no service information on this unit. I believe this part IC motor driver, the part # is BA6886 could you at least cross reference this and give me your opinion on this problem? Belts all checked, seems to be electronic problem.

Try cleaning or replacing the mode switch. Also be sure the screw(s) on the bottom PCB are TIGHT. This the ground return for the mode switch.

QUESTION NO. P86-6: Goldstar VCR r-g10m. I am trying to find the kit # for the pinch gear, take-up lever and take-up arm for this VCR.

Goldstar part numbers are 386-397 and 435-450. Important to replace all parts as a set.

QUESTION NO. P826-7: I am working on a Sharp VC-H958U VCR. In SP playback, tapes generally play fine. However, in EP mode, it jumps speeds like it is losing control track signal. Tapes recorded on this machine seem to exibit the symptom twice as bad. Experience on other machines suggest the sensor on the capstan motor, or the motor itself. However, I do not have service literature to allow me to confirm this. Has anyone encountered this symptom on this model or similar models?

Have you cleaned/greased the capstan shaft where it sits in the bushing to rule out slight binding as the cause? In some of the 8-12 year old Panasonics, the electrolytics leak in the SMPS on the secondary side causing this symptom, though you may initially thinks it is strictly a servo problem. May want to scope signal on FG head near capstan (if there is one). Will usually show distorted sign in this case.

QUESTION NO. P817-10: Emerson VCR300. Have a white static-looking band along the lower edge of the screen. I am sure there is a simple answer but I do not have it.

Check lower drum for scratches or dirt. This could cause air to get under tape and keep from making correct contact to heads.

QUESTION NO. P824-7: RCA VCR model vr528. When turned on, the word lock is on the display. Will take tape cartride into machine but will not eject tape.

Push and hold power button on remote until VCR powers up.

I had one come in awhile back. Lock is a function of this VCR and you need to try to get the customer to bring in the owner's manual for "unlocking" VCR. It is a simple series of commands from the VCR's remote control.

QUESTION NO. P724-1: I am working on an Emerson VCR model VCR3000, that has instant tape loading. The fast forward and rewind works fine in the play mode but locks up when trying to ff or rewind in normal mode. I can put in a clear cassette that I use for testing and the unit will work fine in all modes. Also, when pushing the eject button, the unit unloads the tape but waits about 10 seconds before ejecting the cassette.

Try cleaning the mode switch.

QUESTION NO. P86-2: Have a Sanyo VHR 9600 VCR. Was wondering if anyone out there has the proper alignment procedures for the load gears and mode switch gear. Tried several different configurations, but had no luck. I have a service manual, but no gear aligning procedures are enclosed.

You will need the mechanism manual, a separate publication.

QUESTION NO. P817-1: I Have a Mitsubishi VCR model HS-U70 in need of a complete video head assembly. The part # is 948B196030. How and where to purchase this part?

Mitsubishi 800-553-7278 ( consumer parts number ).

QUESTION NO. P814-5: Symphonic TV/VCR combo. Model TVCR19G1. After inserting cassette, unit will play for approx. 3-5 minutes then the TV will shut off and the cassette will eject. This also occurs in the rewind mode. Any suggestions?

Check the 6 volt and the switched 5 volt regulators as the unit heats up. I have seen both cause this problem. They are usually next to each other in the secondary of the power supply.

QUESTION NO. P811-9: I have an LXI VCR model # 580.53484390 that I am trying to get an idler assembly. Can you direct me? This idler is gear driven not wheel and is approximately 6 years old.

The VCR is probably a Goldstar. That idler is available through PRB#VA504 or through RCA/SK #SKID1504. Or, if it is warped like most, heat it and reshape it.

QUESTION NO. P730-2: I have a VCR RCA vr335. When turned on capstan motor turns and then after a period of time shuts off. No other functions work

There are usually two reasons for that symptom. First, resolder ribbon cable connections at the capstan. If that does not fix it, change the eight diodes in the 14 volt line, located of the left edge of the main board. RCA sells them in a kit, of 1N4007's work fine at 6 cents apiece.

Replace with diode kit from RCA or 7 ecg125. 2 in power supply d1102, and d1104 5 on pcb.d8,d9,d10.d12,d14 and check caps on power pcb.

QUESTION NO. P813-1: I am looking for a Mitsubishi VCR model HS-U48 video head or a cross reference number. I cannot locate this in the usual mail order part houses.

You need Asti part # 641. Call (800) 221-1828

I have a used video head for Mitsubishi model-hs-u48. The tuner is bad in mine.

QUESTION NO. P813-3: I have a Sharp vc-a601u that ejects the tape when you hit record. I.have tried new mode switch and record safety switch.

Try replacing the position sw or cold soldering at control.

QUESTION NO. P728-2: I have JVC VCR HR7650 and during playback (no matter if the tape was recorded on my or some other VCR) there is flickering on the screen. Looks like the brightness of the recorded scene changes intermittently. I cleaned the video drum and replaced all the belts but could not get rid of my problem. Could you suggest something?

If this effect does not appear on every tape, this is a well known Video-Copy-Protection!

QUESTION NO. P81-5: Working on a Hitachi VT- F391A. Tape plays fine. Problem is when tape ejects, it does not eject completely and the tape hangs out of the cassette. Rewinding the tape before ejecting the tape helps.

Replace the pulley (the wheel between the wheels which rotates the casette). If there is not a wheel, a gear instead, then replace it. Be sure to replace the attached coupling (textile coupling with a spring too!).

QUESTION NO. P84-7: Symphonic TVCR13B1 will not turn on. Hwever, the voltages in the sw. md. power supply appear to be fine. Apparently VCR's system contrtol handles turn on/off. Resoldered all poor connections etc. Help !!

Change C1026(479uf@10volts). Your 5 volt is probably 4.5 or 4.6, not enough.

QUESTION NO. P83-5: I am working on an Emerson combo unit model VT1320. I need to find the number of a motor driver ic in the VCR section label IC03. The first few characters that are not burnt are BA62?

Without the package description and pin count of your burnt chip, I cannot positively ID it for you, so you will need to do your own legwork. IC's of the BA62xx series are from Rohm Corp, but your identifying the chip as a motor driver IC reduces the number of possible IC's from 100 to a mere 14 types, in 19 packages. You will need to note down your package/pincount info, and supply voltage, and then go to this website http//www.rohm.co.jp/products/shortform/11motor/motor_index.html. Look under the "DC motor Driver" and "Electronic Governor IC" headings, to match up your device with the specs and packages/pincounts of one of the 14 "BA62xx" types listed there.

The IC that you are looking for is more than likely a (BA6209). This is a 10 pin motor driver w/braking.

QUESTION NO. P723-1: I am working on a Panasonic COMBO Model PVM2037. Has no PB video, can only see a black screen. I replaced the Drum assembly and the video head Amplifier board. EE mode is perfect. Audio is perfect in PB mode.

Try to replace Y/C process hybridge module (multipin ceramic module with color xtal on top, part number starts with VCRS).

QUESTION NO. P727-4: I have a Panasonic VCR (G-CHASSIS) that plays for 20 minutes then shuts down. I have replaced mode switch, reel sensor,and checked the 5volt from power supply.

Try to replace capstan motor driver IC. It is known to have a thermal shutdown problem.

QUESTION NO. P81-10: Maker JVC VCR. Model HR-D750U. Problem - All functions on the unit work normal, except one. When in the play mode, it will not track properly. Stopping the drum assembly with my finger anywhere from 2 to 5 times and letting it take off again will allow the tracking to accidently hit the correct position for a normal picture. Any ideas?

Replace the small SMT electrolytic capacitor on drum motor board. This will restore PG signal and correct the switching point problem.

QUESTION NO. P729-5: I am working on an RCA VLP970HF (two piece) that has what looks like "space invaders" characters in the on-screen display when it is plugged in. Tried the hidden 'reset' switch and unplugged it for a long time but it will not display the normal clock-set and on-screen menus. If I remove the tape transport part, it plays normally when connected to a 12VDC source. No obvious burned fuses or anything else and no power surges or lightning strikes. Has anyone seen this?

Try relacing the character generator IC. The RCA 900 series VCR had the "Pack-Man" syndrome problem.

QUESTION NO. P71-3: I am working on a Mitsubishi HS402UR 4head, HiFi VCR and when you play a tape it plays it in black and white. The heads were cleaned but that was not the problem.

Remove upper drum assembly and resolder lower drum connections. Place back upper drum assembly and all should be well.

QUESTION NO. P726-9: I have a JVC VCR Model HR_DX22EA. On playback, the screen looks as if the heads are dirty - half clear, half snow. If you change the speed of the drum (with your finger), it swaps the clear half with the snowy half. Every time you play a tape the amount of clear picture changes. Any thoughts?

Sounds like a faulty capacitor on the head drum pc board. C6 I believe. Replace with a 3.3uf 50v radial cap.

QUESTION NO. P720-2: JVC HR-S5800U SVHS VCR On-going problem-- occasionally chews up tape when switching from play to rewind or play to on-screen rewind without stopping first (frequency= about 10%). If stop is pressed first, problem usually does not occur. Occasional problem with tape not reloading upon ejecting. Are both of these likely fixed by replacing the mode switch? This unit has had recurring problems with the loose brass retainers on the guides (horrible design, especially for a high-end unit)-- can this be related?

Replace cracked gear on capstan motor.

QUESTION NO. P629-9: I have a Samsung VR8702 that looses all power when a tape is inserted. The power will flash on and off for a random amount of time and then the vcr will start working normally. All power is lost even the display and setup.

Replace C-09 in the primary of the power supply 22uf [non-polarized].

QUESTION NO. P630-6: I am working on a Montgomery Ward jsj20133 (sharp)vcr. The unit will not play & leaves tape out of cassette upon ejecting. The mode switch has been replaced to no avail.

Make sure the take-up reel is turning by watching the tape after you hit the play button. If it's not turning, make sure the idler and tire (or gear, if applicable) are good, and that the motor is turning.

QUESTION NO. P629-2: Need help on trouble with following VCR problem with model PV-3000 Panasonic FCC #AHK927001T When Cassette Holder is closed the Load Moter oscillates on and off STOP mode. If PLAY is pushed Loading will start and about half way will stop and return to STOP and continue oscillation on and off STOP position. Cassette Lamp never Lites.

Try realigning the mode gears. I have also seen bad mode switches.

QUESTION NO. P71-10: I am trying to repair a Toshiba VCR that has a power supply problem. Model# M-649. The problem is that when the owner returned from vacation he found that there were no lights on the front panel and no controls working. I checked the fuses and worked my way down to the power supply and found that the outputs from the T1 transformer were not even close to what is printed on the board. I do have DC voltage and all of the diodes are o.k. as I have checked them.

Replace c09, 22uf 10v non polarized cap, rca part #194339. Also replace c14 330uf 16v cap. Replacing both these caps fixes 99% of the power supply problems on these supplies.

QUESTION NO. P615-1: I am trying to repair Sanyo VHR2350 Tape loads fine, and tape guides load to video heads but shuts down after a few seconds. Also, no ff or rw. I have replaced all the rubber.

