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K lambert
Tuesday 11th December 2018
7:16 pm U.K.

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Rich

It's on the SS board (third or second one down).

It should have TRACKING on it next to the pot.

....Kev

Rich
Monday 10th December 2018
3:56 pm U.K.

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Hi all,

Could any of you tell me where the internal tracking adjustment pot is on a Sony SLHF100UB please?

Many thanks,

Rich.

Fivos Sakellis
Tuesday 27th November 2018
12:51 pm U.K.

Hi Peter.

There you go:

https://freeservicemanuals.info/en/servicemanuals/viewmanual/Sony/SLC9ESSM/SLC9ECS/

Fivos

K lambert
Friday 23rd November 2018
2:53 pm U.K.

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Hi Lorraine.

You found us then.

If you hover over my name my e-mail address is there.

We can discuss the VTC 5000 there.

Cheers......................Kevin

Lorraine
Tuesday 20th November 2018
10:21 pm U.K.

[email protected]

Hi, trying to contact Kevin . Many thanks.

Peter
Saturday 10th November 2018
6:02 pm U.K.

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Yes I Know but I can download only 3 rar files - it seems that part 4 and 5 is missing - that is the message from my rar unpack-er

thanks anyway....

Richard
Saturday 10th November 2018
5:34 pm U.K.

Hello Peter,

Here you go: https://www.eserviceinfo.com/index.php?what=search2&searchstring=Sony+Betamax+VCR+SL-C9E%2C+SL-C9

Peter
Saturday 10th November 2018
5:16 pm U.K.

[email protected]

HI

I am new here.

I get 2 x Sony SL C9 - one in bad condition for spares another I hope will be able to fix.

Problem is that I can not find service manual - can somebody have it? willing to send it?

Failure is that it wont load the tape ... rechecked all micro switches for casset accept, for both positions , tape in - all seems OK...

any idea what else can be problem?

Thanks

Richard
Friday 9th November 2018
9:19 pm U.K.

Hi everyone - my first post!

I was recently given a Sony SL-30 (1984?). It's in fair condition, but a has weird issue..

When plugged in, the spool motor spins up for about five seconds, shuts off and the tape mech. goes through a routine of loading / ejecting 3 times (no tape inside), finishing in the loaded state.

All front-panel controls are unresponsive at this point, including the power button (remains on) - the clock however, can be set ok.

I can get a tape into the machine during it's crazy load/eject cycle if I'm very quick! - once in, the machine appears to operate normally.

Have removed the black leaf switch to the RH side of the loading mech and cleaned the contacts. It's not that it would seem.

Many thanks for any tips :)

Richard

Rob COLLIS
Monday 5th November 2018
8:07 pm U.K.

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Thanks Kevin - good to hear from you.

The machine had pretty low hours on it from what I can tell, so hoping its just aging electronics that need a tweak. Tape path and mechanical alignments look untouched (original paint intact), no sync problems on playback - and applying a slight force to the ACE head (left/right/down) doesn't change the volume at all, so I'm assuming alignment is okay.

I assume it's the "AM5 board" I need to look at? It's either at the rear or perhaps underneath the tuner - I can find that out.

When I use "your" VTC5000, the VU meters on my transfer equipment peak around -12db. The problem HF100 peaks at around -18db. It's not terrible, but could be improved.

If you think the pot is labelled with something obvious I'll take another look.

Rob.

K lambert
Sunday 4th November 2018
8:24 pm U.K.

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Hi Rob

That issue on the SLHF100 is common.

The Sanyo M40 seems to have a better overall mono edge track sound than the Sony HF100.

It could either be high usage and the control track mono sound head is a bit worn or dirty (not that likely).

It could be you have a bad component to the mono sound board and you can increase the output and recording level.

They are labelled and under a silver can to the top or second board as I remember.

IF the pot's don't allow adjustment then the IC or a cap or two has probably failed.

I have worked on a Sanyo M20 and two M40 's where that mono sound IC had indeed failed as you couldn't increase the output, and recording was low there too. On the later Beta's the IC did more work than on the earlier ones ,so if it went wrong then other parameters were not able to compensate.

Obviously look at head wear ,tape path alignment and dirt first. Also back tension too.

Hope this helps........................Kevin

Rob COLLIS
Saturday 3rd November 2018
5:47 pm U.K.

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Hi all,

I have 3 Sony HF100s. All work okay, but I find one of them plays a little quiet (normal audio), although beta Hi-fi appears fine. I have never been able to find a HF100 service/adjustment manual but understood many of the electrical adjustments are the same as a C30 - is that correct?

I don't have an alignment tape (but do have a scope). Could anyone advise on a simple method for increasing the (normal) audio output level on my machine?. I never have any sync issues, so assume the ACE head is pretty much mechanically aligned.

Any advice gratefully received.

Rob

Jeffoldbean
Friday 26th October 2018
11:01 am U.K.

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Hi manuel,

I think your machine has a worn or dirty Audio/Control head.

It is part of the ACE Head Assy.

There is more about it in the Repair Centre.

It looks like an ordinary Tape Head.

It records and plays back the Mono audio, Top track.

The bottom track controls the tape movement.

When worn, or needs cleaning.

You get the results in play back, and recording.

That you are telling us about.

It is most probably Worn.

And will need replacing.

But it is now.

Very difficult to find new ACE Head Assys.

Hope this helps.

