Are there any online websites or companies that can still repair Betamax players

Hello everyone.I ve recently dug out my C9 units one of which works 100%. Not bad for something made in early 1980s.My other C9 however was retired after the plastic spring loaded rod foxed to the shuttle guide 2 and 3 snapped into 3 pieces.I have aquired another piece after 5 yr search but am at a loss as to why the original snapped.Also the second spring loaded guide on the threading ring does not "pop up" when loading cycle initiated.Does anyone know what I should be looking for before potentially breaking un replaceable parts.ps .I do have the service manuals somewhere.thanks in advance.

I have now placed the Sanyo VTC 5000 on ebay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271380329617?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

Thanks for your interest.

Hi, I have a Sanyo vtc 5000 to sell, it's New in it's original box which has never been opened and stored indoors for 30 odd years. so MINT. I didn't know the best place to sell, or just put it on ebay? Thanks for any help. btw I'm in the UK.

Hi Noel:

Thanks for that.I now remember it was this limited output scart to three wires lead I was given. As it only had three leads on the other end it was output only. I first used that on the first Sony 950 I came across.

...............Kev

Simon,

For the sound problem on your SLHF950 check the underside of the tuner board and see if the nicad backup battery has leaked and damaged (erroded) the wires on the underside of the board. I had this happen on at least three machines fitted with the round button type soldered in batteries. I jumpered wires across the damaged/missing tracks but it a tricky task to trace them all.

cheers Noel

Kevin,

The scart connector on the SLHF950 allows both input and output of AV signals.

regards Noel

Simon,

Some TV's will not show a picture or sound if there is no stable picture. I have seen your problem when the heads are dirty. Try giving the heads a clean to see if that sorts your problem...

James

Hi Simon:

Basically make sure you are viewing the Sanyo recordings from the BNC to VIDEO OUT and PHONO AUDIO OUT.I would not recommend RF(yes I believe some still do).Sometimes on this model the EXT/TUNER switch get's oxidised.If you switch it up and down firmly about twice every second for about thirty seconds this usually takes care of that.As for the sound only in the TEST ON position and nothing when turning that off.I've never come across that issue.Try the TUNER/EXT method as I've stated and see what happens.Let me the results and we'll go from there.

........Kev

Hi Kevin,i have a similar problem with my vtc 5000. When pressing play there Is no sound and picturebut whien i switch to test signal the sound track suddenly appears,switch back to tuner and no sound,no picture.Any help appreciated many thanks.

I am not an expert on the names of the wires but:

I have tried a scart lead with wires on the other endI have tried wires with an add on scart on the other endI have tried wires from the betamax to the tv

(wires to wires)(wires to scart)(wires to add on scart)

I also put a brand new tape in the machine and pressed fast forward and play together, for the whole tape but nothing happened

What ever I use, I only get sound and no picture.

Thanks

Hi Ross:

What connectors are you using to go from the Sanyo BNC video output socket to the INPUT on the TV?Make sure it's the correct BNC type bayonet screwlock type with a Phono female open end socket(if the socket is separate from the wire.It could also be the setting on the TV is not correct fro the analogue signal coming from the Sanyo.

If you can send pictures of your connectors/setup to my e-mail address I can assist you further.

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

I just got a Sanyo VTC-5000. I have 400 tapes I want to watch. I have tried connecting the Betamax to my tv but all I get is sound and no picture. I dont even get a fuzzy picture. I have connected the red, yellow and white wires to the back to my tv via scart and also tried just wires to wires, but I get no picture. I have a new tv and not an old fashioned big bulky thing. I then use my remote control to put it to which action I need. I live in Scotland so its a PAL tv and machine. Thanks

Hi Simon:

I may be wrong but I believe the scart connection on the 950 is for OUTPUT only.Maybe I have the the wrong way (INPUT )only?Also the tuner would now be defunct as analogue is switched off?Not sure what country you are in?