Replace the mode switch. Careful, you may have to remove the deck from the case to get to it.

QUESTION NO. P527-2: I have a Mitsubishi HS304UR. The heads don't turn and "EEEE *" is displayed continuously. the following functions seem to work fine: rewind,ff,stop, clock counter, counter reset,tv/vcr, eject, and tape load with the play button. There is 10 and 20 vdc on the head coil pcb. Play loads the tape for 3 to 5 seconds and then unloads it. Any suggestions?

If you get an initial motor kick when you hit play then the motor stops check the motor start cap (located by the drive i.c.) or you may also have a bad page sensor .

QUESTION NO. P618-8: I have a classic JVC HR-S5500U VCR (Super VHS!) which recently started some bad habits: 1) After wrapping the tape it sometimes doesn't engage the pinch roller all the way, meaning no tracking lock is possible. The threading motor stops before the pinch roller lever is fully engaged. This unit seems to use an optical sensor to detect when cam has travelled the proper amount for "Play". How can this foul up??? The belt on the threading motor seems taught & live. This problem is only "sometimes" (intermittent) & therefore hard to 'shoot! 2) Sometimes, the tape won't retract when placed into "Stop". The idler looks OK. Supposedly, all rubber was replaced when this unit went back to JVC for "FACTORY" service less than a year ago! Could this problem be related to problem #1? Is there some fundamental control problem, or is it just bad rubber?? (I am replacing it all anyway). These intermittent problem are hard to find.

The mode switch mounted on the mechanism PCB is the cause of the problem. Cleaning it will work but it is best to replace it.

QUESTION NO. P519-6: I am working on a Symphonic TVCR9B1C that eats tapes when rewinding. Tape is damaged at pinch roller when rewinding. Plays OK.

The pinch roller is supposed to release in the full fast forward and rewind modes, not when searching. Something in the mechanism is not allowing the assembly to retrack properly. Check for broken teeth in the gear train or possible mis-alignment.

QUESTION NO. P610-8: I am looking for a book that will tell me all vcr's and the common problems and fixes.

There are many technicians that are looking for that special book, seems that on the job experience and access to the many data bases available suffice. There are specific brand publications available from the manufacturers that list specific faults however, I hav not found a comprehensive publication.

AnaTek (the owner of this site) will soon release a CD named AnaTek Data Direct. Data Direct contains most of Sam Goldwasser's writings on how to repair nearly everything electronic as well as these www pages and the postings to ELREPAIR-L electronic repair discussion group. A powerful search engine is included for searching the CD on any topic. See details of the AnaTek Data Direct CD.

QUESTION NO. P61-2: Panasonic pv4465s--keeps trying to eject a tape when plugged in. will not accept a tape either.

If it is what I think it is there is a small pivoting/sliding neopreme (plastic) detent/release toward the cartridge corner that has an ear broken off. Replacement will be a bear to find, probably from Panasonic only.

QUESTION NO. P526-3: I am working on an Emerson VCR Model # VCR3002A. I need the parts information for d504 in the power supply section.

D504 generic #11E1TA1 crosses to ECG116. Ecg125 probably a better choice.

QUESTION NO. P429-7: I am working on a Magnavox VCR VR9535AT01 that emits an audible buzzing noise from the power supply and does not turn on (See Question NO. P1210-5).

See answer to P1210-5.

QUESTION NO. P58-5: I have a Sony SLV-393 in my shop that loads the tape and as soon as it starts to play unthreads the tape and shuts down everything. Any ideas where to start on this?

Usually they have reel sensor's problems.I don't known that particular model since it was not sold here in Portugal but other similar models suffer from that problem. SONY supplies a kit with two new reel sensors plus two zeners and two ceramic caps to place in paralel with the sensors to prevent happening again.

QUESTION NO. P418-8: I have a sony SLV-415 with a tape transportation problem. After about one-two hours of playing, the sound begins to wail and almost immediately the video begins to get unviewable. I have to stop the playback for about one minute and to restart again to get another 10-15 minutes of undisturbed playback and to proceed in this stop/play sequences to view the tape til the end. When the VCR was on the workbench (covers off) the problem almost did not occur.

Change the bushing of your capstan motor. Available from Global Electronics 1-800-668-8776 or web site http://www.globalsemi.com. You need tool & 1 bearing stock # CAP-T and replacement bearings stock # CAP-3 each price $14.90 (Can).

QUESTION NO. P48-1: I have a VCR Sanyo VHR-9419 HIFI Stereo. The problem is that is not working on EP AND LP (the picture is realy not good and I have good audio). On SP, I have a picture (sometime moving when the cassette is not in good shape) and the audio is good. I have tried to adjust the post but no difference. What can I do now?

Your video heads are dirty. Clean them properly. Be careful not to rub them the wrong way. They are very brittle.

QUESTION NO. P49-4: I have a fisher mod * fvh-904 vcr. When a tape is inserted the drum motor sort of free runs the audio is present ,but fast when ff or rew is pressed the sound will mute & there is a slight change in speed. however there is no ff or rew when the tape is unloaded. The button for speed select has no efeect on the display. I would suspect that the drum motor problem is a frequent symptom and, perhaps the ff problem is also. Has anyone out there seen these problems before?

To solve the no video with sound problem check c131 1000MFD 6.3v.

QUESTION NO. P317-1: I have two AKAI HVS-515U VCR's with the same problem. The video motor is very slow to spin up. Sometimes the motor will stay in a stalled stated from start. I supect that the motor drivers are bad on the motor board. Problem is that I can't find a contact for parts for AKIA.

I had the same problem with a VS-220U. (Canadian model) Individual motor parts are not available from AKAI. The entire motor PCB (SM240) is also NLA. AKAI seems to have pulled out of North America. As a last resort, you could try disconnecting one of the motor's coils. There are two series strings of 3 coils each. One string might be causing the rotor to lock, while the other is trying to turn it. Disconnecting the "locked" string might allow the motor to run, but for how long?

QUESTION NO. P326-1: I have a Sylvania VC4310 no capstan movement. no voltage at motor.

Sounds like a power supply problem because you say there is no voltage on the motor terminals. I am not very familiar with this model but there should be an (approx.) 12V to the motor when vcr is on. Does the head motor run? If so, there could be an open IC protector on the cap. motor's supply line. If it doesn't run, then probably your 12V is missing from the PS. Does the motor spin freely? It could be siezed, blowing the PS. A more detailed question will get a more specific answer.

QUESTION NO. P311-5: I am working on a Mitsubishi HS-U51 VCR and cannot locate a Sam's or factory service manual. I believe the machine to have a servo problem. Anyone with ideas?

Check for loose or missing pads on tension band and brakes.

Remove all the factory grease from the pinch cam and worm gear. Apply new grease (lubriplate works fine). This might resolve your problem.

QUESTION NO. P310-10: Rca vr610hf No clock display, logic. Ihave rebuilt ps all new caps etc. This unit does not appear to have the dc-dc converter. Has me stumped, anyone seen this problem yet?

I've seen that problem once (looks like a dead syscon IC) There was a small bi-polar capacitor between the ps and the syscon IC on what the schematic called the "50/60Hz line". It's to feed AC to the chip. It went open for me and killed everything. Also, check for a "reset IC" (small 3 pinner) and make sure you're getting the reset signal to the syscon after power is applied.

QUESTION NO. P330-1: I have a samsung VR3300 (RCAvr345) loads to V stops turns one seconds then unloadsand shuts down.

If the unit also shuts down on FF & Rew I would check for a defective reel sensor under the take-up reel. The tape counter usually will not advance if this sensor is bad. Also, check for a slipping loading belt.

QUESTION NO. P324-5: Working on a panasonic PV-1540 vcr.Capstan speeds up and slows down in playback mode suspect capstan motor.

Check takeup reel sensor in the load basket. Check for cracks on pc board on bottom of vcr near ic mn6178.

QUESTION NO. P324-10: I have an rca VPT294 that will accept a tape but will not play,ff,or rewind. All belts are good,when the tape is all the way into the head you have to keep hitting the eject button and the power on button to slowly eject the tape. The unit seems not to have enough current capabilities to run an function on this unit.

Check for leaky zd805. Check r258 680 ohm may have increased in value.

QUESTION NO. P32-8: I am working in a panasonic vcr NV-J1 model, it had a faulty power supply which I fixed and it is working now, but the picture is having a wave shaped pattern on the whole picture. Any suggestion on the cause?

Try replacing all the electrolitic capacitors in the power supply, so probably one or more of them have gone low capacity and cause ripple in output power lines.

QUESTION NO. P311-10: I am working on a RCA vcr model #vpt630hf, that when you put a tape in the vcr does not take take the tape in and the power shuts off.

The problem with the unit was the STK5372 in the power supply.

QUESTION NO. P311-2: I have in my possession two Sharp Vcr's model # vc-6630u. you can install a tape and it loads against head drum but there is no capstan motor movement. power supply voltages check ok. any ideas.

Try cleaning the mode select switch.

Check the 10uf elec. cap on the capstan motor control board. These have been known to leak and CORRODE the input voltage trace to the servo control IC. Replace the cap and repair or jumper the affected trace.

QUESTION NO. P216-10: I have a JVC HR-J440 with audio/tracking problems for *some* pre-recorded tapes. I replaced the main belt - no change, then fiddled with the audio head adjustments. I need some guidance on the proper way
to adjust this head. It has three screws for raising lowering the head in three axes, plus two more to control the base plate swivel.

Usually if the a/c head was never adjusted there should be no reason to do so. A problem such as yours could come from other bad parts such as the pinch roller, bad capstan bearing or to much or too little back tension. Check the back tension (usually about 35 gr/inch) check the capstan for excessive play check the pnch roller for pitts and a glossy look, this is a very good clue. As far as re-adjusting the ac head unless you have a jig you might try by sight and sound. Look at the tape between the a/c head and try to get the tape so it looks straight and taught, it should not have any warps in it. Adjust for best sound.

QUESTION NO. P310-6: JVC x7200 SVHS plays/records fine in sp mode, bad picture playback - fine sound in EP mode except when on pause (great picture) or if tape speedis increased slightly with jog/shuttle control.

If you have a four head machine your problem is the upper cylander. Two heads are for sp and the other two are for lp & ep. I would try cleaning again.

QUESTION NO. P219-7: I have a JVC HR-S5800U vcr. The picture and sound auot track in, then all the way out. Keeps cycling constantly. Tape path alignment has no effect ot stop it. Auto track circuit not locking on when good. Any suggestions?

Not sure of this model, but check to see if the brass retainers on the bottom of the tape pullers are loose. I've glued these back in with great success.

QUESTION NO. P32-1: I have VCR that I am having trouble with. I cannot find the cause of the problem. It is a LXI Model: 580.534282290. The problem is that it records and playback only in black and white, even pre-recorded tapes playback in black and white only. Do have any ideas about what could cause this and how to repair it?