Jeffoldbean.

manuel
Friday 26th October 2018
6:36 am U.K.

multidinamic

Hello

I have a sony sl-hf 100

he has a problem every time I put an original movie in stereo sounds from time to time many times his voice goes out

I have also observed that when I make a recording the audio does not appear

I tried to see the CI003 but it does not correspond to the ITDA3800AS my device in that has a CX10023

thank you

certainly excuse my English

Jeffoldbean
Thursday 25th October 2018
5:26 pm U.K.

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Hi steve,

check that the video input selector switch is being operated correctly.

It maybe that if this machine has had it's front panel removed.

That the correct posn of the PCB mounted switch wasn't correctly alaigned.

When it was replaced.

Therefore not set to the correct posn.

When you select Video input.

Jeffoldbean.

Steven Tutty
Thursday 25th October 2018
12:29 pm U.K.

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I have the video BNC connector and my dvd player is attached to both audio/video in but still not getting signals into the Sony SL-HF950. I am thinking that the input circuitry maybe at fault. I can play prerecorded tapes okay but can't record any video or audio input signals.

jeffoldbean
Thursday 25th October 2018
10:16 am U.K.

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For steve tutty,

The scart socket on the SLHF 950 is for playback only.

However you can modify this.

By wiring to the audio and video inputs.

You can get the scart pinout from the internet.

I have used what I called Phono cable, which is screened.

I got mine from Maplin Electronics, in the UK.

Not sure if they are still on the go.

Also it would be good to know.

Of the setup that you would be using this video in.

Say From a TV or Set Top Box.

And What types of AV connectors are provided.

You can get a Phono to BNC adaptor of Ebay.

This will allow you to connect to the Video in.

From A Phono Lead.

Usually Black 3 way, Red White and Yellow connectors.

Yellow is for the Video signal.

You can get a Scart plug which is switchable.

It has the three Red White and Yellow Phono Sockets.

That you can plug up the Black 3 way cable.

Making up a Scart To The Phono, Audio Inputs, and BNC Video Input.

Hope this helps you.

jeffoldbean.

Steven Tutty
Thursday 25th October 2018
3:55 am U.K.

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I cannot get sound or video signals into my Sony SL-HF950. Playback of my movie collection is fine. Confused on what the issue is. I tried both the SCART connector and regular A/V inputs. No success. :(

Miguel Angel Maldonado
Thursday 18th October 2018
12:39 pm U.K.

Hi, I have a Toshiba V51 and it does not eject the tape. Does anyone know how to do it manually? Thanks

Lydia
Monday 15th October 2018
10:17 am U.K.

Thanks Roderick - I feel Noel has first dibs! If that falls through then the machine i yours

thanks

Lydia

Chazza
Friday 12th October 2018
8:07 am U.K.

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Hi guys need some assistance here ,my Sony c9 reel motor continuesly spins when I power system on am I right when I say it could be the reel motor mute transistor failing or what could it be ,also if someone has a service manual in PDF they can send me that would be great ..

Roderick
Tuesday 2nd October 2018
8:33 pm U.K.

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Lydia,

If you don't want Noel to fix the machine, I'll be happy to come and collect it.

Cheers, Roderick

Noel Higgins
Tuesday 2nd October 2018
1:35 pm U.K.

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Lydia,

I am in Melbourne and would be happy to buy the SLHF950 from you for repair. Contact me through betaheaven.com

regards Noel

Lydia
Monday 1st October 2018
4:13 am U.K.

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I thought I'd posted this but then "lost" this chat page. Now I've found you again so ...

I'd be happy to sell or give away our beloved SL-HF950 that is not powering up (previous was working just great also tray is a bit loose)

I don't want it to go to the tip! Also quite a load of old tapes.

I'm in Sydney Australia

Noel Higgins
Saturday 29th September 2018
7:21 pm U.K.

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Steve,

The 5 Amp is what I use these days. The machines demand a 4 Amp surge current at times so 3Amp is not enough for reliable operation over time.

cheers Noel

Steven Tutty
Wednesday 26th September 2018
1:42 pm U.K.

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Noel, should I go with 3A or 5A rating? None I found are rated at 4A.

Steven Tutty
Wednesday 26th September 2018
1:35 pm U.K.

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Thanks for info Noel. Love to have instructions on how to do this upgrade. I would use externally I think.

Noel Higgins
Wednesday 26th September 2018
12:42 pm U.K.

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Steven,

Failure of the SLHF950 power supply is quite common after all these years. The design is basically a 240VAC to 12V DC (@4Amp) switch mode supply followed by a DC to DC switch mode which generates all the required voltages needed by the VCR.

The capacitors age and dry out losing capacity plus their ESR increases and the result is the failure of the first AC to DC convertor power transistors and other components.

Indeed capacitor aging effects other aspects of the VCRs operation as well but most can be rectified by adjustment or replacement.

Whilst these issues can sometimes be repaired my solution is to replace the first section with a modern and more efficient switch mode power supply connected the the second DC/DC section in the SLHF950.

See https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/AU-Power-Supply-Adapter-Transformer-AC240V-To-DC12V-2-3-5-6-8-10A-for-LED-Strip/162567927732?hash=item25d9cdb7b4:m:mJucG2iLZGn9TWRzhqLSWZA (they seem to be commonly used for LED strips)

You could use this external to the machine but if you mount it in the machine an earth wire must be added because the machine can float at half mains voltage due the the leakage generated by the mains EMC filters.

regards Noel (Betaheaven.com)

Steven Tutty
Tuesday 25th September 2018
6:44 pm U.K.

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Hi! I am having an issue with my Sony SL-HF950ES. The deck is failing to power on. It is completely dead. Is there a fuse for the mains in this deck. I remove cover but see little that ressembles a replaceable fuse. Any advice would be great.