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

Kevin, thanks a lot for your explanation. I think it's worth printing this info and telling my local tech service because I'm not familiar with electronics.

finaly got my 950 running with new heads however it has a couple of faults 1 no input via line in through scart and when in rf/tuner will only record video no audio!not standard or hifi although vu meters ok and e-e sound ok any ideas

Hi Nina:

It could be several things.Some caps may be going bad in the PSU (power supply).This is known to cause patterning interference on the C30 and F30. (C104 - 22uf)can cause this and poor tracking.That could be the culprit.I would get those checked out first.

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

Roderick, I really appreciate your help. I followed that tip but the machine still plays in B&W, even with original tapes, on aerial and BNC output. After two hours of continued playback the problem remains there.

Simon,

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

It may help you.

i have a lovely slhf950 for repair that some idiot took the head apart took the head disk offthere is no instructions in the service manual the problem i have is the orientation of the disk relative to the intermediate assy and there are 3 wires to be soldered on old head they are red black green and oposite white black green the new head is red black blue and white black blue obvious the blue is the new colour to replace green the instructions with the head disk say to get the magnet in correct position but as the machine was dismantled i have no idea where it is supposed to be or where the 6 wires are to be soldered as on the intermediate assy there are 4 solder pads and each winding is labled 1 2 3 4 i have a photo of it if needed

any help appreciated simonsomerset technical services

Nina, have you tried just playing a tape for half an hour or so?If you didn't use the machine for some years the heads may be dirty. Just playing a good quality tape for a while will often fix that problem.

Hello. Have a Sony beta machine, model SL-F30UB. Some years ago worked great, but now it only shows B&W picture with any tape I play. Is there any thing I could check? THANKS.

Hello, I have the Sony SL-F30, in EE mode works good, but when I play a original tape appear horizontal lines in movement only in parts with red colour, do you know the solution?

Still have a fully working Super Betamax Hi-Fi that I would like to sell. Sony SL-HFR70 + Sony HFD 200 - both units in original Sony factory cartons with operation manuals and the remote control. Selling both for $ 200. 00 + actual UPS insured shipping charges. USA sales only.

Hope all had a great Xmas and wishing all video enthusiasts (especially Betamax ones) the very best for 2014.

*Merry Christmas to all Beta enthusiasts! All the best for this new year 2014.

/Gabriel

Merry Christmas to all the beta fans still out there.

regards Noel Higgins in Australia. (betaheaven.com)

Can I still buy a quality Betamax that works? When did they stop making them?

Maybe Moderators are needed?

Thanks Martin - It is a difficult issue and a time waster.

In case you are all wondering, the new spam system appears to be working a treat. If anything it might have ruffled a few feathers, as at 06:40 GMT this morning there were so many spam posts in one go that all legitimate posts were pushed off. The board only shows about the last 60 posts, all had to be removed in one go.

I agree, it would be great to upgrade the system, but unfortunately this is not possible. If/when a new system is written/implemented, all that can be done is to turn this one off and use the new URL. I can assure you it is being considered, but as I am sure you can all appreciate, we all live busy lives.

You need to have an activation process to be able to post here, otherwise this spamming will not stop.

2 days and the spammers have cracked the filter.....

I believe it is really time to change the forum software to something more secure.Maybe have a look at this: https://www.phpbb.com

It is free, fairly easy to manage once set up and will limit the spam easily.

CHEERS Martin!

ALL your efforts regarding spam removal/avoidance are very much appreciated.

...............Kev

Keep our fingers crossed and hope it works.

Thanks a lot!

The spam filters have had to be modified on a pretty much daily basis recently to catch all the weird terms being used. The new system will hopefully adapt better over time. Spam should hopefully be removed within about 5 minutes of it being posted. Fingers crossed.

Currently upgrading the spam defences again, sorry for the outage. Please post if you are having difficulties.

Sorry, there was overnight loss of our spam filter server... it only took a short while before all the valid posts were knocked off.

I have a problem with a Sanyo videorecorder VTC-M20. The display is ok but when you press the Timer button the pilot light on but all the others switch off.