The spindles that pull the tape around the head have a slot for a regular screwdriver with a small knotch cut in the center off the blade. The knotch will clear the post in the center of the top of the spindle. This can be used for coarse tracking. Be careful of the fact that the tape is playing and if you adjust to far, then you will probably make it far worse.

QUESTION NO. P32-4: Zenith vcr mod.# VR 2000 playback shows black with little white rolling bars (horizontal) with scrambled picture between the bars. Cable channels are clear with bars rolling as well. Are there any case histories of this specific vcr? Could it need a tuner?

Distorted P/B may be a worn or dirty video head or sync/servo problems. The bar floating thru pix in E/E mode probably is in the catv system. Try the vcr on a good antenna, not cable, and see if you still have the bar. I have seen this 'noise bar' in many catv hookups where the grounds of the cable system are not secured causing a ground loop signal @ 60 hz.

QUESTION NO. P210-5: I Am working on a Magnavox Model CCS139ATO2 TV/VCR Combo.I need part# for reel sensor(IC06).

The service manual for the AT01 gives a reel sensor part no. as 4835 280 97053.

QUESTION NO. P210-9: I am working on an Emerson VCR model 951A which will not eject the tape. If I assist the servo motor by turning the worm gear attached to end of motor, the tape sometimes ejects. The tape loads to carriage and plays properly, but will not eject. I have applied a lubricant to all carriage plastic parts. The tape will lift half way up to eject level.

I had a panasonic in a week or so ago that did the same thing. Assuming you can manually work the loading&unloading fully without any snags (which would mean the problem is mechanical), then either the DC motor has a "flat spot" and needs replacement, or you have a bad solder where it connects to the board.

QUESTION NO. P16-7: vcr problem: G.E. VG2000 Problem: vcr powered up begain playing tape ,I ran some remote control test(pause,stop,play channel change,ect.) after about 3-5 mins. vcr shut down ,power supply voltages are all very low to gone,removel of power supply and all voltages are ok when on bench not connected to vcr. Any ideas ?

Replace the small electrolytic caps in primary side of power supply. I usually change all electrolytic caps in power supply to 105 C.

QUESTION NO. P17-6: GE Model VG4018 (same as RCA VR535 or VR 535M). Problem is unit will go into play mode, but there is no tape movement. By releasing tension on the tension pole with my finger, the tape will begin to move
normally. When I remove my finger, the tape movement stops. Tension bands looks good with no visible defects. Have adjusted tension band as per service manual, but no change. Have also replaced base assembly unit (bottom of vcr) with no change. Am I missing something?

in the past I have had many vcr's with this problem. It turned out to be faulty capstan motor. I usually first try to fix existing one by applying oil to the bearing or somtimes replace the bearing but some capstan motors need replacing. I have also found the take up reel clutch slipping. If so, replace.

QUESTION NO. P114-6: I have a bad component in a Zenith VCR model # VR3200. I've searched the usual internet sources (ECG,NTE,MCM etc) and have come up with nothing. The component is on a small pc board located on the bottom of the unit under the tape drive mechanism and has what looks like a flywheel about 3in. diameter mounted on it. The component is a TO-223 package and has the markings DL and 56 on it as shown below.

-|DL|_

-| |_|

-|56|

The reference designator next to it is Q1. There are two more identical components next to it with ref des Q2 and Q3. The only identifying markings on the pc board I could see (and they may just be date codes) are "M 31915" and "E 85464 4 M". I do not know if this component is the complete cause of the problem but I do know it's bad because it has the telltale signs of a burned-up part:-( Any ideas what this part might be or how I can find out?

You said there was a flywheel mounted over this small PC board. Could this part possibly be a hall effect sensor? I have had success replacing hall effect sensors with suspected generic equivalents (Sanyo, etc.). If it is a hall effect sensor (ie., does the flywheel have a magnet in it that passes over this device?

QUESTION NO. P129-3: I am working on a sylvania vcr model VC2970SL01 which has a bad cam loading gear (the one with the spring in it) in the cassette loading basket. I need a p/n and a source for the parts.

Although I have never seen that model I am assuming that you mean one of the little plastic posts have broken off. If so I have fixed a handful of machines by drilling a small hole where the post was and screwing in a small fine thread screw and looping the spring over it. Make sure that it is a snug fit into the hole. Remember, steel is stronger than plastic. If not, try Ness Electronics at 800-331-7617

QUESTION NO. P120-4: Working on Zenith M#VR1830 Dead-all fuses good. No visable damage.All components on power supply check good. Euras diagnostic manual & Electronic Software developers indicate defective volt. reg. STK5481-Zen.#905-1224. I cannot find this IC anyware in vcr. Is this info correct or am I overlooking something?

Regular IC STK5481 should be located on a large heatsink next to the power tansformer at the right rear of the machine looking from the front.

QUESTION NO. P115-9: Goldstar VCR Model GHV-1280M. I believe I have a power supply regulator problem. However, the regualtor, D101, does not have any markings on it. I need the part number/replacement type for D101 and a way to contact Goldstar. I would contact them by phone and/or email.

PS. the vcr works in European voltage, but not US voltage. If I monitor the 12 vdc diode, it is only 8+ vdc in 120 VAC. Also, the eurpoean voltage will quit sometimes and only when the regualtor drops the 12vdc line below 11 vdc.

I am not sure of the value of D101 either but you can contact goldstar research at 1-800-243-0000.

QUESTION NO. P122-9: I am trying to fix a JVC VCR Model # HR-J600U. It appears the Auto tracking has failed. When playing, picture looks scrambled, and Audio sounds somewhat garbled. Is the tracking controlled by a single replaceable circuit? If so, where can I get a replacement?

Check the tape guide spindles to ensure they are locked fully into the load posistion. The brass piece that rides in the load guide will often become loose or fall completely out. A very small amount of red lock-tite works well to hold these in place. I have seen several JVC's with this problem

QUESTION NO. P116-11: I am working on a Symphonic SE426D VCR. The VCR will take a tape and start to play it for about a minute, but then the power shuts off. The tape in light then starts to flash. What's wrong?

Check to see if the tape counter is working, if not check sensors.

Check the DEW sensor if its bad it wiil often cause the power or tape lights to flash, and prevent vcr functions from working.

Replace belt and move caps and crystal away from belt path. These units have been known to generate static from belt and discharge through these parts.

Also note that the sensors under the chasis are routed through plastic " optic conductors" kind of like fiber optics. make sure that the ends/tips are clean and that they are aligned properly. I have seen some that do not line up properly so less signal is transmitted.

Your problem is in the IR transmitting led located under the clear plastic tower located between but forward of the supply and takeup reels. The led is on the main board and the carriage has to be removed to get to it. Whites Westinghouse, Funai, Magnavox all have the same chassis. Over 1 million of these chassis were built that contain the under-powered transmitting diode. Call magnavox for part number of the recommended replacement diode. This fixes all kinds of loading, playing, ect. type of problems. It's just an Engineering defect.

QUESTIN NO. P18-2: RCA - VCR - vr657hf Diag - pulsating when plugged in for several minutes. when on cassette would not load or loads and plays 1/4 and stops. Can someone help with gear position for the cassette housing and pulsating power problem?

I have seen this problem many times. 99%of the time the non-polorized cap(c09-22mf16v np) on the primary side of the xformer is bad. the other 1% is one of the electrolytic caps in the secondary.

QUESTION NO. P113-9: I am working on a JVC HRD440U. I sometimes get a good picute and other times it is interupted by black bars. Tracking moves the bars to top and bottom on some tapes on others it does not help. I have already replaced the head.

On JVC & JVC made VCR's Check guide post to make sure they are loading fully. You will find a brass keeper on the bottoms of the guide post that are probably loose. Also the plastic arm keepers on the guide post.

QUESTION NO. P119-4: I have a Toshiba M-441 Blows fuses only when connected to vcr main board.

C620 3300uf 6.3v cap on main board towards the clock was shorted, blowing the 2A B+ fuse when ever it was plugged in.

QUESTION NO. P116-2: I have a Zenith VR2220. When a tape is inserted, the unit begins to load, the PLAY indicator is lit, the counter does not even tick off before the player stops the tape, rewinds the tape, causing the counter to go "negative" numbers. There is never a change in the display..no picture ever comes up. Sometimes the unit will try to play the tape again but the same thing happens. The machine will FF and RW. I will FF to the middle of the tape and the problem is still there.

If the mode motor is trying to load the tape and stalls or the mode drive belt slips before the tape is fully loaded against the V-stops then the gear addsmbly under the mode motor will have to be remover and cleaned throughly of the silicone lube on both sides of cam gear that has hardened over time. Re-lube with a Petrolium base lubricant. Upon re-assembly the unit must be in time and the cam gear set to the proper position. Good idea to have the service manual to align the mechanism. This is a tough job. Good luck

QUESTION NO. P18-3: Working on Sanyo vcr model #VWM-630, loads and plays well but upon eject will not reload tape. Tape stays out and gets hung up.

If this model has a brake shoe pad near capstan motor with a sticky/glazed appearance it will stop it from rotating freely when it's trying to take up slack. Replace.

QUESTION NO. P15-10: Working on a Magnavox vr3235: Tape was forced in when another tape was already in machine. Owner removed original tape, said he didn't force it. WHen plugged in, the guide rollers in the load position. When the power is turned on, the guide rollers move into the unload position and the power turns off. Turn power on again and the guide rollers move into the load position and power turns off. Above symptoms happen over and over again. If a tape is inserted the guide rollers move to the load position and the unit shuts off.

Inspect the plastic laod gears for signs of damage. You may be lucky and just have to remove the load assembly and retime the mechanism. Normally some of the gears get teeth bent or torn off by such functions. You may even need a new cassette load assembly.

QUESTION NO. P1226-1: I have a Realistic Model 16-614 Hi-Fi VCR, which no longer produces an audio output. What would be the best method to trouble shoot this VCR?

First, is the problem with E/E or only on playback?? If E/E probably the tuner/audio processing circuits. If only in playback then probably the audio circuits specific to playing and possibly recording. If no audio is produced after recoding a video and then playing back possibly the record bias oscillator circuits. As you see, specific information would garner more specific info regarding your problems.

QUESTION NO. P1226-7: I am trying to repair a Hitachi VT 20E VCR the problem is , Once the power button is switched on the deck starts moving forward and backwards, but when I load the deck with a cassette it takes the cassette and I could play without any problems, but when I press eject, the cassette does not come out fully. I have tried changing the belts.

It sounds like the elevator gear has jumped a couple of teeth. Eject the tape. When it comes out as far as it can, remove power. Then, if possible, remove the tape. Remove the elevator system and advance it to it's fully extended position. replace the elevator system and try it out.

QUESTION NO. P128-9: Multitech MV-080 VCR has erratic audio, will be very low for a time then go high or medium during a single recording. Also need the P/N & a source for the drive belt that controls rew & fast forward mechanism.

Try cleaning the audio control head first then check that the tape is not being drawn up/down during play because of alignment problem before looking elsewhere. Your machine has 5 belts that cross to PRB numbers: FRZ11.0, SCB2.8, FR3.6, SCB9.5, FR7.7. Suspect you need SCB9.5 from Ness Electronics - (800) 331 - 7617.

