RE - C9 wow fault - thanks for your replies Noel and Stuart. I've had a look and the tape tension lever is not fluttering at all it is stationary and close to the tape. If I pull the lever back away from the tape by hand the pulling at the top of the picture and the mis-tracking dissapear, but the wow is still present. Someone else whom I'm talking to about this fault suggested that I manually try adjusting RV001 on the bottom board which apparently varies the back tension. I've tried this and it make no difference at all to the the sound or picture. Obviously I've set the pot back where it was originally.Does this mean the back tension circuit is at fault?

Thanks noel and Bill i got it working using a switchable scartconnector to phono/BNC, Do any of you notice the drawer closing sometimes catch's and my 950 is noisy when closing any preventative maintenance tips to correct these problems

Thanks Martin

Mac 1 - Sadly, the SCART on the SLHF950 is audio/video output only. Why, I guess you would have to understand the strange minds of the Sony top people in the 1980s to answer! I suppose it's a miracle it's there at all, because as I understand it Sony had to be dragged kicking and screaming into the SCART era. They believed in phonos, phonos and more phonos. To some extent they still do, take a look at the back panel on a Sony AV receiver. They even dropped BNC in favour of phonos.

I've mainly used separate BNC to phono cables I made up for both video input and output, and haven't had any problems. I'm currently using a SCART to phono and BNC to hitch a Freeview receiver to the 950, again no problems. It's a long shot, but I once bought a three phono to 3.5mm jack cable which I discovered was wrongly wired - white and yellow reversed. Have you checked that the yellow in your cable is properly connected?

Bill

Regarding inputs to the SLHF950 try the scart connector inputs and see if that works.

Hi can anyone help me here i have purchased a Sony sl-hf 950 and i cannot get any video in through its BNC input when connecting via BNC/Phono yellow to dvd ar an STB. BNC out and audio phonos work fine RF i/o also ok .I also have a PCM701ES which does not work via rf i/o or BNC i/o i am trying to transfer a pcm recording, I have also noticed its audio Line ins only work when the record Mute button is pushed and held inThanks for any help

Hi NoelWell, as you may of guessed i've never seen that issue on any of the 'M' series here in the UK.Voltage regulator in the power supply maybe.I had a 5000 that was doing illuminating ( or not extinguishing) various LED's because of that.I do have all the service manuals from the 5300.Good Luck.....................Kevin

Kevin,

Scratch that question, the problem is power supply related I think. Other things are going crazy at the same time.

cheers Noel

Kevin,

I just fixed an M30 but its now rejecting tapes and the timer indicator is flashing. The time switch is off and in any event I have not set the timer. I set the clock in case that could be an issue but no joy. I dont have an owners manual so do you have any ideas?

cheers Noel

Regarding the C9 capstan wow and flutter problem. Since it is tape length related it might be due to excessive back tension torque. It is an electrical adjustment on the board and you really need a meter to set it but you can see if its too high by whether the lever that senses tape tension is fluttering away from the main body of the sensor or whether the level is pressed hard against the main sensor and using the heavier spring tension of that unit. The take up spool is not strong enough to pull the tape over the pressure of the capstan.

regards Noel

My guess is lack of reel torque on the take up spool? As the spool gets loaded with tape it gets heavier and harder to drive. Noel, am I close on this regarding this c9 fault?

Wonder if someone could help me with a fault diagnosis on a Sony C9 please? The VCR plays the first hour or so of a L750 tape fine no problems. However after that a wow or warble becomes noticable on the sound. By the time the tape gets towards the end this becomes more promenant and pulling at the top of the picture is also noticable. I've cleaned the pinch roller and guides but it has not improved the situation.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.Cheers,Chris.

Hi NoelI did EXACTLY the same using a needle instead of paperclip as those parts are so small and it's a good job my eyesight is good:)

As for the M10 tracking pot they DO use that 'cheap' version on the NTSC models.The 4590 is one i belive.

It's a shame really as part from that and the vulnerable clock/timer flaps on the M10,M20 and M40 the Sanyo's are pretty much bomb proof in most other areas,here in the UK.

