SL-C7
Sony 1979
Betamax SL-C7



beta vcr logo

Technical

SL-C7 inside
Inside

Camera Socket

The 14 Pin Camera socket is known as a Sony K-connector. Details of the pin connections are available online.

Fault and repair guide

No E to E sound

For no sound from the tuner check the TBA120 FM demodulator IC

No Playback Audio

Suspect the audio change-over relay on the AS-3 board.

Problems setting clock or timer

The switches used on the clock and timer section are prone to failure. When they begin to stick they can cause all sorts of erroneous behaviour. The only reliable cure is to replace them.

Machine stops intermittently in rewind

Check that the APS and or memory function is not switched on.

VCR is sluggish in or fails to rewind

Internally the C7 contains many drive belts which are used in the mechanics of tape transport. With age these belts become slack causing malfunctions and when this happens the whole lot should be replaced. In particular for the rewind function you will need to replace a tyre on the supply reel. A 'rewind' kit of replacement parts is available from many sources. The Sony part number is A 670634A.

Strange behaviour of capstan or drum servo

The first thing to check is the tantalum capacitors in the servo circuit. Look for the 2.2 micro farad ones first.

Sluggish threading and capstan problems

The bottom bearing on the capstan motor is prone to wear and because this motor also drives the threading mechanism threading can become sluggish. When this happens you will hear a horrible squeaking noise! It is possible to strip down the motor and replace the bearing but an easier option is to replace the entire motor if you can find a replacement.

Picture drops out in playback

This can be caused by lack of CTL pulses from the Audio/Control head. One remedy is to modify the CTL amp circuit to give it more gain. Alternatively a worn head can be 'polished up' to prolong its life.

[an error occurred while processing this directive]