QUESTION NO. P128-5: I have a goldstar vcr model # GHV-1265M as soon as I connect it, it starts rewinding. It doesn't respond to any of the front panel commands and it does not accept a tape.

Sounds almost certainly to be a power supply problem. If it's a linear supply, look for an STK**** w/at least one bad ouput.

QUESTION NO. P128-1: I have a Teknica beta, needs head replacement, where can I obtain a head?

Try Ness Electronics (800) 331 - 7617.

QUESTION NO. P1210-5: I am working on a magnavox vcr model # vr9912at01 . It has an audible power supply noise and the unit doesn't turn on at all . I'm thinking that R11 is bad because it measures 12 ohm's . But don't have specs to confirm .

Haven't seem that model, but if it's got a switching power supply, the ususal cause of "noise" is one of the electrolytics on the secondary has dropped below tolerance. Check them out of circuit w/cap meter.

QUESTION NO. P1117-5: I am looking for a Parts vendor that carries Emerson VCR replacements parts. Parts required: 1) Emerson VCR-755 - Need a loading/carriage assembly.
2) Emerson VCR-4003 - Mode switch 3) Emerson VT2522DA Tv/VCR combo - need mode switch for VCR unit and 8 ohm 2.5 watt 3x5 speaker for TV unit 4) Sanyo VWM-330 - Need a loading/carriage assembly.

Check out tritronicsinc.com. You should get the info & phone #s you need.

QUESTION NO. P1120-10: RCA (Thompson) VR537. VCR-Plus seems as though it could be a capacitor in the power supply. When it's plugged in, it 'pulsates' for several minutes (occasionally hours) before it has power. If you hit the "on" button at exactly the right split-second, it will come on.

Replace C09 22uf cap. Check to see if it is non-polarized. Both types are used in these power supplies.

QUESTION NO. P1114-9: I am working on an RCA VKP-950 VCR that plays back slow in SP speed on a good prerecorded tape. It will also speed up intermittently in EP speed. I tried recording in SP mode and played back okay on another machine, but with tracking set to the extreme. With the prerecorded tape playing, I rotated the A/C head assembly through about a 2" arc (this assembly is mounted on a spring-loaded pivit arm). In SP mode, the picture snapped into place and stayed there even when I let the assembly return to rest. I could not repeat the feat, though, when the tape was stopped and started again.

This model has had the rubber spacers on the bottom cover degrading around the screw holes. Look at the traces and see if they have faded or desolved. If ok, clean the corrosion from the 4 areas and place black electrical tape above (remove the rubber spacers). This should hopefully fix your problem.

QUESTION NO. P1029-2: I am working on a Toshiba VCR that came in with a loading problem. I traced the problem to a small A shaped arm under the large nylon gear. It is white metal and the pin that goes to the gear has broken off. Does anyone know where to find one or exactly how to ask for one when ordering? model # is SQPB AF-1

The part that you want is Toshiba #70363446, Cam lever. Location id is k470.

Also found part for you under RCA VR528.Part #224988

Pinout for STRS6708 "Offline Switching Regulator with Bipolar Switching Transistor"

Pin 1 Collector of ouput transistor
Pin 2 Common or emitter of output transistor (ground)
Pin 3 Base of output transistor
Pin 4 Sink (to base of internal drive circuit)
Pin 5 Drive (to collector of internal drive circuit)
Pin 6 Overcurrent protection
Pin 7 Feedback to internal oscillator
Pin 8 Inhibit (disables internal oscillator)
Pin 9 Vin (max 15vdc)
Pinout for STRS6525

"Offline Switching Regulator with Power MOSfet Switching Transistor"
Pin 1 Drain of output transistor
Pin 2 Source/Gate of output transistor
Pin 3 Common or ground
Pin 4 Sync to internal oscillator
Pin 5 Vin (max 35Vdc)
Pin 6 Feedback to internal oscillator
Pin 7 Soft-start to internal oscillator
Pin 8 Fault latch trigger
Pin 9 Over-current protection

QUESTION NO. P102-2: I have a HITACHI VT-1400A vcr that I have overhauled along with a minor basket repair. It works fine now except, during tape playback, flesh tones and other bright areas seem to have a green shadow to the left and a red shadow to the right. Tuner output looks fine. Have not tried recording yet. Didn't find any brown glue in the video/chroma circuits.

Sounds like 1)High fo response of Video Heads (good luck) or problem with one of the two fo generators in chroma circuit. Freeze Mist will tell there while watching monitor - you should be able to drastic change, or failure with Mist - Isolate and replace.

QUESTION NO. P106-10: I am working on a Magnavox VCR model VR9342AT22 that will not accept a tape. If a tape is manually loaded, the tape will eject when the unit is plugged in. The right sensor reads about .45v and does not change when a tape is inserted. Power supply seems OK. Have 5v, 12v. Checked all Caps.

Magnavox VR-9342at22 - sounds like all of you problems are related to the cassette basket no functioning. When you first apply power to the VCR the microprocessor tries everything in the system to see if they are working, if any fail, so does the test and the unit. I would suspect your problem is either the drive IC for the cassette motor, or the posistion switches on the cassette housing are 1)not making (clean) or 2)or grossly mis-aligned. In any event, you must get your cassette housing to work!

QUESTION NO. P1021-7: I am working on Emerson VCR870 that does not turn on, loading of a tape works and the timer rec indicator and the clock are flashing regardles of the switch position. Fuses seem OK but I suspect the power supply is missing output. Any sugestions?

If there is no motor action when first powered applied then drive IC for Mode Motor. If motor action - look @ +5volt rail from power supply - it must be over +4.8vdc and very clean at the power supply.

Working w/out print on this one, and after checking just about everything, I am almost certain your problem is the IC on the front right board. Don't have a spare to replace and verify for sure, but since on/off control (and IR remote functions) passes through the IC on the front left board and has inputs from the IC on the front right board which controls prog. rec., setting clock, etc. I strongly suspect it. Further, if you unplug the black connector from the right to the left front board normal operation will return except for changing channels & prog. rec. Also note the 5 volt sources in PS aren't clean because they are derived from the INPUTS to one of the bridges!

QUESTION NO. P106-2: I have a TECHNICS SA-GX500 and it is completly dead. I have no power and no low voltage. cannot get unit to power up without blowing main fuses. can anyone help me?

Most likely main power amplifier IC is shorted. Remove IC (big IC on heat sink) then power up again, if unit powers up OK, replace IC.

QUESTION NO. P930-2: I have a JVC HR-D670U VCR that came in with the very common popped up roller guide problem. After fixing this, it sucked up the tape during testing, stopping the headwheel cold. Now it plays tapes recorded on it fine but in black & white on other machines. Conversely, pre-recorded tapes & tapes recorded on other machines play mostly black & white but with a red & blue "wash" or tinge on the screen from left to right respectively. Heads replaced - no change. Temporary swap of power supply also. Suspect video output IC under sheilding on board behind headwheel but no print on this one.

Make sure that the video head assembly was not installed backward (180 degrees).

The ic under sheilding on board is a AN3386NK. It is a Matsushita (Panasonic) product.

QUESTION NO. P1016-2: Sony Model SLV 555UC When unit is put into rewind will run a few seconds and stop.

Replace both optocoupler reel sensors on bottom board of the mechanical system

QUESTION NO. P1022-4: I have a panasonic vcr(pv-3720-b) and a quasor vcr (vh537) with the same problem. When you plug it in, there is no display. Once in a while the display will come on for a split second,and then shut right back off. I was wondering if the problem is in the power supply(vepso167a1).

Check all of the caps in the power supply. You will find several of them bad and leaky.

QUESTION NO. P1013-6: I have a VCR Hitachi VT-3100A that stops at intermittent times and also the tape is taking inside the VCR intermittent. The cam switch is ok.

Check the idler tire between the takeup and rewind spools. Sometimes the clutch becomes to soft in these and cuts back on your take up tension. Also check for cracked or stiff rubber belts. If it was very dusty inside that may need to be taken care of.

QUESTION NO. P1010-4: I am currently working on a Thompson vcr model number VR515. The syptoms are it will load and wrap tape around video head as it shuold but will not automatically play a prerecorded tape which it shuold and as you hit the play button it will play too fast and you must hit the play button twice to get it to play. On eject it will not take up the slack to eject tape. I have replaced the loading assembly with a known good one from another machine with a similar mechanical deck. Does the same thing.

When loading the tape watch the arm that takes the tape to the audio/control heads. Sometimes it gets bound-up and dosen't take the tape against the control head. Resulting in loss of control of tape speed.Usually it is stuck in the load position. It is spring loaded to facilitate the unload cycle.

Replace with diode kit from RCA or 7 ecg125. 2 in power supply /d1102, and d1104 5 on pcb.d8,d9,d10.d12,d14 and check caps on power pcb.

QUESTION NO. P913-1: Hitachi vt-m171a with no cylinder motor action. Power supply voltages all appear fine. Unit will take tape p guides come up the shut down of course because no head fg. I suspect drum motor however entire replacement is too expensive.

Check if the servo IC is getting the 3.58 signal from the color section. I had this problem on some vcr and some times this is the cause.

QUESTION NO. P925-8: I am repairing a Lloyd's L825 VCR, made in Korea, the manufacturer is unknown. The symptoms are: as soon as the cassette gets in the left (supply) reel starts spining. after 8 seconds it stops. You push play and the tape gets in the play position, video head turns, after 8 seconds, video unloads tha cassette. Rewind, and FF, works also for 8 secs, and then autostops. Also, the clock stays where you set it. Anyone has encountered such a problem?

Check if the cpu is geting the pulses from the rotary sensors of the takeup and supply reels.

QUESTION NO. P1010-16: I have a Sharp VC-A220. It will take the tape in, then eject it. If I spin the loading motor a bit by hand when the cassette is at the bottom, it will stay in. Once in awhile it will work properly by itself. I cleaned the mode switch and re-timed the mechanism. Also replaced sys control IC.

change the loading belt even if you feel it is OK. Also be sure that the mode switch ( the fixed and rotary part ) is OK.

QUESTION NO. P106-8: Sanyo VHS Model#VHR-9417. After a brief period of tape playback a whining / squealing noise comes and goes. The noise continues after STOP is pressed, and only ceases after the 5 minute or so period when the motors disengage and shut-down.

The Squeling/whining noise you are hearing sound like a dirty static collector on the video head drum assy'. this is located either on top or on the bottom of the drum assy'. It needs to be cleaned where it comes into contact with the drum assy. The drum shuts down in about 5min of none use so thats why it then stops.

QUESTION NO. P103-6: I have a SONY vcr and need a place to buy sony parts.

I get my sony parts from fulton radio, 800-248-0898.

QUESTION NO. P926-6: Does anyone know where to get Funai parts? I have called Funai parts before and always have to leave messages and they never return my call. I have a Teac VCR which is also made by Funai and unable to find parts. Are these VCR's just throw away's ?

Teac is available on the web @ www.teac.com.They should be able to provide whatever part you need.