Frandid
Tuesday 25th September 2018
2:28 pm U.K.

Martin I have purchased Rubber Renue and will have to test it on a friend's VHS VCR which chews tapes because of its pinch roller. I will tell the result here.

Max Brenner
Sunday 23rd September 2018
11:56 am U.K.

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Update on the problem tape: I cleaned it - no more head clogs - I passed a microfiber cloth over the tape both sides using rewind and fast forward functions - I held the cloth bound to a slender rod held vertically - no apparent damage to the magnetic recording though it is starting to deteriorate with age (some blackframes) (28 years old +) - recorded in superbeta I now transferred contents (boxing matches) to digital - image is still sharp. I'm amazed how resilient the Betacord machine is (not the one I used to record - I lost that one) . Thanks to all the cleaning tips (external and dis-assembly , on this site.

Martin Evans
Wednesday 19th September 2018
1:25 pm U.K.

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The PALsite pinch roller page has been updated to include a YouTube video from Noel showing how a pinch roller can be rejuvenated.

http://www.palsite.com/pcat_pinch.html

Having manually done something similar to a number of pinch rollers, this certainly looks like a great approach!

Max Brenner
Wednesday 19th September 2018
6:01 am U.K.

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@ William - Try hairbands from the dollar store for band pulleys if you have these kind of stores where you are - they come in all different sizes, have the right kind of stretch and will last, Worked for me for the small one for the cassette driver. Pure elastic bands also work but might have a more limited shelf life. . They sell packages of elastic bands of assorted sizes and thicknesses.

The hairband has a wrapping around the elastic which makes it more durable.

Max Brenner
Wednesday 19th September 2018
5:49 am U.K.

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Hi all,

For your interest ---

I have recently converted tapes to digital from a Betacord Sanyo model 3900. One particular tape is a challenge. It caused the cassette driver to slow down and the cassette driver band broke. (The tape mangled and I ended up splicing it and repairing the splice.

I replaced the broken band , first with elastic bands which had a shelf life of about 6 hours .. then with a small hairband from the dollar store (Almost perfect size , I brushed plastic cement on it to give it some more tightness and friction . Works perfectly.

Back to the tape - I got it going - wind and rewind at speed not and played a few times but I can't get a clean digital transfer - often, problem is at certain sections - it keeps clogging the heads for some sections of the three hour recording. Testing shows the data is still there over these sections but it is as if the sections are randomly dirty I have to use tape cleaner cassette or play another clean tape to get the heads back reading. Time consuming and dangerous for the heads.

...

So, whats with this tape ? Is it dirty or does the clogging come from the tape itself degrading in some way and bits of it coming off?? I've attempted some kind of clean - running the tape at rewind brushing it over a microfibre cloth held vertically wrapped around a Q-tip - so far with uncertain results. I'm puzzled what the problem is which is my question. I'd like to experiment more but I'm taking a chance on messing up the cassette driving mechanism which I almost did several times.

Thanks.

Max

Jani
Wednesday 12th September 2018
11:35 am U.K.

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Hi my SL-C30E stops when tryining play of rewing or go fast foward. Page says is this appearthen it is normally caused by failure of silicon fuse PS1 on the YC-25 board. What can I do?

william
Tuesday 11th September 2018
9:37 pm U.K.

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Hi has anyone got a set of belts for a sony sl-c6 been looking about for ages i would be great if anyone has any thanks done a lot of work to the machine no just need the belts to finish it off this project been going on for over a year

K lambert
Sunday 9th September 2018
5:04 pm U.K.

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Glenn:

There is a set suitable for your 5150 currently on E-bay. They may be willing to ship to new Zealand.

Other than that a good used set should be fine.

They aren't all that common anymore (new set's that is).

.Kevin

K Lambert
Sunday 9th September 2018
5:02 pm U.K.

[email protected]

Siftyzod:

Glad to be of help.

Sometimes the simpler things are all that's at fault.

.......Kevin

Glenn
Saturday 8th September 2018
6:07 pm U.K.

Hi does anyone happen to have a the heads for a vtc-5150 and would post to new zealand?

The rest of the machine works fine apart from the heads are completely toast.

If so please email me at [email protected]

thanks

Siftyzod
Saturday 8th September 2018
2:28 pm U.K.

Hi kelvin,

thank you putting a drop of oil down motor worked a treat ...

thank you so much for the advice all problems seem to be solved now .

K Lambert
Friday 7th September 2018
4:31 pm U.K.

[email protected]

Siftyzod:

That issue is very common on the VTC 5000 and 5150.It's also starting to occasionally show on the 'M' series models too.

There are two upgrades you can make.

One has been known to stop the reverse play mode functioning. It seems the earlier the machine the more likely this is to happen.

The R49 fusible resistor on the syscon board (the one to the extreme left of the vcr.

It's located inside the metal heat sync near the top centre. With two heat sleeves on both of it's leg's.

The other safer one is change R3054 (R54) to 120ohm, also located on the same board.

It also benefit's to re groove the ribbed spool edges on both spools with a suitable needle (nothing bigger than this) as on many I've seen of the 5000/5150 these are nearly flat through high usage. It will help with the FF/REW and unlacing speeds torques slightly too. It's not always the idler tyre (as many seem to think) if the tyre is hard and cracked then yes, but... if it's still pliable with no split's or cracks, lightly rough the outer edge with 120 grit to give it back the newer surface that grips better. Lightly is the word though. A new reel belt is usually required too if still original. Also a tiny drop of oil to the top of the reel motor shaft (where it enters the motor as this can be quite dry too and you will notice the motors peps up when doing this.

