PS: Bill there plenty of TV for ya to love.

Hi Noel, Olive, Bill, Colin and all of Betalore.

Have a look of what I've seen;

http://www.marcelstvmuseum.com/photoalbum0.html

am sure some of us have those machines.

Very good for your reference.

G2G,Lord.

Thanks, Harry and Das Imperitor, I value this site very highly, so your praise really means something to me.

Don,

I'm composing a sort of a checklist for you which I will send you direct because it will probably end up a bit long for posting on the site. It would also risk being dead boring for anyone for whom TV standards aren't an issue. But in the meantime: if you can find a video dealer or renter which still does tape in spite of the DVD age, go in and have a look at the fine print on their cases. Failing that, ask friends if you can rummage through their tapes!

It should show the prevailing TV standard the dealers are selling into, which should be a guide to what your bog-standard Greek TV will deal with and probably a better guide to the situation now than whatever I picked up on DX (derived from amateur radio slang for "distance") the best part of fifteen years ago. In my experience what is actually "prevailing" gets less certain the further east in Europe you go, but it's worth a try.

DVDs are less reliable, as the main thing that matters for them is the region code, which is an entirely artificial world-wide advertising price-fixing invention. I'll tell you about it if you really want to know, but it doesn't really have anything to do with your problem.

Please let me know any useful info you pick up.

Best regards, Bill

BTW,

Hi Colin, Noel, Boby, Olive and all the others that I have missed.:)

I have a very nice EDV-9000 Japanese ED Beta machine that I will be selling. Machine is in great condition, and will come with an NOS replacement head that has never even been taken out of the package. I will also include some NOS standard Beta tapes and some used tapes that can be used for ED Beta recording. The remote that will come with the machine isn't the original, it is one from an SL-HF1000, but it is largely compatible. Please make a reasonable offer to this e-mail addy. Shipping will be via USPS Priority mail (unless you wish to pay for an upgrade to USPS Express mail).

Bill is highly intelligent and a credit to The Betamax Chat Page.

Real wise and good posts. Guess..Bill is an honorable member.

Hi, All,

i apologise for my excessively frequent appearances recently, but sometimes putting things together so as to achieve coherence to be read by others makes you think more coherently about your problem. I had what might seem as a stupid brainwave and pushed the guide thingy outwards with a screwdriver quite sharply while the drive was actually running. Things fell into place and so far it has worked! Never fear, I'll come crawling for help the next time!

Regards to everybody, Bill.

Hi to all of the experts.

Having masqueraded briefly as an expert, I now show myself in my true colours as somone desperate for advice!

My SLHF100 has developed a nasty problem. It refuses to accept a tape much more than halfway, but can be forced to load it fully. If switched on without a tape it repeatedly tries to pull out a non-existent tape, clicks and then switches off. The cassette carrier/loader seems to be distorted inwards on the RH side (viewed from above and front). The problem may be centred on the prong which opens the cassette front guard. The tiny spring which pulls it into the operating position looks very unhealthy, but aiding it with a finger doesn't seem to improve the situation.

The most straightforward thing to do would be to replace the entire carrier/loader assembly - a very easy job even for the likes of me - IF - I can get hold of a replacement. Can anyone help with obtaining one or failing that suggest a fix?

Yours in hope, Bill

Don - my apologies for a typo - "connect an RF output from your Beta" should read "connect a video output from your Beta"Regards, Bill

Hi Don,

A health warning - I don't regard myself as any kind of an expert on Beta - I tend to rely on the real experts like Noel. However, my TV DX experience might give me a bit of an edge in matters concerned with TV standards.

You said that you couldn't get any joy when trying to find an RF channel on your TV to take the output from your Beta VCR. That really makes me think about standards compatibility. Did you get any screen messes - hugely wobbly lines in the centre of the picture, or just nothing whatsoever?

Does your TV have video inputs - SCART or phono (what the Americans call RCA)? if so try to connect an RF output from your Beta. if that also produces weird results I'd be getting near to putting money on a standards problem.

When you mail me, could you include a couple of TV screen shots of the results of your connection?

All the best. Bill

Kevin and Noel, thanks for your help, couldn't find the chip at grandata. Any more ideas? If you could drop me an e-mail that would be most appreciated.