Incidentally another enemy of the good ole vcr i have seen quite fequently lately is NICOTINE.It gets every where.There must've been a lot of heavy smokers in the early eighties(:.The dust that accumalates then sticks to this and you have a right mess.

A good tip for smokers (aparts from give it up) keep the ciggies away from your vcr.Better still do it outside:)

........................Kevin

Kevin,

For repair the potentiometer centre pin connection to the shaft with super glue I used an unfolded paper clip to deliver the glue to exactly where I needed it. Too much glue is a problem I agree. The part seems common to the M30 , M40 and M50. I have not looked at the NX100 which I think we see marketed as an NX10 over here.

cheers Noel

Kevin,

Sorry I made a mistake with that comment about the three being the same. The M10 has a different potentiometer. I remember now it was an M50 that I repaired previously and I had to modify and adapt another design potentiometer and glue the control knob on. It appears that the small plastic retaining pins have hardened and cracked meaning the pressure on the centre contact is lost. I imagine that Sanyo stock of spares would suffer the same. Repairing them is a little tricky. Get out a magnifying glass and use a super steady hand. Also keep everything on a super clean surface because it's easy to lose bits.Interesting how the M30 uses a third head like the C9. Mind you the C9 with all its repair issues is still my favourite non HiFi machine when its working.

cheers Noel

Hi all. Just wondering if anyone has any tips as to where I can get hold of old home-taped Betamax tapes. I'm after old football, news items and continuity/presentation material, from any time up to the late 1980's. I'm always looking on eBay, but just thought I'd check out this site to see if there was any alternative. Do people trade for such material on here? Any assistance would be superb. Many thanks, G.

Hi Noel:

After re-reading your post it would seem the Australian M10 uses the same inferior tracking pot.I know your model has the front wired remote hole, that the UK model does not.The tracking pots for us are located at the bottom and can be adjusted with the front flap up or open and the tracking wheel is white in colour.

........................Kevin

Hi Noel:

Yes unfortunatley i have seen that a few times , mostly on the M40 's though.The Sanyo M30 ans M40 use the same (cheap and quite nasty) tracking control pots.Some i've found are very positive and last well, others seem loose and not very positive in their operation and ultimatley all tracking control is lost as the tiny plastic pins let go and the metal contacts come loose.I tried supergluing them back but it was worse as sometimes the glue gets where it should'nt.A better way is to find a small piece of similar plastic and hot melt the metal guides back in place.This i have found more lasting .The better tracking controls on the Sanyo's were on the VTC 5000, 5150, M10,M20.The Sanyo 6500 was a different style but also problem free.Unfortunatley too the NX100 has a similar weak tracking pot.I think Sanyo cut back a lot with that vcr.The poorest performer of most Sanyo's but still a bit better than VHS at the time ( 1985).Hope this helps Noel:)

Betamark:

As far as i know Sanyo did'nt make a 5550 model, at least in the UK and Australia anyways.They made The 5000, 5150, 5005 for the above mentioned countries.I would imagine that head would fit satisfactorily to any of those models, even maybe the 6500, as they were all made at the same time and with the same two head configuration.

...................Kevin

google E3PS and see the top result

stuart.did sanyo make a sanyo vtc5550

I'm Still looking for a working DC DC Converter for a Sony C9. Please email.

Kevin,

I have been working on a VTC M30 and both tracking potentiometers have failed internally. I have managed to repair them where the small internal plastic pins broke off the centre wiper using superglue. I dont know if you are familiar with this problem. I have sen it before on a VTC M10 but did not know it was common.

cheers Noel (Betaheaven.com)

That head is for a sanyo vtc5550

sorry it says on the top E3PS

i have just foud a brand new betamax replacment head up the loft which says on the top EP3S, does anyone konw which recorder it fits ? i forgot i had it

Pranav you numpty, I have said before that is not BETAMAX equipment. Post it on the BETACAM chatpage as you will find no buyers here.