Good news, after reading the comments on here, CORBETA made a turn around and emailed me that he would pay shipping both ways and repair this Betamax that never worked.

I guess this guy reads this forum and decided to do the right thing..

Thanks guys for your comments and will keep you up to date if he really follows thru ..

Thanks Gabriel, also I forgot to mention that the sound is noticeably slow on some tapes but a quick search forward rectifies it for a few seconds. :/

Hi Richard,

I don't think the capstan motors from F1 and F30 are interchangeable (the former is the model with "trick" options and some components may differ).First, try to check the pinch roller (rubber surface and inner bearings) and change the capacitors on the capstan board. That's a common source of problems on Sony beta players.

Hi everyone.I would like some advice please. I have a Sony slf1 portable recorder with warbling sound and rolling picture. Just wondering if it is the capstan motor and if so is a capstan motor from a Sony slf30 compatible? Thanks.Richard :)

Problem with my Sony Betacam player BVW-20P:

I have found that the left tape tensioner roller no tends enough and so the image tearing. The defect disappears as soon as you push just a little-little tension on the tensioner roller which is on the left and pull the tape exiting from the left reel.I saw there is an electromagnet (blue) that pulls the tensioner roller and i think that the force of the tension is adjustable with a trimmer.The question is precisely about which card is the voltage regulator of the tape and which trimmer is ?Can anyone help me?thanks !!

**************************************Ho un problema sul mio Betacam player BVW-20P:

L'immagine strappa e ho notato che se spingo appena poco poco col dito, il rullo tendinastro situato a sinistra (quello che tende il nastro uscente dalla bobina di sinistra) l'immagine é perfetta, Probabilmente il tenditore non tende abbastanza.Ho visto che la tensione avviene per un elettromagnete (colore blu)situato sotto il vano cassetta e che tira il tendinastro. Questo elettromagnete probabilmente ha una forza regolabile con un trimmer per cui vorrei sapere quale scheda e quale trimmer regola la tensione del nastro.Qualcuno può aiutarmi ?Grazie

I have many Scotch VHS Tape Head Cleaners for Sale. Also BASF/EMTEC VHS Tapes in Bulk for Sale. 50/100 x E120 & E180 Tapes. Any Interest?

Hi Tina I am interested. Thanks

tetr

Unfortunately only found this site after disposing of Hubbys Betamax players, but have over 300 (closer to 500, I think) pre-recorded films, (many x-rental from when they changed to V.H.S.). Several recordable tapes. Various themes - comedy, war, etc. Think there is something for everyone. We are south west, U.K based. Shipping would probably be very expensive but if anyone would like them, please before they join the players. I want them away by end of October 2013. I'll consider delivering if you pay my petrol & upto approx an hour from where I live. Wish I had found this site earlier. Thank you for your time.

Hi John:

As far as Cordbeta goes i have seen his vcr's and he does charge quite a premium , although these are listed as 'fully refurbished'.I do notice they are'nt always as clean as could be ( by his pictures) and some of his claims (judging by some feedback) is questionable.Justifying a high price it would have to be very well refurbished (not just belts and idlers!) and pretty much immaculate/clean and cosmetically and fully guaranteed , i would think.As i did my own i offer, with the standatory high quality leads/connectors,and owners manual.I note he also seems to retract his paltry (but legal) 3 months guarantee if you offer him a lower price?That i'm afraid is NOT ON.As i understand it all refurbished used items should come with a 3 month guarantee.PERIOD.For the prices he's commanding,even for basic vcr's, he should stand by his promise of being 'fully refurbished with guarantee' if they go wrong.

Have you had it long?

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

The jury may see tthe evidence here in the Betamx V'S The Internet. mass Media Court http://www.flickr.com/photos/highamsparkimagingdevices/

Thanks for the continued De-spamming work Martin.

Lambert,

The only help I can offer to your SLF1 problem at this stage is to say you really need a CRO and a service manual to see what signals are being provided to the servo circuit and the control IC. These machines are very hard to work on because of how they are constructed so compactly. Because they are portable they also get dropped resulting in obscure faults due to broken boards and mechanical damage.