Bjorn:No problem :)I have read about that issue and i've had one other guy experience the problem with the chrominance chip, on a M10, in the UK.Apart from that nothing.........Still at least it's relitivley easy to sort, the desoldering bit is a bit of a pain though.The Sanyo's really are impressive in most cases and were built to last a long, long time.Their VHS heads seem to last forever too...........................Kevin

Hi Kevin, your name does ring a bell now. Sorry I'm so bad at remembering peoples names. I'll check out those sources. It's unbelievable how shocking some of the packing can be for these videos. Lets face it, they often charge enough for P+P most of the time. This one was packed in a box with minimal bubble wrap. to add insult to injury, I've had one before where the courier couldn't open the shed (I wasnt in at the time) so it was left outside my back door in the rain. Luckily after some replacement belts and a careful clean up it survived. That one also a Sanyo, cant remember the model number though. The chrominence seems to be the most common problem I'm encountering with Sanyo machines in general. has this been a big issue with these machines in the past? (most of the ones affected are nearly as old as I am)

Hello - This is the first time I've posted here... I've just found a Sony SL-HF150E It's in very good condition and seems to work with most tapes. One Maxell L750 tape though continually get's edge damage after 5 - 10 seconds you can hear the crinkling. I don't see this is any other tapes. I've also got some brand new Sony L750 tapes that play and record with no problem so far. I've cleaned the tape path and the pinch roller looks OK.Could this problem be the tape rather than the player? I don't have access to a tension gauge unfortunately and I really don't want to test with this tape too much as it has old home recordings on!

many thanksadrian

Hi Bjorn:I'm the guy you sourced the chrominance chip from on your other Sanyo M30.I beleiev you can still get that chip from Grandata (don't hold me to that though but worth checking all the same).Noel: The part no is the same for the VTC M10, M20 and M30.Funny that as i know that can be an issue but one i've never had with my M10,M20 and M30.

Bjorn: I had an M40 delivered and was obviously dropped at some point, but it did'nt help the packaging was shocking to say the least.Lucky i has a complete front panel and timer circuit board (which was also damaged), to replace them with.........................Kevin

hi Noel, the chip number is 84A502 M51436P. I must admit I like my M30 better than any other Beta I've had contact with. (Even my C9 ) It's proven my most reliable, considering over the past 8 years the only thing to ever go wrong with it is this, give or take the usual wear and tear which I dont really class as faults. It's already outlived 3 VHS machines, 2 DVD players and my sanity lol. oh and a courier as well ... bless him! I'm babbling arent I, my apologies. I know many will curse me for this, but it has survived one of my most stupid mistakes ever, by accident, in a rush, I ended up putting a Betacam tape in the machine. Not something I'm proud of, but my dear machine survived and all is forgiven. I believe they're not exactly good for Betamax heads are they.

Anyone who collects Beta VCR factory recorded movies or have any.. Question, whats the latest movie you have in the Beta format? I know motion picture companies where still putting copies of movies on Beta format well into the 1990s...

The latest movies I have are

Home Alone II Lost in New York (1993)Coneheads (1993)Harrison Ford's The Fugitive (1994)

Does anyone have any movies from the 90s era on Betamax format, if so i would like to see a list... I was surprised to find movies from 1993, 1994 I thought the Format was well abandoned by 1993

Bjorn,

What is the part number of the chip. I am in Australia, but postage should be reasonable and I have a number of M10/M20 parts machines so there might be a spare in them.

Dave,

I agree with you on the medical alcohol wipes as long as you are careful to only spin the heads against them when cleaning.

cheers Noel

hi, does anyone know where I can source another chrominence chip for my Sanyo M30? I have 2 machines and 1 has started to play up. Seems odd since I fixed the same problem on the other machine a couple of years ago. Had to restore 1 machine from scratch after a delivery driver dropped it, I wonder how many times these couriers have wrecked these machines because of their arrogance and carelessness. Anyway that's a different story.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmUmhFyic9A&feature=related

Hi, Don,

Feel free to contact me directly. Just an update - the official name for what my Loewe brought up as "SECAM E" may be "SECAM D/K"

Regards, Bill

Hi Bill,Many thanks indeed for your valuable inf. re my Betamax,I have odered a Terabyte drive and a grabber so that I can start editing my tapes, at the same time I will persue the TV option and send you an e-mail with as much technical information as I can for my Greek tv, (not a multi system Unit).as I recall the last time I tried to use the Betamax I was unable to get a tuning signal on screen to set the channel for the VCR. Will try again as soon as possible.Many thanks again for your kind attention,Regards,Don Jupp.

Welcome back Dasimperator Ed Beta, nice to have ya round. How's Betastate? ain' got much of a nu mac eh.

Take som pills N stay well.

Besta Migla.

Hi to everyone I am looking for some parts for a sony -C9 (1) the spindle on which the tape carriage gears go onto or a complete carriage (2) a complete front cover ,(3)Does any one know If the company MR Betamax is still in bussisness? I sent them a email ages ago but no reply ,Also a tip for anyone who tries to clean their video heads medi swabs as used before the nurse or doctor gives anyone a injection ,or for anyone who smokes roll ups (1) when all the rizlas have run out in the bottom of that pack is a small green piece of card either spray some head cleaner on and very gently hold it and wilst turning the heads hold it carefully against the head tip it should take off the dirt and then turn it around and clean the other head tip you can also use Isopropl Alcol as this is what the swabs are coated in .Davyrocket2

My first Betamax was in fact a BMC-220 Camcorder I got for the princely sum of $5. I had to wait about six months before I got hold of a nearly dead Sanyo VCR 4400 to play back the one tape my mother got for me to test the camera with. I screamed and stamped my feet for 3 days and she complied! I was young, so don't call me a fairy.