QUESTION NO. P928-2: I have a Sanyo VCR Model VWM-220, When a tape is loaded the heads spin up, tape guides do not pull tape and unit ejects tape.

I had a very similar problem with a slightly different model not long ago...it was model VWM-320. The problem was TIMING. Clearly, for some reason your cassette loading cycle is not being completed. Check the position and condition of the gears in the motor area, especialy the haligal gear which is the biggest gear on top. When it is in the correct position, it should be spring loaded.

QUESTION NO. P93-2: I have a Panasonic VHS VCR that is part of a combined TV/VCR unit AG-520. The unit is stuck in a partial threaded mode even without a tape in it. Does any one know if there is a switch, jumper or other method that allows one to test the threading and transport functions without a tape in the unit ?

At your local Electronic parts store or from Electronix Corp. (www.electronix.com) there is a test jig for sale P/N V-511. Price is $8.95. or you can make one by taking an old tape and removing the internal parts i.e tape reels (make sure to leave the springs for the protective tape door on front of tape), using a dremmel tool or similar cutting tool cut large round holes in the bottom and top of the tape housing where the spools would normally have been (this allows you to see the spindles turn). Manually open the tape protective door and place electrical tape over the holes on the right and left side under the door.(this simulates a tape being in the housing). Thats all there is to it.

QUESTION NO. P93-1: I have a Panasonic VHS VCR Model AG-1250-P. When a tape is inserted the loading mechanism advanced the cassette but none of the threading arms move nor does the reels spin. After a few seconds, the tape self ejects. Functions such Play, rewind or Fast Forward work. The VCR display illuminates and when a button like play is depressed, you see a play arrow but nothing happens until the tape self ejcets. Any idea where the failure might be?

Sounds like it could be a voltage regulator problem. Look for STKxxxx mounted to heat sink or, alternately, 2-3 individual transistors on heat sink; cross to ECG for pinouts, & check.

QUESTION NO. P910-5: Hitachi VCR VT1310A - I am looking for the belt that goes in the pulley underneath the idler assembly. Does anyone know a supply store in New jersey that may carry this belt?

They can be crossed in PRB, however, your unit lists 5 belts. Why not replace all using PRB kit # VKT170 vs. OEM and save several $? For further info see PRB at: http://www.prbline.com/

QUESTION NO. P912-5: Sony VCR SLV-585HF- After 20-30 minutes of initial turnon , thermal operation. When recording, unit will stop briefly every 2-3 seconds. Upon playback of same tape, results are same.Almost like servo defect when hot?

I have found that the CAPSTAN MOTORS on several models of SONY vcr's (including the model SLV-585HF) have a FACTORY DEFECT which causes the outer perimeter of the ROTOR to rub the STATOR windings causing them to short intermittently. I have repaired a number of these by re-placing the capstan motor and it cured the problem. You may want to disassemble the old motor and have look to see the damage. A picture is worth a thousand words.

QUESTION NO. P910-3: I a'm servicing a Mitsubishi HS-U51 VCR. After repairing the tape loanding mechanism, pressing play everything is normal except the take-up reel does not pull the tape.Similarly when unload the cassete the supply reel does not pull-in the tape. I cleaned the mode switch very carefully without any improvement.

Sounds like a timing issue. The timing on this model is very critical. One tooth off and something doesn't work. In the fully ejected position look for timing arrors or holes through gears that line up manually drive mechinism with 12v source to ensure there are no mechanical limitations.

Remove all the factory grease from the pinch cam and worm gear. Apply new grease (lubriplate works fine). This might resolve your problem.

QUESTION NO. P912-7: Montgomery Ward model JSJ 10682. Unit will not Rewind search. All other functions work fine. Have replaced all belts, pinch roller and felts in idler assembly. The capstan motor does reverse, but the idler is slipping, no tape movement.

Symptom sounds like a mode switch. Clean or or replace.

QUESTION NO. P96-6: The customer has a Mitsubishi TV CS-2060R. A new vcr was installed JVC HRJ633U, After two months the vcr failed to play video from tape. The tape runs, the audio works fine but the picture is all snow. If the vcr is in tuner mode the RF out and video out work fine. The vcr was replaced with a JVC HRJ643U and initially the tape playback was normal. Within 24 hours the placement vcr displayed the same failure mode. The vcr was replaced under warranty with a Sony SLV695HF, within 12 hours the same failure mode was displayed. The TV still works fine and all line voltages have been checked with various other appliances running in the household, all voltages read normal. It appears the video head amps are failing, any idea why?

I would be interested in knowing if the video heads of the three vcrs were either physically damaged or loaded up from residue from the same video tape. Debris and material from some videotapes have been known to clog video heads in machines. I would comprehensively clean the heads in the Sony vcr and play back commercially recorded tapes for a peroid of time to see if problem reappears.

QUESTION NO. P826-13: RCA VJP900 {two piece} has a loud motor boat BUZZ {not hum} in the audio on playback of a tape. The buzz is loud and may change in pitch. Replaced two small audio pcb's on top side, no fix. But, when I touch these pcb traces, the audio buzz may clear up or change in pitch? Removed rubber grommets on underside, no fix.

Very common problem for this audio board but hard to fix. Check circuit traces and feedthrough on circuit board, specially the control lines between the hybridge circuits. The source of the hum is the low side of the audio head is not pulled down to audio ground, this end will be connected to Rec amp on recording mode and the other end will be grounded.

QUESTION No. P812-4: I have a Toshiba M-449 VCR that flashes on and off when power is applied. Do you have any clue where to begin troubleshooting this? I have JVC AV-2750S Color TV that is beginning to get lighter on the left edge of the screen. What could be causing this?

No clue for the VCR problem but for the TV, check filter capacitor on the 200v supply line to video output circuit. This should be near the flyback transformer.

QUESTION NO. P825-3: JVC VCR'S Models HR-D8XX/D9XX are dead after a power outage. I have confirmed P/S is ok. It is being shut off by external signal from elsewhere in VCR. I replaced the super cap and timer microproccessor, still dead. No display, no operation, no "always" voltages (UNSW5.8V.,UNSW12V.) I have 3 of these with identical problem.

ANSWER 1: Unswitch 12v and 5v lines should be on constantly regardless to confirm, power up power supply without connecting power supply to VCR check for unswitched 12v and 5v, if not present, problem is in power supply unit.

ANSWER 2: See fix for P825-5 below. That should solve the problems.

QUESTION No. P730-4: I have a 10 year old Sharp VC9775U which will record and playback on speeds LP and EP, but not on SP. I replaced the idler assembly, belts, and retimed the tape loading gears for other problems. Any ideas on the the tape speed/record/playback problem?

Although I'm not familiar with that model, if you mean playback/record video problems only (audio OK) and you have a 4 (or more) video head machine, then it could be as simple as a cleaning or replacing the heads. Remember, a lot of 4-head machines use 2 of the heads for one speed and the other 2 for the other 2 speeds.

QUESTION No. P818-1: I am working on a RCA VJP900 vcr. The unit will not play back self-recorded video at any speed and the audio is good only in SP record speed.

Make sure both EP/SP heads are good. Then check/clean head relay.

QUESTION NO. P825-5: JVC VCR Model HRD970U will not power up. In the power supply (PB20414E) I replaced C6, and a couple of other caps that showed a higher D than others. I have checked all components on the input side of the transformer. All check OK.

Replace D-09 hidden somewhat by the transformer and C33. One or both are brobably the problem.

QUESTION NO. P822-3: I have a Sony SLV-585HF VCR. When I put a tape in and fast forward or play, the tape counter does not increment. When I go to eject the tape, it sometimes snags on the tape arm. Also, when playing, the tracking does not work very well. Any ideas?

ANSWER 1: Your VCR may have a stuck capstan tape guide (the swinging tape guide next to the capstan). Remove the adjustment nut, teflon washer, pull out tape guide and clean it and the post throroughly. Also check pinch roller assembly. Do not adjust A/C head azimuth if it has not been adjusted, adjusted tape guide height instead. About 80% Sony VCR's with this chassis need new pinch roller when tape guide is stuck.

ANSWER 2: Remove, clean and lubricate the pullout arm. Mark and count numbers of turns when removing pullout arm nut, (usually 7) play tape and look down at tape on pullout arm guide to check for top or bottom tape edge wrinkling and adjust up/down so tape is centered. Adjust ACE head if necessary. ACE head is not making good contact with the tape to read counter track data.

QUESTION No. 729-1: I have a Sharp vcr model #VCA-102U that cannot be powered on. At plug-in, the video head cylinder and capstan motor spin continuously. The front display is normal. I have checked the power supply voltages and all seem normal except what I believe is the 12vdc output and is reading 17.1vdc.

Everytime I have seen these symptoms, it points to a bad STKxxxx or bad voltage regulator of some type in the power supply. Uusually it is on a heat sink, but not necessarily on the main power supply board.

QUESTION No. P85-2: Fisher VCR has green and red lines on the screen during playback. This may not be restricted to only this brand.

If the green and red lines you describe in the picture are more like semi-transparent vertical bars of color centered in the lower 2/3rds of the screen, and the machine has a relay under the headwheel, then this could be the problem. I've seen this on an old Mitsubishi before. Lightly clean out the contacts w/fine sandpaper & then spray it out w/cleaner.

QUESTION No. P717-15: I have a Samsung vcr, model#vr-5711, that will play for about one-hour then shut off. Sometimes it will only play for a few minutes and shuts off. The machine shuts down completely and remains in the play position, and when powered back up, will not unload. If left unplugged for a couple of hours then plugged back in the mechanism unloads back to eject position but when play is activated tape threads normally but head drum will not rotate. Obviously drum is stopping, causing unit to power off and leaving tape in loaded position, but can anyone tell my why?

I have seen squirrely problems with at least 2 of these animals before - each exhibiting slightly different sysptoms; one of which was the tape loading and headwheel not spinning - others were timer light flashing upon plug in; very slow cassette loading and/or tape eating at loading because timing seems off; no play; and intermittent bad color, vert/horiz sync, until eventually permanent blue screen. Most of these seem to manifest after warmup (after plug in). One would expect a myriad of causes for these, but the source can probably be traced to low-budget electronics used in the regulator circuit of these units. Use freeze spray on D112,114 for the first batch of symptoms or on D116 for the last one. Alternately, check for a high forward voltage drop (>0.7V) on these w/meter. If it's not any of these, I would bet you could find it with the freeze in the 100 section of the main board based on the heat related symptoms you describe.

QUESTION No. P721-4: I am looking for video heads for a NEC vcr, model # N951U.

A good source for video heads is ASTI Magnetics, Corp. (800) 221-1828. You need ASTI No. 442.

QUESTION No. P717-7: Sony SV-585 Tape gets caught when ejecting. The guide that pulls the tape up to the capstain stays there during eject causing the tape to get caught in the cassette door.

Remove nut, remove arm and spring. The spring will stay on. Clean and lube shaft with oil then reinstall. The arm should spring back forcefully if it is oiled well.