The machine shuts down if it thinks it has a broken tape or even slack tape because the tape can otherwise just fill up the machine and jam it badly.

So you need to check out what the loaded and tape end sensor circuits are doing. Sometimes missing tracking pulses from servo inputs will result in the same problem. (The machine assumes no tape in the path and shuts off)

regards Noel

John,

I don't know you, the issue or what machine you are talking about and I assume eBay is involved because you mentioned feedback.

If you have an issue with Cordbeta about something you purchased through eBay then take it up with him. I only provide "after sales service" for the machines I sell or repair.

I am happy to provide any advice I can on problems and faults with Beta machines in general as the chat page was intended to do amongst enthusiasts, but I am not Judge Judy.

regards Noel

Has anyone heard of a seller on eBay called CORDBETA.

I had a problem with his unit and he said to talk to a NOEL?

Im tempted to leave Negative feedback , but will wait to tell Noel my problem if he knows this Cordbeta.

Thanks

My SL HF 300 is acting up...a black area appears and is distorting and "eating" a portion of the screen...see the following short clip:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzqjPq-iRbMAny ideas?

Best regards....Oswaldo

It is good to give good acurate infomation about the Betamax and VHS formats as Google search is technicaly slander on the Betamax video, with miss infomation, and Wikipedia are no better still laying claim that Betamax lost out to VHS. So i had enough and put a flickr page together it only took a day to put together. called Betamax V's The Internet. Mass Media Court. Hoping this would set the record straight once and for all Betamax is supirior and the Case was dissmissed.

Hi Noel, thank you so much for your respons. I was not able to respond for now. The drumhead is rotating in fast forwarts and rewind . Also during playinf for 3 seconds. It seems it works everything but very short and as I wrote the drumhead is rotating in any position.

Thanks Lambert.

Really?

Lambert,

The first thing to check is to see if the head drum is rotating when you press play fast forward or rewind. See http://www.palsite.com/slf1tech.html half way down the page for more information on this fault.

regards Noel (betaheaven.com)

Hi Everybody, I am complete new on this Betamax Chat and I have a problem with my Sony SL-F1E. When I insert a tape and push the play button, the machine start to play and stopt after 1 or 3 seconds. Evenso with the fast forwarts and backwarts button. All the functions seems to work but for a very short time. Is there anybody outthere who can help me.

I am Dutch so my Englisch is not to good and I hope you understand my question.

Thanks in forwarts and hope you guys have the right answers for me.

Another clue on this faulty SL-C80: When plugged to the AC mains and the video is on Standby (Green led off), the main solenoid retracts and the reel goes on rewind by themself. This is after 25 -30 minutes after connecting the machine to mains.This seems not to be related to switches nor sensors, but a supply issue. Next thing I'm trying is replacing the capacitors on PSU.

Regards,

I am looking for a replacement Cassette Housing Assembly for a Sony SL-F25 /UB Betamax Recorder

If it simply the tone that is affected then it could simply be the pinch roller that needs to cleaned or replaced.

James

Berrie,

Warbling audio is a different problem. Usually related to aging capacitors.

It changes the bias voltage setting of the capstan servo and also affects the tracking adjustment range. Replace the capacitors in those areas and reset the bias voltages should fix it.

regards Noel

Oh, good news this chat is working again. It's so useful.

Right now I have a Sony SL-C80 (same chassis 711B as SL-C30, I guess) mixing the "test signal" and the tape signal on aerial output. When the machine is cold, the image is perfect, but as soon as the video gets warmer, the image distorts and finally "test signal" is on the screen. I have checked the switch button on the upper panel, even desoldering it, with no results.Any idea on this? Thanks in advance guys.