Only a tiny drop to the tip of a miniature screwdriver though and just to that area! (please keep WD40 well away from these mechanisms.I've seen two covered in the stuff all over friction bands and everywhere it should not be. You have been warned.

Hope this helps......................Kevin

Siftyzod
Friday 7th September 2018
4:02 pm U.K.

Hi there.

I have a sanyo 5150 i have replaced the idler wheel and belts but the tape is still not lacing back into the cassette and it randomly stops playing and doesnt unlace .

its starting to destroy a lot of old tapes and wondering if anyone has had this issue before.

if its going to be to much of a job to repair i will just dump it.

any help would be good on this issue as i am out of ideas

Fivos Sakellis
Thursday 6th September 2018
7:37 am U.K.

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Hi Rezinagro

I have a friend who has both the C30 and the T20. The machines are identical. The T20 was sold in the Middle East and Saudi Arabia while the C30 was sold in the UK, Europe and Australia. The main difference is in the SECAM circuit.

Fivos

Gabriel
Monday 3rd September 2018
7:06 pm U.K.

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Rezinagro,

The T20ME is essentially the same machine as a the C30. Differences should only be regarding luma/chroma and tuner boards.

All the best,

Gabriel

Steven Tutty
Monday 3rd September 2018
1:30 pm U.K.

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Maybe same for my Sony SL-HF950ES.

rezinagro
Monday 3rd September 2018
12:03 am U.K.

Hi guys ...

I haven many Betamax machines including SL-T20ME and SL-C30E and they seem to be literally identical .... I noticed only one difference and that was SL-T20ME is compatible with both PAL and SECAM, and SL-C30E is compatible with PAL only ...

Do you know any other difference between the mentioned models ???

Thanks in advance ...

steven tutty
Sunday 2nd September 2018
4:28 pm U.K.

[email protected]

Hi, also I picked up a solid, working Sony SL-HF950ES. Curious to know what is difference from 950 and 950E?

steven tutty
Sunday 2nd September 2018
4:26 pm U.K.

[email protected]

Hi

I am curious to know where the backup clock battery is located on the Sony SL-2700B. If these fail, they often leak and damage the pcb. Thanks

Matteo
Friday 31st August 2018
3:11 am U.K.

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Marc,

you power up your SL-3000E, from the battery compartment.

You need a 12V from universal power supply with a 1 Amp minimum load.

Negative center pole, outside positive pole.

Marc Smith
Tuesday 28th August 2018
10:11 am U.K.

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Hi, I have a Sony SL-3000E, but I'm missing the battery and the charger. Any clues on how to replace the charger? Thanks.

Noel Higgins
Wednesday 22nd August 2018
12:00 pm U.K.

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William and Rich,

I have both parts available but I am in Australia so postage costs to you may be an issue. You can contact me through my website betaheaven.com

regards Noel

Steven Tutty
Monday 20th August 2018
11:33 am U.K.

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I acquired a Sony SL-HF950ES. Great condition and working well. What is difference between this model and 99ES or 950 and 950E models?

Rich
Thursday 16th August 2018
2:56 pm U.K.

[email protected]

Hi all.

Does anyone know where the tracking adjustment potentiometer is located inside a Sanyo vtc6500 please.

Mine is off centre a touch.

Thanks

Rich.

william
Thursday 9th August 2018
10:02 pm U.K.

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Hi i am looking for a front control panel FU-14 the panel that has the buttons on it to control the video play rewind ff eject etc as mine is cracked beyond repair its for a sl-c40 a c20 or c30 will do it as well as it is the same panel if anyone had a spare out a old video BOARD NUMBER FU-14 many thanks

Rich
Friday 3rd August 2018
9:02 am U.K.

[email protected]

Hi all.

Does anyone have an excellent condition pinch roller for a Sony SLHF100 for sale please?

Many thanks.

Rich.

Drew
Monday 30th July 2018
11:39 pm U.K.

Hi Everyone,

I've just joined the forum and would like to say Hi.

I have some information for those of you own Plasma TV's which you use with a Betamax VCR. Many Betamax models work fine of course with Plasma TV's but in previous messages here I notice a couple of people including myself have experienced issues with the picture on Playback.

Sanyo M20 and NX100 seem fine but when using my Sanyo 5000 I noticed speckles or white dots like interference on the screen.

This seems to happen when you connect to your TV via a Hard Drive or HD/DVD Recorder which then goes through HDMI into your TV.

The interference does not seem to happen when you connect direct to TV via Scart, AV3(Phono/RCA Leads) or RF.

I even used the same machine that caused the issues through HDMI and issues this time didn't happen when connecting Betamax VCR via AV3 input - Not Scart adaptor.

Hope this may be of help to some of you.

betaheads
Monday 30th July 2018
10:42 am U.K.

oriolv

Hi there,

Maybe someone can help me with an issue on my Sony SL-F30. Playback is good, but it will shift to black and white image every time

a drop on the tape is found (sometimes it will play BW straight away after ingesting the tape).

I can eventually revert to colour playback turning the tracking button to an extreme position (up or down) but it

will soon get back to B/W again. I've tried to clean the heads with a paper and a bit of isopropyl alcohol, but it doesn't really get any better.

Any help will be highly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Noel Higgins
Friday 27th July 2018
11:26 pm U.K.

[email protected]

Rob,

In that case the timer is not your main issue. The machine sounds like it needs a belt kit overhaul.

The solenoid brings in a gear to drive the un-spool and collect tape action and then eject the cassette (if one is loaded)

If there is no cassette in the machine then the tape lid should pop up unless something is jammed.

