To Richard with the F1 and others with similar prob: The head cleaner has prob put more crap on there than taken any off. Using a good quality tape [sony Hi-grade or scotch], forward and reverse pic search for a minute or so, then leave the tape playing for 4 to 5 mins. The picture should come back on its own. If not, you'll have to manually clean the head drrm with lint-free wipes and Isopropanol - not to be advised if you don't know what you're doing.

To James with the HiFi sound problem: The FM/HiFi panel must have a fault on it. If the machine plays then it should record - especially as it's recording OK in "HiFi Sound" mode. Does the Beta Hifi LED light up when you play back a tape even though it has no sound?

I've mailed you both with more detailed explinations.

Good Luck.

Oh, and if anyone else is interested: SL-HF100UB PAL in good cond with remote. Only fault is that the top 3 red LEDs on level meter Right channel dont work. 120quid. Please mail me, taking off the obvious underscores etc if you're interested.

Steve

Hi, we have for sale a large number of unused / used betamax tapes, 700 + original shrink wrapped Sony L-750, some L-370, PROXL 250s, and some PB10s Anyone interested ?

Contact appreciated

I'm looking for a Betamax cleaning cassette for someone in Germany

hello all, new user here.

i recently aquired a thrift store special SL 5200 sans tapes. for the past week i've been brushing up on my web research, and making my rounds in hunting out some tape so i can get a taste for the machine. last night i hit paydirt and walked home with 2 used cassettes, and took the machine to test.

picture is a blackish static, though it is obvious that the machine is putting out signal. audio is there, but it wavers as if the transport is not solid. i did note that the transport took a little longer to reach operating speed than the VCRs that i am used to. is it missing timecode because of the dirty heads, or am i looking at tearing into this thing and addressing something more serious? do any of you fine people have service information on this machine if something beyond clean and lube is required?

i will be cleaning this machine by hand with >99% isopropyl alcohol, so the top will be popped. anything i should look out for while inside? what would you recommend to lubricate the capstan/pinch wheel etc.?

my many thanks curtis

My new SL-HF300 can be viewed at http://www.geocities.com/vespanidus/betamax.html

yeeeee made first post from shell phones

I am looking to buy a couple of Betamax VCR's to copy my vast selection of home made tapes to VHS. Please email me if you have any machines in pristine working order. Thanks, Steve

Almost a decade ago I traded a CD player and a reciever I'd found in the wild at this used electronics place for a working SL-HF 300. Total monetary cost to me was round trip bus fare of $1 each way.

Okay everyone, prepare to be envious. This morning I went to the annual "Madison Hamfest" which is actually held at the Mandt Community Center in my hometown of Stoughton, WI. It gets its name from the large amount of amateur radio equimpment sold there, but a lot of secondhand consumer electronics can be found there as well, mostly computer equipment but plenty of home video as well. Anyhow, there I found a Sony SL-HF300 for TWO DOLLARS! It is missing the front flip-cover but it works beautifully-picture and hi-fi sound playback are perfect. Say, someone said there were a lot of Andys here (only two "real" ones though), but how about three Wisconsinites? Myself, "Pepse" Sekola, and Robert Kesser. Not altogether surprising though given that on Ray Glasser's "Betas by State" chart Wisconsin has one of the higher per capita Beta ownership percentages.

I'd be interested in both of those SL-HF 300s. $35 and cost of shipping OK?

Drop the "-snail-" and you can pretty much figure out the ISP for the rest of the address.

By the way that VCR-4650 probably just needs new tires. There's a source online for the parts at this address. Might be worth your while to fix it as people will pay a lot for a working Beta these days...

http://www.iglou.com/studiosound/betatune.htm

FOR SALE to the TROUBLESHOOTER in you: Sanyo 4650 Betacord plays and records and ejects tape but leaves tape trapped; Two Sony SL-HF 300s abruptly stopped running; Sony SL-HFR70 sick; and NEC 734E with remote immediately goes into rewind when tape inserted. Any one of these gems for the price of shipping plus $10.00 for my trouble. Also SONY REMOTES @ $5.00 each. Ask for listing of prerecored commercial movies...cheap. Located in Wisconsin, USA.

This fellow is always listing the same damned VCR week after week with now takers

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3091604285

He changed the pix a couple times but doesn't seem to get it that $560 bux is just too high to ask for an SL-HFT7. They're moderately nice second-string VCRs with a Blue Book worth of only $110 bux tops and normally eBays from $70 to $150.

