Hi Alex:

The best place to obtain your C9 would be E-Bay.co.uk.A lot listed on there will have some fault or another ( the C9 was particularly prevalent with them).

Cynthia.Looks to be a high tech piece of kit.I don't know of anyone here who would be interested in it though.Good luck with the sale.

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

will sell sony vo-5850 cheap. any offered considered and will probably take!

Hi Can anyone please tell me where i can get a sony SL-C9UB Betamax Cheap. Please Email

Hello again. This is Cindy from USA, wondering if any one has had a chance to review my listing?

WOW! It is 4am over there! It is just now 10pm on Tuesday night here. No wonder no one is responding! My bad! I should have noticed that. Anyway, if ya'll would just look and I will check back in morning (your early evening time) or if anyone cares to, please feel free to shoot me an email with any ideas. Talk to ya'll tomarrow....CHEERS!

By the way, I am in Austin, Texas (USA) and it is on the US EBAY site. I just sent a JBL mixer a guy in Melbourne, Austraila, though, so I'm sure you guys can look it up. I hope you will. I would be honored to have your input, from brilliant experts like yourselves!

Did my message post?

Hey ya'll, I just listed a bunch of equipment on ebay including a VO-5850. I don't know much about this stuff, and wondered if anyone would mind looking at my ebay listing and telling if all the equipment in the listing goes together? Pardon my ignorance, please, and help me out here. I couldn't even talk about it intelligently!! please, anyone and everyone, tell me how to make it sellable. I can take the criticism and you can even laugh, but do I need to eliminate some of the components listed if they are irrelevant to the Sony editor, which is the main feature item. It is listed as "Professional video editing & recording equipment" subtitle says "sony umatic vtr editor, oxmoor, panasonic,extron" I will be checking periodically for input. Thanks a MILLION!!! Cindy

Hi

Thought you may like this blog post about a long neglected Betamax movie collection.

http://tedfellows.posterous.com/vintage-tarkovsky-rediscovered-in-self-storag-0

Although the SLC9 played old tapes OK, the loading mechanism is a wee bit sticky. So I am looking to buy a Betamax machine in good working order. Would welcome all suggestions and offers.

Thanks

Hi All,

I have a lot of BETAs that are leftover from DVD/35mm productions. I want to put these into climate controlled storage in boxes. Do you have any reccommendations for me regarding the storage of BETAs?

Thanks,

Jason

Hi. I have a Sony T7 ME Betamax VCR which I picked up off my old boss about 5 years ago. I dont think he hardly ever used the machine and it still had some stickers (in Japanese??) from when it was bought. The problem (or first problem) is that it does not eject so i cannot test it to see if it works or what else could be wrong with it. Does anybody know of anyone in the London area (preferably North) that might be able to fix it?

Noel: Got the ole C-40 back in good order...Thanks for the prompt, professional service; you're a legend! Hope the money has gone thru...Cheers,Craig.

I have a Philips V2020 available for spares or repair (plus a couple of tapes).Seems to power up but no 'activity' when front panel buttons pushed.An old rental machine, I used it daily before being relegated to the loft when more modern machines became available.Anybody willing to give it a good home?!Based in Warwick, UK.

I have a Sony SLC9 which I am using to convert old tapes to DVD. Some times it plays fine and other times it has a tendancy to chew up tapes. It also seems to put a lot of interference into the video, I know the tapes are old but they have been kept well and not played for years. I have followed your advise on your website and it does not seem to have made any difference. I read that you do repairs and I was wondering if you would be willing to look at this unit if I sent it to you. I live on the Gold Coast in Queensland.

Dunno if the switch is faulty, but the timer switch wont come on either, no buttons do anything other than the clock. Is there a way to tell if the switch is faulty? The machine worked fine when i got it, I put it away for a month and came back to it and it wouldnt come on. Someone suggetsed to me 'I don't know much about the C7 since I am NTSC but it would be my guess that the belts have slipped or broken and the threading ring can't stage itself to the proper location for accepting a tape. It would remain in standby until a micro-switch has detected that it has moved to the proper seating location.'What do you think?

Stevie

Has the standby / on off switch on the c7 gone faulty?

Update on SONY C7 - I got to the fuse board and all the fuses look fine, is it still worth replacing them anyway? I still have nothing working on the front panel except the clock, which functions perfectly well. Machine wont come out of standby and there is a tape in the machine. Can it be manually removed or is it stuck?