Thanks Noel, I will check the resistor. I've also noticed that the audio playback is changing in pitch. (video picture is good) The tracking does not have any effect on it. What could be the problem?Berrie

Infoman,

For PAL System it is the SLHF950

regards Noel

Hi, Welshbay, I have a collection of over 700 movies , 200 documentaries, almost 7,500 musical video clips and almost 300 concerts in S-beta format, all in hi-fi, stereo quality. Although I transferred a lot of this material to digital recordings, I still like to watch the original material from time to time. Is this satisfying answer to your question ?

Can anyone answer my question please, why are people still buying Betamax Video players? what do you use them for, thanks in advance Andy

Hey there you guys, I am trying to find a good old SL-T30ME or SL-T50ME, nothing wrong with another SL-T200ME,,, and never even seen or heard of those SL-700ME / SL-800ME until yesterday

need it to replace a dead fried SL-T200ME email me at [email protected] if you have one you know of

Urgent HELP needed! Can anyone, please, help me to find Mr.Costanzo (or Costanza, or Constanzo or Constanza), living in the neighborhood of Stuttgart, Germany, who already helped me keep my two S-Betas alive and kicking ? Or, maybe you can direct me to some other S-betaobermeister in Deutschland ? Much obliged for your prompt assistance !

When was the last Betamax video recorder made which included the SCART socket

Berrie?

Regarding the SLC40E. The problem is most likely a blown fuse on the windings of the brake solenoid.

If you take off the base cover and look at the back of the reel assembly.

See the back of the reel assembly from underneath and you should notice the solenoid pull in and hold in play rewind or fast forward mode.

If it does not trace back the leads to the connector take it off and check for resistance continuity. If its does not measure resistance between all pins then the fuse is blown. This is mounted just under the surface of the blue tape surrounding the brake solenoid.If you cant get a replacement thermal fuse then replace the fuse with a quarter watt 10 ohm resistor.

regards Noel (Betaheaven.com) Australia

M. Lindsay,

What format is it? If PAL I can transfer it to DVD for the cost of the postage and the blank DVD.

James

Hi,I Have a Sony SL-8080 SA PAL stored at my place since...I can remember...anyone fancy to buy it?

I'm sorry if this is not the best page to do it....mail me your offer and I'll give you photos and details for the vcr.

Kind regards,Alexandre

I have a Sony Betamax SLC40es Betamax player, and the REW and FF works very slowly. Especially the FF, so I think the pendulum drive is broken. Where can I buy this part?

I suggest you search ebay for beta tape transfer services in your area

regards Noel

I have a Sony Dynamicron Beta tape of my son's school festival in 1984. I would like to have it transferred to a VHS tape or a DVD. Can anyone help me achieve this?

Fabrizio,

Regarding the broken plastic slide in your SLHF950 machine. I have repaired such two machines with broken slides like this in the following manner, Cut the edge of the slide where it is broken so that it forms a neat right angle with the chassis its mounted on. Remove the section going back from there to the rear of the machine. Using aluminium sheet fashion a suitable right angle replacement for the broken plastic section, drill holes and fix it with screws to the chassis centre plate to support the carriage again and the tension of the slide lever. If possible make the edge of the new aluminium section lock and support the plastic where they join.

I know this works and such damage is common if the machine has been dropped when transported without the three transit screws fitted as per the owners manual instructions.

regards Noel (betaheaven.com) Australia

I have a NEC PVC-P1040E portable Betamax recorder. This is an unusual item with virtually no information anywhere on the net.Would this site be interested in more details and pics etc?Allegedly portable - it weighs over 12 pounds yet I used to lug it around with big Canon camera attached.Best bit is - it still works.

The belt kit for the C6 is known to fit the C7. I have got belt kits and pinch rollers from Star components here in Australia.

James

Looking for a working Betamax player. Preferably a front loader as I prefer them to the top loaders. I am also willing to pay the postage if you live far away. I am in Aberdeen Scotland Thanks

Fransico:

As the C7 is so old you may have to remove the old belts and try to lay them in a circle.Measure the inner and outer diameter and also belt thickness.Allow for a few millimeters for stretching with the old belt.Then do a search for said drive belts.

