Update on the C6

The Audio seems to come back when the machine has been on standby for a few hours but then goes again after a few mins..

Would anyone know what the cause of this might be?

James

I now have the Sony SL-C6, it seems to have to known problems with video playback.But while it was playing the sound dropped out and no longer seems to work. The sound on tuner still works..

So I have no idea what the problem with the sound is :(

James

sony SL-F1UB. I am still trying to find data for my SONY SL-F1UB, also I need the wiring diagram for the 12V i/p socket (the 5 pin one at the back of the unit)as I wish to run my machine without the tuner connected. Any help appreciated!

Hi James:

No it's not normal.It sounds like tape mould has gathers around the ferrite head chips.As this Sanyo DOES stay laced in all modes FF and REW will add to this if the tapes are contaminated enough.very gentle cleaning with a head cleaning stick /with special pad ,coated in Isopropyl alcohol gently is the way to go there.Hold the pad upright so the flat is lightly touching the drum where the slot is and then turn the heads (from the top of the head drum) around gently passing each head sweep over the cleaning pad.DO NOT SPIN THE HEADS.Keep the cleaning pad dead still and put light to moderate pressure on it.

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

Hi again guys, In regards to the Sanyo VTC-9300 I was Looking at the heads in the drum with a magnify glass and I could see there is there white looking stuff around the heads, Is this normal and could this be causeing problems with playback?

Regards,James

Noel,Thanks for your help sor far, I managed getting the thread around the machanism by holding down the play button and switching on&off at the poer switch. The thread seems fine all in the proper sequence. I pressed th eject once and it rhe tape ejects perfectly well. The only thing works fully on its own is the eject. Play and rewind will not. All supply rails I had tested seem to be fine. Something is not enabled somewhere. Any other possibilities will that will lock out these functions. Thanks in advance. Roy

Looks like some of my posts are considered spam, pretty odd though considering replies to my deleted posts are still there :(

Sure makes you feel welcome here..

James,

The SL2000 shares the same drive gear/motor design as the Sony VHS top of the range edit machines. I have a few of those as spares so supplying one of those will not be a problem.

cheers Noel

James,

Try this place in Australia. http://www.tvr.com.au/

regards Noel

James

If you want me to enquire about the belt kits here in the UK and then if available order them and then send them over to you.Let me know.

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

Looks like WES and Wagner no longer sell the belts kit for this machine...

Noel I forgot about WES, so thanks for reminding me...Kevin, the kit may help a bit as the belt for the capstan has very little grip and getting new belts may improve the tension on the heads.I plan on getting the old Sanyo serviced, I know these old Sanyo's had a very good picture when they are working like properly.I just brought the Sony SL-C6, So I should be getting it next week, I know it already needs a belt kit as it spits the tape back out after it has been loaded. No doubt the electrolytics will need replacing as well.

Thanks for all great information guys :)

Regards,James

James,

Belt kits are available from Wes Components in Sydney. (Also know as Wagner)

regards Noel

Hi James:

I don't think a belt kit will help you solve those issues.The c6 is a good machine but suffers from a over complex servo section.It results in minature electrolytics/tantalum capacitors needing a change to cure those issues.I have succesfully sorted four of that model out.Sometimes the belts can need changing but usually they are OK.The one that moves out the loading ring is usually the one that fails,resulting in the machine giving the tape back as soon as it goes inside.It also has picture search and is a lot more updated than Sanyo's 9300. It does use a lot of belts though.

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

Kevin,could a worn belt that drives the video heads cause the same problem?I would like to get new belts before replaceing components, only problem with that is I cannot seem to find anyone here in Australia that has belt kits, I did find one in the UK but they will not sell to anyone who lives in Australia :(

Also is the Sony SL-C6 an ok machine? As I might be buying one..

Regards,James

Hi James:

Don't worry you are not annoying anyone here:)That looks similar to the same issue the one i witnessed and repaired had.The IC was responsible.Those lines cool like maybe static interference from the motor or dirt somewhere on the tape path stopping the tape having the correct contact with those heads.There may also be a few failing electrolytic caps.As it's clearly 'faulty color' over 'no color' i would say that IC is responsible.

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

Hi again,I do not wish to annoy anyone but I thought I would post a link to my YouTube video of it is like when you record with the Sanyo Betacord VTC9300PN, I think it has been knocked out of alignment somehow or maybe a belt kit would help solve this fault?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Z4V0GcHSDo

Thanks for that Kevin..

Gabriel:

Congratulatons.It may be tedious BUT when you do similar often you get used to that.The end result is always worth the effort:)

James:Sorry it's been a while since i worked on that model.I do have the service manual in PDF i think.I will see what board they are on for you.I will get back either way.

.....Kevin

Kevin,

I've just succesfully repaired the M10 by changing that IC. You were completely right with the diagnostics. Thanks again for your tips!