Stevie

HiI still have work to do to find the fault with my SONY C7 (clock lights but no buttons do anything on front panel - fuse?)I also have a SONY C6, got a belt kit and I believe the caps need replacing (picture wow and flutter) Has anyone got a guide as to what caps to replace and what to replace them with? All I have read so far is light blue Sanyo caps cause problems.

Stevie

Carles,

I live in Australia so I am probably a little far away to offer direct help. I have service manuals for the 950 and I don't think you need them for this repair.

I have repaired quite a few and they are still running fine. I also actually have a spare new chassis for the 950, but I don't think it is worth the effort of going that far. What you need to have is a source of hard plastic and a belt hole punch to use to create your "plastic" packing piece for the hole the motor shaft rests in. You mainly have to work with the machine upside down, remove the base cover then the tape carriage cover then remove screws securing the reel board and carefully disassemble the unit to access the reel motor board.

The real issue is whether the motor board wire coil reels have been too badly damaged by the magnet hitting the coils. You need to inspect the coils and clean off any copper which may have rubbed across to adjacent wires thus creating shorted turns in that electro magnet coil circuit. I expect the driver circuit eventually blows if presented with an unrealistic load for a long enough period.

Clean between the wires of the coils that are damaged and reseal the wires using nail polish. Once you have reassemble the reel drive motor check that the magnet no longer rubs the coils and reassemble the machine.

I hope all of the above is of some help.

regards Noel (betaheaven.com)

If only...

http://www.thinkgeek.com/stuff/41/betamaxhd.html

http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/bags/c64d/

Hello everyone,Back in the 70's and 80's one of my hobbies was repairing VCR's and TV's and to that end it now appears I amassed a 'few' machines and tapes.My wife became ill and eventually needed my care and attention 24/7 until she recently passed away. I now find that I have lost all interest in my former hobby and wish to dispose of my 'collection' by offering it to any genuine enthusiasts who may be interested.I am not asking for any money but would welcome any voluntary contribution to my 'benefit fund'.I have 6 VTC 5000, 2 C9, 5 C7, 1 C20, 1 C30 all of which are complete together with approximately 700 (seven hundred) tapes plus Grundig V2000 and Philips N1700 machines etc.Anyone interested please email me. I am in the UK near Bournemouth.Barry.

Hi,

I have purchased recently a fantastic SL-HF950 SuperBetamax Hi-Fi. I was testing it when suddenly it started to fail. It started when I was trying to get off a tape. When I tried to eject the tape, it wouldn't want to back into the cassette housing and it got tangled up inside.

I see at Fault and repair guide that it could be defetive reel chassis. Also says that Sony made a 'motor mod kit' which consists of a 0.2mm thick piece of plastic which can be fitted in the worn bearing. Alternatively a small ball bearing can be fitted but this may require the rotor to be filed down to ensure the correct gap between rotor and stator coils.

Have someone the partnumber for reel chassis? But it would be impossible to buy... so, have someone tried the other mods?

Does somebody have the service manual for these VCR?

Thank you so much in advance!

I have approximately 50 betamax tapes of varying lengths. Most are in good condition having only one recording made on them. I wish to pass them on for a small sum of money which can be donated to "Help For Heroes". If you are interested please contact me by e-mail. Regards, Steve

Downsizing my Beta collection. Non-working NEC VC-734E already went here:

http://www.cityofmadison.com/streets/computerRoundup.cfm

VC-739E and SL-5200 soon to follow.

Graham,

The PCM units apparently work with NTSC or PAL machines because they are just looking for a video bandwidth output without dropout compensation circuitry. Some machines such as the SLF1, SLHF150, SLC9 had a PCM switch to turn off this circuit. I am in Melbourne and repair beta machines for a hobby. See betaheaven.com for my contact details. I have not seen either of those NTSC machines before but the mechanicals are usually similar to the Pal machines.

regards Noel

Sorry, Mark, but you won't sell your gear on this page. it's dedicated to the Betamax home video format. I'm too ignorant to know whether your stuff is Betacam or U-Matic, but both are catered for elsewhere on this site. Just go back to the beginning and follow the link.