Nick, re your f1. The two screws at the back hold the top on. Make sure the cassette door is open first without tape in. Undo the two rear screws, then place palm of each hand on the sides of the top cover towards the rear. press gently but firmly with palms and slide the top backwards. It will slide about 2cm and stop. Lift the rear of the top cover upwards and look in the rear right hand side. There is a two wire cable from the battery compartment. Reach in and release it from its connector in the body. You can now lisft the cover upwards and backwards away from the body, but keep it at 45 degrees until it is free of the cassette door area.

USED EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

Sony JH3

SONY HDW M2000P

SONY DVW M2000P

Sony DSR 450WSP

Sony DSR 570WSP

Sony DSR PD170P

Please call or email for more info.. Tel:+44(0)2083396021

Email: [email protected]

I have an issue with a Sony SL-F1UB VCR. After a few years on the shelf, I decided to copy some of the tapes onto DVD. Fine, however I have the same problem as Seb (22/10/2009) that the tape stops after about 2-3 seconds. However, I can toggle the pause button and play the tape (not ideal) and the sound comes through Ok when it plays for the couple of seconds it does.I'm afraid the first basic question is how do I get the cover off to see what is moving and what may not be? The four screws underneath appear to expose the back of a circuit board and the 2 at the back don't appear to do much. It works in a fashion now, I really don't want to destroy it!

Thanks for any help anyone can offer.

We have two boxes full of Betamax tapes, all used but are re recordable. Any takers to a good home? JMG

Has anyone with a Beta or old VHS VCR that used a lot of rubber idlers and belts ever, when they started to show signs of slippage, treated them with a product called "Rubber Renew" instead of replacing them? How about on the pinch rollers? How long did the repair last? I'd like to hear about people's experiences to see if this would be worthwhile to try on my Sanyos, and my RCA VJP-900 portable VHS editor.

I'm a fan of Betamax. I've recently purchased an amazing Betamax T-Shirt from this website, copy and paste this link:http://www.teetshirts.com/betamax-funny-t-shirt/prod_379.htmlAWESOME!

I'm really into Betamax and recently purchased an awesome T Shirt. Check it out!Copy and paste this link:http://www.teetshirts.com/betamax-funny-t-shirt/prod_379.html

Peter,

There is a Yahoogroup for 1" and 2" collectors.Look for OLDVTRS in Yahoo groups.

Hi and hope you are all well , has anyone started an "A" or "C" format club or chat page for the broadcast one inch reel to reel video systems,dating fron 1966 onwards which was the mainstay of broadcast for 15-20 years? Anyone interested in one inch formats or need any tapes copied to DVD or Hardrives for archive? Is anyone interested or is it only me?Thanks for reading this and any replies? Peter

i have recently bougt a Sony VO-9600P recorder, for viewing some old tapes. I was able play only 1 tape...Each time I switch on the power button, the VCR starts rewinding a little bit. Then, when I am trying to load a tape, the "Standby" indicator immediately lights on and the VCR seems "asleep", as the VO-9600P doesn't load the tape.

The misfunction seems to be a black trap located on the left of the tape tray. When I gently push it with a screwdriver, the Standby indicator lights on.

Does somebody already encounters this kind of problem?

I would be very grateful if somebody could help me to fix this issue.

Big thanks & regards,

Amon

...and I have NO idea why my attempt to copy and paste the Beta symbol screwed up like that...

Hi, I haven't been on much lately. I'm looking to unload some of my surplus NTSC âeta VCRs now that I don't have as much use for the format as I did say 7-8 years ago. I have the following models to offer up in varying levels of operational condition:

Sanyo VCR-4650 w/instruction manual - works except probably needs new rubber parts soon

Sanyo VCR-4027 mono Superâeta - ditto as above

Sanyo VCR-6400 - 4 heads, faux wood exterior, 1984 Olympics sticker - works but audio sounds a little muddy for some reason. Has some cosmetic damage on the top from when another VCR that was stored with it (a VHS, go figure) had its power supply capacitors blow and leak. I cleaned it up as best I could and it didn't seem to affect it operationally, as the slight audio problem was already present.