QUESTION No. P710-1: I am working on an Emerson VCR4003 with recording problem, video ok but not great, will NOT record over the audio, any idea's?

ANSWER #1: I would suspect the Audio record bias oscillator circuit. You state video record is ok. Unit needs Record Bias oscillator to erase previous audio tracks. Also a misaligned ACE assembly may cause similar problems.

ANSWER #2: I do nOt know this model, but usually, check the full erase head. it is located at the left side of the video head. It that is not the solution then verify the full erase head circuit.

QUESTION NO. P620-4: RCA VR506A dead set. Voltages at the power supply seem to be wrong or non existant. I find this problem with other RCA VCR's with this same power supply.

Check C09, 22mfd/16 volts, on the primary side of power supply.

QUESTION No. P512-2: I have a JVC HRJ400U eats tapes on eject sometimes. FCC# ASIPAC022.

See the answer to P55-3

QUESTION No. P519-18: Is there a SAMS equivalent for the Fisher FVH-6600. I have one with a timing problem.

Check the gear train of the tape load mechanism. There is a small white idler gear that most likely has broken teeth. Bend back the plastic tang and lift up to remove, push a new one on. That might solve the problem.

QUESTION No. P521-7: GE Model # 1CVD5023X VCR. Good E/E video and colour. Good video and colour from attached camera. Unit will not record nor playback colour. Black and white record and playback seem fine.

Check around the chroma Ic or micro for glue that has hardend and remove it. I may be close to the chroma crystal

QUESTION No. P55-3: I have a jvc vcr,model HR_D670U. It plays tapes ok. The problem is when you stop and eject, the tape will not wind back up on the take up reel completely. This leaves the tape loose and in front of the tape guides during eject. This does not happen all the time. I have replaced the clutch assembly, the idle and all belts which did no help. If you rewind for a few seconds it loads the tape back in the cassette and it will eject ok.

Any JVC VCR with this symptom if not fully returning the tape into the case. Change the "Mode" switch underside of Tape Transport system.

I had a related problem with a jvc model HR-vp606u,unit would take in tape,wrap around head/upper cylinder, but would not take up the tape at all times. no change was noted after replacing slide encoder switch which it is called in the service manual(part # pu60622-1-2, problem was solved when I removed the idler gear unit(part # 60618-1-3) and blew out small trash/dust which was causing subpar rotation of the unit which done in a timely fashion will allow play/take-up, if not then eating of tapes will occur upon stop/eject, replaced the loading motor's belt and capstan belt since disassembly of unit was required to get to the idler gear unit which more readily made changing the belts easy.

QUESTION No. P416-6: I have a Panasonic PV-4425S that has a color tint problem on playback and record. Ok in E-E mode. Looks like a CRT with no red gun. Lot of green in the picture.

Power supply filter caps cause all kinds of funny problems. 5 volt and 12-15 volt lines. Usually 330uf or 1000uf caps.

QUESTION No. P416-7: I am working on a Toshiba VCR model M220 also a M2200, M225, M210, M210C,M240,M240C. The unit has a faulty Cam Gear. Service manual parts list: Item B565 p/n 70333297 Reference Number 65202-600-910. It is also part of Item 550 Assy. Loading - Drive. Reference Number 65293-601-110. Both items are no longer available per local parts House. I think this model is simular to an RCA but not sure. Can anyone supply information on where this Cam Gear can be obtained?

The loading assembly is the same as used in the Samsung VR8700. The Samsung part number is 65293-601-120. The part is available from Amkotron at 714 739 9666 for $22.36. To all who has had RCA power supply problems. Models vr321,664,564,etc. This works. Replace C4(4.7/250v) C9(22/50v non polorized) C14(470/16v) Q1(nte# 2337) and Q2(C3203).

QUESTION No. P416-1: I am working on an RCA VR500. When it is turned on the head starts to rotate immediately. As soon as you put any tape in it starts to play and shuts off in about 5 seconds.

When you enter play mode and the upper cylinder sounds as though it is spinning too fast, then shuts down, from underside of unit, resolder connections J2 and J3 on lower drum assembly c.b. This should take care of your problem.

QUESTION No. P414-6: Working on Magnavox TV/VCR Combi CCT132 (Funai made!). Unit will not take a tape. I have attempted retiming the unit.

ANSWER 1: Your problem is caused by a bad electrolytic capacitor in the RED-video amplifier. See the answer for question P410-8 as your problem has exactly the same reason.

ANSWER 2: A common problem with 1993 or so vintage Funai TV/VCR combos causing no power or tape loading is two Electrolitics in the power supply. They are 330, and 470mfd'\''s at 10v dc. replace with 16v caps.

QUESTION No. P322-7: Sears VCR model nbr 564.53482950. The playback of prerecorded tapes is fine, but the audio playback of recordings made on this machine is very low . The REC/PB amps IC202 and 201 and Dolby IC221 have been replaced which helped for awhile. Also audio is getting to the REC head and all associated voltages are good.

Probable a/c head.

QUESTION No. P322-3: Cassette loading problem with a Magnavox VR9946AT01 (G-type chassis). Problem is there is no back tension on the cassette holder, so when a cassette is inserted, the holder will load half way in then jam without the cassette.

The right cassette holder side plate has a broken retainer that holds lever in place. Replace the side plate.

QUESTION No. P47-5: Magnavox model VR9065AT01 loads but will not play, rewind, or ffwd shuts off after a few minutes. Unit will eject sometimes.

Sounds to me like the mode switch is either dirty or bad.

QUESTION No. P327-2: I have replaced an obviously defective video drum/head unit in a Zenith VGR180 VCR but I have lost my chroma signals while maintaining a monochrome picture.

When you replaced the upper cylinder, you most likely installed it in reverse. Remove the cylinder, turn it 180 degrees, then reinstall. Make sure lower drum and underside of V.H. cylinder are clean before installation.

QUESTION No. P35-5: Has anyone heard a the "genexxy" brand name. I have a vcr7272 with the above badge which need a clutch assembly but have no source of spares.

The best approach is to check the UL number listing on the back of the set and cross it to the manufacturer.

QUESTION No. P36-3: Mitsubishi model #HS-339UR vcr that will not fast forward or rewind a tape. The tape roller starts to move towards the capstan but stops before engagement and gives up. In the play mode the unit will search forward and in reverse.

Your problem might be the loading belt, Ive seen that problem in several vcrs. The belt may not have enough tension to move the loading mechanism all the way through its cycle. Try replacing the belt.

ANSWER 2: The problem is in the brake assembly. proper alignment is critical. The cause is in the belt, replace it.

QUESTION No. P32-9: Panasonic vcr PV-4601 with no EEsound, distorted or scrambled picture. Playback has audio and a grey raster. I replaced tuner. Voltage to tuner is OK. The problem is 0worse on a channel with writing.

It sounds like the RF modulator may be your problem. That is unless the modulator is part of the tuner, whereas you would have to change the complete tuner assembly.

QUESTION No. P221-1: Sanyo VHR5214 (VHS VCR) and have repaired a handful of problems on it such as the tape path alignment. Now it will only playback tapes that are recorded on it. Other tapes seem to jitter. When I touch the upper drum lightly, the jitter seems to go away. Is the control track produced by the VCR the only one it can recognize?

Try checking/adjusting the back tension.

QUESTION No. P317-5: RCA Model VKP-950- The vcr powers fine but no play, rewind, or ff. It seems that the "idler motor?" is not working.

Try changing all belts. Pay particular attention to the two on the loading motor (bottom of unit) and the hidden belt on the clutch assembly. RCA and Hitachi put out belt kits for the unit. Also change the FF/RW Idler (most common problem). RCA #164113 (if this is the rubber-tired one--am working from memory).

QUESTION No. P228-1: JVC VCR Model D217U. The power LED will not light when you push the switch. The VCR will not fast forward or rewind. I have measured switching 5 volts from the stk5479 regulator and I lose it when I power up the unit. If I unsolder the pin the 5volts will switch on and off with the pressing of power button.

It sounds like the stk is bad. The sympton is common to all jvcs of that vintage.

QUESTION No. P317-1: Have a Sony SLV-721HF which has random failure of eject, 50% of the time will eject on command the other times will unload capstain and heads retract all tape cam will go for normal eject position and stop just before engagement of tape eject action. To correct you must unplug to reset to get functions back. If I only power down from front panel and on again, no eject is available and drum is in continuous spin (unloaded).There is an error code 05. It is only there when you power down and back on as described.

To the right/attached to the cassette housing, there should be a small pc board. On the board is a slide switch. Solder a 0.047pf cap across the wire feeds to that switch. What is happening is noise is being generated by the switch which locks up the main micro. This modification is from Sony.

QUESTION No. P32-11: RCA VLT602HF VCR that has no color and very weak distorted playback. Audio sounds ok and tuner video looks ok.

The symptoms point to worn heads. The best way to tell is substitute. If none are handy you should check the fm envelope on a scope for fairly level pattern and good output level.

QUESTION No. P35-4: XR 1000 Model SVG-500 VCR that the upper drum spins eratic causing the picture to appear and disappear constantly (the drum speeds up and slows down).

I have found this caused by a loss of 3.58 reference from the chroma circuit to the servo processor. This is used as a drum phase reference. You could also have excessive hum in the power supply for the cylinder drive circuit.

QUESTION No. P225-2: Emerson VCR model# VCR765 that when in playback mode the tape constantly changes speeds between sp ep. I have changed the belt and pinch roller this has not helped.

I had the same problem on a Symphonic VCR 5900 where it would do the same thing part of the way into a tape. The Tape edge was damaged or not recorded properly when made. The VCR is having problems reading the control track on the tape. Is it happening on all tapes or just one? All tapes then check the alignment or the circuitry for a flaky part. 1 or 2 tapes then try them on a different VCR. Does it record tapes and play them back fine? When I had this problem I found that the bad tapes were created on a Toshiba VCR that was prone to Audio drop outs on the tape.

QUESTION No. P225-1: Otari MTR-90 II that when I push PLAY button it does not work. If I push REWIND it works.

This could be any number of problems. (Capstan PCB, Control PCB or the transport itself. The transport on that tape deck has no pinch roller. It relies on correct tensions on the reel motors. I think you will need the drawings for it. Otari can be reached at www.otari.com

QUESTION No. P130-5: Zenith vcr VRF-250. When unit is first pluged in and tape set on playback tracking will not correct picture after about 1/2 hour running the picture will correct itself. I tried using freeze spray to force the problem but no help.

Resolder the pcb on the bottom of the drum motor, also some models have caps on this board change them. This is a common problem with all zenith vcr's.

QUESTION No. P219-3: RCA vpt290 with the following problem, rew, ff, ok! No go in play mode. Checked all belts. The drive motor seems to jerk forward for a couple of seconds then politely replaces the tape in its housing.

Did you change the two small loading belts? If they are slipping at all you will get this exact fault.

QUESTION No. P131-1: Sansui S-x900 that I am working on. The power transformer is open and I have been unable to get the part. Does this transformer have an internal fuse that can be bypassed? I have done this with other transformers with great success but I do not have the diagram for this unit. The #'s on transformer R2490xxv and BE11IBS.