Bill

For Sale - Electronic Visuals EV-4151 Waveform / Vector Monitor Good Condition, sharp beams and no burns on screen. Mains lead included. The waveforms can be displayed as single or parade in both line and field timing. The EV4151 is a six-input waveform monitor intended for use in TV and video systems where analogue component signals are present. The inputs are arranged in two groups of three for use with two sets of component signals though either may be used for composite signals if required. For full spec see

http://www.electronic-visuals.com/WAVEFORM%20VECTOR/EV-4151spec.pdf

what is the average price for a used VU-870? i got one and need ta let it go...Please someone let me know any info on worth

Hi folksCraig suggested that put a message on here. I have been using beta recorders since 1984 and still have a working SL-c35AS that I purchased with a PCM 701. In the early 90's I purchased 2 SL2000, but only 1 of these still works. I do like concert recordings for a youth orchestra and have quite a collection. A couple of years ago I waa asked by a deceased estate to prepare 130 CD for a gift to a University Music Department. This particular person had been using a PCM 10 that he purchased in 1980 or thereabouts with NTSC Beta 1 recorders. Unfortunately I could only get one of two recorders working - They are SLO 325 & SLO 332 models. Does anybody know anything about these. The SLO 332 was the only one I got working and that after cleaning the pinch rollers,capstans and working the soloniods. It did't work after this so I gave it a good thump and all started working except the tape doesn't rewind into the cassette on eject.In case some people don't know - you can feed a NTSC signal into a PAL PCM and it will convert it to PAL! One question - is there anyone in Australia who will do work on these recorders.For the last two years I have not used the recorders with a PCM for live recordings - It was a fair bit of gear to carry around.Regards,Graham

Noel: Send me your address and payment details and I'll get it down to you soon mate. Cheers.Craig.

Craig,

Should only cost $50 plus postage.

cheers Noel

Noel: Thanks for the response mate...If it's not going to cost me too much for you to repair it, I think l will post it down to you; just give me an approx. price inc. sending it back up to me in Brisbane.Cheers, Craig.

Hi Peter

E-mail and info sent to your E-mail address.

Good luck................Kevin

Hello everyone,

Does any one know the belt kit part number for the toshiba V5470 video?

I have tried Toshiba but they only tell official dealers information like this.

Can anyone help.

Craig,

I can fix that problem if its worth postage to Melbourne and back.

cheers Noel

Kevin,

I received the SLHF100 pdf thanks. The SLHF950 would be good by CD as you suggest thanks if thats OK. OK on you helping Ronnie with his machine if you can.

regards Noel

Hi Noel:

If you're referring to Ronnie i've been talking to him about his issue and i've offered to sort it for him.

As for the PDF files The HF950 IS too big but i'll give the HF100 a try.Failing that i'll send them both to you on a CDROM when i send those Mistubishi colour IC's to you.I've been told two weeks for delivery ( the cheapest option).

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

Hi y'all, got a problem with my SL C40 accepting and ejecting tapes. Been told parts no longer available. Anyone out there able to help??Kind regards,Craig.

Kevin,

If the pdfs are not too big to email I would appreciate copies of the HF100 and 950 manuals also.

Also Kevin, if you are confident about doing drum motors now maybe you could help Ron by fixing his 950 drum motor.

regards Noel

Hi Kevin,

Your trouble is you keep being too damn helpful - it gives me an inferiority complex!I would VERY much appreciate both the SLHF100 and the 950 manuals.

All the best, Bill

Hi,

I have a betamax player and a collection of black and white musicals among other sundries to give away if anyone in adelaide sa wants to pick it up

Thanks for the info, I think it would be best like you say to leave this for someone who knows what there doing. I have managed to remove the glue from the device but this did not help. Many Thanks for your advice, If anyone out there can fix my machine, please contact me, Im willing to pay the cost for labour, parts etc.

Ronnie,

I can't help you directly because I am in Australia, but I can tell you what has to happen to fix the problem. The metal plate you were talking about is actually a magnet and that needs to be levered out gently away from the board using even pressure each side. Taking care not to lose any spacer washers. On the top of the drum you need to remove the white tape guide and swing back the side black guide arm ant top anti static ground connection if necessary to clear the way for the drum to come out including disconnecting the HiFi heads connector at the top.

With as much slack as you can get on the leads going into the head assembly the three screws (with washers and springs underneath) are removed freeing the drum assembly.

The whole video drum has to be carefully removed from the machine and the drum motor circuit board taken off the drum assembly and the hall effect sensor replaced and then the whole lot reassembled. The greatest risk is damage to the video head chips which are very fragile and even though generally not available any more I saw some listed for around 450 pounds UK so you don't want to break them.

I suggest you get an experienced service person to undertake this work or you might end up having to bin the machine which would be tragic.

regards Noel

Hi, I cant fix my machine, So if anyone out there can, Please contact me, I would like the machine to be fully serviced.

Hi I am looking to get a Front Loading Betamax one that has a modern stylish look to it PAL machine, any ideas which model would be most recommended. Many Thanks

I can also provide an image, this is on the bottom of the machine:http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/6796/dsc01858k.jpgits where the glue is, if im correct.Many Thanks.

