I have a Grundig 2x4 Plus which has a servo fault that I've been trying to fix for the last 30 odd years! Playback of recordings done before the fault appeared are OK, so obviously the servos in playback are OK, as are the heads and motors.

Now, when a recording is done, it plays back with severe tracking errors every few seconds. (If it was VHS, I'd say it was control pulses not being recorded, but obviously there's no such thing with V2000).

My conclusion is the capstan servo is the problem, because if I put the machine in pause when the picture is clear, it stays clear - so the head servo must be OK.

All the waveforms are there, although I cannot adjust the APB preset to centre the reference pulse on the ramp, it wants to stay up one end. If I try to change it, it loses lock. So phase problem?

I think the DTF is working, since there's the waveform being fed into one actuator during record, although the fixed voltage fed into the other actuator is about half what the manual says - not sure if that's important or not.

I realise there's hardly any Grundig 2x4 machines in use, let alone anyone that is familiar with them, but here's hoping someone might be able to help.

I'd really like another machine to swap modules from, but here in Australia, I can't see that happening.

If this is the unit for sale on Ebay then you'll have to check all solder joints on the psu board. Make sure the back up battery is changed if it won't hold charge as a defective battery can cause all sorts of problems with these vcrs. Also check the condition of the pinch roller before you attempt to play any tapes. The unit can be put into play without a tapes present.

Cheers

Rich.

VR2220 & VR2120 error code 1696

Hi can anyone help with the error code for the combo unit VR2220 & VR2120 error code 1696

Thanks In Advance Mark

Hi Marco.

Just a suggestion = Research the magnetic tape that can be purchased on ebay.

It comes in all sizes and thicknesses.

I used it for flexible car signs it can be cut with a craft knife and seems the same as you need.

The magnet may be stronger so may cause overload and other problems so do the research.

Hi Tom!

Thank you so much! Unfortunately the magnet is incomplete...two large pieces and the rest is just crumbles, it's impossible to stick them together!

Happy new year!

Marco

Hi Marco

If your problem is not solved and magnet is complete Run super glue into all cracks on magnet. When dry replace capstan plate turn a few times by hand remove plate high spots will show .Scrape down with sharp blade replace plate turn by hand and repeat until it turns freely. Can take along time but works for me.

Hi everybody!

I'm having some trouble with a Grundig 2280,

The magnetic plate underneath the capstan wheel is cooked and got thicker and flaky. Now it touches the sensor below, making the capsan unable to turn. If i completely remove the magnet, there is obviously no control of capstan speed and it runs at its max speed. Is there a way to fit a new magnetic ring, or shall I look for a whole capstan? (Where?)

Cheers!

Marco

Hi Dave,

Suggest you first look at Colin's video on this machine (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWjLNalBU2c&t=234s ). He is pretty much spot on with the issues on this.

As a general rule the Gold-coloured capacitors in the power supply board need replacing (with modern equivalents) and if you're lucky this will bring the thing back to life. If you don't hear a "click" from the power supply solenoids when you take the machine out of standby then the clear-plastic solenoids are likely corroded or gunky. A spray of servisol sometimes fixes this one.

As Colin's video shows - sometimes - it's a fault on the front (keys) panel that is the cause, but I have found this to be quite rare.

Hope this helps

Rob

I have a Grundig 2 x 4 Super video 2000 with a faulty power board. Does anyone know where i can get hold of either a working power board, a service manual for this machine, or perhaps just a circuit diagram of the power board?

Thanks

Hi,

Has anyone got a new or very good condition video head for a Philips VR2022 they'd like to sell please?

Thanks

Rich.

Problem solved on my vr2022. It was broken solder joints on the rectifier on the main power board.

Also, has anyone got an unused or a very good condition pinch roller for the vr2022 for sale please?

Thanks again

Rich.

Hi all.

I have a problem with my Philips vr2022 whereby the solenoid between the supply and take up reels keeps clicking very fast when I press the tape transport functions. Even when I press power it clicks. It doesn't click when I power on if the cassette lid is in the open position.

I've changed the battery and taken out that usual capacitor that goes up in smoke on the small power cable PCB (because it did actually blow).

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks again

Have you double checked that all of the plug in connectors are seated correctly?

Hi!

I can't figure out what is up with my Grundig 2280! It keeps spinning take up reel. Sometimes starts clicking, loosing led display, etc. Weird. Anyone familiar with this issue on this model?

Hi! I have a Grundig 2280 that enters fast forward as soon as I insert a cassette. It will not stop when buttons pressed. Any ideas why anyone.

Hi! I have a Grundig 2280 I picked up from a friend that wasn't accepting tapes. Turned out to be a foreign object in the machine and a C-clip came off one of the tape threading arms. I fixed these but there is no sign of power on the machine. Checked the fuse in the mains. It was still good. Is there another fuse for the mains? I hope to get this deck up and running.

Hi Rob

I've managed to get rid of most of the white lines after adjusting the DOC but now I've got some ghosting on the picture.

I guess I'll have to change the caps. D'oh!

Rich.

Rob,

Thank you. I shall proceed with caution and let you know.

Regards

Rich.

Rich,

The DOC pot could be the one you said, but you need to check the manual as my memory is good - but not that good. I recall you can just get to it while the tape deck is playing (if you position it right). There is another one in a similar place - different colour - which should NOT be touched . So make sure you have the right one.

Rob

Hi Rob.

Thank you for that explanation.

I'll see if I can get hold of the service manual somehow online and look up those caps and the drop out compensator.

The dropout compensator pot....is it the yellow pot that is at the rear top, approx halfway along the rear pcb (showing through the metal head can)?

Thanks again, much appreciated.

Rich.