If there are no fuses in the primary of a transformer it must have an internal fuse link. To find out if the transformer is repairable, remove the metal case from the side of the transformer the120vac line enters there will be a paper wrap on the transformer. Cut through the wrap with an exacto knife, be careful not to cut windings. If the transformer is repairable you should find 3 wires or terminals. Between 2 wires you will measue a few ohms. This will be the primary. Between the other 2 terminals you should measure an open cct this is your open fuse link. Bypass the fuse link, be sure to add a fuse external to the transformer in the primary

QUESTION No. P214-5: Ttwo Sharp VCRs that are exhibiting the same problem. Sharp model VC-A561OU and Sharp model VC-A206U. They are different models but have the same main boards in them. Both turn on and do everything except advance the tape. The captstain servo does not turn. I have changed out the Servo and same problem exist.

Check for chemical leaking out of the only electrolytic capacitor on capstan motor board, the chemical corroded the 12v supply line to motor driver IC. Remove capacitor, cleaned board, jump circuit trace and install new capacitor.

QUESTION No. P114-4: Sharp VCR model C-A500U does everything except play. When the play switch is pressed it loads the tape normally, the head turns for about 20 seconds and then stops. The capstan does not turn. I changed the mechanism switch but it still has the same problem.

The most common problem is a slipping load belt (left rear of deck). If ok, check that 12V supply and start/stop/direction signals are present at capstan motor. Usually 5V, one pin should go hi/lo for forward/reverse, and another pin should vary voltage to control capstan speed (ie 3V during play, 10V during rewind or FF). If all voltages are present, you probably have a defective capstan motor. Also, If the head seems to be rotating way too fast, try resoldering connections on lower drum board. In some cases they develop intermittents in the FG line and the machine cannot tell the head is turning.

QUESTION No. P26-3: Two Sanyo vwm 320s with the same problem. Intermittently the VCR will not accept a tape. Unplug the thing and plug it back in and all is well. I spoke to the current Sanyo video tech and he says he gets calls on the same problem but cannot verify it. It happens on all the models from about a couple of years ago with the smps on the main board.

1/ try deck mode switch. 2/ fix mains filter unit

QUESTION No. P127-3: Need value of resistor R-70 on a GE VCR 1VCR6002X.

I believe that resistor runs off the motor drive IC and is 2.7 ohms, 1/2 watt.

QUESTION No. P19-3: Samsung vr-2650 VCR and when you turn it with out any tape in the transport it acts as if there is a tape in the vcr. The cassette in indicator is on and it will run for about 20 seconds and then the power on indicator lamp will flash on and off. the ffw, rew and play functions will indicate their functions before this 20 seconds is up.

Check the switch that is mounted in the top of the casset loader.

QUESTION No. P1231-4: Sony SLV-440 stuck on ch. 3. All other functions are good. Unit will not change channels from either the front panel or remote.

ANSWER 1: Check to see if you can enter channel # directly from remote (i.e. 1, 0, enter for chanel 10, if you can the problem may be the VCR is not set up properly, try to set up VCR from tuner set up menu. If channel can not be entered manually then problem may be with timer/function control circuit.

ANSWER 2: Unit is set in cable mode. Get remote from user and go to menu , set for normal mode, all channels become available. Cable mode locks ch 3 only.

QUESTION No. P1231-2: Sharp VCR Model VC-A5641U. The problem is the tape will not always load sometimes it kicks the tape right back out.

The mode switch may need cleaning or replaced. The main cam may be damaged, Remove carefully to check how its aligned and replace even if slightly damaged.

Second Answer: Tape end sensors are marginal, replace both of them.

QUESTION No. P1227-2: National nv-370 VCR. Do displays lit(two of); will not accept cassette; vtr led (power on) just glowing, no change when vtr (pwr) button is switched; signal feeds through when plugged in but modulator stays off and so no test signal, channels etc.

Clean the mode switch with switch cleaner. Replace it if a tempory cure results. The main cam may be broken under the deck These are not expensive but take apart with care so you can reassemble OK.

QUESTION No. P1226-9: Fisher VCR model FVH 4504. When the play button is hit the tape is ejected.

Some Sanyo / Fisher VCRs use a resistor ladder to sense the function switches, any resistance in the switch contacts would cause erratic operation. Check all switches with an ohmmeter, replace them accordingly.

QUESTION No. P1211-12: NEC N915U VCR - dead, no display, fuse blown. Replaced DC portion of power supply with used board from other VCR. Now display is light with nonsence letters and numbers. Obviously, power supply problem.

Try replacing IC 802.

QUESTION No. P129-1: RCA VR334 vcr which has the letter L displayed to the right of the clock display. Everything else works ok. I do not have service info for this model.

Letter L possible means line input, try to set unit back to tuner mode using menu or front panel control or remote.

QUESTION No. P1115-1: Zenith VRM4170 (it has a Goldstar-type chasis) that goes from good to snow to good. It happens on all tapes even on tapes recorded with the vcr and one recorded on other good vcrs.

Sounds like a capstan servo phase problem. Check for feedback pulse from FG generator it may be missing. Yuo will need service manual for location of key points.

QUESTION No. P122-2: RCA VR-526 Display and loading motor pulses as though there was not enough current capabilities of the power supply but cannot figure out what might cause this.

Check small filter caps in power supply. 1000mfd caps can dry up and cause this problem, particularly on 5 volt line. The problem is usually the 22uF capacitor next to the switching transformer in the power supply module. The RCA/GE part number is 194339. In this package you will receive two 22uF capacitors: one polarized and one non-polarized. There were two versions of this power supply. Use the proper replacement from the package and chunk the other in your spare parts. You WILL use it!! This is a very common problem with this model and several others.

QUESTION No. P1118-2: Quasar VCR model 5165-K with a loud sqealing out of the SMPS. The only faulty component I can find in the supply is D14, a 1/2 watt zener diode. Unfortunately, I do not have a schematic and the zener is not marked as to its value.

Although I do not have the schematic of your particular VCR it is probably the same as 90% of the Matsushita VCR power supplies (Quasar does not really make VCRs). If it is, your Zener diode is 15V and be sure to check the associated 1000uf caps associated with it (usually C-18 and C-19) as they often dry out and go bad.

QUESTION No. P1111-6: G.E. vcr model 9-7115. Sys. will accept tape, after pressing play-system loads tape video cyl. starts, capstan motor starts for about one second, then stops.

You may try replacing the reel sensor and/or replacing the capacitors on the bottom cylinder board ( If its the one w/the three capacitors )

QUESTION No. P1030-3: Fisher fvh-6600 VCR: Unit will not accept tape. Display indicates tape is already in. Checked tape end sensors, IR led, and modes switch. All appear to be OK.

The first thing to do is make sure the mechanism timing is correct.

QUESTION No. P1022-1: Sears VCR 580.53324950, when tape is put in the system immediately goes into a fast forward mode. I cleaned the mode switch, and checked for bad circuitry, also checked for mechanical malfunction but could find none.

Sears VCR may be a Hitachi unit. If so, replace both supply and take-up sensors on carriage assembly. They are notorious for causing symptoms like this.

Your VCR is a Goldstar (Hitachi is Sears #934XXXXX). Remove the cassette housing and inspect the main load gears. You will find that the inner one has a broken stop that throws the unit out of "mode".

QUESTION No. P1011-1: JVC HR-D1650UM that will intermittently go into play and will always fast forward when you press rewind. I have replace the mode switch, the load motor driver IC, and the cassette housing (which has the end/start sensors) this unit has the standard chassis with the cam on top. Anyone know what else to look for?

I recently had a JVC VCR that exhibited the same symptoms and it turned out to be the front switch panel was positioned wrong and would " push buttons" either with a slight vibration or at random. I shimmed the board back a little and it worked fine.

QUESTION No. P1018-10: RCA VR250 (Samsung chassis) that during loading to play the loading motor encounters resistance during the final set point of the tape take up arms (position tape around video drum). The final tooth of these arms seems to jam just when meeting the smooth section of the main cam gear. This normally locks the arms in place, but in this case unit times out and goes into error because of the jam.

Common problem with these machines. It is usually caused by slipping load belts. Replacing the belts usually solves the problem.

QUESTION No. P930-3: VCR GE Model 9-7720. I need to know voltages out of power supply, 9 pin connector. Unit turns on for a second, then off. Voltages found are as follows:


Pin:            Voltage:
  1              -23 Vdc
  2              -23 Vdc
  3              +4.9 Vdc
  4              +4.9 Vdc
  5              -40 Vdc
  6              +0.7 Vdc
  7              +20 Vdc
  8              +57 Vdc
  9              +5 Vdc

My guess is pin 6? Fuse is not blown.

Seems all lines are high except the 5v line. Since this is the one it regulates to, you may have a problem there. Our experience indicates C1015 and C1016, 330 mf @ 6v, are bad. Replace with 105 degree parts. Also pin 6 is ground. Check to be sure you have no problems there.

QUESTION No. P930-2: RCA VR323 - No color in playback or record. Have replaced head amp IC and Chroma IC. Also subbed entire tape deck - all with no change .

I have had problems with the glue they use on the circuit board in the chroma section which I call peanut butter. Check for that and remove it.

QUESTION No. P930-1: I need a cross-ref number for a Sears VCR #564.53482950 capstan motor/board. The 564 source is Sanyo but Sanyo will not supply if it is a Sears brand name. These have crosses to Sanyo models but I do not know what that cross model would be.

This type of motor is notorious for bearings going bad. We no longer replace the motors for this. the upper bearing (oil impregnated bronze bushing) is replaceable by itself. If this is your problem you can use our IWE part # VW208 bushing.

QUESTION No. P916-6: RCA VR539. Powers up ok. Will accept tape. Upper head drum wants to spin in both directions. Also emits rumbling noise. Are there any case histories of this problem?

Most likely the drum motor is bad. Hall sensor elements which sens the rotor position is bad or one coil of the stator is open or driver IC is bad.

ANSWER 2: Clean and remove dust buildup on lower drum motor photo sensor on under side pcb and clean dust build-up off the black sensing ring fins attached to the lower part of the drum motor. Dust buildup on this ring interferes with the drum motor pick-up sensor to stop drum startup.

QUESTION No. P812-8: Hitachi VCR Model VTM150A gives false signals. The tape light is on but there is no tape inside. I have tested the sensors and found no problems.

I recently had a Hitachi vtm250a with a very intermittent (1 occurance per 100 tries) & similiar false tape-in indication. Even though I had also checked the end sensors, I failed to see the slightly ringed solder on the takeup end sensor. After several return trips to the shop I found & resoldered & tamed that wild dog!

QUESTION No. P87-3: Fisher VCR model FVH-906 that will not turn on.

You need to be a bit more specific on your problem. If you are getting no display or anything, you might look to the STK voltage regulator. If it won't power up, is the stop light indicator flashing? If so, you have a faulty or dirty dew sensor.