Just thought I better mention the model number;, It’s a SF-HL950 PAL. Many Thanks.

Hi, I have managed to find a Sony Super Betamax recorder, but the video/drum heads are not spinning. I have seen the solution on this site that states there is a blob of glue on the bottom of the drum motor, But im having some issues accessing the bottom of the drum. I have removed the bottom of the machine, which allows me to remove the locking nut on the bottom of the drum, but the steel plate covering the motors will not budge. Can anyone offer any advice, I can supply pictures if this would help. Many Thanks, Ronnie.

Aye thanks again Kev, top man.Still struggling where to start tho!

Stevie

Hi Stevie:

No problem with the C7 service manual:)If anyones else wants it or the C40 ,SLHF100 or SLHF950 ( all UB) i have them on PDF.

..........Kevin

Hi Noel thanks for your reply. I dunno about things missing as the machine was in fine working order when I got it, I put it away for a wee bit and when I went back to it thats when its not turning on again. Power is there tho as the clock works fine, just nothing else on the front panel does anything.

Stevie

Boby,

Kind comments - thanks. I don't have enough time to do as many as I would like at the moment because I am too busy with a "real" job.

Steve,

A fault that locks the C7s up is failed (collapsed) timer switches. You can tell most times because they lose their bounce. Mind you I think they still turn on from standby just no other functions. Check all the supply lines as per the manual and go from there you might have a supply rail missing.

regards Noel

I got the service manual for the Sony C7 today, where do I start looking for a solution to my power up problem? Hopefully its a non solder fault.

Stevie

Does anyone know when Umatic went out of production? I'm working on a graduate thesis and I can't seem to nail down the date. Thanks.

Noel, I got me laptop charger this morning.Found that the PCB mounted IEC/DIN mains connector, had only the Live and Nuetral,connected, on the board. So I used the original lead, which I soldered to the PCB, instead of the IEC jobby.I desoldered the output cable and fit new 12V cabling to the second regulator.Refit the charger casing. Then fit it into the PSU outer casing.All seems to work Fine.Thanks again Noel , for your Expert Help.

jeffoldbean.

Hello guysI cant remember if I posted for help on here before, but here is my problem.I bought a Sony C7 from Ebay a few years back, was working fine when I got it, put it away for a wee bit as I was decorating, went back to it and there is no functions. The clock lights up but nothing else is working, the on/standby button does nothing, the play, ff ,rew, eject buttons do nothing, but I can set the time on the clock. Someone I think said it may be a fuse, but Im a complete electronics newbie, with very limited soldering skills. I have 4 betamax machines and fancy learning how to sort them, got s C6 and this C7, a Sanyo 5150 (working) and a Sanyo 5500 I think it is. Also got the spec manuals from ebay for these models, but dunno where to start with the C7 !

Stevie

From what I'd learned; Noel has a knowledge/know-how and very good background on fixing/modifying BetaMach, you deserved from your talent Noel probably more if you broaden your workloads.

Regarding Ebay; it's a very interesting place if you can cope with it.For me, it's a pleasure to be here and have you mates 'round...

Regards,Boby.

Boby & Kevin,

Comments noted. As you say Kevin, you do you best and describe the product exactly how it is.For eBay its a business so they want turnover and minimum hassle. Say no more. I do find it a good way to get broken machines for repair which might otherwise go to landfill.

cheers Noel

Hi Boby and Noel.

The reason E-bays feedback system has been altered is once again seller abuse of it.I'm not talking good genuine sellers but those who decide if you leave negative feedback ( for GOOD honest reason) they will retaliate and leave you the same even though you piad very quickly.I found myself on the end of that, as a buyer, because i didn't get what i was shown or it got lost in the post and i posted a neutral( explaining the seller was helpful in trying to recover this but as i did'nt get ANYTHING, just a proof of posting i could'nt leave a positive could i?).They responded by leaving ME a NEGATIVE, which i contested, as i paid them the SAME DAY, and E-Bay removed BOTH marks with mutual agreement.Sometimes it's a lot easier and less hassel to not leave ANY Feedback.That can sum up your feelings for the deal too.My advice , always, always , always CHECK the sellers FEEDBACK AND how they RESPOND to Negative remarks like Noel stated.If they are rude or abusive or snide you KNOW they are not truly honest about things.AVOID at ALL costs..........trust me.I have acheived a 5 out of 5 rating for ALL my sold items because i am very upfront, genuine and honest in every respect.I also do NOT overcharge for P&P (another annoyance with a lot of sellers, maybe to secretley cover those annoying PAYPAL charges) ,just what it costs.ANY seller getting LESS that 5 out of 5 for 'item as described'(and there are a LOT) must be telling porkies.BE HONEST.I also ALWAYS sell my items in EXACTLY te condition i would LOVE to recieve them in.That cannot unfortunatley be said for many sellers.Cleaning the item, especially before the sale, not only makes the recipient happier it makes the item look stunning too.