This model had a retro fit metal drive gear and stronger spring to ensure that the tape reels gathered the tape and also that rewind function did not fail as the reel drive rubbers aged and hardened.

I am not sure if this model machine uses metal slides similar to the SLC6 which is front loader but the C6s are now failing to operate due to grease hardening and stopping the slides moving.

So, I suggest you pull the machine apart and observe the solenoid action and see if the drive motor is working and check the condition of the belts and replace where necessary. You will need to remove the top and bottom covers and swing the base boards out to get to the mechanicals after removing the screws.

I have thrown out all of my old C5, C7 machines because they have too many issues and top load is not popular.

regards Noel

DAVID BRUNNER
Friday 27th July 2018
3:42 pm U.K.

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I found the SONITRON VCR-8900 is PAL and not appears in videos list

Is of superior load and in the gate appears Betacord

Rob COLLIS
Friday 27th July 2018
3:41 pm U.K.

[email protected]

Hi Noel,

Unfortunately it wasn't the clock/timer switches this time. Replaced all of them but don't even get the channel number led on power on now.

I can set the clock and time though so a small victory.

On power on no buttons do anything except eject which clicks the solenoid but doesn't actually pop the cassette carriage.

Will have to dive properly into the service manual I guess.

R.

Rob COLLIS
Wednesday 25th July 2018
4:14 pm U.K.

[email protected]

Thanks Noel,

That's interesting. I got a bag of replacement tactile switches for this project but was going to do that last . I assumed I was missing something on that syscon board as replacing Q25 definitely cured something as the channel number led now lights up when you come out of stand by. It just didn't fix the lack of response to front buttons problem. .

Let me replacement those (19?) Switches on the clock board and see what happens.

( Still got to fix that 8800 you sent me some circuit diagrams for but that remains in the 'hard' pile for now )

Noel Higgins
Wednesday 25th July 2018
9:29 am U.K.

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Rob

The SLC7 timer board locks up the machines functions because the push buttons collapse and short out

The easy fix is to desolder and remove them

If you want to just be able to set the time to stop the display flashing then you need enough good switches left to set the clock

Regards Noel

Jeffoldbean
Saturday 21st July 2018
12:29 pm U.K.

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For Tim,

The SL-F90, doesn't have on screen display.

The Remote Required is RMT-146.

Have a nice evening.

Jeffoldbean.

Tim Dyosn
Thursday 19th July 2018
5:54 am U.K.

[email protected]

Hello,

Does anyone out there have an SL-F90. The info on here says it has on screen displays but i cant seem to make that work? The RMT-223 supplied isn't working and i'm using an old Sony VHS remote, (RMT-V474), which has them VCR 1, 2 and 3 modes... Maybe its just a remote issue? I have a spare RMT-223 somewhere so will try to find that. All in all a fantastic machine!

Tim

Frandid
Tuesday 17th July 2018
8:53 pm U.K.

Anthony : Cela d�pend de ton utilisation. Si tu veux lire de vieilles cassettes fran�aises tu dois prendre un SECAM comme le SL-C9 F. Si tu veux pouvoir lire des K7 PAL en plus il te faut un PAL / SECAM comme le SL-HF950ES. LE SL-T50ME lit le NTSC en plus. LE SL-T20 est une version basique qui ne lit pas le NTSC. Les SL-C9 F sont assez rares � ma connaissance (j'en ai un, avec un SL-T50ME et un SL-HF950ES ) et c'est un des 2 hauts de gamme avec le SL-HF950ES car ils ont des ralentis avant et arri�re et compteurs en temps r�el.

Rob COLLIS
Tuesday 17th July 2018
4:43 pm U.K.

[email protected]

Hello everyone,

For my sins, I am trying to revive a Sony C7UB. (It was pretty much new/boxed so I had to take it on).

It's the Mark I (no labels on the front right flap) so assumed I needed to re-cap the power supply which I now done. I have also removed the battery, although it doesn't appear to have leaked. My question is around the "no function" tip on here.

After re-capping the power board, my voltage rails seem okay. On mains power (standby), the clock is fine. When taken out of standby, I got no channel number and no buttons functioned.

I replaced transistor Q25 on the SysCon board and that gave me back my channel number, but still the front buttons do nothing. There is no attempt to lace, although the led on the button responds.

The Palsite entry says "No functions - Check regulator transistor Q25 [2SC13641] zener diode D)gon the system control panel".

Q) What is the tip about the zener? I assume there is a typo as what does D)g mean? I assume a particular zener is needing replacement?

Anyone done this and know what zener I need to replace?

Thanks in advance

Rob

Anthony
Thursday 12th July 2018
7:01 am U.K.

Hi everyone.

What should I buy ? What is the best : Sony Betamax SL-T20 or SL-C9F ?

(live in France)

Noel Higgins
Tuesday 3rd July 2018
1:53 pm U.K.

Thanks guys.

I will just have to do some investigating then. Both failed suddenly while I was working on them. One when I turned it upside down????

regards Noel

K Lambert
Saturday 30th June 2018
7:55 pm U.K.

[email protected]

Hi Noel:

The only info I can find for a similar issue with the Sony 'C' series is...

No play with capstan going really fast. Change C325 and C323 both 4.7uf tantalum caps.

I still have not discovered my issue with the capstan speed being OK but the reel motor in play going too fast when warmed up and even with the torque pot at minimum it's still too high a torque at 100.

Hope the former sorts your issues out though.

.....Kev

Frandid
Saturday 30th June 2018
6:29 pm U.K.