The SL-S600 Blue Books at $55 max, although it's not a bad VCR at $100 bux. It was one of the last 3 Betas Sony ever made and has SuperBeta and a slo-mo trick play feature. It is saddled with Sony's lousy cheap-ass 14 channel preset tuner.

Yet another "optomist". "Yahoo Idiot" is an apt name for this seller. No one will bid $250 for a mono unit.http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=39830&item=3091258878&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=39830&item=3090957821&rd=1Okay, bucko, the SL-HF500 is a nice deck but it's not worth anywhere near this much.

Sergio! Betamie just for you...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3810244874

In your general area (I think).

Richard - It wouldn't be the first time a head cleaner actually made the tape dirtier. If you can find foam head cleaning swabs you can do the job manually. Otherwise run a regular tape (that you have no sentimental attachment to) through it for a few minutes to clean off whatever gunk the head cleaner got on it.

A - White - There was a fix for SL-C9 and SL-F1 (and their American versions) that involved running an emory cloth or very fine grit sandpaper accross the upper head drum (NOT THE HEAD THEMSLEVES) that improved rewind quality.

I've done this myself on my SL-2000 VCR and it's worked. Whether you want to risk a precious SL-HF 950 is your call to make but I'd just live with a sluggy rewind or better yet let some other VCR do that sorta grunt work.

hi all it is my first time in this room so forcive me if not so cleveri have 2 Toshiba vcr V-9600 and V5470 with some prob and became obsessedby fixing them i dont no if m on the right track thanks nabil

I have a Sony SL-F1UB (UK PAL) that I took out of the box after it slept for the last 10 years, as we now use inferior VHS in the UK. It played a tape perfectly so I decided to clean the heads just to do a good job, using a cleaner tape. After cleaning I have no picture or sound and only noise on the screen! The heads look fine and do not appear to be damaged and I suspect the mode switch but am unfamiliar with this unit. Can anyone help me with identifying where the mode switch is and how to get at it, or suggesting another possible fault? I have no technical information on this portable Betamax and would also like to get a technical manual for it? If you can help, I would appreciate an email.

SORRY, BETAPHILES A VHS QUERY-I AM DESPERATELY TRYING TO FIND A FERGUSON THOMSON FV88HVX VHS MACHINE PAL FORMAT.I BOUGHT ONE ABOUT 8 YEARS BACK AND ITS BEN A LITTLE BELTER FOR ME I PAID £60 FROM RADIO RENTALS AND IT WAS SECOND HAND.IVE SEARCHED HIGH AND LOW AND CAN'T FIND ONE IN NEW SHOPS IM TOLD ONLY WAY IS SECOND HAND.I WILL PAY WHATEVER YOU WANT IF YOU CAN GET ONE, I'LL SERIOUSLY PAY OVER THE ODDS.

RIGHT ONTO BETA......IVE SONY 950 A WEE BELTER BUT ON REWIND ITS A BIT CHUGGISH WHATS THE PROBLEM?ASIDE FROM THAT I HAVE 3 SLO1700 'S AND NEED A REMOE AND OR MANUAL IF ANYONE CAN ASSIST.

OVER 6'000 TAPES WITH 2'527 BETAMAS ORIGINALS PRE 1984 IF THERE ARE ANY SERIOUS COLLECTORS WANTING TO TRADE RARE ADULT AND HORRORS WITH A FANATIC.KEEP AT IT,....BETA LIVES ON!THIS SITES COME UP TRUMPS ON TWO OTHER OCCASSIONS HELP AGAINCHEERS.

chat to girl

Audio mode is just recording sound on its own without the video on the beta hi-fi panel

If that doesn't work the next step is a can of "Tuner Cleaner" from the local full service electronics store. Spray some into the switches. What do you mean it records in audio mode?

No secret setting switches under the little hatch on top?

Also try toggling the A/V and HiFi selector switches a few times to see if that cleans off some bit of gunk which might be messing with the ability to select HiFi recording.

Yes it has the same problem when recording from the tuner or stereo line inputs (even during simulcast) there is no hi-fi switch on the back and have tried all possible combinations now. It records on the conventional audio track but doesn't record on the hi-fi tracks (although records in audio mode)... Is anyone familiar with the sl-hf100ub and problems with recording hi-fi. Please note I have tried everything including cleaning the heads and flicking switches to the hi-fi settings, so is it the heads or is it the boards these are the only other things i have considered? (There were stereo tv sets in the 80s, there may not have been stereo broadcasts, but the stereo tvs were used for stereo playback on video. Video recorders were made stereo so that you could record an FM stereo simulcast and so that other recordings in stereo could be copied.) Thanks for the ideas though.