Zenith VR-8500PT w/original box & manuals - Top loader, contrary to what it says on Ray Glasser's site it records âIII only like the later VR-9500. Very odd problem in that it will not output a picture in Play mode, only in still/âetascan modes.

Sony SL-5200 w/instruction & service manuals - Original âeta Hi-Fi unit, has trouble threading the tape, will thread if I open it up and give threading ring a push, but picture bounces and jerks on playback.

NEC VC-739E and VC-734E each w/remote and instruction manual + service manual for the 739E: Both of these are partially disassembled as I attempted to restore the 739E with parts from the 734E, but I found them to be not quite compatible. Could be used for parts to repair other NECs.

Anyway, if you are interested in any of these, make me an offer via e-mail and if you want I can provide more details as well as pictures of the VCR(s).

Thanks,Andy

hi kevin,many thanks for your response to my question.i'm just getting into the betamax format,so new to the whole experiance.the reason i'm getting into beta is i'm getting bored with vhs as i'm a big video collector and want to expand on the video format also i've been lead to believe that betamax was a superior format to vhs.thanks for that web address and if i get stuck i'll give your kind offer much consideration.all the best,

james

Hi JamesI saw that item on E-Bay i have one myself too.A good reliable vcr with quite a few un Sanyo like (for the time) features.What you'll need is a good quality twin Phono lead and BNC standard connector and a scart lead(preferably switcheable) because some only allow the signal to go in one direction.cpc.co.uk will have all you need.You put the BNC connector on the 'VIDEO OUT' of the Sanyo and the other phono pin connector inside the 'AUDIO OUT'also on the Sanyo, then you connect the correponding phono lead to the VIDEO and AUDIO (LEFT as you'll get the mono sound on BOTH channels of your TV (but not if using the right audio out socket) on the rear of the scart and turn the switch to INPUT and connect this to the rear of your TV.You can also buy a cheaper scart lead with the Phono and BNC connectors already fitted but this might be harder to get now.If you get stuck let me know as i have what you need NEW and could do a deal with you if required.Good luck.....................Kevin

hi,i've just purchased a sanyo vtc-m30 betamax vcr and was wondering how it can be connected to a 42 inch lcd tv by the way of scart.can anyone help?thanks.

james

Chris Margrave-Gregory: You have come to the wrong bit of the site, here we're dedicated to the domestic Betamax format. If you really want to sell gear which I think must be Betacam, you'll have to go to the Betacam section of this site and post again. Just follow the menus.

Bill.

Many thanks, Stuart, I'll do as you say.Regards, Bill

DVW 250. very nice clean machine. £7,500.00 GBP

Serviced and ready to go.

Let me know if you would like further details.

Many thanksChris

Hi folks, anyone interested in a sony betamax recorder, full spec available on request.

It is in IMMACULATE condition, with no more than about fifty hours use.

Also to match a box of used tapes of various lengths plus about a dozen or so brand new unused tapes to match the machine. You can contact me by e mail: [email protected] or by telephone on 01495 774145 any evening after 7 pm. if no answer leave message on answering facility. I will return your call ASAP.

Bill, as an owner of 3 950s and a c9, I can say dont use buds to clean the rotating video heads. Cleaning method as follows - with either methylated spirits or isopropyl alcohol, use buds for the pinch roller, capstan shaft, audio control and erase heads, and also the body of the video head drum (keep buds AWAY FROM THE GAP BETWEEN UPPER AND LOWER DRUM!To clean the rotating video heads, cut a piece of copier or typing paper about 1 inch by 3, soak one end in the cleaning fluid and hold the wet end against the body of the drum, applying LIGHT pressure, very light pressure over the gap between upper and lower drum. While doing this slowly rotate the head disc by turning the damper assembly which protrudes from the top of the drum. Do this 3 or 4 times. Then look at the paper. Black lines indicate dirty heads. Repeat once again if required. Job done.