QUESTION No. P722-5: Sylvania VCR Model# VC8952AT01 with no front panel display. I checked the power supply voltages and they were wrong. I replaced several components in the power supply and then the supply voltages returned except for the 4Vac supplying the front display filament. The transformer in the supply was also making a hissing noise and the waveform at the output of Q1was oscillating, the unit would operate, all of the front panel controls were operational but there was still no front panel display. And the supply voltages for were also missing.

I am not exactly familiar with the power supply in that particular model, but I have run into quite a few instances where one or two of the 330uf 6.3V caps in those power supplies failed. If it has any of those, check 'em!

QUESTION No. P75-3: Emerson VCP Model #VCP-680. The power kicks off while accepting the tape. By cycling power, the tape eventually loads and plays fine. The loading motor current draw is normal.

ANSWER 1: Your problem is most likely a belt slipping. When you load a tape the machine must get the gears into a certain position within a short period of time or the control chip shuts the VCR off. If the belt is ok then look for something blocking the parts from moving into position.

ANSWER 2: I recently had the same problem with a similar Emerson. Replace all belts and reset timing, would suggest cleaning mode switch also. This has fixed this problem for many Emersons for me. It seems to be impossible to "check" the belts, just replace them.

ANSWER 3: Sounds like a dirty mode switch. Remove and clean all contacts. This is a common problem on Emerson.

QUESTION No. P81-1: I am looking for a inexpensive replacement video head for Sharp part# DDRMW0005HE08. Fox has the original unit at $134.60 (too high)! This head goes in a Realistic 16-611 (Tandy wanted $161.52)

I found the head you are looking for in Dalbani'\''s catalog for about $45. Call them at 1-800-325-2264 and ask for part # 24-4450 to get an exact price.

QUESTION No P71-4: Zenith VCR model VRL4270HF. On playback the speed is very fast with lines.

Possible faulty tape take up arm.. Modification kit containing pinch gear, take up lever and take up arm is available from MCM at 800-543-4330. Their part number is 32-5530.

QUESTION No. P75-4: I have seen a couple of VCR's that when hooked to a TV for the first time see to exhibit a problem of no color/bad video and poor sound. Now if you change channel on TV then go back to proper RF channel the problem goes away. I can make it do this ever time - with these two particular VCR's. Any ideas on this?

Most Newer TV's have Automatic Fine Tuning. Your VCR is transmitting on channel 3 or 4. It is a little off. Try turning the tuning coils if any in the RF converter. Example try changing to a scambled cable channel. Your TV tries to tune in the channel. it is possible that your cable company uses off-set carriers for thier channels. this means the frequency is shifted +1.25mhz. your tv is set for hrc(harmonically related carrier) but the output from the vcr(ch3 or 4) is normal(fcc) the tv has to look for the vcr when the channel is changed and then will lock it in. just the way hrc is.

QUESTION No. P523-1: Trying to find source for video head for Sharp VC5F5U.VCR model number

If the Sharp model # VC-5F5U is correct, you could try Asti magnetics (800-221- 1828). If they can't help, Tritronics Corp. is an authorized Sharp distributor. (800-638-3328). Note; the model # VC- 5F5U doesn't sound correct, but I guess it is not impossible!

QUESTION No. P520-6: Panasonic vcr works manually but not by remote. Model#PV4503

Answer 1: Replace the remote receiver inside the vcr. First check your voltages, also make your sure that your remote is good. If your Remote is good and Vcc is good on the remote receiver then check the data out on the remote receiver when using your remote.

Answer 2: Problem could be caused by the remote itself. I have seen late model Panasonic remote that has ceramic oscillator with frequency drift. Replacing ceramic oscilllator fix the problem. You can also check VCR with different remote or use an universal remote to test.

QUESTION No. P53-2: Mitsubishi HS430UR VCR has no luminance in record mode but playback is OK. Mitsubishi technical service is confused on this.

If the VCR has poor brightness through the tuner too, replace IC2A0 (PN. 267P80001). In Luminance portion of PC Board, check and remove all traces of white/yellow glue on solder side of board. Also check in and around delay line circuit(s).

QUESTION No. P57-1: The power supply for a Sony VCR SLV555UC is dead, scoping it reveals no activity on the primary side of the switcher. I assume that IC101 has failed.

I have never found the IC to be bad in this power supply. Check D207 if it is shorted, replace it as well as C109 because it breaks down under load shorting out the diode.

QUESTION No. P520-5: Emerson VCR mod # vcr 765n which loads the tape to the play position as soon as you insert it. It remains there for all functions.

Check the limit post assembly. It is a small white plastic assembly near the pinch roller. The assembly consists of a small metal pin mounted on a plastic arm. The plastic cracks causing the metal pin to move jamming up the machine.

QUESTION P513-4: Montgomery Ward VCR model # jsj 10620 it has an intermittent switching problem. Pressing play switches gears and the coil on the underside switches back and forth. When this happens, the only way to stop it is to unplug it. Also the same unit is ffw fine but rewinds very slowly. Chanking the belt has no effect. Sometimes in the play mode it will only load half-way.

Your Wards VCR (which is made by Sharp, by the way) has a dirty mode switch. This can be cleaned or replaced depending on your inclination. MCM carries the part for 2 or 3 bucks I think. As you look inside at the mechanical section you will see a motor with 2 belts attached. The switch is below the motor. It can be reached by removing the motor assy. (3 screws). Watch the alignment of the switch disk or it may be hard to put back together. Dont worry, it,s keyed so it can only go one way.

QUESTION No. P520-4: Hitachi VT-88A VCR with no clock. All other functions/lights normal. Unit does not have DC-DC converter. Already checked D1725 and IC1703/1702 and all appear good, voltages present. No DC voltage from Pin 1 to Pin 25 on clock display module.

Check capacitor C1201 on the channel preset tuning board. This cap, 220uf/25 fails preventing the 60hz clock signal from reaching the display.

QUESTION No. P410-2: Sony VCR model #SLV555UC with a dead power supply. Zener diode D207 is shorted. I need the part number for this diode, and any info on what might cause this problem, I'm sure there is more wrong with the power supply.

D207 is Sony pn 8-719-160-64 but you can use any 16volt 1/2 watt zener. Also check D202 (shorted), R203 and D205. Also on primary side replace C109 (47uf/25v) cap it is dry and causes secondary voltage to go high, killing D207. Also C105 1uf/ 100v may short. this whole problem is common in several models. Substitue for D205 is RD16F sony# 8-719-160-64

QUESTION No. P330-4: GE VR4005 playback is normal until the cylinder starts to spin at a very high speed out of control. May play for 30 seconds to 5 minutes before the problem occurs.

If drum spins up too fast, drum servo is likely not getting FG pulses back from drum. Check entire path, but most frequently the FG pickup itself is at fault.

QUESTION P3496-2: Zenith VR2426HF that goes into auto tracking every 5 sec or so. It only does it on certain tapes though. I have heard of this problem on other VCRs but it was with all tapes. Tape path alignment has made no change on the problem.

Problem is caused by copygaurd protection system used on some tapes. Install transistor, resistor, and modify pcba as needed per Zenith change Tech Sheet avail. from Zenith Corp. Note the add on transistor is a digital version and you should use the kit from Zenith.

QUESTION P32696-3: Mitsubishi HS-UP31 VCR in EP play&record streaking in high chroma (white) any fixes out there ?

Sounds like your EP video heads are worn out,a video head checker can confirm this or better if you can try another V.Head. Also watch out for yellowwish glue stuffs on the signal process PCB.

QUESTION No. P32596-1: Sony VCR #SLV-700HF no playback. Video unit will record fine (played back on another vcr). Jail bar picture. No signal output on IC801 on RP-149 pcb pin #20 + voltage does not vary from record to playback as it should. Sound is perfect. Does this chip go bad or am I overlooking another circuit? Logic voltages are ok.

I found IC801, part#8-759-046-75 to be causing the jailbar playback. After replacing the IC on the head preamp voltage on pin #23 varied from record/playback as it should. Make sure you replace the ground shields around the pcb!!!! If you don't it still looks like you have a problem (noisy picture,no color,looks like tracking off or dirty heads!)

QUESTION 31196-3: GE VG-4029 VCR Plus Turn power on - channel comes on, motors spins. Unit powers off in three seconds Previously repaired power suPly pack. DC voltages are right. Can't install tape. Tape in sensors and belts ok.

Check for a dirty, misaligned or defective mode switch.

QUESTION 21696-11: JVC HRD960U that has a problem that looks like bad heads. Half of the picture is missing intermittantly. I replaced the heads.

On this JVC vcr look for the surface mount electrolytic cap on the drum cylinder, this will be located under the chassis connected to the lower drum assem. I believe the original cap is a surface mount 3.3 uf @ 50V. I have used a 3.3 uf or a 4.7uf cap with success (it does NOT have to be a surface mount replacement) Replace this cap and you'll get your whole picture back again! The problem you exhibit is fairly common with jvcs. The video drum is defective. One of the windings of the drum is opening up intermittently. The drum needs to be replaced.

QUESTION 21696-9: GE VG-7910 good audio, no video when playing tape or tv. screen goes blue when cable input disc. or when tape not playing. tried external rf modulator and same problem.

Check the mode switch for corroded contacts.

QUESTION: Sharp VCR model no. VC-P2200C Some one worked on this before and now the gears are out of step. Like to find out proper placement of the gears.

Pay close attention to the gears and where the holes are on them. Most gears in VCRs have alignment holes. While turning the gears, the mating gear should have a hole that will come around at the same time as the other gear. At that point, the two holes would directly across from each other.

The problem of the takeup reel turning intermittantly in the GOLDSTAR 105M VCP is because the plastic idler becomes warped due to pressure and the idler gear teeth ride above the reel gear teeth. The correct fix is to replace the idler or heat the idler and reform the plastic so it is no longer warped.

QUESTION: RCA VCR model VKT650 with a worn out video head. I have the factory repair manual which list an RCA stock number of 160649. I do not find a cross to a currently available part number for the head wheel in any of the catalogs I have access to. Can anyone provide a part number cross reference?

ASTI Magnetics carries a replacement head for the RCA VKT650. It is ASTI part #794 and sells for around $45.00. Contact ASTI at 1-800-P221-1828 (or (201) 501-8900 in New Jersey) RCA 160649 = Hitachi 5458851 UPer cylinder (video heads) This RCA VCR was top of the line (6 heads?) and the headwheel was/is expensive. It should still be available from RCA or Hitachi. The Hitachi # may also help you to find a generic cross. A cross-reference for a VKT650 video head is part #24-5950 from Dalbani 800-P325-P2264.

QUESTION NO. 11796-5: Has anyone worked on a JVC/Zenith and had switching problems with the video cross point. I have several times and had to replace the drum motor. I would like to know if there is a fix for the motor.

To correct the problem with the lower drum motor you must replace a surface mount capacitor on the pc board under the motor. Changing C6 a 3.3uf electrolytic capacitor should fix the improper timing of the fg signal. The replacement can be a simple 3.3uf 16volt radial capacitor and then bend the capacitor on its side without touching the board.