Ps: desoldering two 42-pin ICs (one faulty and one from a scrap Sanyo) is a tedious job.

Hi again everyone,

I have located the Q205 but I cannot find Cx150 (icq204) or Q244, so I am wondering which boards these are located on?

regards,James

Thanks for the reply Kevin,

Yeah I adjusted the tracking which helps with the picture somewhat, but there is still a lot of noise like some sort of interference (white dots in a pattern) also there 4 faint colour bands going down the screen ( green and red).Also when I record on the VCR and then play it back the colour comes and goes (flickers)

Regards,James

Hi James:

The 'noise' in the picture could be down to bad tracking (did you adjust the tracking control?).I have also repaired one of the same with a no color during playback issue.It was down to a Sony made IC that caused this fault.The IC no for this is Cx150 (icq204).This was still available from http://www.utsource.net/ for a decent price.A superb company that can still get most obsolete IC's cheaplyAlso Q205 and Q244 can give faulty color if bad.

Gabriel: I feel 100% sure that IC (M51436P) WILL be the issue with your Sanyo M10.

Good luck to you both..............Kevin

I have trouble with my old Sanyo betacord VTC93000PN, it keeps playing in black and white with a lot of noise.I am also looking for a belt kit for this model as I hoping that will fix the problem.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eu_ITfubQtc

Regards,James

Kevin,

Thanks a lot for your fast reply. I´m having a look the area you pointed. I think I have spares for that IC, just in case it proves to be faulty.

Regards,

anyone have a working Video 2000 player they would be willing to sell?

Hi Gabriel:

The chroma processing for the Sanyo VTC M10 is on the top board.One component that can fail on that model (and the M20/ 30 ) is the M51436P IC (the largest one on that board).I would also check for poor caps as you suggest that supply that IC too.

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

Does anyone know a fix for a Sanyo VTC-M10 which suddenly plays in B/W?

I guess the fault could be due to a dry joint or a bad capacitor in the Chroma Process area, but don´t have a clue where that section is located.

Thanks in advance,

Gabriel

Hi Everyone! I have a "sl-200me mk3" sony betamax video player. My problem is; in some parts of the tape, there happens a color corruption while its playing. I mean i'm watching(actually recording to the computer) an old cassette recorded by a camera and for example in the first scene it starts with this color corruption then in another or in some moment of the same scene(by "scene" i mean "doing record-stop-record again" with the camera) it corrects by itself. Let me try to explain this color corruption; it happens like every second, its like red bleeding on the picture, it blinks and then corrects(blinks - corrects - blinks - corrects - and so on...) but in some moment it stops blinking and plays correctly. It stops in a few seconds sometimes, in a few minutes sometimes, in the next scene sometimes and sometimes it never stops. I hope i could explain the situation(pardon my english). So now i would like to know the reason of this problem and how to fix it. Thx anyway...

Gabriel,

Congratulations on the fix.

Roy,

Could be anything. Lots of possibilities. The load ring as it rotates and takes the tape around the drum also actuates the tension lever into position. You may have to trick the machine to load without a tape to see what is going on. (or not going on)

You can even remove the tape carriage (4 screws) and also trigger a load action.

You might find something inside the machine fouling the lever or a broken/miss aligned part. These are complicated machines and lots of things can go wrong if someone has "had a play".

cheers Noel

I answer my own post with the following:

The F30 uses the tape begin sensor (pink wires) as the end threading switch. When completely unthreaded, that sensor faces to a metallic assembly, thus "telling" the electronics that the process has finished. In conclusion: Sony optimised the design of the 711b2 beta chassis, saving one mechanical switch with this solution.

Regards,

Hello everyone,

I have a strange problem with a Sony SL-F30: it accepts and threads correctly tapes, but when trying to eject it, the threading ring only moves 2-3 cm backwards and then the carriage ejects the tape. This tends to tape damage because it is not unthreaded at all (only a small part).

I suspect of any leaf switch, but I have checked and refurbished the following ones: carriage eject switch, tape in switch, record tab switch and end thread switch. All them are working correctly (with multimeter). In C-series, there are two threading switches, but I only am able to find one in this F-series. Is it hidden under any assembly or Sony simplified that design? Should I check something different? The Syscon IC chip (smd) has also been sprayed with contact cleaner so as to avoiding faults due to moisture or contamination in their pads.

Ps: I have the tape end sensor (the one with pink wires) unplugged because its spring assembly is broken and it was continously detecting end tape.