Hi Noel,

Apparently nobody has. (Or everybody is on vacation without internet). If you mean the pickup reel doesn't rotate I can imagine what happens with

the tape if the capstan goes fast and the safety mechanism doesn't stop this. Which models are these 2 machines ? HF950, C9 ??

What would you suspect on a machine that has some video and synchro problems, sometimes a pink stripe fluttering on top of picture, sometimes black screen for a few seconds, or vertical instability... ? All heads are clean... Maybe the control head is worn ? Does this happen ? Or is it possible that due to aging the tape path is too low or too high in front of the control head ? What would you try to fix this problem ?

Regards, and I wish good holidays to everyone.

Noel Higgins
Saturday 23rd June 2018
8:17 am U.K.

HI guys,

My turn to ask. Has anyone experienced and fixed a fault that causes the capstan to go really fast whilst the forward pickup reel does nothing at all?

Has just happened to two machines I am working on so thought I might ask.

cheers Noel

Roderick
Saturday 23rd June 2018
1:49 am U.K.

[email protected]

Lydia,

If you want to send your machine to Noel in Melbourne, I can recoomend SmartSend (www.smartsend.com.au)

I have found them reliable and very cost effective.

Had really bad experiences with Couriers Please, twice equipment arrived badly damaged.

Noel Higgins
Thursday 21st June 2018
10:10 am U.K.

Lydia,

Re fixing your SLHF950. I am in Melbourne. I can probably fix your machine. Transports screws not being inserted do not make the machine dead that sounds like a power supply issue. The lack of screws usually makes the plastic tray slides subject to damage. They can also be repaired.

My contact details are at http://www.palsite.com/directory.html

regards Noel

Anthony
Wednesday 20th June 2018
5:52 am U.K.

Frandid :

Malheureusement, faute de trouver une solution, j'ai vendu l'appareil hier.

Un type l'a pris pour avoir des pi�ces de c�t�.

Je passe � autre chose car je ne m'y connais pas et pas les moyens de faire une r�paration.

J'ai rep�r� deux betamax pr�s de chez moi. Je dois aller y jeter un coup d'�il. Ca semble �tre des machines qui fonctionnent.

Frandid
Tuesday 19th June 2018
4:17 pm U.K.

PS : Je pense que tu as compris que Noel t'a dit de bien nettoyer le bloc CTRL (fixe qui contient la t�te audio et surtout celle du signal de contr�le) car dans un cas extr�me d'encrassement de cette t�te le scope peut s'arr�ter ne d�tectant plus le signal de contr�le. Il a aussi remarqu� comme moi que la bande parait bien d�tendue sur le c�t� droit ce qui enclenche le m�canisme de protection qui arr�te la bande imm�diatement si c'est le cas. Il peut y avoir un probl�me de tension de bande, sur le SL-C9 il y a un r�glage, mais il faut le ma�triser...

Frandid
Tuesday 19th June 2018
4:04 pm U.K.

Anthony :

Effectivement apr�s avoir vu ta vid�o je remarque que le tambour de t�tes tourne donc ce n'est pas le hall effect sensor. Mais tu as bien fait de le gratter par le dessous, il faut que toute trace de marron disparaisse, moi je l'ai fait sur mes 3 beta ( SL-HF950 ES, SL-C9 F et SL-T50ME ) apr�s avoir eu le probl�me sur le 950. J'ai tout gratt� avec une aiguille puis nettoy� au coton tige imbib� d'alcool et attendu un bon moment que �a s�che avant de rebrancher. Je suspecte plut�t un d�tecteur de bande ou un C.I. / transistor claqu�. Ou bien un probl�me de tension, �a me parait un peu d�tendu c�t� droit. Pendant les 2 secondes o� il tourne tu as le temps de voir une image m�me tr�s courte et un son ou pas ?? C'est un achat r�cent que tu as pris en l'�tat ou un appareil qui marchait et qui a d�velopp� la panne r�cemment ? C'est sans doute un truc de 3 fois rien facile � r�parer mais le plus difficile c'est de trouver !

J'ai moi-m�me eu des probl�mes avec mes 3 beta, normal, combien d'appareils r�cents fonctionneront encore dans plus de 35 ans ??!!

Kevin (UK) Gabriel (Espagne) et Noel (Australie) sont parmi ceux qui m'ont le plus aid�, je ne suis pas pro mais assez bricoleur sur ce type de machines, j'esp�re qu'ils voudront bien se pencher sur ton cas. Si tu l'envoyais � Kevin je pense qu'il te le r�parerait sans probl�me mais ce ne sera pas gratuit naturellement, surtout avec le port aller et retour, il faut voir si le jeu en vaut la chandelle, si tu tiens beaucoup � cet appareil ou pas, si les t�tes vid�o sont bonnes, etc. voila.

La m�canique ressemble un peu � celle de mon C9 F mais je n'ai pas ce rectangle noir, sans doute une protection suppl�mentaire comme il est portable.

Si tu �tais pr�s de chez moi je te dirais de passer avec ton Beta histoire de voir �a, mais je suis dans le sud, pr�s de Salon de Provence.

Lydia
Monday 18th June 2018
1:38 am U.K.

+61432996336

Hi Kevin I'm in Sydney - Inner West

Anthony
Sunday 17th June 2018
1:53 pm U.K.

Frandid :

Tu es le premier fran�ais que je rencontre, qui connait le sujet.

J'ai eu de la peine � trouver des r�ponses. Chacun me donne une piste diff�rente.

Cette colle marron, je l'ai gratter sans avoir besoin de tout d�monter. Mais �a n'a pas suffit.