I've had several Betas over the years, some lasting longer than others. I've stuck with Beta not so much for the picture but because of it's fantastic response time to control input. I have a Sony SLV-N50 HiFi VHS VCR and an SL-HF 300 and it's just no comparison - the SL-HF 300's betascan and beta skipscan can run circles around the glacial VHS machine even though it is lacking in frame advance ability. When the SLV-N50 is compared to my SL-2000 a non HiFi and non skipscan unit but with jog/shuttle feature then known as "Videola" or "Swing Search" - well there still no comparison. Beta's U-load system was the right way to do thing when you wanted to move the tape back and forth quickly or accurately. VHS's M-load simply takes forever to switch between modes. Whereas a Beta-Skipscan call take 1/2 a second to commence you'd be waiting at least three or four seconds to get a similar request from the SLV-N50. And since only recently VHS machine wound the tape back into the shell when rewinding or fast forwarding the skipscan feature simply wasn't available. Because Sony Betas kept the tape threaded you were always able to keep your place on the tape even when you turned off the machine - a great feature for those of us who keep a blank tape ready to go when we watched TV in case something we want to tape comes on. You don't waste precious seconds looking for the next starting place. Beta's quick response time is great for editing out commercial breaks and for when you gaffe and resuming a recording and need to quickly go back before the real starting point comes on.

I'd bought that SLV-N50 over year ago along with a 10 pack of VHS tapes. I still have one VHS tape left in it's shrink wrap. In that same year I must've gone through at least thirty or forty L-750 Beta tapes in that same period. And I have about 150 blanks to spare...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SONY-HVC-3000P-TRINICON-COLOUR-CAMERA-BETAMAX_W0QQitemZ310098740561QQihZ021QQcategoryZ39999QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Hey Guys thanks for all the help on this, I'm gonna try and get hold of another Sony Betamax Video recorder to hook the camera up to, also I dont have any Betamax tapes to put in the machine yet, still waiting for a friend to get me some. Hence asking if I needed a tape in the recorder in order for the camera to work, as far as the white line goes I seem to be able to change this from a long one that goes vertical from top to bottom of screen (on the camera)to a short one via a switch setting on side of camera, there are three settings iris, waveform and w.b i'll try get some pics up. the line is a short one at the bottom of screen when in iris mode, a long one to the right of screen when in waveform mode and a long one but jumped over to left of screen when in w.b mode.I can also adjust the position of the line between two cicles at the bottom of the screen when in iris mode, via a sensitivity switch

Hi Noel

You addresed that to me, It should have been to Deepblues, he's the one with the camera problem!

Nice to see that you're back.

All the best, Bill

Bill,

I hope you can follow what I am about to relate which is for the HVP2000 camera used with an F1 (PAL) recorder/player which looks similar to the (NTSC) 2000 recorder/player. The vertical line on the camera I used was an indicator of the luminance and also gave an indication of the sharpest focus because the excursions of the line would be sharpest when objects and particularly light to dark transitions in the picture were in focus.

It seems you have lost video feed for some reason. If its the tube in the camera not working the viewing display might still be OK. Playback a prerecorded tape in the video machine and see if a picture comes up in playback. It will not have that vertical line showing in playback mode, its only to assist recording setup.

cheers Noel

Deepblues:If you own or can get hold of a digital camera, could you take a picture of the video camera and its settings as you have currently them and post online?

Use this service. It's a quick and dirty way to upload and hotlink a picture.

http://maosongsoft.com/create_sc.php

I'm still thinking its a viewfinder setting but maybe somebody can puzzle this out.

Hi, Deepblues,

Sorry if I got a bit jargonish. I got the wrong impression that you were referring to a TV picture. If you aren't putting the camera through to a TV via your Beta, I'm afraid that puts me in the "haven't a clue" class. All the same, if the phenomenon is a clear, absolutely straight line all the way down the screen, I may be offbeam but it still makes me think about SOME sort of setup signal in the camera.

The pot on the back of the Beta is for changing the RF (radio frequency like an aerial downlead as opposed to video) channel it puts its signal out on so it doesn't clash and cause interference with anything else connected to your TV that way. It clearly hasn't anything to do with your problem. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

All the best, Bill

If anyone knows where I can source any old Betamax equipment, ie. tapes recorders or cameras near to the Wakefield/Leeds area of West Yorkshire, any info would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Ok I tried that Olive and still no joy, thanks for the info, I'll keep trying

Thanks Olive I will give it a shot and come back

To 'deepblues'... A few things to tick off...