Hi Noel,I have remove all the switches, checked the fuses and still have the same problem. Would you perhaps have any circuits or info on the supply rails. Something also does not look quite right,Although the tape loads and stops whilst holdinding down the play button on powerup, the carriage takesup the tape to the righrhand side around the head, nothing is taking up the tape to the left to the erase head. Ithought the arm that holds the tension strap around the supply spool supposed to do this. Please advise me on this. Thanks again. Roy

Hi Noel,Thanks for the help, I noticed most of the switches are collapsed, I will remove them and try again, the fuses are fine. will let you know the results. Thanks, Roy

Roy,

The Sony C7 programming switches under the left hand side top cover often collapse when they age. This tends to lock the machine up. You might want to check that first. You can check the switches with the machine removed from power to see if any are continuously operated. Simply desolder the faulty ones. This wont matter unless you need the timer fully functional.

It is also possible that you have lost one of the power supply rails. There are a number of fuses in the machine. (top of power supply)

regards Noel

Hi Guy'sCan someone help me with a sony betamax sl c7ub, no playback rewind or forwind. but when I hold down the playbutton and powerup the tape will load for a little then she stops. This is the same with the rewind and forwind. E to E is fine. Thanks in advance. Roy, Durban,South Africa.

Noel,

I correctly received the scans of the HF150 's PSU. It was what I needed, thanks a lot. However, I have to try printing the pdf with a different printer because I am not able to see details such as voltage points.

It´s been so kind from you, thanks again.

Carlow,

I have not seen that model, only the V51. What is the question?

cheers Noel

Roderick,

Sorry, I was not doubting your input, I was just following up on the offer to Gabriel to copy the HF150 power supply circuit and added some extra stuff for the F1.

cheers Noel

Hi Guys, I am a newbie here, from South Africa. I have a tech question about a Toshiba V-52VCR, If someone could help.

Hello!!!!

Did everybody miss my post of May 15th?How much more pin-out information do you need?

Leslie and Gabriel,

I have supplied you circuit information as requested. I don't have connector pin layout of the SLF1 in the service manual but that is shown at http://www.palsite.com/multicon.html

regards Noel

Leslie,

Sorry but, what do you mean by the I/P socket? I originally understood that the thing you needed was the power DIN connector pinout.

Noel,

I completely agree with your statement about cracked PCBs. Every single beta I refurbish has the lower PCB checked against cracked pads (I mean, the PCB which contains the audio/video connectors). People usually stand videos on its back and due to their weight, they break internally with ease. Some (and expensive) measurement equipment have "rear legs" to avoid this, but they are intended for professional/industrial environments.

Regards,

Leslie,

I have been away for a while travelling so just got back and checked the chatpage. Good fix on the second F1. They can suffer from cracks in the board around output connectors and even the front switches due to being dropped.

It happens, they are heavy.

cheers Noel

Hello Gabrial, can you possibly Email the pin connections for the SL-F1UB 12V I/P Socket,

<[email protected]>

Leslie,

Yesterday I could take a picture of the F1 's DC pinout. It was taken with a mobile phone, but I guess it can be OK. Here's the link:http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/20/f1ea.jpg/

Regards,Gabriel

F1 external power socket. It is a 6-pin connector. Pin 4 & 5 - 12V DC, Pin 6 & 2 - Ground.Pin 1, the one in the middle, activates the recharge mode for a battery.But be careful, the pin numbering on the connector is a little odd.

i have for salesony camera hvc 2000p - coloursony sl3000ub portable video cassette recorder - betamaxac power adaptor 345c - with 4 pin din cable output

sony portable video recorder sl f1ub - betamax working, has multipin cable to power up from:tuner timer unit ttf1ub (also for sale)all items for sale in bristol uk, email [email protected] for info happy to ship

SONY SL-F1UB Can any member help out with the pin arrangment for the EXTERNAL 12V INPUT SOCKET ( it appears to be a 5 pin domino type socket. Still trying to find full engineering service manual for this machine!

Hi Gabriel

It's a possibility.The reason i stated the other items is my habit of checking basic things like the pinch roller first.Also don't forget thick layers of tape oxide on the capstan shaft too.In my experience on beta's especially the shiny pinch roller will be more obvious in reverse picture search.It will ride up and down and lead ,if bad enough, to tape damage.Not so much in forward/play mode.

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

CURE - SONY SL-F1. After finally getting the oscilloscope out the cause was traced to an open circuit microphone socket which is next to the camera input socket. I feel this fault will show up more as the machines age!

Good morning everyone. SONY SL-F1.

This is possibly one for Noel Higgins!First of all thanks Noel for helping with capstan speed adjustments using RV407 and scope.I have just obtained another on you might guess - Ebay.This one has play back audio but no E-E audio is this a fault caused by my missing something obvious?

Leslie Hine CUMBRIA

I agree with Gabriel about the pinch roller.I've had em get in bad shape, deflect the tape and the picture goes.Charlie

Noel,

Thanks a lot for offering the scan of the HF150s PSU. Please, feel free to use my email address whenever you want to send it. About the STK, I guess I can get it from the "old local shop" or maybe the salesman could find one for me. On the other hand, it´s curious to know that many of the STKs used in Sony betas were designed by Sanyo :-).