Hope these comments help,even in a small way...............

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

Noel, yes that's an Ebay resolution system. You know Ebay no more than this Palsite chatpage in 1998, now you must have a lot of nerve to do bussines(buy/sell) on Ebay.

Cheers,Boby.

Boby,

I agree with you there is always a risk that you get one or two unreasonable buyers/sellers but eBay can deal with that. I had a seller give me a no payment bad feedback when I paid them on the same day. It turned out they had confused me with another buyer of the same item in a multiple item auction. Ebay fixed that (comment withdrawn) and the seller apologised.

cheers Noel

Noel, this is out of the main topic anyhow let's see from many different types of view then we can have a very good conclusion. What I'm talking is the Fleabay FB 'stupid' system and changes that's made. You know fleabay doesn't let seller give negative FB nowadays as FLbay knows what will happened if they use old method of regulations.(Fleabay Staff have a very good judgement on future visions/predictions) This changes have another a little bad aspects, selling will become 'scarry'/carefull. Buyer can do anything as they like even for a nonsense reason. I'd sold to many different countries. I even trusted by a person that's hardly I know of to have an item divertion to USSR, lucky for me not finding an idiot. Good luck tho...

Cheers,Boby.

Boby,

I saw the sellers responses to that negative feedback and can tell you - I would not be buying anything off that person. I have 100% feedback from well over 200 buyers/sellers and it depends a lot on how you handle problems when they do arise. Catching people out with traps in the wording when you are selling products deserves negative feedback. (As seems to be the issue in a number of the negative feedback cases of your linked example)

cheers Noel

Jeff,

Yes the original has heatsink connected to case earth. An external laptop supply does have a three pin lead. i.e. mains earth lead. What I meant was if you mount the circuit board in the machine you need to either replace the original two wire sony lead with a three wire mains lead or as I have done on a few modifications fit an IEC lead socket to the back and use a standard IEC lead.

regards Noel

Still on betamax selling on fleebay:

I saw this idiotic fleebay feedback system does to 1's reputation.

http://feedback.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback2&userid=c.o.d_5_2009&&sspagename=VIP:feedback&ftab=FeedbackAsSeller

Hi noel, you think on the same lines as me.I could do this, but I am not quite sure as to wheather the heat sink of the output will be at earth potential. I assume that the OEM sony will be.

jeffoldbean.

Jeff,

I actually took the circuit boards and adapted them into the original heatsink in place of the original but I think using the pack externally would be quicker and easier. That was 12V loaded but the second stage switch modes have some regulation in them

cheers Noel

Hi Noel, belay that last post.Just ordered a Universal Laptop Charger, off Fleabay.120/240 in, 12v 4A out.complete with mains lead.£13:00 delivered to me door.

Thanks again oldbean.

jeffoldbean.

Hi Noel good to here from you. To save me trolling through the net.What laptop makers use a 12V charger.Would it matter if they are 14V.I am not sure when the Output voltage quoted on them. Is Open cct EMF, or the on load voltage. It would be nice if it could all be fitted into, the original space.

jeffoldbean.

Jeff,

The HF950 power supply is in two sections. A switchmode AC/DC section which converts down from 240V AC to 12V DC @ 4Amp. The second section is a DC/DC convertor up to to many voltages. The capacitors in the first section go high ESR (internal series resistance) and their capacity drops as they dry out increasing the circulating current until the transistors blow. They can also heat up and cause shorts in series inductors and unless all is replaced the circuit wont work again and if you are really unlucky the switching transformer gets too hot and develops a shorted turn which takes the whole lot out again.

My quick fix is to replace the first stage with a more modern switchmode supply designed for use with a laptop easily handling 4Amp at 12V and of more efficient and lower power dissipation FET design.

You MUST however convert the unit from a two wire AC supply lead to three wire and fit an earth wire to the case as the leakage current due to EMC suppression capacitors can sit the case at hald the mains voltage which is thus 120VAC. (ouch)

Sorry if that's confusing but you asked! Unless your an expert get a professional to do it OR access the four pin lead in the middle of the power supply and run the machine directly off the DC laptop power supply.

regards Noel

I just wanna say GOD BLESS all you BETA lovers!!