AFAIK there were no european Stereo TV decks made, possibly there were outboard adapters for NICAM and the like. However, I do not think that that would have anything to do with what audio tracks the VCR lays down. It should be laying down HiFi of whatever it's being fed (be that stereo or mono), as well as linear tracks, if it's set to record HiFi. Two thigns to think of off the bat, first of all, some Sony HiFis had a switch on the BACK to select HiFi record mode, it may be worth looking to see if your unit is thus equipped. Secondly, Does it have this problem recording only from the tuner, or does it not lay down HiFi from the line-level inputs either (if it's got 'em)...

how much do the linear stereo c-40s go for and how do they compare with c9 quality?currently running sl-hf100ub which has decided against recording in hi-fi! (but only records in audio mode) and yes i have tried all the switch combinations and even standard grade to pro-x grade tapes! is it because the signal into the vcr is nicam?

this site is active in 2004, don't know about fixing beta in the north... sorry

hello page and pagers.

I can't tell from the datelines posted as to whether this site is current or living only in a previous year. Are you all still active in 2004?

If so, then on to my reason for searching you out.

Does anybody know if there is a reliable source in the NorthWest of England which is repairing Betamax machines? I have one, which sort of worked, but has now stopped rejecting the tape. I don't want to scrap it if there is any other way out as I laso have zillions of tapes.

Hoping for an answer.....

Nice try Troll-boy.

And speakin' of: Andy, I still haven't sent you out that sick HF300, the one w/ the weird playback issue I told you about awhile ago. I keep on forgetting to bring it up to the PO, but I'm doing so this week! I'd like you to bring it back to health. I don't care what any troll says on here!

I was a subscriber to the Beta Informer when Andy got in over his head a few years ago, and that's just what it was: not dishonesty, not some scheme to steal everyone's VCR, just a young man who thought he could take on something that got to be too big to handle. Most of the people who dealt with him back then were satisfied with his service, especially at the prices he was charging, and they spread the word. From what I know, the orders started to pile up, repairs were taking too long or weren't completed, leading to a number of complaints in the Informer, and that's when things went downhill. Use Andy's service or don't use it! It's one's personal choice, just as with any business. Cripes! Give the guy a break!

thanks, but already tried the green switches, think i've tried everything now and still no hi-fi recording (except audio mode)!

_@_oo - James. Are all switches set to their default (Sony marks them with green or white tabs)? On many Betas there's one switch to select for HiFi recording and another to allow HiFi playback.

I am experiencing a minor fault with my sl-hf100ub. .. it will not record in hi-fi anymore. However it still plays back in hi-fi without fault. The only way i can record hi-fi is by using the audio hi-fi record mode which just allows sound to be recorded without the picture! Is there a simple solution to this problem as i have checked through the whole manual and this site to try to find a way to record video in hi-fi once again. N.B the machine is excellent apart from this problem.. (the problem with hi-fi may be due to the fact that the heads have never been changed (so they are doing well for 20 year old heads)) i tried to make a stereo simulcast recording today but the hi-fi didn't work and i can't stand mono, but it might just be worth putting up with because the picture is much better than my sony vhs machine

10 simple rules for rechargeable camcorder batteries.

http://videoexpert.home.att.net/artic1/225cbat.htm

Got my 4-in, 2-out, S-input switchbox today. No chance to hook it up to the SuperBeta Theater, the Apex AD-500W (dvd, cd, mp3 with pitch control) and that JVC stuff but it looks very capable, and online reviews are +++. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3084451782

I wonder how much they are and if new heads would clear up the dropout lines.

Found a place selling video heads...

http://www.truminco.com/Cat/sony.htm

_@_oo - swap out the PC boardset cuz I don't think the mechanicals are the problem.

I have 2 more sl-hfr70s that were also giving me problems, I don't remember exactly what they were doing, I just know they weren't working right. Anyhow, I think I can take parts off them to make the one I was currently using work right. What should I replace, and also how could I test the part before installing it?

Syscon chip is f*cked.

I don't think the solenoid is bad because now that the tape is at the end, it goes clunk clunk just like it should when I press play, but since the tape tape is at the end, as soon as it trys to play, it trys to rewind right after that, but then immediately shuts off. I think it is a problem with the timing.

Fake Andy posting above: IP tag is 1 / 1081788300 / cache-rp05.proxy.aol.com

The real Andy posts have a Pacbell tag.