Check to see if the various switches on the camera are set to the 'green' settings. Those are the default settings recommended by Sony for shooting video. I'm thinking you have the viewfinder on one of the indicator settings that override being able to see out of it.

If that doesn't work...

HVC cameras don't see very well in ordinary light. Try shooting out a window in daylight.

Since it's a multisystem VCR, make sure the system setting you're using matches the camera.

Hi Bill thanks for the info although as a newbie to all this your explanation seems a little complicated, I checked the back of the Video Recorder and there is an RF adjuster pot tho this seems to have no effect. I do not have it connected to a TV as I only want to see if the Camera works. I have the camera plugged in to the front of the Sony Betamax Video Recorder and have it switched to Camera mode on the front. The screen I'm talking about is on the camera, or throught the eypiece of the camera. I would assume that the tube in the camera is ok given that it does light up. My main goal here is to be able to see a picture in the HVC200P video Camera. Thanks

Deepblues,

How are you connecting the SL-T7 to your TV? I've never even seen an SL-T7 and I may be dead wrong, but what you describe sounds rather like the tuning signal some VCRS put out on UHF to facilitate tuning a TV channel for their RF output. It's usually turned on or off by a switch somewhere on the rear panel. If you're connecting with RF that could be the problem. If you're connecting with video then I'm afraid I haven't a clue.

Regards, Bill

Hi Guys,hope this is relevent for this forum. I have an old Sony Trinicon HVC 2000P Video Camera, lost my brother in January and it was found in his home, got a little research and found that I need a Betamax Recorder in order to use it. I sourced an old Sony SL-T7 ME from a friend and attached it. The camera powers up but the screen is just white with a line down it, or black with a white line if i turn down the brightness. But I see no picture. Do I need to have a cassette in the recorder and set to record before the camera will work? The sound light on the back is responsive to sound so I guess the mic is ok, and the zoom operator turns the lens ok, just no picture. Any help or info on this would be appreciated. This seems to be the only site I can find on the matter, Thanks, Deepblues

Thanks KEVIN and Noel,yes Noel still at same address

Don,

Just an addition to my earlier posting: my late lamented Loewe TV (bought in 1989) dealt with SECAM E rather strangely. The rest of the standards were switchable, and you could programme each channel with its appropriate standard. With SECAM E however, if you were tuned to a channel using PAL B/G and a strong SECAM E signal was received on the same channel, the TV switched automatically to that standard.

I assumed that to indicate that Loewe must have sold successfully in the former East Germany and didn't want its customers there to have to mess about with manual standard switching to and from West German TV. TV signals did manage to get over the Berlin Wall!

I don't know if this has any bearing on your problem, in fact it probably serves to confuse the issue further, but I thought you might like to know.

I know it's no way to use it properly, but have you tried a UHF connection from your BETA gear to your Greek TV just to see what happens?

Regards, Bill

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/From-Betamax-to-Blockbuster-Video-Joshua-M-Greenberg_W0QQitemZ260309212185QQihZ016QQcategoryZ378QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

i have sanyo beta camcorder model number aim looking for battery for it.i have sony beta camcorder model number bmc 220 looking battery.

Hi Noel:

It's good to see the great reliable , genuine members making an appearance again :0........................Kevin

Hi Colin and Kevin,

It has been a while good to hear your both back. I gather your still where you used to live Colin.

regards Noel

Hi Colin:

Nice to have you back.I too suffered modem damage a few years ago by lightening.My PC was OK though:).................Kevin

Hi all you Beta people,I have been offf the net for a month due to lighjtning strike that fried my pc and modem.BUT my SL-HF100 soldiers on.I did battle with the insurance coy and my ISP,BUT ALL IS SeTTLED AND IT IS GREAT TO BE BACK

Greetings everyone, it has been a while since I've posted on here. I just got in the mail a few days ago the SL-2000 video camera, and am awaiting the rest of my unit which should arrie at my work on Monday and I can't wait! I've heard a lot of good things about this unit, but have a few questions about his and another unit. First, how lon should the battery for the camera or VCR be charged? When charged, how long does it last? I'm also a little curious if there are other Beta users in Westrn New York? I just relocated from Michigan to Rochester, New York and have my own place and like it a lot. I'm also curious to know if there is anyone out there still using the very first Beta the LV-1901/SL-6200?