Ever since i have been hearing more and more about BETA and how it looked BETTER than VHS,i have wanted to see some of my favourite movies on BETA!

CommandoWargamesFerris buellers day offVacation

I much prefer ANALOGUE and seeing them on VHS is a treat,i reckon seeing them on BETA would be even better :)

Not been on here for a very long time.I am Hoping someone like Noel Knows what causes a PSU failure on a SLHF 950. I switched it off recently, and it failed to bring up anything from powering it on again.

jeffoldban.

Just in case anyome missed it, here it is: adsl-065-013-067-025.sip.bct.bellsouth.net

Ok, I will do that my friend. Making money is my game and I do lots of that thanks. By the way you forgot to proxy one of your posts earlier...........oops

SOMEKO:

If you read the previous discussions, 100% feedback is deceiving.

When you used the name "SNAILING" to shill bid your own auctions, that was OK?

You sell under different names now, that's fine. I just thought it was a little funny and had some nefarious meaning behind it.

Sell under 10 names for all I care, just let the buyers beware.

hi can anybody help with the fault i have with my SONY SL-FI UB VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDERwhat happens is when i try to play-record f/forward and rewind the tape travels for about three seconds and stops and switchs off.a coule of people have said it could be the end sensors.i got in touch with the SONY shop down south and i asked about sensors he asked why i thought this was fault as he said sensors last years. and when i told him what was happeninghe said the fault was not the sensors by the tone of his voice he seemed to know what thefault was.i asked about the repair costs but they were to high.i have the service sheets for the video and i know a engineer who can fit new parts but as i he cannot locate the fault. so if possible can anybody help. say

The seller has 100% feedback, your posts smacks of bitterness and jealousy.

Strange thing, saw ebay auction #160406148494 and it was almost word for word what this eBay seller SOMEKO was auctioning #110497264023

He emailed me that he had no idea how to stop this, yet I felt there was more to this story.

I emailed this seller SOMEKO and gave him the simple task of having his description and pictures taken off promptly thru the proper eBay channels.

Instead he posted my concerns in his auction to cover himself and never emailed me back.

So I emailed him and told him this auction is still on and he tells me (Dont worry about it) No rules that 2 auctions can't be the same.

So to bust his chops I asked him how every unit you sell is mint, and not one scratch. I asked him if a top cover has a scatch do you discard it?

He emailed me back that its "none of your business how I sell mint and if I want to sell under two different names".

He said buy one of mine and find out,, Real arragant SOB.

I think he used to be called the SNAIL or went under the eBay handle snailing.

My take on this is that when some of his players don't work well he just sells them under another name so his main name someko won't take a hit.

Ebay seller with an attitude.

Bill The Video Centre has not got it own website, But there Info is supplied on http://www.walrus.co.uk/audiocentre/index.htm I have sent My Sony SL - C7 To him as he will service the Machine at the same time.

Paul

Paulgoonie - can you give me an Internet address for that place in Croydon?

Bill.

Thanks NoelI have found a Place on the net this evening in Croyden that do spares, I will be ring him in the morning to try and get a belt set replacement etc... and will give it a go when they arrive. Thanks for the info, I will keep you posted how I get on. Thanks again :)Paul

Paul,

The slow rewind and lack of forward reel pickup tension symptoms are both most likely related to worn/stretched belts and hardened rubber drive wheel surfaces. Fitting a new belt kit is a must but it takes a while on a C7. You have to take the bottom off the machine and swing out circuit boards as well to do it.

regards Noel

I am/have had a Betamax video player since I was a child, Our first video was a Betamax until around 1990 when we converted to VHS. My Parents let me keep the Betamax which I have kept and still have, It is a Sony SL-C7 Model. I have lately got the machine down from my parents loft and brought it to my own house now. I powered the old girl up and every light on the machine lit up. Given the machine a day powered up it has corrected itself. I got a few tapes down with the machine the video chewed the first tape, so I read the repair pages on this site cleaed down the part recommended with alcohol and fixed that problem. But I have noticed when the machine is playing the tape is loosening and the machine is stopping, also the rewind is very slow vertually stops going around halfway through rewinding the tape. I don't want to scrap the machine as I have had it so long. The picture is very shakey when the film is being played but I think it is down to the tape being slack when being played. Has anyone got any ideas to rectify these problems. I am going to get a replacement belt set if I can find one. The Machine is ready for a service as it has spent a good 14 Years standing. My other machine the Sanyo VTC-5000 That I bought in the late 80's though Is working in perfect working order, I am happy that it does as I have around 180 original Pre-recorded films and approx 100 blank tapes most new I managed to get these at 50p each from a rental shop closing down and WH Smiths selling off there old stock. Anyway rabbiting on now so thanks for reading I hope someone can help me out. Cheers

Noel:

I'm with you on those last remarks too.I now always do the same.