Hi to everybody. After being out of action for a while with a couple of health problems, I seem to be rejoining the land of the living, so you'll have to put up with my inane questions again.

Of which the first is: My 950 is performing a little below par, short of detail- HF response? Its heads look awful, polish gone on large tracts of them. HOWEVER, they looked no less horrible when I first got the machine, but it then worked to a very high standard. Nevertheless, I want to try cleaning the heads, but with due respect to everybody, every contributor who demonstrably knows a great deal about the subject says something different about cleaning. OK, that's an exaggeration, but there are still enough different viewpoints to keep me thoroughly confused.

Query: 1: Is isopropyl alcohol OK for cleaning? 2: Are cotton buds really a bad idea? If so, what IS safe?

Seb,

You need to see if the drum motor is rotating when you enter any of those modes which it should be. If you get any picture for a moment in the play mode then that is not the problem. Failure of the hall effect sensor on the drum motor is a relatively common problem leading to the symptoms you describe.

cheers Noel

HelloI have SL-F1 betamax player.I have this problem : when I try to play a tape, the player play and stop after a little moment (1 second). The FFWD and REW function do the same.I have try with 3 tapes and always the same problem.I have bought an other SL-F1 player and same problem !I hava two power suply and no problem of this.Can you help me please ?Thanks a lot

Stuart,

Re your SLHF950 fast capstan problem, whilst there is an adjustment, for the capstan to go a lot faster tends to indicate that the tracking control pulse is not being received by the servo circuit. You would need an oscilloscope and the service manual to confirm and find the fault.

cheers Noel

I have a used Sony SLO 1800 Good condition... is there a market for this type of used equipment. Any help appreciated

WANTED WANTED WANTED WANTED WANTED

JHi, I am looking for a DXC D35WSP CAMERA,Please let me know if you have any available

Many ThanksChris

Hi, I am trying to get my SL-F! to talk to my laptop so that I can put my films onto CD.

I need to know the TV frequency for the antenna in feed. It will be between 471.25 and 855.25.

Thanks

To Greg K, Your problem with your Sl-HF-300 is the voltage regulator in the power supply.It's marked SKD5441. Be sure you unplug the vcr before you mess with anything in the power supply .Even though the voltage reg. is bad there's still 110 volts in there.Charlie

Hi, I have a sony 950 which has a fast running capstan motor in play and record. I know the fault is on the ss-50, but is it as simple as a mis adjusted pot? ff and rew work perfectly. If so shich pot or pots need resetting? Help!

THANKS FOR THIS OPPORTUNITYSONY SL-HF300, MECHANISM DEAD, CASSETTE HOLDER WILL NOT ACCEPT TAPESPUSH POWER SWITCH, DISPLAY LIGHTS UP DIMLYLIGHT ON POWER SWITCH DOES NOT LIGHT UP AS WELLBOTH FUSES ON POWER SUPPLY BOARD GOOD

THANKS

Hi Bob Re HF750 I believe there is a display button on the unit in the cover on the right hand side where you do the timer settingsI have the same unit, not home at the moment I will check later for youAlso if you have a Sony VCR remote that has a command switch just try that

Here is something on youtube that was a Canadian TV show that ran in the 80sInteresting on how to set up a VCR NOTE the betamaxhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMVyCZgUpIU&feature=youtube_gdata

Hi, I have an AC -F1 unit which is really annoying me, it's powering up the SL-F1UB unit fine, but, it refuses to charge the batteries. When I press the button to charge the batt. the two LEDs briefly flash, and I mean briefly, almost nanosecond brief, and nothing else happens!!! Now, I have had my F1UB kit in storage for some time, all dry of course, and it USED to charge batteries fine, so I do not understand why it has failed on me... :(

I know I can use the charging circuit from the TT unit, but that means digging that out too, and I only want the use of the VCR unit, I just fancied giving the batteries some use so that they don't end up totally dead... :)

Any hints as to how to get the charger charging would be super... :D

Thanks in advance,

David... :)

Bob, re your hf750 and counter display on screen - this model is almost identical to the uk hf950. ..on the uk 950, under the right hand flap cover, there is a switch that says "display" on off. If yours has the same and has the same function as the 950, this will be the one for you.