Hi, i own many older vhs recorders and have just started purchasing Betamax Items, i am not wanting to spend too much, i have been looking on places such as ebay, The Sanyo VTC 5000 appeals to me but what else in its proce range would you suggest if i cannot get hold of one, what is similar quality etc ?,

Regards

Hi, Don,

I don't know whether or not this will be helpful. When doing TV DX with my Loewe multi-standard TV in the early 90s I occasionally got Greek TV on VHF. As I recall it used SECAM, at least on VHF. I can't recall for certain which variety, but I THINK it might have been the Russian version. My Loewe called it SECAM E, but I'm not sure that's its official designation. I've never managed to get Greece on UHF, so I can't comment.

The Middle Eastern MESECAM standard of course is a non-broadcast VCR-only standard, and I've no idea whether or not it was ever implemented on Beta.

While I've only had personal experience in France, to the best of my knowledge most TV sets sold in Europe these days at the very least do PAL (I for the UK and BG for almost everywhere else), SECAM L (for France) and NTSC 4.3 (for US videotape). They no longer seem to do Secam E or NTSC 3.58. My current LG TV is exactly like that, as was its Thomson immediate predecessor. Both were purchased in the UK.

Could your Greek TV be doing ONLY SECAM E - not implemented on your Betamax - and not any version of PAL? It would surprise me, particularly as there are no such things as Secam DVDs, but I'm short on any other explanation. Is your current Greek TV multi-standard?

As regards editing on your computer all you need is an analogue capture card and a half-decent video editing and DVD producing application - I use ULEAD but there are many on the market. I would warn you that the resulting files use a truly ENORMOUS amount of disk space! It's driven me to get a 750Gb external hard drive.

I greatly envy you your Beta machinery - it would be great to be able to record SECAM in colour!

Regards, Bill

Hi Guys,I need information regarding my Betamax Recorder/player.I purchased while in Saudi Arabia the Betamax Unit SL T50 ME,2 tuner 5 system (Pal/Secam 1/2, NTSC 4.3- 3.58 Beta 1/2) and at the same time a multi system TV. I was able to use the system successfully after arriving back in the UK for a year or so. The betamax still performs perfectly, but now that I live permanently in Greece, my multi system TV has died the death, and I find that I am unable to play or record with the Betamax using the Greek TV.So the question is, does anyone know of how this can be achieved? is there any module or modification which will do the job? I am loath to give up on the Betamax with its superb performance, I have almost 100 recorded tapes, and would like to edit many of these into a library,also is it possible to hook the unit into my computer in any way so that I may edit the tapes?Any info would be very much appreciated.Thanks a lot,Don Jupp

Hi Michael:

What make (manufacturer) of Beta is it?E-Bay would be your best option but make sure it's had a full and thorough overhaul before the listing.................Kevin

i have some betamax movies that i need to change over to dvd, however my betamax player bit the bullet and i could not get it repaired, i would like to find a betamax playeer so i can play the old family reunions one more time and put them on a format that i can save, can anyone help me locate a player that i can purchase, or does anyone know where i can find one, thanks in advance. Michale

Hi all

I have inherited a few bits of Betamax equipment and cannot really find much about them. I am curious as to how they work etc and also if people still use them? I thought an expert site such as this may be able to help?

I have the following

1 no NEC TT-1040E1 no NEC PVC-P1040E1 no NEC TC-1065E2 no NP-1 battery

I have plugged it all in together and it is alive!!! I have no idea what to do next though.I imagine it was quite a peice of kit in its day and has been well looked after stored in those metal suitcase style boxes with foam padding inside.

Thanks in advance

James

PS:

When you drop a ferrous magnet (black) it's easily break apart.When you drop an ordinary steel, it can withstand along the time.

case studies;

http://www.lloyd-instruments.co.uk/testtypes/elastic.cfm

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080918032347AAF9tYy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tensile_strength

http://www.wikipatents.com/gb/2132404.html

I see a controversial of technical repair guide on the cleaning method saying that ;

cleaning by touching the head TIP using swab

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

as you know this head is extremely delicate

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

so touching it by any means could destroy the ferrous metal !!

The head tips itself is very fragile metal characteristic tho the hardness is very high and only glued on the based chasis, any slight force in any directio to the ferrous metal may break it easily and it gets more critical if it comes to the HIFI stereo type of TIP ( 1 TIP cutted into 2 parts of head =/= smalles tip is for AUDIO coil )

http://www.gordonengland.co.uk/hardness/brinell_conversion_chart_2.htm

We had discussed the best cleaning method is using appropiriate spray canister containing non residual & 'non toxic' liquid , specially design for electronic apparatus.

http://www.crcind.com.au/catalogue.nsf/web_brands/CO+Contact+Cleaner?openDocument

(( do NOT use WD40 or a carburetor cleaner as the sprayer = (*_*) come on give me a break..will you ))

anywise the decision is all yours.