"shiny silver piston type thing that goes in and out inside the magnetic coil"sounds like a solenoid problem.... when my 2000amie did that its ctrl board was dead for good.. it was a board problem

I would love to post here, but I always feel like I am going to be underfire from a single unmentionable person. But at this point, I don't care. I am going to say what I am going to say. I did have problems several years ago with UPS that wrecked my business. When all this had occurred, UPS damaged several high end VCR's in a 3 month period. It cost me out of my pocket. While I was dealing with all this, and not being able to get a single successful claim on the damaged beta units, I was finding myself slowly going into debt. I had some repaired units that were paid for but I did not have the funds to ship them back out. Finally on the Beta Informer one person complained, then it was just a snowball effect there for me- alot of people who had sent machines to me then began to get worried and concerned. More and more people gradually began to complain on the informer. What hurt me personally though, was there was several people that simply chose to complain on the Informer first and not even bother to email me beforehand in regards to the complaint. Things slowly and finally got ugly. Very ugly. I finally decided I would just send an email to Scott of the Beta Informer , and I basically said I would not be offering my services no longer. So that was that. However, there was one problem. There were still alot of people who were offering their support and I still had people who wanted me to repair their Beta machines for them. I still got lots of emails regardless. I would send a reply felt I had no choice but to decline my services. I would occasionally repair beta units for my friends, but that was about it. Finally, it was only 2 years ago I decided I would give it another try , because of demand and especially since I had people WANTING , almost even begging for my services. They did not care about the past. They had a broken Beta VCR, no where else to go, and they wanted it fixed, and that was that. So finally, I felt I was ready to go again. I now would adopt a more cautious approach to business. Tell anyone sending a Beta unit to me for repair the importance of packaging. Being as straight and upfront as humanly possible. Doing the best job I can do. So far, that new mantra has been successful. Things have been going for the most part smoothly ever since, and yes- there have been a problem or two here or there too. It's doing business. I feel I have more than learned from the previous experiences. I would think that would be something of worth here. I do admit to mistakes and I learned from them. What more can one ask for? Anyhow, this whole thing of one person dragging my past out has got to end. I still can not understand this person- if I really had something that I owe them why don't they email me? Why the frivolous posting? It obviously is not getting you anywhere. I am not going to speak more about this at this point, because I already know I will be running more circles. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Pepse: Send the SL-HF450 to me and I will take care of it as I took care of your SL-HFT7 years ago. LOL Andy

I am experiencing a minor fault with my sl-hf100ub. .. it will not record in hi-fi anymore. However it still plays back in hi-fi without fault. The only way i can record hi-fi is by using the audio hi-fi record mode which just allows sound to be recorded without the picture! Is there a simple solution to this problem as i have checked through the whole manual and this site to try to find a way to record video in hi-fi once again. N.B the machine is excellent apart from this problem.. (the problem with hi-fi may be due to the fact that the heads have never been changed (so they are doing well for 20 year old heads)) i tried to make a stereo simulcast recording today but the hi-fi didn't work and i can't stand mono, but it might just be worth putting up with because the picture is much better than my sony vhs machine(slv-se810) that was released quite recently...

I have a Sony SL-HFR70 that is acting up on me. Normally when a tape is inserted the machine makes a total of 3 "clunk clunk" sounds before play is pressed. It makes one clunk when the casette goes down, then 2 more right at the end after the tape has spread out around the loading ring. Now the machine is only making one clunk sound when a tape is inserted, the first clunk when the cassette first goes down, the final 2 are not happening and the tape is not playing, instead after the tape has spread out around the loading ring, the tape will advance forward all the way to the end of the tape and stop. It is not playing, it is just advancing forward on its own once the tape is inserted. Now when I press eject, the loading ring does not not turn around so the tape can go back into the cassette case, it just trys to eject the cassette with the tape still in the tape path. I cut the tape and pulled it out of the path, then hit eject and got the tape out. I put another tape in and same thing again-one clunk, tape goes around loading ring, then advances forward to end of tape. Once at the end, it will not rewind either. Anybody have an idea what the problem might be and a possible solution/fix? The "clunk clunk" that I am referring to is the sound that is caused by the shiny silver piston type thing that goes in and out inside the magnetic coil, so when it does not make the final 2 clunks, the piston is not moving. I'm stumped! Thanks for any help you may provide. Richard

Oooh looky! Just when someone asks for an SL-HF950 one comes up on offer...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3091066663

Starts at 1 Euro.