Le probl�me est surement ailleurs. Dommage pour une machine qui semble presque fonctionner.

Il emm�ne la bande, comme il faut... Par contre, un peu de mal � r�agir � l'eject, au d�marrage.

Frandid
Sunday 17th June 2018
11:55 am U.K.

Hi David

I am trying to find if I made pictures of this, because my SL-C9 F is on a TV stand with 11 other heavy devices (Betamax , VHS, Laserdisc, DVD, BLu-ray, HDD etc.) plus several hdmi and scart switches and a Samsung 75" led 3D HD TV on top of it and although it is on 5 wheels given the weight and the number of cables I hesitate to move it just to take a picture.

I placed the scart in the zone you describe but not at the exact place you mention because with all connections and wires around I wasn't sure it would fit. I think it is slightly under, but not sure.

I simply connected all 3 inputs and 3 outputs to the BNC/RCA connectors and it works fine. If I find a photo I will send it to you.

Frandid
Sunday 17th June 2018
11:10 am U.K.

Anthony : cela ressemble beaucoup � la panne classique du hall effect sensor grill� car court-circuit� � cause de la colle qu'ils mettaienr dessus (on ne sait pourquoi) qui a pris l'humidit� ambiante et est devenue conductrice, cela se produit avec pratiquement tous les betamax Sony qui ont rencontr� une zone humide un jour. Il faut compl�tement d�monter le tambour de t�tes pour le remplacer et ce n'est pas facile quand on n'est pas un pro, je l'ai fait une fois sur un SL-HF 950ES et c'est une des r�parations les plus d�licates que j'ai effectu�es sur un appareil.

Tous ceux qui ont un Sony Beta devraient nettoyer compl�tement le hall effect sensor de leur machine en enlevant les traces marron qui recouvrent ses pattes et vont causer tr�s bient�t le court-circuit, il est facilement visible par le dessous et on peut y parvenir avec un coton tige mais on ne peut pas le remplacer sans d�monter et extraire le tambour de t�tes.

I don't know if you are french, I am, anyway this will be a good way to pratice your french if you are an english man living in France :-)

Noel Higgins
Friday 15th June 2018
11:31 pm U.K.

Anthony,

The F1 machines are very well built but being portable and heavy can suffer if dropped. I have had trouble with a number of F1s that have breaks in the double sided boards. A lack of tracking pulse to the right parts of the circuit produce the problem you are seeing. There might be another cause but I would use a CRO to see if the tracking signal is present and gets where it is supposed to go. First make sure it is not just a dirty ACE head meaning that the pulse is not being detected at all in the first place.

regards Noel

david grant
Friday 15th June 2018
2:22 pm U.K.

[email protected]

Hi frandid I was thinking of the left hand corner where the rear cover, which looks like that piece can be cut out, how did you do it ?. I mean where did you do the connections and how many?. I also use freeview and do that by using the signal through the tuner.The other reason is My TV has not got a ariel input it has a large silver box which all the connectors run through, and I have not tried yet but ,I think I can use my sky Q or my HD box to connect wirelessly, and use the wireless connection from my laptop to use the computer input, and have the screen as input from the laptop.I am also embarking on using a old 1975 TV,of which I have 2 very good examples both work and there was one model which had a lift up lid which revealed a ,Phillips VCR,N1501,Iintend to use either a sony C9 or a 950. I am also looking for good used tapes,I can travel within a reasonable distance to collect as I use a sack trolley which ,I travel on the train with,maybe if you documented when you fitted your scart you could if possible mail me some photos,I did hover over your name your mail details did not show many thanks David

Anthony
Thursday 14th June 2018
7:28 pm U.K.

[email protected]

Hi everyone,

I found a Sony SL-F1 (secam version, I live in France).

Here's the video of the problem : https://we.tl/3lWJOK6mOE

Stops after 2 seconds (play or rewinds function).

I put oil/grease on the axe of the Reel Motor. I also removed the old glue.

The only thing I didn't touch is the Capstan Motor and the Video Head element.

I'm not a pro, I don't want to do mistakes.

Thank you

Noel Higgins
Thursday 14th June 2018
6:14 pm U.K.

Unnix,

I have actually repaired at least three F30 /F60s with the broken last gear tooth problem. Better than wrecking another F30 for the rare spare.

They break because spring tension is constantly on them when the tape is loaded, the thickness of the plastic under the tooth at that point is thinner and the plastic becomes brittle over time.

This is how you do it. It is like the principle of doing a bridge in dental work.

Clean the part up to remove all grease from the gear and broken tooth

Plastic weld the gear back in place with a soldering iron tip (carefully)

Get a pin, the type used to hold seams when doing dress work and measure its diameter

Use a drill to drill a hole through the centre of the last tooth and the next one back from it

Bend the pin in a "U" shape as close to square as you can get it using small pliers with the sides of the "U" matching the space between the holes.

You may have to try a number of pins as some are more brittle than others and wont handle a 90 degree bend needed in creating the "U" shape.

Insert it into the holes of both teeth

Bend over the points poking through slightly (about 30 degrees) and clip off the excess just beyond the point so as to avoid it pulling out under tension. (It shouldn't as the bends should hold)

I can send you pictures of a repaired gear if you need them.

regards Noel (Betaheaven.com) in Australia

Frandid
Thursday 14th June 2018
3:27 pm U.K.

Hi David.

I put a scart socket on the back of my SL-C9 F a long time ago and it works fine !

But be careful, in fact there is only a pr�cise place where you can fit it, otherwise you might have problems with some boards.