Cheers,Boby.

dave,michael,dhad you know what to do, do ya?

Michael:This is a BETA Palsite not VHS (if your post is genuine??)I din't think anyone here can help you out...................Kevin

I own both the EDV-7500 and SL-HF1000. THe 7500 is more analogous to the SL-HF900 since it cannot do insert edits. The EDV-9500 is like the SL-HF1000, a full editing deck. Aside from the higher quality of ED Beta, my unconfirmed impression is that the 7500 is not so good as a regular beta deck.

i have sharp vhs camcorder aim looking for viewfinder. and aim looking for someone to teacherme how fix this camcorder please help me.

JUST WONDERING IF THE EDBETA DECK EDV-7500 IS A "DREAM MACHINE" LIKE VERY HARD TO FIND AND IS IT COMPAIRABLE TO THE OTHER DREAM MACHINE HF-1000?

Stuart is an honorable member of this board, I'll bet my head on him. Please do not give respons to that dumb miserable nameless muppet.

You do nothing but polluting this honorable PALsite.

This is my last warning I'll blow all your cover and you bet I will so get your bloody stupid posts outta here!

B1SHB aka EdBeta it's so very easy for me to publish your real identity!

Any help on no picture of HF750 NTSC beta?

B1HSB:No problem.Happy and continued Betamaxing.

It's ironic though, with all this new HDMI and the like for satellite and DVD viewing.Beta was the higher format ( and more attractive cassette size) of the half inch domestic tape recording formats but VHS won out.Now everyones going mad over the higher quality HDMI system.............what gives??Beta was my introduction to the wonderfull world of video and it has a special place in my heart and fond memories in all areas.That in itself is why i still am passionate about it to this day.If i can extend the life of the Betamax system for another few (many) years then i'm happy.I still hav'nt been bitten by the recordable DVD bug...........................................Kevin

You are right, Kevin.

When it's all sorted out, we all agree.

I didn't realise this gentleman named Stuart was a stalwart memberof the group. He sounded so cavalier about destroying a Betamax thatworked "just fine" that it made me angry.

If I do post again(and frankly the response hear was rather frightening) I'lltry to be more diplomatic.

Thanks for you input, Kevin.

But he's not new. It's obviously the plank in another guise, don't you see it?

BSHB1:I don't belive ANYONE of the regular posters here is'nt passionate about the Beta format.I myself regularly ressurect the Sanyo breed to a very high standard and HATE to hear about ANY machine that has been put on the skip, especially if it's something so minor or easy to sort.So let's get that clear.

It was the way you put over your remarks towards STUARTs comments that were frowned upon.I still use Betamax myself and have helped out many who need the same for whatever purpose , be it transffering or being able to have a reliable machine to watch their treasured recordings and memories.The other factor is sadly there are a few who like to stir up trouble on this site and as you are a newish member i don't ( or did'nt ) know which was your main aim.You certainly know how to start a healthy debate...............................Kevin

Hi Mike for your camera what are you using for power? Are you plugging in the wall or just the battery

i need help fix my sanyo beta camcorder it will not power on please some help me please.

Wow, this page is sure titled incorrectly.

I thought it was "The Betamax Chat Page."

I thought people who come here have an interest in the hobby.

Sorry I expressed my interest. It seems I have the wrong slant on just what this is all about.

The title of this page should be "The Betamax Hate Page." Just expressing contempt for some poster who doesn't give a damn about the machines gets me pounded.

My position is clear. I try to restore and keep in good shape as many Betamax recorders as I can get my hands on. If I have to use one for parts, it is after a long deliberation and is done with a heavy heart. As I stated previously, there is only a finite number of these classic unit left in the world. If this position solicites nastiness and sarcasm, so be it.Get your jollys off at my expense. Support the idiots who destroy units that work fine through ignorance and clumsiness...Enjoy.

Carry on chaps

Does the plank tuck his betamax in bed with him at night? Does he make love to it? Oooooh come here betamax let me love you he says :)

Muppet

I see said the blind man.

I see the plank is talking to himself again.

Thanks, Dave.

I was, frankly, shocked at the response I received from some on this page.

To attack me for being protective of an F1 (that, according to him, worked fine before he clumsily opened it) which was doomed to destruction at the hands of someone who is not a true Betaphile and was more interested in making money selling it off for parts was really uncalled for.

Me thinks there are other reasons for the attack because it just doesn't seem reasonable.

Your gramaphone analogy is so valid. We won't be around when the Betamax is held in the same esteem, but at least we can pave the way.

Again, great point.

hey B1SHB I agree with you, over time betamax I think it will be like the grammaphone and could be worth $1000s, so if you or anyone has a working unit treat it like gold because it one of a kind and can't be replacedPeople laugh at us to keep this old tech going, but I feel it important to cherish the past and I think WE will have the last laughLONG LIVE BETAMAX!!!!Dave

Firstly, let me apologize to STUART.