Does anybody know what other models a cassette carriage from an SL-C9 would be used in? Basicaly i have a C9 that is in need of the the cassette carriage (the one i have is very broken and has bits missing), i also need a shuttle gear guide. Any ideas, or a really cheap scrap machine?

I'm curently looking for a Sony SL-HF950 in excellent condition. Do any of you proud owners feel like selling? If so, please contact me soon, many thanks.

You know... that's what finally convinced the Russians to shut down the Mir Space Station.

To Andy[the real one] welcome back

I got tired of trying to explain these creatures to my kids. At last they shall see.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4180152570

PAL Beta alignment and test gear....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3809144097

I'm back. The one and only and as I say "I always have been and ever shall be Pepse". Hold the applause please LOL :-|). Anyway, I will wait for the real Andy Sanchez to speak up about my problem. Yeah, I thought we were done with that stuff quite awhile ago. But I do find it intersting that this person just don't quit.

Later. Pepse.

Checking the "view source" code...

The real Homer (?)

!-- 156647 / 1081480386 / 65.94.187.47 --

Fake Homer 1

!-- 153829 / 1080944071 / modemcable134.148-203-24.mc.videotron.ca --

Fake Homer 2

!-- 155786 / 1080947930 / 207-232-127-111.ip.van.radiant.net --

The real Andy Sanchez (?)

!-- 155354 / 1081440743 / adsl-68-120-215-8.dsl.sktn01.pacbell.net --

The fake Andy Sanchez

!-- 1 / 1081378731 / cache-rp05.proxy.aol.com --

Oh and FYI... the real Olive Thomas...

!-- 156813 / 1081455548 / alb-24-194-76-22.nycap.rr.com --

Mike: Pepse is real, as are the two true Andys, it seems there is an imposter running around, though, who would like to soil Andy Sanchez's image... Olive I think you and I may be the only two left from those days, but there was some character here who was downright determined to destroy Andy's good name, perhaps he has chosen a more subtle form of attack...

I, on the other hand, am simply a mass hallucination suffered by anyone who comes to this page :)

You may identify people a little better by viewing the source of this page. If you are browsing with IE, choose source from the View menu.

As far as I'm concerned, I have mostly been alone but for recently as someone posted as Homer Simpson. The latest Homer seems to be concerned about eBay issues discussed here. That is one point that differentiates us, as I don't give a s..t about anything eBay related.

That's the problem with this page, that anybody can post using anybody else's name and email address. As far as I can tell there are only two real Andys here, myself and Andy Sanchez. The rest are imposters.

An observation:

This page has several Homers, a s..t load of Andys, couple of Jesse's on and on.

To resolve just one name, will the real Andy Sanchez please post a response to Pepse's problem regarding his SL-HF450? A true electronics technician (as one Andy claims to be) can give a comprehensive answer to Pepse's perplexing situation.

I believe Pepse IS real. The Andys have me puzzled. This should solve at least one identity crisis. Mike

ANd here's an auction for a complete SL-C9 -based "Profeel" outfit including monitor, tuner and closed captions decoder for only a 50£ start - though you may have to replace or retune the picture tube on that monitor.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3090543122

Another rare Beta for Sergio...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3090547816

Murphy MVR7007R Sanyo clone. Seems to need new belts so it's available cheap - only 5£.

Hi Everyone! - I am clearing out a number of brand new Betamax tapes in our studios. This includes 9 new Sony Ultra High Grade L-750 tapes all in the original black & gold shrinkwrap and 3 new Fuji 30 minute Betacam Oxide tapes (Broadcast equivilent of a High Grade L-750 tape). Will sell the entire lot of tapes for $25.00 plus UPS, FedEx, or USPS shipping to any location in the U.S.A. If interested, e-mail me ans let's set something up

Thanks, Olive. Please email me at the above email address; it is a real address. Please let me know where I should mail the check to cover the shipping costs. Thanks. Howard

Interesting. That message I posted in the Beta informer, oh 4+ years ago? Yes, I did have problems with UPS damaging units back then . Yes, I did have to shut down business for several months due to that . That was around the period of the UPS strike (maybe that was more than 4 years ago) . Some people just like to linger on things for no good reason , what would bother someone so much to continue on like this? It puzzles me, to say the least. I find it to be sad when they do. I am still here repairing Beta units, anyone is free to email me at [email protected] and I'll be glad to let you know I am still here. As far as the individual (troll).. even you can send me an email (if you got the gumpf to). Take care, and thanks Sean Meskill for letting me know some more hi-jinks are going on here once again. - Andy