Kevin,

I have been thinking about Ben Dixon's vcr. Don't you guess it could simply be the pinch roller that has developed a "mirror" surface? Some symptoms Ben describe could be due to this part and I think it´s the easier point to begin working.

Regards,

Hi Ben:

Sounds to me like the forward and back tension may be to blame for your issue.The low audio would suggest this too.All old tape will do is gum up the video heads.Not bunch up the tape.You also say eject is OK 90% of the time?If you take the cover off and look at the pendulum idler sitting between the spools.Look at the very end.Is this like a step with an extra bit going downwards on the tip?If so this downwards tip needs cutting of.It's known to foul the spring just above it and cause tape spilling on eject.

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

Reply to message of 3-4 May 2012 , concerning a Sony Betamax SL-C30SA VCR.

Thanks Kevin and Noel. I am located in South Africa, which unfortunately means I can’t take the recorder to one of you experts to have a look.I will try and follow your advice, although my technical expertise of VCR’s has only extended as far as cleaning heads.

In the meantime I did play around with the VCR a bit, still struggling with the tracking, to the point that I am wondering whether the tapes themselves, isn’t partly to blame for the “bunch-up” and picture and audio quality problems? They are very old, and seem sticky in places. I also noticed that most of the bunch-up occurs at the beginning of the tape, or possibly on scenes that were watched more frequently. Maybe it’s just coincidence. Can video tapes stretch to a point where the recorder would be unable to set to the correct tension?

While operating the VCR I did notice that fast-forward and rewinding works great, the tape ejects correctly 90% of the time, and recording seems to work. Another fault I picked up was that at certain intervals in the tapes, no picture would show up, but when I fast forward during playback, the picture would be visible. What could this indicate?

My only other concern is still the audio quality, which seems very soft and seems to be dragged out a bit. But I suppose the Betamax’s audio quality can’t be compared to modern CD quality, which we are used to.

Thanks again.

Gabriel,

I can scan the HF150 power supply circuit for you if you want and I have spares of the STK reg but they are not cheap. I have a few with power supply faults. Sometimes its the regulator other time the control circuit has issues. The way you describe the fault it sounds like a regulator though. Your right, SLHF100 and SLHF150 power supplies are very different.

regards Noel

Kevin,

Thanks for the reply. I've decided to call it a loss at the moment,and just focus on buying another one that works. I also don't think I'm going to the repair person because they're really far, not in this town( I live in San Francisco,CA and they are in South City which is really far from my place). Also the cost of sending it over to you and back would probably be the same as buying another one I bet right? Very unfortunate as I wish I can repair it myself but I have no clue what to do. I don't think I'm going to try putting another tape in it either. It looks nice but it doesn't work. -Isabella

Hi again guys:

Here's the website for all service and owner manuals....http://www.manuals-in-pdf.com/

Some are cheap and some not so but for getting hold of one needed quickly in regards to service manuals.They seem to be unbeatable and are in PDF file too.

They have the Sony HF series and also SLC series too.They also have the Sanyo VTC 5400 (which should be mechanically identical to your Sears Beta vision Isabella. Note: It will not be PSU or recording/playback /tuner wise as this Sanyo is a PAL recorder.But mechanically (which is what is the problem with yours) it should be fine and exactly the same.

Good luck guys .I hope this site helps you out as much as it has myself.

...........Kvein

Ultravixen:

Thanks for the info.Not the tape then:(

Gabriel:

I will find the address of the site where you can download for a small price just about all vcr manuals.

Isabella:Many thanks for the pictures.Ah that looks like the equivalent to the UK Sanyo's VTC 5400. I have worked on two of those successfully.They utilise a lot of belts (about 5 or 6) over their later models.What the main issue with this model is a failure to load and unload, down to a belt and also a tiny ridge on the loading ring needing a small file to make it smooth ( a manufacturing issue).If you were in the UK i could've sorted this for you.Sending over here would cost a small fortune!A shame as that one does look to be lightly used.The description is a bit misleading but they HAVE stated 'no warranties' so that's probably why you lost out there.typical of E-bay ...That's why i offer what i do in the superb condition it's in.I've seen this happen far to often.It's gives the beta format a bad reputation for reliability too.I don't know what else to suggest to you.If you see the site info i will give later on downloadable manuals for a small fee then maybe you can give or show that to the repair guy?

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

Hi Kevin,

Sorry for the delay in reply. I tried getting a refund but looks like eBay is on the seller's side. :( So I am stuck with this broken machine. I tried looking for a place nearby my house that can repair it but the closest one is really far. I might call them up and see if I can ship it to them cos there is no way I can lug that machine all the way down there.

I don't see a model # but it's a Sears Betavision BII/III. Here is a picture of what I've got:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/251037251192?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

I might just buy another one and make sure this time it actually works. That ad gave me mixed messages. It says it works but then it doesn't. Anyways any ideas of what to do would be cool, thanks. -Isabella

Kevin, Roderick,

Yesterday I was having a look to the HF150 's PSU. It is definitely blown because I found a rail supposed to be at around 12 volts at one of the outputs of the regulator and I measured 21... Maybe it has caused damage to the vcr, let´s see. The other output (one out of three) is at 5.8 volts, according to the datasheet is OK. Additionally, I had a look to the HF100 I have for spares and its power supply has nothing to do with HF150 's. The former is a switched mode PSU while the latter is a linear one. Service manual could really help.

Regards,

It was a Maxell L750.

BTW - did someone post a list on here recently of Sanyo tape counter numbers vs actual time in hh:mm:ss, or did I find that somewhere else?

Ultravixen.What make of tape is it.there is a tiny chance it may be the TAPE that is causing this issue too.There were some Sony L750 tapes (around 1984/5 ) that used to be tight and slow down in some machines with the effect too you are seeing.The tapes responsible had a yellow coloured spool when looking underneath.The plastic this was made from was a lot harder then their other type made before and after.Jut a thought.All other makes i've never had trouble with in beta.

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

Kevin - it's a Sanyo VTC-5150 but all other tapes play fine in it. Leads me to think my machine is set up ok and it was the original recording machine (not mine) that was faulty?

No worries though, the wonky tape's not that important, just didn't wanna sling it out if it was salvageable.

Kevin,

Yes, cleaning the inside face of the display window is also a routine when servicing betas. They usually develop a kind of dust that blacken that part. Sometimes the improvement is great! Special atenttion to machines with previously smoker owners, which are seriously affected. On the other hand, I have a couple original service manuals (711b and 711b2 chassis) that cover most of the standard videos. Also, some time ago I was kindly given some pdf manuals ( vtc5000 and nx10). However, I would like to find service manuals for C9 and HF-series.

Regards,Gabriel

Hi Gabriel

That is a good start.You can also get most service manuals for a good low price downloaded on the internet too,which are a massive help in that respect.Another thing i see all the time with vcr's stored or even over twenty or so years old is a thick layer of dust over the window(and usually everywhere else) for the clock display.Cleaning that away improves things immensley too:)

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

Kevin,

As always, thanks for your tip. The thing is that I have to check the whole machine with time, measuring voltage rails, inspecting bad caps... And once solved (if so), continuing with mechanics. This involves removing the glue from the drum sensor, lubing some parts, restoring the pinch roller, cleaning the tape path... I love refurbishing betas, either Sony or Sanyo.I also have a SL-HF100 for spares with a healthy PSU. Maybe will have a look to this if in need of comparing something.

Regards,

Gabriel

Hi Gabriel.

I have found on ALL the Sony HF100 's i've seen the clock display is quite dim,even when checking/changing the caps in the PSU.The HF150 is virtually identical for the most part.If you have a poor outage from this in regards to power totally then the caps will most definetley be responsible and will put other things out ,if not damage transistors if left powered like this for too long.I would even go as far as to suggest anyone obtaining vintage vcr's such as Beta's get their PSU's checked over as soon as possible.it will elliminate these vital areas giving rise to problems in the future.Also removing the glue from the 'hall effect' sensors on the later ( C9 onwards)Sony beta's will also give a longer life and less agrro trying to find someone to sort it out.

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

Roderick,

Thanks for your help. Do you know if the SL-HF100 uses that STK as well? One thing I´m also doing is searching that IC's datasheet in order to make some preliminary checks.

Regards,

Gabriel, sorry you are right.

Had a look at the HF100 powerblock, very similar to the HF150. For the display, probably check the 'D' board which provides much of the unswitched power.There should be 3 rails: 3.2V AC, 42V DC and -30V DC.An the 'M' board there is unswitched: 12V DC and 6.2V DC from Q625Switched power: 12V from RY621, 9V from Q627/628 and 5.2V from Q626.

Hope this helps.

Anyone has a clue about a Sony SL-HF150 with a very dark display? I mean, you plug the vcr and it´s quite difficult to see the clock. It turns on (it shows "AV"), but doesn´t lit the green Led inside the Power button. Also, it doesn´t accept any tape. The machine appears to be "tired" or "almost dead".I would blame the PSU, but don´t have the schematics for this model to measure voltages, etc. It uses the regulator STK5443.

As always, thanks a lot in advance.

Pd: don´t feed the troll.

Nurse! Nurse! Bob is out of his bed again!

I mean really, what is all this 'we' stuff about bob? What have you actually contributed to this site other than slander and accusations?You made up some sob story how poor little bob got done by mr. evil who took his priceless toy. Grow up!

And just in case you didn't quite understand, PAL stands for Phase Alternating Line which is a video encoding system, nothing to do with your local 'pals'.

So unless you have something constructive to add, take your medication and shut up!

Hi ultravixen:

No, i'm saying it could well be the one you're viewing it on may have the preset for the forward capstan speed slightly off enough to make this other recording do what it's doing.Normally when they are set up perfectly it should play all other recordings well, with sometimes only the tracking needing a slight adjustment.Let me know the model no.Are you US based?

........Kevin

Bob,

Refresh your short term memory with a look at posts on 26 and 27 April.

just saying.....

Thanks Kevin - I don't have the machine it was recorded on, but are you confirming that there's no way of getting the recording on that tape to play back normally on another machine?

Hi again.

Make that a forward capstan speed servo out of adjustemnt/alignment.

......Kevin

Hi Ultravixen

I've seen this a few times.It looks like the tracking internal adjustment is out of alignment.It's probably down to age or a poor quality capacitor.If i knew what model this is i can advise you where to look.

Thanks...................Kevin

I've got a tape that is playing back with a regular varying speed (not on the machine that recorded it).

Example clip here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inr3uYq9IV0

What might have caused this? Is it salvageable? (maybe digitally?)

Hi Isabella:

I'm sorry you had to find out this way.Noel and myself do offer completely refurbished machines,done to a high standard (as well as repairs/advice),that,in this day and age Do deserve a good price ,as like most say, they are getting old now, but will last a long time if refurbished and all the common items checked and changed after 29 plus years.When you've seen plenty you get to see the same thing occuring over and over and maybe the odd unexpected thing that has gone wrong.Parts are getting harder to get but i can still get the right size belts and idler tyres for the Sanyo's.The later Sony's don't rely on rubber belt's so much and usually have failed 'hall effect sensors' , worn bushings ,broken plastic gears or shiny pinch rollers plus lot's of dirt and debris (as with most heavily use vcr's).There is one or two places in the US you could try for belt's idlers.These are "MCMelectronics.com","SMC electronics" both are in the US and should be able to provide the belts and idlers you need.usually the pinch roller is OK and usually needs a clean with isopropyl alcohol.If you search for vcr belts on the net you should come across these sites and a few others.

The model no of your Sanyo.I do remember one of the US models being wood grained.Is this the equivalent to Sanyo UK VTC 6500? .Or is your model a top loader?If you can give this info it would help me to guide you on the common issues after time.

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

Hi Kevin,

Firstly thank you for the reply. Gee this sounds way more complicated than I thought. I had a feeling prying it open with a screwdriver is not good, but that was the only way I can get the tape out.

Telling from your post,this does not sound like an easy fix. I'm actually upset for spending a $100 on something that doesn't work. It's been really difficult for me finding a Betamax player on eBay and they all seem to go up in price and it's ridiculous for something so old. What I bought feels more like I should have paid like 50 cents for it,especially since it doesn't work. I'm going to try to contact the seller tonight and see if I can get a refund, and if I can't I think I will have to look for someone close by that can repair.

Although I would like to try and fix this myself. I never fixed a VCR before and this sounds like a good challenge. If anyone can offer a easy step by step on how to get this to work soon I will gladly appreciate it. -Isabella

PS- Are these belts and parts available at Radio Shack? Anyways further advice and reply will be much appreciated,thanks.

Hi Isabella.

OUCH.How common is that occurance,buying on E-Bay and finding out you overpayed or were mislead about the items condition.Seeing as the model is a sears (made by Sanyo) it will most definetley need new belts,rubber idler tyres and a good clean/lube and service/alignment check as well as capacitors checked and changed in the PSU.The fact you opened it with a screwdriver to gain said jammed tape is NOT GOOD.The loading ring would still be out if this was so and no doubt damage to the locking mechanism.The failure of the bottom idler tyre will give you NO tape take up on pressing stop and also no FF or REW.There is also an upgrade Sanyo gave to improve reel torque(by a resistor and diode ) for those two modes to overcome a tired motor giving the same issues.Anyhting i have ever offered is given a service probably like no other.I've seen the efforts from some and sometimes they've made a simple issue even worse through twiddling and moving things you should not touch, such as tape guides.This put's everything out.I would try to get hold of a reputable beta vcr repair service agent in the US.There must be some still doing this,over there.Mr Betamax is one i believe.He has a website.If you were in the UK i could've obliged with this.

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

Hi,

I'm kinda new to the Betamax and I just got a top loader Sears Betavision through the mail from Ebay yesterday(not sure what year it is but is a woodgrain model). I hooked it up to my Sanyo tv and at first I put a tape in, but it wouldn't play and then it got stuck and wouldn't eject. So I had to pry it open with a screwdriver. After a few tries I was able to get a picture but the quality was very bad even after I tried to adjust the tracking. I was able to figure out how to fix the eject but then when I took the tape out I noticed the machine ate the tape and it broke. I tried another tape and the same thing happened. Two of my good tapes got eaten up. When I tried playing the second tape I noticed the picture quality was much worse and the tape was turning slow motion.

I have no idea what to do. I'm kinda frustrated because I spent like 100 dollars on this just to play some old tapes I found. How can I fix this???

Kevin,

Good point about a capstan stuck on full speed, you are quite right and I have also seen that happen now that you have reminded me. I was thinking you meant just capstan stopped or out of servo lock.

I also join with you in thanking the administrators of the site for their efforts.

A point on direct emails. It is up to the individual. A picture or video of a fault "equals a thousand words" and you cant post that on chat page although I have seen someone do a link to utube. If someone wants to email anyone direct that is their business. I don't support con-artists using this site either.

I share my knowledge of how to repair betas because I can. That is the beauty of the chatpage in that people from all over the world can pool their knowledge on a "hobby".

I mostly sell machines, which I guarantee, through eBay. My eBay rating is 100% so I guess that tells a story.

It is also easier to find machines through eBay as well, because commercial repair businesses that might have had old machines and parts are all disappearing due to the throw away technology used today.

As the common parts that break are generally no longer available, there is a challenge to redesign around the issues and find fixes such as the capstan roller "resurfacing" technique I outlined recently.

However some Beta machines get beyond repair because of corrosion, wear, plastic breakages, being dropped or damaged in the post or just through poor attempts at fixing. They are still useful as parts machines and I have lots of them.

That said, a properly repaired beta machine will generally outlast a modern (usually very cheap) DVD player.

In the end, it is not about the beta machine itself, it is about the memories "trapped" on tape if you don't have access to a working machine. They are antiques.

cheers Noel (betaheaven.com)

Martin and Alan thanks for doing a superb job with YOUR site.Very much appreciated.

There are ways and means for obtaining free help with your cherished Betamax.Good to see 99% on here going about the right way to obtain it.

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

Hi Noel and Ben:

I have seen an issue on a Sony F30 whereby the upon pressing play the capstan speed was so quick it just piled up tape as it went through,even though the reel take up was working OK.It was a faulty capstan drive IC.Also on the C30 some(if not all) of their drive pendulums had an extra plastic bit on the end (under a spring) which would foul this spring when pressing eject and cause tape spilling.The only cure was to cut off half a centimeter at the end.On some of the vcr's i see, people have had a good fiddle and sometimes (without realising) put other settings way out to try to cure other issues.If you are in the UK drop me an e-mail.I have the necessary torque tape and advice to assist you.If not and in Australia then Noel can most definetely help you out.

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

Ben,

The capstan motor is working otherwise the tape would not bunch up. It's a forward tension issue probably caused by a sticking pendulum arm. The arms are plastic and bend with age. later versions had a plastic brace in the design. Otherwise it can be drift with age and corrosion in the forward tension torque setting.

Take off the top of the machine but don't touch the rear of the machine where the 240V power supply is. You can trick the machine into thinking a tape is loaded by moving the ray in by hand and when the tray is down, you then push down the left hand tape loaded sensor with your finger and the machine load ring will operate thinking its taking tape around the head. Press play and you can see if the take up reel moves or not and check the tension with you finger. You can see if the pendulum arm swings over to drive the takeup reel or not.

If its a work reel motor issue then it will also be an issue in fast forward or rewind which will be extremely slow or not working and cutting out.

The forward tension can be adjusted, assuming the machine is not faulty. A potentiometer sets the take-up torque of the reel motor in playback/record mode. On this machine the service manual says it is RV309 on the SS-16 board which is in between the tuner board and the bottom YC25 board. The service manual says to use a torque tension test tape and set the tension to 80 gram. If you don't have one, then follow the instructions at http://www.palsite.com/100tech.html under the heading "no tape transport". The chassis design principle of the HF100 is similar to the SLC30.

Otherwise, replacing the faulty part will still be necessary.

regards Noel (betaheaven.com) Australia

Hi Ben:It sounds like either the forward tension is way out and not taking the tape up quick enough, or the reel drive bushing may be worn and not turning the right spool.Could also bee a faulty capstan motor or drive IC.

Where are you based?If it's the UK drop me a line via e-mail.

Hpe this helps................Kevin

"Bob" please read:http://www.palsite.com/chatguide.html

Hi

I recently found a Sony Betamax SL-C30 video recorder after months of searching. I'd like to use it to save some childhood videos which is still on Beta tape. Problem is the Recorder seems to bunch up the tape, no matter how I adjust the tracking. I get the picture to look OK, although the audio seems poor. But being years since I've viewed the tapes, I have no idea how good it should be, compared to CD/DVD quality audio and video.

Any suggestions, on why the recorder bunches up the tape?

Leslie,

The pinch roller can be refurbished using a dremel or similar high speed tool. Put a fine grinding wheel in the dremel. Take the pinch roller in one hand and hold it with the more exposed side of the roller facing up so that it can spin when the dremel grinding wheel is placed against its surface with a diagonal slant as contact is made, so some friction/wear is imparted to the roller surface as well as having the tool make the roller spin to a very high speed. Move the contact point (grinding wheel versus capstan rubber) position across the roller surface from side to side until an even "buffed" rubber appearance is obtained. Any collected grime and surface un-eveness should be this removed by this process and grip and even contact should be restored.

In some cases the roller bearings have worn to much and/or the rubber has perished and cracked which means they are beyond repair and must be replaced but 9 out of 10 times this works.

regards Noel

Hello all, many thanks for all replies, especially Noel who gave me the R.V. number. Still waiting for a manual and desperate for a pinch roller ( SL-F1 )

To Paul, (19 April)

Glad you got your SLHF950 fixed. That site in Germany is very good. He really knows his stuff and even has mods to give SVHS output from the SLHF950 and shows how it overcomes the beat patterns in the picture. With all the hi resolution displays and up-convertors around today it would be worth doing to get the best playback from beta tapes.

cheers Noel

Leslie,

I notice you come from Cumbria in England. My wife and I were in England about four years ago and after some time in London then driving around spent time in the lakes district. A great place to live. We also visited the lake where Donald Campbell died attempting a world speed record.

regards Noel

HI Leslie,

What a coincidence you should ask about that. I have just been aligning a few SLF1s and I can tell you the preset for the capstan speed is RV407 and you need to set it to 50% duty cycle whilst playing a tape and monitoring pin 20 of IC401 with a CRO. You need to remove the top and bottom of the machine first. If you dont have a CRO then play a tape and adjust RV407 one way until the picture loses lock and note that point. Move it the other way through the range until it loses lock again. Then set the control to midway between the points.

What I also found on the three units I repaired today was that all were way out on the tracking alignment due to capacitor aging. I can also tell you that if they are out then turning tracking preset control RV414 fully anticlockwise (to minimum resistance) sets it about right.

regards Noel (betaheaven.com Australia)

Leslie,

What kind of symptoms do you experience when playing tapes back on that F1? If the audio flutters maybe it´s just a question of dryed capacitors on the capstan's motor PCB. I guess they were four 0.1uF or 1uF electrolytic, not sure. Reasonably easy to change.Also, check the pinch roller and and the CTL head.However I don't have too much experience on that machine.

Regards,

Hi Folk's - new to the forum. I am after service manual for a SONY SL-F1 beta recorder. The capstan servo appears slow to pull in, probably requires adjustment of the capstan free run preset, unless someone know's different, but to many presets about just to twiddle! Loan of a manual, straight purchase or P.D.F. - any will do.

Leslie Hine Cumbria.

Peter:

Great to have you here.(Please refrain from using capitals on the whole message.It's a form of shouting........)

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

LOVE THIS SITE.I BOUGHT A BETAMAX RECORDER BACK IN THE 80 S,WONDERFUL THING TO HAVE,RECORDING TV,PLAYBACK WIPE RE RECORD ETC IT WAS A MAGIC PIECE OF TECHNOLOGY.COST ME £500,WITH MY END OF YEAR WORK BONUS,THEN VHS MACHINES WERE £700! I RECALL ONLY EVER HAVING SONY BRAND L500 BLANK TAPES,COSTING £10 A GO!HOWEVER THEY DID GET CHEAPER,WITH OTHER BRANDS COMING ALONG.I STILL HAVE OVER 200 TAPES.EVENTUALLY I WENT TO VHS,BUT QUALITY NOT AS GOOD AS BETAMAX.I HAVE AN OLD BETA RECORDER JUST ABOUT HOLDING UP,BUT WILL I LIVE THAT LONG TO TRANSFER ALL THESE TAPES? NOW BETAMAX RECORDERS GO FOR GOOD MONEY ON LIKES OF EBAY SITE IF IN WORKING ORDER.PITY THERE WAS NEVER AN ADAPTER MADE TO PLAY THE TAPES ON OTHER MACHINES.SADLY ONE HAS TO HAVE A BETA PLAYER TO VIEW OR COPY TO DVD.I LOVE BETAMAX!

Kevin,

Thanks a lot. What I did was just to spray the switches with contact cleaner, while pressing them repeatedly. Now it seems to work fine.

Next week I´ll try to fix another HF150. This unit is dead and does not power up.