I called him incompetent out of anger.

There is only a finite number of Betamax recorders left on the planet and when I encounter someone who is so cavalier about destroying one that, with a little care and experise, can be restored, I get livid.

If all you so called Betaphiles think nothing of parting out or throwing in the bin one of these rarer and rarer units, so be it. He did originally state it worked fine and to think of it being ripped apart for a resistor or an ACE head borders on criminal.

So..go ahead and chastize me.

Again, sorry for being so protective about Betamax. That's why I came here. I thought others shared my passion.

Have a nice day.

Hi Noel,I'll try and pluck up my courage to get the front panel off and investigate!Thanks again, Bill.

Laurel,Sorry I can't help with your query, quite the reverse, I have a query for you! I haven't heard of this soldering method, can you tell me a bit more about it? I'm wondering if it might be any use for a synth keyboard I have a problem with.Regards, Bill

Hi guys. I have one Q regarding the use of liquid soldering thin,replacing the old thin wires. Has any of U gang did it ??

< this soldering method usually used in critical component fixing i.e; PLCC >

Thanks in ADV,

Greets#Laurel.

Wel..well..well..the betascam is still here trying to provoke the genuine betafellas.

Hi Guys:B1SHB, i don't know WHO you are but how about taking your own advice.Stuart is a worthy member on this page but you seem to not be able to move on from your own extreme accusations.What a member decides to do or not do with their own equipment is their business and choice.I find YOUR comments more offensive than a Beta enthusiast selling parts on E-bay. This page has gone down 'that road' before and we don't want that again now do we.

Keep the comments positive and helpfull and less of the accusing and stirring the well boiled pot............................Kevin

So whats your point exactly? The ttf1 half is perfect and I will be keeping it to pair with a working f1ub half I may find on ebay in future. As for my current recorder half I will be looking when I get time to see if I did indeed mix up any of the connections. If I didnt then so what if I sell it s parts? As for calling me incompitent I own 3 fully working hf950s, 2 of which were faulty when I bought them unknown to me. One had the linear audio bias oscilator fault which I 100% successfully repaired myself by using the identical part from a scrap f30. The 2nd 950 would intermittently record black and white through the av, this was nothing worse than dust on the av connections INSIDE the unit. Unless you have seen a machine I have sold and seen how good they are, shutup is my advice to you.

STUART..MMMMMM

You did say it worked fine..those were your exact words. Now you come back and describe several problems you had before you solicited help here.

Now it all makes sense. I wondered why you would go to all the trouble, time and labour to replace that head drum if, as you said, it worked "fine."

So it had some problems, so you decided changing the entire drum assembly was the way to go.

Now you have a situation where the machine does not operate at all.

You mucked it up so now you say it cost you next to nothing so no big deal.

The next time you come on here with a problem, be honest and be seriously interested in restoring a treasured Betamax...not giving up when you can't discover what you screwed up.

Now you just want to throw it in the skip or sell it for parts ( a damn shame ).

These fine old Betamaxes are getting rarer and rarer. I just hate to see them destroyed at the hands of an incompetent.

Bill,

Two options I would try.

Check that the upper plastic edge does not lift at the cassette tray moves forward because the plastic is fractured.

Take off the front panel and observe the drive gear for the tray. You have to remove the slide tray cover (two screws) then remove the front panel, which involve many screws plus two click in slide and grab clips just above the load tray. When you have this cover ff you can still operate the machine as normal.

cheers Noel

i have sanyo beta camcorder aim looking some ho know repair

Hmm. Fact is it did not work fine, yes maybe it played and recorded, but rewinding, forget it as the upper drum was so worn resulting in tape stick. Also the head disc would have been way past its best, so I replaced them. I am going to look at the connectors to see if I have got any the wrong way round. However as I only paid £23 for the whole thing if I cannot get it working, I will simply strip it and sell the known good parts on ebay.

Dear Betamaxers,

Is anyone interested in the following equipment? It's a complete camera set containing the portable Betamax recorder Sony SL-S1E including original carring bag, power adapter AC -F1E, color camera HVC-2000P, wired remote control for zooming and recording, extention cable for the camera, 2 tapes and batteries (dead). Including brochures, manuals and bills. All of the functions of the recorder are working. Sometimes it gives some spots and a little noise in the picture. Camera works normal. I have no room for this anymore and like to sell it.

In response to STUART concerning the F1.

You said: "Bought an f1 which worked fine"

You then fitted a replaced head motor and its related components and problems began.You have obviously installed a connector wrong or disconnected an unrelated connector when you pried apart boards to remove the head motor. If you can find out what you did wrong your problem will be solved.