Hey Beta-philes.. I have two Two NTSC Sony Beta SL-HF860D VCR's, one Sony U-matic VCR model VO-5850 and several cases of slightly used Betamax SX tapes for sale if anyone is interestedThanks :)Reb

To Andy,it only takes a couple to stuff up a good thing,I enjoyed your replies to questions,going to miss you Andy,take care and god luck for the future,doc judd

Andy,

I just repair betas as a hobby. Assuming that your email is real (because I see a lot of trash going on in this forum) then I must say that your conclusion regarding the viability of repairing Beta machines as a cost recovery exercise is logical and inevitable. One thing that the betas had going for them, was that there are no more being made. (ie demand exceeded supply) Repair services for consumer goods in general are becoming a thing of the past with the consumer "buy a new one and throw the old one away" approach. Good luck with whatever else you choose to do.

Pepse,

The smooth upper drum friction problem can cause the tape to ride up or jump but the drum wear is a gradual thing. It mainly becomes evident when replacing video head assembly then trying to realign the machine. Your machines problem is more likely to be corrosion or component aging one which often happens with tracks corroding through contamination from leaky capacitors or indeed the capacitors themselves failing. You will have to do measurements with the right equipment and a circuit diagram to get a hint at the cause of the problem.

regards Noel Higgins

Don't know if this is the real Andy but it's sad to see you leave the Beta community on account of trolls 'n stuff.

Hello Palsite friends, I can not deal with this repairbusiness anymore. I have gone financially under trying to repair betamaxes for people, andthey can not understand or appreciate what position I have put myself inrepair 20+ year old VCR's that oftenly fail again after I repair them . I have had problems with UPS in the past couple of months damaginghigh $$$ betamax VCR's, and then UPS stabs me with the claim, andwont honour the claim. So this has left me to replace these machines withmy own personal betamaxes since buying a SLHF-750, SLHF-900, etc is quitecostly . I ended up having to just part with my own betas to use forreplacements. Another factor here is , I can not repair everything. And when I do repair a20+ year Beta VCR, it often times will fail again in the 120 day warrantyperiod and I am faced with having to re-repair the unit and pay for shippingon it back to the owner. This has been taking bite after bite out of my walletin small chunks to the point of me not being able to pay rent as of thismonth, and then in turn forcing me to delay shipment of repaired machines since I do not have the money to ship them out. This has happened with too many customers. And of course this is not good. So with all this in consideration, I regret I have to discontinue repairingbetamax machines for private parties. Alot of people have been getting frustrated with me as a result, and I alreadyknow a tidal wave is going to come in with other complaintants, and withthat I must stop repairing betamax machines. One can just go to Sony and have them repair themachines. I will do my best to send back all machines that have arrived, and if they are infor repair and have not been repaired I will repair them before they are sentout. But at this time I am not going to accept any more betamax VCR'sin for repair. It is too risky for me , and it has cost me quite dearly too. Ican not permit myself to become homeless because of the committment iwas trying to make repairing betamaxes. I am sorry to have done this, but I have to do it in order to survive. Sincerely,Andy

Noel, The first thing that came to my mind when this started is "video stiction". Where as the head drum assy becomes too smooth and the tape kinda slips across. It seeme to me that it has been suggested that I need to get some relly super fine emery cloth and kinda scuff the head drum with it. But then too, this deck worked great last spring and summer. I used it for about 5 months with no problems. Then I put it in storage and when I got it out a month ago I have this problem. I am keeping in mind your idea, but I thought I would mention this in case this puts a different light on the problem/solution.

Later. Pepse.

Those are the capstan speed control pots I was talking about. I tried adjusting them back when you first suggested it and it never cleared up the problem. I think the idler tire is slipping or something because the tape reels keep slow down slightly whenever the picture jumps, then get back up to speed. The machine also takes about five tries to thread a tape sucessfully.

Now it's starting to sound like my SL-HF-600, which had a similar problem since all the pots were missaligned. Try adjusting the TRACON and the BI, BII and BIII speed control pots which will be on the system servo board. You can only adjust a speed with that speed tape. Furthermore I think there might be one other pot you can tweak but there is definitely a couple you should stay away from, since they control the record interrupt and you'll end up putting the blaking interval in the middle of the frame on record if you touch 'em...

Like yours, the linear soundtrack seems to be unaffected when the tracking slips. It will switch from ßeta Hi-Fi to linear sound when it slips, then back to Hi-Fi when it recovers.