Weber1600
Wednesday 13th June 2018
10:25 pm U.K.

Seat124

K Lambert

I have polished the folding guides that fit in the black plastic ..

I have also cleaned and polished the drum where the ribbon travels ..

By the time problem solved !!!

Now I have to apply the correct tension to the belt, both with the tensioners and with the RV002 potentiometer.

What tension is applied to the tape ???

uunix
Tuesday 12th June 2018
8:09 pm U.K.

Thanks Kevin, will email you.

K Lambert
Tuesday 12th June 2018
8:03 pm U.K.

[email protected]

Unnix:

I have a few left of those otherwise hard to get side gears that seem to get one broken tooth after time.

I can also service /refurb your domestic beta's (what models are they?) and SVHS Panasonic deck (model no). Is it the 'K' mechanism as I have l a lot of experience with their common issues.

The betacam maybe more tricky but I have successfully sorted one such machine out

If you want to e-mail me hover over my name and my e-mails address will be revealed. We can discuss things further.

Regards..................Kevin

uunix
Tuesday 12th June 2018
2:20 pm U.K.

Hi there, just found this site, brilliant.

I have taken apart my SL F30 as it was ejected/loading etc erratically. I found on the loading mechanism in the gears a tooth has fell off.

I am located in the UK (Stourbridge - just south of Birmingham), does anyone know of where I could obtain some new gears?

Also, does anyone know of a company that services all types of VTR equipment, from the consumer Betamax players I have (both faulty) to Betacam, and Panasonic SVHS editing decks?

Kind Regards

david grant
Tuesday 12th June 2018
1:26 pm U.K.

[email protected]

hello noel I did get your message both times I will try to reply later. I have just removed the DC-DC convertor from the C9 ,I recently got. I decided to take it apart and look at its condition.I decided this because there is no indication although I was told it had been replaced,althou there is no indication of how many hours or years since it was replaced.I also think bearing in mind how easy it is to change them rather than have it fail later.I would like to ask have you ever attempted to fit a scart socket to a C9 ? ,I think there is enough room and the input and output wires could be attached to the phono connections or their take off points.The reason for that is because 2 tv sets,I use are Sharp Duos ones, and the earliest one does not have a ariel/rf input/output plugs,this set works very well but has a large silver input box which the connections are fed into,after that the input to the TV is done using a large heavy duty ribbon cable,the tv works very well its, a 37 inch ,LED type.i also thinking of scart because the sky H D box and the sky Q system does not have rf /ariel output feed for the tv set.on the subject of TV sets,I am collecting a 1974 Dynatron ,CTV22A ,26 inch model in full working order with a very good tube,and a ultrasonic remote control,on Sat 23rd June,as before there is no rush for the required parts just yet probaly September time regards David

K Lambert
Monday 11th June 2018
4:29 pm U.K.

[email protected]

Simon

Yes I can.

Your name seems familiar. Have I serviced or sold anything to you before?

My e-mail address is under my name to the right.

be better if we continued that way.

Speak soon.................Kevin

Simon Lincoln
Monday 11th June 2018
2:29 pm U.K.

[email protected]

Thanks for the reply Kevin,would you possibly be able to fix the fault on my c40?

Many thanks in advance

K Lambert
Sunday 10th June 2018
6:54 pm U.K.

[email protected]

Simon:

If it is what I think then yes it can be fixed.

I've seen this a couple of times and for Sony machines quite common after time.

The plastic has cracked/spilt around a vital loading shaft.

....Kevin

Simon Lincoln
Saturday 9th June 2018
5:18 pm U.K.

[email protected]

Hi there, i have a Sony c40 was working great then suddenly would not eject properly, as though somethings gone on left hand side of loading, can this be fixed or will i be wasting time, a real shame as everything else works spot on .Any help very welcome thanks

K lambert
Wednesday 6th June 2018
12:16 pm U.K.

[email protected]

Lydia:

Where abouts are you?

.Kevin

K lambert
Saturday 2nd June 2018
5:05 pm U.K.

Isopropyl alcohol.For cleaning and soft materials for use to polish.

I wouldn't advise cotton buds either (as many do) as the cotton is totally unsuitable around the head drum as it will catch and break off those fragile heads.

weber1600
Saturday 2nd June 2018
1:40 pm U.K.

Seat124

ok K Lambert ..

I will discard the compressed air ..

How can I clean the guide posts? they are only discovered when the tape is inserted inside the video.

Can someone advise me what kind of products to use for cleaning and polishing?

Lydia
Friday 1st June 2018
8:10 am U.K.

+61432996336

Thanks for the advice about the Betamax. Although I love it I really need to downsize so I shall be looking for a new home for it a well assail the tapes etc. Will prob list on eBay but happy to consider giving away to good home!

K lambert
Thursday 31st May 2018
6:09 pm U.K.

[email protected]

Weber:

I wouldn't advise that with the compressed air as I know someone who did that on his HF100 and one head was completely missing afterwards.

Also you can manually have the loading ring come out but don't put ANY pressure on the pop up guides unless they are locked in the black plastic slot at the top part.

They are easily broken at the base.

....Kevin

weber1600
Thursday 31st May 2018
10:40 am U.K.

Seat124

Okay!!

I will try to clean the path of the tape in the drum ..

Also polish the drum for the path where the tape passes ..

The guide posts only come out when the tape is inserted, so it is difficult for me to polish them.

The reproduction and recording are very good ..

Therefore I will try to clean and polish the parts of the tape path as much as possible ..

I can try to blow the affected parts with pressurized air,

It would be dangerous?? I never did it!!

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