The administrator removed you nasty post...try to refrain from that sort of retort in the future. Everyone here is helpful to those who are civilised and respectful.

Hi Noel,

Addition - After another squint at the situation, the fouling problem you suggest might be happening actually does look remarkably similar to your description. BUT, I can't see any break in the plastic as you describe. Are there other mechanical or electronic malfunctions which might produce the same result?

All the best, Bill

Sorry, Stuart.

You are correct, I forgot about that neat trick the administrators added.

My apologies..though you didn't have to refer to me as an "arse".

That's the sort of stuff that crashes this forum.

Glad da betamax page is running smooth, tho few trash still scattered.

Sorry, a non technical question if I may... I am looking for a show from 1988 - and because these are the video recorders from that time, just maybe someone here can help me. I am looking for the Noel Edmonds Saturday Roadshow from 1988 (sorry, I don't know the specific date). Did anyone perhaps record this on their beta? There was an item on the show called "clown court" that I am trying to find. Any clues? Thanks!

Thanks, Noel - yet again!

After due consideration it DOES intermittently act up in RECORD, but not as badly or frequently. I've investigated more thoroughly but haven't yet found a break like you describe. There appears to be something beneath the cassette path that pushes it up slightly towards the end of its travel. It looks like it might be pushing the shell up too far and fouling the top of it as it as it goes in. It only seems to do it with a cassette in, and of course I then can't see what it is. Any ideas?

Regards, Bill

Bill,

I have had a few 950s break their slide tray. The upper plastic guide rail on the centre side of tape load mechanism in the machine cracks toward the back. It is the reason why Sony provide transport screws, to avoid just such damage from the weight of the tray when the machines are being shipped.

If you take the top cover off you should be able to see it. If it is that problem then repair is tricky because you basically have to cut away the broken plastic to give a neat leading edge. You then have to make a right angle bracket/channel to replace the broken upper edge of the guide. This bracket can then be screwed to the centre metal plate to restore the continuous channel upper edge necessary for the mechanism to function properly. When this guide is broken the tray tries to lift fouling the tape mechanism or at least putting upward pressure on it despite the fact tape is loaded.

I have no idea why there is a difference in record. Might be it has nothing to do with the problems I have found. The worm gear and toothed gear that push the mechanisn in and out could be damaged also. That is the only reason I can think of why there is 1cm play in the tray. You might be able to see that also if you could take the front cover off but that is tricky.

cheers Noel

Bjorn,

Click on the C9 link that shows on your message the click technical page and the a licture half way down the page under faulty mechanism.

cheers Noel

Hi, been away from thee pages for quite a long time. Just had a Sony C9 come in for repair with an unusual problem. The front load assby seems to be in pieces. As I havent had to put one back together for a long time, I have forgotten exactly how it all goes. lol. I noticed the service manual doesn't contain a diagram of the front load assembly. My main problem is where the metal rod goes. Does anyone have a semi-decent picture of a working assembly? I dont often work on Sony's so I'm a bit rusty with this one.

Slightly off topic, does anyone know if the provider googlemail.com actually exists?

Thanks, I think it's clean-up time again.

That story about the 950 drawer was like Alice in Wonderland. Dude, are you serious?

To anyone who can help - I apologise in advance if I end up picking Noel's brains yet again! Hi, mate, if you're out there.

I have a problem on my SLHF950ES. Something in the drawer or the bits that the drawer travels through is fouling either the tape path at the start, or the top of the cassette or the cassette protection guard or something thereabouts. At its worst the transport is too slow and sticky to get any signal. It affects PLAY but not RECORD - I find that weird. Fast forward is OK, rewind can be OK if somewhat jerky. The workaround is to play with the drawer out, when ALL functions work OK but that's hardly an ideal way to use the machine. Unlike my good quality but cranky SLHF100, I have had to do very little work on the machine in the seven or so years I have owned it so I am a fount of sheer ignorance about the drive setup.

I don't know if it's relevant, but with the drawer closed there is more in and out play on it than I seem to remember, at least half a centimetre where previously I think there was hardly any.

I hope I'm right in thinking the fault is mechanical rather than electronic. My problem is that I can see b****r all of the early tape path or the workings of the drawer mechanism from the top. My question is this: how much of the scaffolding of the drawer and its path can I remove so I can see what's going on before I disassemble it too far for it to keep functioning? Of course if anyone has encountered the basic problem and has a good fix, I'll be very grateful.

An off-topic but I hope a still relevant query - does anyone know if mail providers called "dabetamaxchatpage.co.uk"and "font2.com" actually exist?

Regards, Bill

Salty aka Stuart...PLEASE let's not start the nonsense again, I beseech you.

I see that a crock giving false information...probably Ed Beta..also on betacam chatpage.