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

I need to replace belts on my Sony Betamax C7. Anyone could tell me where can I buy this?

Regards

Hello,i have a Superbeta SL .HF950ES and i have a problem:The plastic guide called 3-696-425-02 (No.167 on service manual at the page 157)is broken.On "play", the video is running but the slider SL is not loked and there is some problems during the REW or FF because the cassette is not lokedThere is any one that give me where buy this pieces ?Thanks and sorry for my english !!(please answer to i4YFC by QRZ.com)

Is there any chance the people running this chat page could introduce CAPTCHA, to reduce the amount of people using this site to talk about Porn, its getting abit crap now !

James it sounds like it needs a belt kit to sort out that problem.

Hello, I wonder if anyone can help me. I have a Sanyo Betacord machine model VTC 9300PN which has a fault.The tape goes into the machine but it does not spool properly and the tape itself ends up being loose inside the machine. When I first tried the machine out I did get a picture for a brief moment when I first used it but nothing since then.If anyone has any ideas for a solution I would really appreciate if they could reply, thank you very much,James

M Loader:

The Sanyo VTC 5400 (i'm assuming that's the model in question?)It will need most belts (thinner ones ) replaced the larger ones are usually fine.There is also a mod for this model ( and the 5300) whereby you file down a sharp rounded cam on the loading ring, to overcome extra torque the tape loading ring usually has to overcome.This is best down by someone who knows about these things. Where are you based?

.....Kevin

...We got a 5400 and after losding tape...notjing happens...should wrap tape around drum?thanks

Hi...We got a SL20 and has the following problem...Push cassette through the slot. Nothing happens....after applyingcleaner...turns on the display..but not power button.Green.Led never lits up.Any suggestion?Thanks

Hi everyone.I have a Sony SLF1, companion timer unit, spare battery AND the Trinicon camera all in working order (minus the remote :-( ) If anyone would like to make me a sensinble offer for them. The cameras microphone sponge covering is perished so would need replacing, but the camera comes in the original hardcase. As I said its in full working order, I live in south Wales and any inpection/testing is very welcome. Could get a postage cost within the U.K if needed. Thougt I would give fellow Beta enthusiasts first shout as I don't really like eBay...Richard :-)

Gary,

See betaheaven.com for my contact details. I have new original SONY SLHF150 heads and they can be adapted to work in an SLHF100 by removing one of the two position sense magnets to make it the same as the HF100 assembly.

There are probably still SLF30 heads available from Wagner in Sydney Australia.

Where are you located? If that is an Australian telephone number I could call you.

regards Noel

Im looking for a video head disc for the Sony HF100 (PAL Spec).I was wondering if anyone has a brand new set for sale or if anyone knows of a source for them. Also looking for a set of video heads for the SL-F30 if anyone knows of a source for them.Sometimes my Email dosent work too well so if you could give me a call on 07891164449.Many thanks.

Martin,

Thanks for putting things right on the Chat page.

To the question about converting tapes using a Sony SLT30ME. It should automatically select the right mode on playback. The mode the Canopus records in also needs to be set manually. I have tried to record NTSC tapes being played back using the canopus 300 but got only got black and white picture and had to use a Conia DVD recorder instead so they might not work that well in other than their native mode.

regards Noel (Betaheaven.com)

Sound like the machine is stuck in SECAM mode.I am not familiar with that model, does it have selection switches for PAL / NTSC / SECAM?

I have a SL-T30ME that I'm trying to use to convert some PAL beta max tape to digital. I'm using a BNC cable to a BNC-RCA adapter into a Canopus converter. I get a picture but everything is black and white. Any ideas why I'm not getting color?

thanks for any help you can offer. This website seems to be the last bastion of hope for this product. LOL

We are currently experiencing over 500 obscene spam entries per day and are doing our best to remove them as fast as possible. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Spammers are a sad pathetic breed.This board needs an update and soon.cheers guys.............

The owners of this site need to get some fresh blood to control this crap.