Also ,i've just recently aquired a SUPERB condition Sony SLHF950 with manual and remote on E-Bay for £ 200. It was described as 'playback only' , but i discoverd on receiving this the seller had the vcr set to record AUDIO ONLY and set to PCM with the TV TEST SIGNAL ON too.It records beautifully and the heads are fine.For one in that condition for only £ 200 i was delighted to say the least.Everything else is like new.The ONLY issue with it is the common LED VU level meter having three LEDS near the far end not illuminating.Also the level sensitivity is gone too and they only illuminate in the recording mode when the meter is set to near maximum.The don't light at all on playback of any tapes.Would this be capacitor related or even the driver IC?

Any help guys would be appreciated.There was a guy who was selling an upgrade of this in red and blue and was wondering if he's still around?

......Kevin

Hmmm,

I have not been on the site for a while due to pressure of work and I sent the last message before I caught up with the chatpage comments so don't think it was related. I just happened to see it listed when I was looking at the SLHF100 model technical page for a fault/remedy.

Bill, Thanks for your praise to Kevin and myself it is appreciated. We obviously do it because we can and it's a hobby.

On the eBay subject.

I agree with the eBay fees rip off comments that have been made but on balance I still use ebay for convenience and ratings - Although WHY did they remove the ability to log negative comment? I can only think that they are putting profit above buyer protection.

I always pays to read the feedback before buying and read between the lines. I have often noted negative comment associated with neutral or even a registered positive feedback. Then again, not all bidders are necessarily perfect either OR they expect second hand items to be perfect and things not to get damaged in transit which is something outside control of the seller other from the case they take with packaging. I have found that overdoing the packaging (by double boxing etc) never CAUSES a problem.

cheers Noel

Hi guys,

Maybe worth a look if your in the UKhttp://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130368191058&rvr_id=

cheers Noel

Hi Bill (& Stuart).

Yes i will admit to forgetting to mention the Paypal side of things.Like stuart i DO NOT agree with e-bays ethics but i have been lucky enough to request a cheque and recieve one in most cases.I mentioned having 5 out of 5 stars for my efforts but i receive NOTHING for giving this service either and i'm NOT a business.The seller having to pay the buyers Paypal fees is one of THE most unfair things with that arrngement.They KNOW full well the BUYER would'nt use it otherwise.It's like being charged 4% every time you withdraw monies from your bank account.How many would agree to that? NOT anybody i don't think.It also takes up to 5 days to transfer the monies to your bank account the same as a cheque so the cheque option is FREE .......... go figure!The sad fact with all this is there ARE and have been unscrupulus E-bayers ripping people off left right and center and WE ,the innocent ones, are now made to pay for all this.Certain items are now FORCED to accept Paypal ( i always would'nt) and this includes used electrical goods , probably because a lot have been ripped off with these in the past.

Sorry to bore most Beta enthusiasts with this but i think a lot should be aware as this DOES affect our hobby too.

Enough said.........................Kevin

Hi, Stuart,

Whew! All that is daylight robbery! I had noticed that there seem to be an increasing number of business internet listings that take you through to Ebay. Now I know why. Presumably if anyone complains about any of this they are likely to have their listings pulled. I think I may have to rethink things, this makes car boot sales look attractive! I've never been attracted to paypal for any other purpose.

Many thanks for the info, although I can't say I enjoyed reading it!

Regards, Bill

Hi Bill, I know you asked Kevin about this but am happy to give you some tips as well. Ebay is now not the nice place it used to be for private sellers, you are now expected to provide a level of service akin to as if you were a business and I think that business sellers are all ebay wants now. But it is still possible. Point to make is that you HAVE to accept paypal as a payment method and ebay own paypal. There is a 3.4% fee on any sale you make that is paid by paypal and just to make you happy, it isnt the buyer who pays this fee. YOU do as the seller. There is no morality here at all. You can of course state in listings that you prefer payment by other methods, but discourage payment by paypal and ebay will likely pull those listings. I have found that over 90% of sales will be paid by this immoral payment method. Ebay fees are a flat 10% on the final value of the item, whereas paypal take their fee on the whole amount, including the postage part! Another immoral act on their part. So, sell an item for £400 plus say £20 postage and you are looking at giving ebay/paypal £54.70 in fees.