Steve, I have an SL-5200 with a similar problem. Every few seconds the tracking will slip causing the picture to break up. Someone (I think it was Sean) recommended adjusting the capstan speed. I tried it and it did clear up the problem for a little while, but it has started doing it again. It needs all new belts and tires which may also be causing the mechanism to slip. While I'm on the topic of the SL-5200, does anyone have or know where I could get a copy of the service manual for this model?

I am looking for the service manual for a Toshiba V-S36 Beta Hi-Fi system S/N 84218096. I am told that it is similar to the VS46, and VS56. It was also made for Sears as Sears Betavision Model 562.53442350. I and operational manuals, but need to have the service manuals for a repair. Tnx.

I fhave that board and I think you needed a tuner button board for a Marantz or Sanyo Beta too? Have them both boxed for shipping. Yours for cost of shipping.

hfeng40 wrote:

Hello all out there in Betaland. If any of you out there have a useless broken non-functioning SL-HF450 that you would like to get rid of, please let me know. I am currently in need of parts from a SL- HF450 to repair a 450 that suffered a smashed left front power on/off IC circuit board. If anyone has a trashed 450 they would like to get rid of, please let me know. Thanks. Howard

There may be a head speed adjust although I am not familiar with that particular VCR, nor PAL machines in general.

I have a Sony SL-HF950 thatis exhibiting the following fault. The on-screen picture shows a cyclic mistracking/break up (f = c0.5 sec). With a normal (non beta pro) tape with a linear sound track the sound is not affected, so it is unlikely to be the tape transport capstan at fault. I've also tried a test tape with a constant test tone and it sounds rock solid. It seems as though the head speed is varying - that's my guess anyway. Otherwise, the picture seems very good between break up phases. Any ideas as to what could be the culprit? Thanks in advance.

_@_oo - MINE!!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3088386449

_@_oo - By the way, does anyone have the manuals for a Vidimagic FP-60? I need one and a fellow in Argentina who saw the Vidimagic I have on my Betamax page emailed me looking for one so you'd be helping two people in one.

_@_oo - If you can't root out my address (drop the "-snail-" and figure out the ISP) it's available here...

http://uk.geocities.com/dasimperator/My_Betamax_Page.html

dear sir i have a toshiba vedio cassete recorder.it is not work. please gew the diagram cercit tohiba V-51D

I have a Sony DXC-M7 (pal), I am looking for a manual (user and service if possible) scanned version are welcome.Love the site.

Hi all,

Thank you for Das SnailIt's not SL-HF400 (it's similar to SuperBeta SL-HF600 and Beta Hi-Fi, normal no SuperBeta, European SL-HF100E ), but SL-S400.

I'm satisfied also Beta remotes japanese from Olive Thomas, I've got many photos of remotes (Sony, Sanyo, Toshiba, clone, wire, remote japanese/european and my remote).

Best regards.Sergio

Pepse,

I thought you had a more hands on knowledge of betas. Forget the VOMs etc, you really need a CRO and a circuit diagram to check out what I am talking about. ACE Heads wear yes but they don't suddeenly go bad and the thing that made me think that it's a record problem is that playback of prerecorded tapes is OK. What ever you do don't tilt the tracking head into the tape. it will stuff up the tape path for the video heads and the tape should be pressing against the head hard enough anyway if the back-tension is right. The head wear usually creates a flat on the rounded surface of the head face with little steps above and below where the tape runs. If you have "adjusted" the tape path alignment you may have caused the tape to ride up over this wear step and that would certainly cause a lower record to and playback signal from the tape due to poor head to tape contact. I hope you have a magnifying glass and good eyes.

regards Noel Higgins

The Hardware store in Question is O'connor True Value hardware in Billerica MA. I suppose other True Value hardware stores mighe have them too but O'connor's place is a pretty big hardware store. I forget where you are located and if there would even be True Value hardware stores there.

Homer, I am familiar with the ACE assy. A few years ago I called Sony to get a new head for an HF 900 and they sent me the ACE assy., because they don't call the video heads "video heads"; I don't recall what they call them. But, I sent the ACE assy. back for a refund. Chances are I probably wish I would have kept it. Oh well.

Sean, who is your local full service hardware store. I've checked out a few different hardware store and a couple electrinics stores (where I usually get my vcr parts from) and none have anything that will work on my Simpson. Oh yeah, the brand of VOM I tossed is GB Instruments. Can be bought just about anywhere, any store (Wally world, various hardware stores, and IIRC, Rat Shack). I have heard of BP Electronics, but its been a while.