HI i have found my parents old sony sl-c7 yub betamax player, ,at first it would not power up, but i replaced an internal fuse that sits behind the digital clock display, it now powers up and the clock ilimuniates the : seems to flash rather rapidly and a few of the LED's for the programable timer light up but that is all, nothing else works, does anyone have any advice, many thanksRussell

Simon:

Many thanks for the praise and kind words.It was my pleasure and yes, i do like to think the Beta foramt will be around for a good few years yet.Maybe even outliving VHS!!!!!!!!!!!!

If most users avoid using really old and damaged tapes then their machines should give them no grief at all, after a good overhaul and test that is :)Happy Viewing.........................Kevin

I have a question if someone can help.Just picked up a Sony SL-H750 to transfer some old beta tapes to DVD.. No manual but it works fine.. But for the life of me I cannot figure out how to turn off the "on screen counter" so I cannot record as this counter lays over the video .. If some one would be so kind as to tell me how to turn if off it would be appreciated

thanks

Hi there all beta fans just a quick message of thanks to a chat page regular Mr Kevin Lambert for servicing my sanyo vtc 5000 what a fantastic job machine like new.As long as we have people like Kevin who endure to keep as many of these Sanyo betas going the beta format will be around a few years yet. Thanks Kevin

testing 321

testing 123

I am the owner of a 1901 Sony T.V. which I have had in storage for years. The cabinet has a small chip in the wood (which I have) and the plastic cover has broken hinges. Also, in the 80's one of the color guns went out in the tube. I have been saving it for all of these years knowing eventully I would find a home for it. I have to say, at the time I purchased it from a local furniture store, it was the neatest T.V. and the envy of many. Even today in the days of the big screen T.V.'s it is still hard to beat with the built in beta tape player. Since I first got AOL 2.0 I have been looking online for someone who might have interest in such an item and just recently, I ran across your name. If you have interest in such an item, please contact me. Hoping to hear from you,

Steve Crockett1234 SW Randolph Ave.Topeka, KS 66604-1543 785-232-9418 [email protected]

dear all

many thanks for your future help if poss. My father and i own a TTf1ub and SLF1ub and they are in need of repair. i cant remember if the ttf1ub works or not but the slf1ub mangles tapes and is therefore useless. we'd like to repair them and keep for posterity.we live in leeds. thankshesh

Hi,

I am looking for a Sony MSW M2000P, Please let me know if you have anything available.

Kind RegardsChris

I have a head assembly for the SL-2700. Pat #A-6050-337-A.I think it's used but OK. Yours for the shipping.

On cleaning heads. It is true that playing a new tape can clean the heads. However it is relatively ineffective since video tape only has a small amount of cleaning agents. The 3M has a lot more since it doesn't have to perform well as a video tape. Fast scanning will create an air film and reduce the effectiveness.

WANTED SONY JH3 PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE THIS AVAILABLE

MANY THANKS

CHRIS

Hi Betaphiles.

In regards to those 'dreaded cleaning tapes' one thing always springs to mind.The tapes that are causing this dirt should really be thrown away.I would imagine too the Sony and Toshiba models are the worst for this due to the 'always laced in every mode feature'.If you stick to good quality tapes and store them well the need to clean the heads is non excsistent.I know some (including myself) buy films from dubious sources (E-Bay and the like) but you can usually see if the tapes are past it or damaged.If white powder is seen through the cassette window it has been in the damp and mold has got between the tape base and magnetic layer and usually render it useless.Any type of manual cleaning is always a risk so be very carefull otherwise you will regret it.A good quality NORMAL tape left in the forward search mode will do the same job as a cleaning tape only it's a lot safer.Good luck and be cautious...................Kevin

I clean my Betamax video heads by using a 6 inch length of cleaning tape which I cut from a cleaning cassette. The proper use of the cassette didn't seem to work very well, with or without alcohol. I wet the tape in one place with alcohol and hold it against the drum by hand whilst moving the centre around, so the 'sensors' rub against the wet part of my cleaning tape. Perhaps I risk damaging the head but it does seem to work.