Hi Kevin,

As a complete novice on E-bay, can I please pick your brains? You seem to know a good deal about it. Having discovered that I do have some stuff which might be saleable, I'd like to go ahead. The thing that worries me is the setting up and the cost of arranging a payment system which works. My pattern of use is likely to be an initial flurry followed by long periods with little or no activity. Can you give me any pointers? If you can mail me direct it might avoid boring everybody else to death about the subject, which is probably somewhat off-topic!

Can I take the opportunity to say - not flattering bulls**t, I believe it - that without you and Noel, the technical, down-home, nitty-gritty, get-your-hands-dirty value of this site (which in my humble opinion is by far its greatest strength) would be VERY severely diminished. We're lucky to have both of you around.

Regards, Bill.

Hi Stuart.

As far as the star ratings go on E-bay if you deliver in a big way then you should get nothing but high ratings.I must be doing OK to get 5 out of 5 for all my ratings.Then again whati oofer and deliver is exactly as i describe it as.I do utilise a 48 hour courier though that get's things there in 24 hours and the price is EXACTLY what it costs, no more no less.Some do like to charge exessively for shipping costs and that will always go against you.Not that i'm accusing you of ANY of those remarks.Just a guide...........

Sadly a LOT on E-bay try to pull the wool and are devious and greedy too.Luckily for me i have avoided most like that........i always ask questions first and if they evade or ignore you, you know the answer.

As for that seller mentioned previously,i would tread very carefully, if not avoid altogether, so many things are just way way overpriced and with little or no comeback to the buyer.

..................KevinBe honest and go for the best and cheapest form of posting, carriage and you will get the good marks in return.

btw, what do you reckon to my dsrs on ebay kevin? can you believe they rate me as below standard on despatch time!!!

Hi Kevin, well, I also asked this woman for a complete carriage assy for a c9 as one of my 2 c9s has nylon gears, one side of which broke 2 weeks ago..she offered me the bar only, no cogs, for £35! I am, if anyone has one, willing to pay £20 for a COMPLETE c9 carriage assy, plus shipping from anywhere in the world. Must have metal gears though. I would rather just remove the whole unit rather than mess about replacing the cogs and trying to realign the mechanism. If anyone can help me out, just email me.

Stuart:

Nothing new there my friend.They had a C9, no service, no gurantee or returns, no accessories and was asking £ 800 or best offer!!!!!!!!!!Asking for that sort of money and then seeing their 'item as described' at only 4.7 out of 5 is worrying to say the least.Someone definetley trying to cash in on the rarer Beta items.Also i think you'll find the seller is a female. I don't think a superb condition, with all accessories, SLHF950 would get £ 800 !!!

I wish them lot's of luck.they'll be needing it:)

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

Hi folks, just a quick note here. I have 2 SONY GCS-50's with the RM-E50 Editing controller for sale. They are in excellent condition and work just as well, included are the origonal manuals, operations and servicing manuals, cables. Thanks everyone, Cheers.

Hey peeps:I have an SL-HF950 for sale on ebay for $1 Reserve

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250579906126&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

Hi Stuart i have solved the problem a small peice of round white plastic jammed in mechanism below once removed worked fine. it looks like somthing that would be holding wiring in place?.This mechine plays pcm audios back perfect but i tried watching a video and the sound is muffled occasionally gets better but not really clear any ideas on that 1.

thanks martin

Mac1, there are two black prods which are spring loaded on the right hand side of the cassette bay, about 1.5cm from the side wall and about level with the pinch roller. One senses the erase protecton the tape, the other senses the tape present. Are they both there?

Hi Stuart Thanks for that no i dont think the tape is threading just can hear drawer closing and that is a little rough too but i will take the cover off to see is it threading. Also where is the switch and whats the soloution

Regards Martin

HI EVERYONEJUST A QUICK MESSAGE TO SAY THANK-YOU TO BILL AND A BIG THANKS TO K.LAMBERT FOR FIXING MY VTC 5000. I CAN NOW WATCH ALL MY OLD BETA MOVIES AND RELAX WITH MY FAMILY THE WAY IT SHOULD BE DONE. THE UNMISTAKABLE QUALITY OF A GOOD OLD FASHOINED BETA MACHINE PLAYING A MOVIE. THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP AND GOOD LUCK WITH WHATEVER YOU CHOOSE TO DO.