So, does anybody know if ACE assemblies are interchangeable, between Sony Beta vcrs??

Pepse.

Pepse,

The control head or ACE head is the same. ACE stands for audio/control/erase. It is in fact three different heads mounted on the same assembly.

The control head records and reads the control track which purpose is to synchronize tape speed and relative head position so that playback can occur correctly. On many VCRs, it also serves as reference for the tape counter.

Noel suggests that the control head may not receive enough power to actually record the control track on the tape. While this is a plausible theory, it is far more probable that the head is physically worn out.

I have a Sony C7 vcr, which has been in the loft for almost three years. Decided to resurrect it, but it won't tune into the TV. Can't get the half black and white tuning screen. I insert a tape and it responds to fast forward, rewind, stop etc. But under the flip top tuning area there is no sign of life! No digital readout and the little red lights don't come on progressively,.

Problem.

Can it be repaired or where can I buy a Betamax player?

ThanksJohn Orgill

I have a sony SL6 recorder.I have had the machine since new. Picture had started to jump around a bit from what I remember - apart from that the machine is in fine condition. I was wondering what the value of the player is now. TIA, Bob.

Maybe Radio Shack doesn't have leads buy my local full-service hardware store has a large sellection of voltmeters on its own, as well as a good halfadozen types of leads. I was able to find a suitable set for a VERY obscure meter I picked up once... It's a "BP Electronics" and I've been able to find NO refferences to the existance of such a company or product. But I got leads that fit it with some minor modification (Trimming a plastic part).

Homer, if it is the ACE head do you or does anybody have one that would work on my HF 450?? I am not sure of inter-changability betwixt Sony models so I have no idea if it is HF 450 only, or what. AS far as making adjustments, I ain't got much to lose as I wouldn't put it on Ebay in this condition; so I might as well do what I never really did before. Work on a Beta. I mean I use to make a decent profit on vhs decks because they are built the same way windows OS's work. But, I never really got into Betas because they are different, plus I never had this type of problem. Usually just a belt and/or idler prob on my Sanyos or Toshi's. Since I started using Sonys, I never had any major probs 'til apparently this HF 450. Oh well, gotta learn sometime, EH??

Noel, WHAT???? Just kiddin'. I don't really have any clue as to where to start with your ideas. Well, on second thought I have a clue, but don't have any test equipment. And if a common VOM meter is suffice I threw out the last one I bought 2 years ago because it is modern day crap. I got an old Simpson but it is in need of new test leads. And it wasn't a cheap model that would allow me to get replacement leads at Rat Shack.

Later. Pepse.

Pepse,

Regarding your record/playback problems with the SL 450. Have you checked that the control head is getting enough bias or that the control signal is finding its way onto the tape? The effect of low or no control track on the tape would give the sort of playback problem you describe. By the way, does anyone know a cheap source for new SLHF100 or SLHF950 pinch rollers?

regards Noel (from Aus)

Maybe the solder around the tuner can is loose. Or you can try toggling the input select on the VCR a few times to see if that contact is dirty.

Could also be a cable input - too weak or too strong - problem.

Also, I'm not talking about the TV set's tuner. I'm talking about the VCR's tuner. I am watching the feed from the VCR through one of the TV's line inputs. If I play a tape for any length of time and stop it, the reception on the VCR's own tuner is what goes awry. Turning it off and back on again clears it up until I play a tape again.

Thanks, but I don't think that's the problem because there is nothing connected to the VCR's RF output. Besides, it's been set up like this for a long time and has only started doing this recently.

Sounds like the VCR is interfering with the TV set's tuner. Everytime you press PLAY the VCR turns on it's RF output and breaks into the signal chain whether you use channel 3/4 or the A/V input. Try toggling the TV/VCR switch on the VCR while the TV is tuned to some other channel.

By the way, does anyone have or know where I could get a copy of the service manual for the SL-5200? I want to buy one of those rubber kits and fix mine, but it's a very complicated machine internally and it would be helpful to have a service manual.

The SL-HF600 is connected to the TV via A/V in.

Do you have the TV set switched to channel 3 or 4 or set to A/V in when you've stopped playing a tape?

My SL-HF600 has developed a problem of late. When I have it set to tuner mode to recieve broadcast TV, and I play a tape for a while, when I stop the tape the TV reception has turned to mush-very fuzzy and almost unrecongizable, as if I had detached the antenna. If I turn the machine off and on again, the reception remains good until I play a tape again, when the same problem results. Any thoughts?