A question - is there any way of diabling the VCR's auto response to shutting off, I guess, if one tries to play a tape with serious tracking/distortion issues? I want to play a tape, warts and all. The tape was recorded on a Betamovie camcorder in 1985. The camera was about to fail, so that's where the tracking/distortion effects come from. I can play one second chunks of the tape and hear sound before it shuts down. I can also view any length of tape on fast forward or rewind but can't then hear the sound, of course. How can I get to watch and hear this tape? The tape itself is in good condition - not crumpled or anything.

Hi Betaphiles

I note the board has had issues again.The most recent posts are missing??.....................Kevin

Mike, The disc is replaced as a unit and will have both heads on it.Each head is mounted on the disc at the factory and unless you have the right equip you'd never be able to get each head in the proper position.Replacing the disc though is fairly straighforward and can be done by the the average person with mechanical skills.Now the big problem is getting the heads.Up until last December I was able to still buy Beta video heads at Union electronics in Beecher Illinois but last month I ordered a couple spare heads for my beta collection and they're still on back order.You can try them though and see if you heads are still available.I looked up your SLHF-70 and those heads have a substiute that appears to be available. Their # is SKHD6309 which is a Thomson head and the substitute is a Asti Magnetic and has a #409 part number.Shows a price of $44.80. I think the reason thats high is the one head on the disc is doing double duty (thus the 4 wires) and is probably used for special effects and normal video. Union Electronics phone # is 1 -800 -648-6657 or their web site is www.unionel.comHope this helpsCharlie

I have a beta VCR in need of new heads. My question is are new heads for a beta still available and where can I get them? The model I have is a Sony SL-HFR70. I took the head drum apart and took a look inside at the head disk and think I could probably solder the heads on myself so the entire head drum assembly is not necessary. There appears to be 2 different heads. One has 2 white wires going to the little board it is on, and the other has 4 wires, 2 red and 2 blue. It is the one with the 4 wires that is damaged. Which one is this and could it be purchased by itself?

3M cleaning tapes $15 plus shipping.

I've Been visiting palsite for a long time but this is my first time writing - hello everyone :) I have a little problem with (near mint) SL-HF100EC, picture is otherwise good except for the occasional dropouts (one every few seconds) which are not deterministic so it's not a tape problem. From what I've read it could be static buildup. I tried cleaning the plastic in front of the drum which physically connects to the tape lid - to no avail. Multimeter suggests that pretty much every part of the drum I could think of is already grounded. Anyone had similar problems with this model? I can provide pictures of the assembly if needed.

does anyone know the best place to download betamax Manuals

how much are your head cleaning tapes?

The 3M cleaning tapes are safe to use. I still have a few left for sale.

I have about 300 beta tapes and three players. two goldstar GHV1210m and a Sanyo Stereo VCR7200. They all played till recently and I believe the drive belts have given out. Any ideas where these can be purchased?

are betamax head cleaning tapes any good for cleaning the heads,some people tell me never to use them just use an ordinary standard blank tape on fast forward as the head cleaning tapes damage the heads

Hi Ron:

To be honest i'm not sure.I've never done this myself but i know that format is easy to e-mail.Maybe you could enquire??

Stuart:

I appreciate that but these newbies probably are'nt aware and ANYTHING that saves unecessary damage to the heads for our pricless Beta's is worth mentioning.

I myself have a small very soft brush that picks up the dust and dirt (with old grease) from the circuit boards and other areas, apart from the tape path which i use the aformentioned cleaning stick/pads and a very soft small cloth to polish up the shiny tape path areas.Most importantly, always turning the video heads out of the cleaning stroke path. ..........................Kevin

Hi Kevin, I appreciate what you are advising but having seen this sticky dust myself, it tends to gather round the mechanics of a deck, anywhere that has lubrication such as loading mechanism etc, nowhere near the head drum.

Hi Kevin & Noel,

thanks Noel one of my M50's does need quite a bit of attention [tlc]

Kevin regarding the M50 manual I may need some help regarding creating a PDF? file.......does this just entail taking scans into the computer & emailing them over to you?That would not be a problem if A4 was the maximum sizing of the service manual,like my M30 service manual which has a few A4 fold out pages joined together unlike the M10/20/ 30 video circuit block diagrams that are huge.

regards

Ron

Hi Betaphiles.In regards to the cleaning question the use of cotton wool buds for cleaning a vcr is NOT RECOMMENDED as if these get anywhere near the video heads it will catch on them and the wool fibres pull from the bud and get caught,possibly causing irreperable damage.The best things to use are the video cleaning sticks with a soft pad that you soak with isopropyl alcohol.The sticks are angled too to make cleaning the awkward areas easier.You can obtain these cleaning sticks in sets of five from cpc.co.uk.Hope this helps and good luck and most importantly AVOID the fragile video heads and take your time.Be thorough too.

.....................Kevin

cheers Stuart i will give it a go

Actually meths is better as it evaporates quickly. Dont do this with the unit powered though.

I would suggest using cotton wool buds and meths or water. the dust will stick to the buds. It takes some time, but is quite effective.

i have a betamax Sanyo VTC 5000 working but very dirty inside full of sticky dust,as anyone got any ideas how to clean it with out doing any damage to the VCR,the vacuum cleaner don't touch it

HELLO.does anyone know what the rarest betamax tape is? and what its worth.i think it might be star wars,any ideas?

Hi Noel:

That' fine.As you stae Ron does seem to need it more than me.Maybe he could PDF file it and send it to me that way?

....................Kevin

Kevin & Ron

I have a problem now because you both came back to me at about about the same time and said you were interested in the Sanyo M50 manual and I only have one spare. Since Ron needs it to repair a couple of machines and you dont have any Kevin perhaps if Ron gets it he can copy relevant pages for information and send them to you.

regards Noel

Hi Betamark I have a guide for the SL-HFR70 let me know If you want it

Hi Noel:

Yes, i would be interested in the M50 service manual.How much would you require for it?

As for the Sanyo M40 colour i have a matt finish to one of mine (the front flap only) and the other is glossy all over.I believe the manufactures do state that items colour and the like can change through a products run.

Thanks for the info..........................Kevin(UK)

hello,does anyone have any original betamax manuals for sale,Im trying to get a full set of every betamax manual that was ever printed for the betamax VCR'S.MARK

Hi, i was just referred here by someone who sells Betamax machines on Ebay. I have 15 non working Betamax vcr's of varying models/makes which are all complete units which mostly function to some degree. I haven't the skill required to set about repairing these but i am desperate to have 2 working Betamax machines and a V2000 machine to play my old tapes on.

Would any of you more technically minded people be interested in a trade? My 15 machines for 3 workers? If so, i would be happy for you to view my machines before you commit to anything. I just thought this may be a worthwhile opportunity for someone. I am based near Coventry, West Midlands.

If anyone is interested, please get in touch by email or text 07708 550505 . I cannot accept calls because my phone is on the wonk now too!

Kevin and Ron,

I have a "spare" service manual for the Sanyo M50 if your interested.

I have fixed a couple of M50 but never owned one. One was in really mint condition with no marks at all.

As for M40s I have a few and note there are both matt black and shiny black versions????

To add to the discussions on Sony drum motors. I have repaired a lot of them by replacing the hall effect sensor. You can get second hand (four lead) sensors out of old Toshiba machine drum motors but you need to extend the lead lengths. Like the V31 or V33 model.

cheers Noel

Hi guysI have a few new Hall sensors for Betamax drum motor repairs.

These are available for 6 pounds each including postage for the UK. Payment by paypal or cheque accepted.

Email me for details

Toshiba V-8600B on Ebay - blatent advertising, but might be of use to an enthusiast on this site.

Includes original box, instructions, IR remote control and receiver

Full details:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180402513049&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT