Dear Frandid,

The HF100 and the HF150 don't differ so much in terms of features and capabilities. The main issues the HF150 has in common with F30 and F60 (the whole 'F series' is wide, covering a lot of different models) is the carriage being very delicate. Particularly, the last tooth of one of the gears is prone to break. This break is not easy to solve, as long as it means getting a "donor" for spares or trying to fix it with composite glues (needless to say, 3D printing is getting more and more affordable...). After that, it means re-aligning the carriage assembly.

The other annoying issue is the break of the beginning tape sensor spring bracket. However, this can be easily fixed in some different ways.

Apart from the above, we have to take into account the common issues: loading black gear, Hall sensors, torque issues, lack of clearance on the idler motor, capacitor aging...

However, in most cases it depends on how well has "survived" a particular unit along the years. Storage conditions and previous maintenance routines play an important role here.

I haven't ever seen an HF150 Secam or combined PAL/Secam (maybe a " HF150 PS"?). But I wouldn't be surprised Sony had distributed such variant at a given period.

On the other hand, the T50ME is clearly a C20 / C30 chassis (711B) with some modifications. The multistandard capabilities usually imply changes on the video and tuner boards, but the mecha section might be re-used with little mods. The trick speed modes normally have to be with servo mods and given the need of perfect pause, a third video head (which at the same time forces some changes at the heads preamp board).

I have owned two or three T50MEs, it is a hard-to-find beta machine. However, if I had to choose on a multistandard beta, I would pick an SL-800ME: it is a more modern machine with real time counter and infinite smoother operation, among other nice features. However, they are like hen's teeth. I have owned it only once (with its original remote!).

You have a collection of singular and very nice machines, representing the variety of technology that Sony put into beta machines. Keep them up and running!

Hi Gabriel

The SL-HF150 looks more interesting than the HF100, what are the commun issues it suffers ? (I don't know the "F" series). I don't think this model was available in pure SECAM (the HF100 was) but I saw PAL/SECAM units on ebay in the past. It might interest me some day to complete my little collection with my SL-C9 F, SL-HF950ES and SL-T50ME.

To Which chassis series would you say the SL-T50ME belongs, it is a PAL/SECAM/NTSC machine with no real time counter but with slow motion and 2X speed. I like it as much as my 2 others, it has an outstanding picture in SECAM. But the 9X speed is the worse I ever saw ! Not important.

Regards.

One of the most interesting things regarding the HF100 is reliability. You can own a true stereo HiFi machine with the ease of maintenance of a C20 / C30.

The HF150 is also a worth keeping beta, but it suffers from common issues the F30 / F60 chassis do.

Best regards,

Gabriel

Thanks Frandid,

I agree with our about the HF-100, very very basic, in fact I much prefer the C9, but it's still a good machine, will be keeping hold of this one.

It still needs a little more TLC work inside (don't they all!) at the moment the power block is being refurbished, more preventative maintenance than fault finding.

On the C9, the drum as failed, and although almost repaired, the hall effect sensor is faulty so will have to be replaced.

I'm working on another C6 at the moment, power supply failure, rather than not coming out of standby, this one has the opposite, so perhaps someone has put the diode in the wrong way around. Also the usual with this machine, servo caps, speed issues, and worn idler (for now I just turned the tyre around for a temporary repair whilst waiting for spares to arrive)

Dear friends ,

I have several SONY FLEXCART BFC-1 units available for sale , fully working and complete .

Anyone needs them ?

I would accept any reasonable offer :)

Hello Betamax addicts !

I couldn't connect to this chat page until now. (Tried almost every day).

Bjorn I'm glad you repaired your SL-C9.

Concerning the SL-HF100 I think it is a very basic unit with HiFi sound, but no slow motion, reverse play etc. I wouldn't put money on it but if you get one for almost nothing it's a good bargain ! And if you don't like it you can always sell it on Ebay !

Regards.

PS : I am still looking for a RMT-217 original SL-T50 remote.

Hi all.

Does anyone have a spare flip down control panel flap for a Sony slhf100ub with the locating lugs intact for sale please? I'm in the UK if that helps.

Thanks

Rich.

Gabriel,

You are right on with your comment of keeping both.

Linear stereo does not play back properly on a mono machine (even the HF100AS) so you need the C9 for those tapes.

The best machines to do both types of stereo audio are the SLO1700 or even a HF100P if you can get one.

The SLO170 has the C9 mechanism and the HF100 heads. Pity it does not include a real time counter.

cheers Noel

HI,

I am looking to hire a Umatic player to transfer my tapes to PC.

I guess 1- 3 days max.

I am in Sydney.

Any suggestions please?

Thanks

David

Martin,

Thanks very much for doing all those updates to the chat page processes.

It seems some people like to enjoy making virus's, malware and bots etc more than joining in a useful endeavour, which is a pity.

regards Noel

Rich,

That's great news. So glad to see it was helpful!

Bjorn,

You got a really good bargain. As far as I know the HF100, it is basically a C30 with all the HiFi stuff. Power supply is different but the whole transport system is the same, including the carriage.

For me, it is not comparable to a C9. They are completely different machines . C9 's transport is unique yet beautiful, but it lacks HiFi. Linear stereo is not something really remarkable for me. On the other hand, it is by far less reliable than the HF100.

I would keep both, they complement each other.

Interestingly I picked up a Sony SL-HF100UB on ebay for £20 as scrap. Initially wanting the machine for spares, as you know how difficult they can be to get.

Usual faults listed, front-load damaged, buttons broken and/or not working. The video took 5 minutes to repair and is now functioning as new. Bargain!!!

I haven't worked on one of these before, so just wondering how reliable they actually are? Worth using to replace my C9?

Oh, whilst mentioning the C9, thanks Frandid for all your help, my machine is now working, in the end there was a fault in the audio circuit, and we made a DC to DC converter. All good now whilst the repair holds up.

Hopefully the chat page is beginning to return to normal now. There have been quite a lot of changes under the hood, but hopefully it will now be a lot more responsive.

Search results also now show newest results first.

Gabriel.

I cleaned and rubbed the pinch roller with some fine sandpaper and it's done the trick! All tapes play and record perfectly now. Many thanks.

I just need to get hold of an intact front right control panel flap and it'll be looking good.

Regards

Rich.

Gabriel.

Thanks for the info. I'll try that and let you know if its cured the problem

Regards

Rich.

Rich,

First thing to suspect under these symptoms is the pinch roller. Just remove it and slightly rub the rubber against a soft sand paper to see if something improves.

Also check for dirt or contamination on the CTL head and capstan shaft.

Hope to be helpful.

Hi all.

I've recently been given a Sony SLHF100UB. It has a slight problem when playing back shop bought pre recorded and ex rental tapes. The picture at the bottom of the screen has a tracking line and the hifi sound goes off. If I pause, rew search or fw search the line goes for a few seconds and the hifi comes back then goes back to acting up. Oddly when the tape is about halfway through playing both picture and sound are fine. This doesn't happen on tapes recorded with off air stuff.

Any suggestions would be great please.

Rich.

Hi

Be interested in knowing if anyone else here keeps getting the 'Palsite is busy' message when trying to access this site during the day?

......Kevin

Hi.

Download any PDF service manual on a free site for the SL-C9, SL-T50ME, HF-950 etc. and you will notice that all these Sony models bear the same guides numbers ! ;-) (You will find links on my previous posts here).

Hola frandid,

Explica cual es la guía número 7 , la guía número 3 y la guía número 2..

Yo tengo en reparación un sl c9 y el problema está en el carro de cinta...

Hi Kevin, Gabriel and everybody here.

My turn to help and give a tip : I discovered something that maybe not everyone or every pro knows : When repairing a post 1981 Sony Beta, ( SL-C9, SL-T50, HF-950 etc.) the white plastic part covering guide number 5 (close to guide n.7) must NOT be taken out while making loading tests, never. Apparently this part doesn't seem important but it is crucial in fact. If it has been taken out and you test loading/unloading a tape, little by little guide number 2 (and probably n.3 later) will be damaged and finally destroyed. It will be too damaged to be adjusted with the little screw you mentioned Kevin in a former post. This white plastic part gives the good direction and angle for positioning guides n.2 and n.3 when loading. I know this because it happened to me last year to lose guide n.2 in my SL-C9 F while making tests without the white part but I was fortunate having a dead donor for spares.I am thinking of this now because you recently explained how to adjust guides n.2 and n.3 Kevin when their springs are a little bit tired. But this won't work if they have been too damaged by loading / unloading without the white plastic cover.

Noel:

Thanks for that.Another area to check but I hav'nt seen that issue as yet.

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

Kevin,

I have noticed the pop-up post issue on a few machines, but more common these days on the SLF30, is the plastic return spring mount breaking away from the base plate and the end of tape sensor not locating correctly causing failure of the cassette to play.

regards Noel (Betaheaven.com)

Hi Nick

And I'd like to add YOU are a very patient person as well.

I'm glad we have been able to assist you in a way that should be a common occurence but sadly lacking these days.

Glad to be of help and that you are happy.

....Kev

Nick,

I am really proud to read your lines here in this Beta enthusiasts board.

Just hope to cope your expectatives regarding Betamax materials I am sending.

Feel free to comment whatever you find good or bad about the transaction, no worries. Feedback is always good in order to improve.

Warm regards and also very specially to Frandid, Kevin and Noel.

Hi guys kevin and now I know Gabriel just would like to say a big thankyou to these special guy's for restoring my faith and trust in humanity.anyone thinking of wanting their betamax repairing or buying parts.you have found the right place and these two people I can safely say deserve you're trust.really honest and proffessional at all times.while being generous of there own expertise and experience.and not breaking the bank.betamax was the best of the era and now people are realizing this.thanks again

Hi betaphiles:

I thought I'd share this info.

Whilst working on the Sony SLF30 machines the last three I've seen have all had the same issue.

During lacing two metal guides pop up to the left to help secure and wrap that tape around the head drum.

The first guide is smaller then the second which is longer.

The second bigger guide is the one that's at fault.

When lacing it doesn't pop up high enough to locate itself in the black plastic guide slot and locates underneath this.

This action not only put's more strain on the bottom of this guide during tape play and all modes but does not allow the tape to be secured as it should.

The solution is to gently tighten the first smallest screw at the front of where this guides is screwed down.

You will have to manually wind out the loading ring until this guide pops up enough and clears the white guide rail. You will also need a VERY tiny appropriate Philips type screwdriver otherwise you will wind the head of the screw smooth

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

Stan,

This is a PAL system site and the SL10 is an American NTSC machine so I guess it is of little interest here. Also postage costs overseas would be really expensive.

Regards, Gabriel

Hey my name is Stan from Toledo Ohio USA, I have Sony BETAMAX SL10 used still in the original box with the owners manual for sale. Also I have about over 100 prerecorded beta tapes with movies, fights, Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Lenard, Tommy Hearns,Roberto Dran etc... and other movies. Plays excellent. Make me a offer, only serious offer will be considered! For additional information please e-mail me at [email protected]. Thanks.

Absolutley.Yes I did notice that so that's a bonus too :)

PS : On the site you mentioned, they don't have any service manual for the SL-T50ME and the one you bought for the T30 doesn't also include the T50 like the one I gave the link. So keep it in case one day you receive a SL-T50ME in your workshop... ;-)

Yes you'r right Kevin this one doesn't include the parts listing but others I downloaded do include it.

Frandid:

Thanks again and I now have access to that one too.

It does'nt include the parts info though but the one I bought does so it's just as well but thanks all the same.

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

Joe:

I sent the email to the address you have next to your name here (it starts with 'jcvf' and ends with 'mail.com'.)

If not can you send your details to my e-mail: [email protected]. So we can get thing's moving for you.

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

Hello to all, thanks, now i am looking for a 950, the unit that cost 199 in eBay has oxide and did not have the remote. so i must to forget it, maybe is in good shape but the oxide for me is not a good signal.

I have not recieved the mail yet MR Lambert, but as soon as i can i want to send you the VCR. now both are a dead piece in this moment

Kevin,

The link I gave is good but this chat page modifies it (when the name of a beta machine appears in the link it becomes another link to the pal site). I think you just have to rewrite it cuting the spaces added and it will work. I just downloaded the PDF and it is the complete service manual for both the SL-T30ME and T50. It doesn't install any malaware or virus. It is one of the best sites where I find free original service manuals for my machines. If you can't go to it with the direct link, try this http://freeservicemanuals.info/en/ then search for your make (Sony) and model ( SL-T30 ).

Hi Bee,

Looking at your list, and presuming they're in good condition, you have a goldmine of good titles there. In fact, some I wouldn't mind adding to my library.

Beta tapes are trending at very varied prices at the moment, some reasonable, ridiculous. Obviously rare titles in good condition are worth their asking price, but people seem to be going crazy at the moment.

I can't advise on price due to conflict of interest, but worth looking at how each title is trending. Time consuming but worth the effort.

Hi Frandid:

I did try the free download route but they all seemed to want to put search apps on my PC and the manual no where to be seen.

Anyways I appreciate the info and also I made a mistake it was for the SLT30ME not 50.

I have used this site before and compared to many the prices is very reasonable for what you are sent.

Thanks again...................Kevin

Hi Kevin

The SL-TO50ME service manual is here for free (PDF) : http://freeservicemanuals.info/en/servicemanuals/viewmanual/Sony/SLT30ME/SLT50ME/None/OPERATIONMANUAL/ Just click on SL-T30ME and the download will start. In fact it is the service manual for both the SL-T30 and the SL-T50ME.

Probably the best Beta with the SL-C9 and the SL-HF950ES.

If anyone has a RMT-217 remote looking new to sell please contact me.

Hi Guys:

To anyone looking for a service manual try these guys.......www.owner-manuals.com

They always have what you want are quick and the cost is brilliant too.

Used them many times.

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

Hi Guys:

To anyone looking for a service manual try these guys.......www.owner-manuals.com

They always have what you want are quick and the cost is brilliant too.

Used them many times.

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

Hi

Does anyone have a service manual for a Sony SLT50ME Multi system beta vcr?

I really only need the parts and voltages info for the PSU.

Cheers.....................Kev

Hello. Has somebody an answer to my problem? The technical diagnosis said problem with "servo"...

Joe:

I've sent you an e-mail to the address you've added here.(don't know if you've received it yet)

It will give you privacy in sending over your address details so I can get a good quote for returning the vcr back to you.

..Kevin

By the way, I am looking for an original RMT-217 remote for my SL-T50ME, I only had a RM-612 instead when I bought it. I want it to look almost new because all my video machines and remotes (even those aged more than 30 years) look new. And I am quite a perfectionnist !

Joe I am pleased if some of my passionate comments may be of some interest for you.

One thing : The average price of a working SL-HF950 on Ebay is about 800 /1000 € but sometimes you can find one for less than 450€. You must check twice a week because they are rapidly sold. Most of the time they are auctions that start from 50 € and are finally sold bewteen 300 and 450 € depending on their cosmetic aspect.

Joe:

My friend rest assured I have worked on hundreds of Sanyo's and sadly your comments from so called professionals is very common. THEY DON'T WANT TO KNOW basically and do the very smallest things to these(usually try to replace belt's and idlers)and that's it! (My E-Bay ID is: knightman2 feel free to check it out.)

I have had many delighted recipients to my machines as I am one of the very few who it THOROUGH and as these are getting on in age now THEY NEED IT :)

I could give you many names that would be happy to back up my comments.

I would of course LOVE to get one or even both perfect for you.

I would estimate the packing at around 11KG to allow for plenty of good strong packing and then would need your full address to get a quote for you.

I have promised to do this work for you for nothing but if you feel you want to pay me for it i'll leave that up to you entirely, as you are having difficulties getting said machines the attention they truly deserve.

If I cannot solve your issues then I doubt many could. That comment is from experience and lot's of it.

No dout either wasting more money on questionable machines. The owners do not always tell it like it is and the buyer usually finds out the hard way. I've been on the end of that many times too.

Let me have your details and we'll get the ball rolling again for you.

........Kevin (UK)

Frandid:

Sanyo did build secam units PAL/Secam units.I have one here.

As for the unreliable comment for the Sanyo's. I wouldn't say that just after 30 odd years they require a damn good overhaul as do most vcr unit's, used for that period of time. The Sony issues are not usually down to lack of servicing but breakages or bad PSU caps or faulty transistors/halls sensors so in effect are unreliable there. Not too mention the extra tape, tape path and head wear being laced all the time too. You may enjoy all those extra modes/features but this comes at a price usually. Especially when they go wrong.

The sled areas on the 950 are now starting to fail, (mode switches and plastic rails to add to the tally) There are some who cannot sort out these issues, or wouldn't want to try too either.

I admit the rubber component use is always not good after many years but is so easily remedied. Finding tiny gears, new hall sensors or some issues needing extensive searching for are not. As you yourself have found out.

So in effect the Sanyo is a stronger, easily sorted machine that lasts pretty well when looked after well and treated with respect to this.

Joe:

No problem and 950 's in great order with light use are rare over here. The one's that do pop up in exceptional shape with all accessories are expensive and snapped up quickly.

..Kevin

Hi I'm Bee from the UK.

I hope one of you can kindly advise.

My father sadly passed away at Christmas and I'm having to sort through many stored items.

I have a collection of Betamax films which have been stored for the Last 10 years.

They have all been kept in the original Video rental store boxes so all appear to be in good condition, but I haven't tested them yet.

What you think would be a fair price for the lot as I have absolutely no idea. I understand some horror titles may be rare? Appreciate any help on this.

Full list of tapes:

Star Wars

The war of the worlds

Airplane

Every Which way but Loose

Butterfly

The Last Horror Film

The Concrete jungle

Trail of the pink Panther

Firefox

Jaws 3

Class of 1984

Danger Mouse

Buddy and Skipper

Rocky 3

15 terrytoon Cartoons

Terrytoons Vol 1

The Frisco Kid

Voices

The Deer Hunter

The French Lieutenants woman

Survival Zone

Time Slip

Driver

Death on the Nile

I drink Your Blood

The Lord of the Rings

Arthyur

First Blood

Noon Sunday

Laura Shadows of Summers

Flashdance

Time bandits

Flash Gordon

Abducted

The Awakenening

Evil under the sun

The Elephant Man

Echoes

Chariots of Fire

The Burning

Choppy and the princess

Fort Apache The Bronx

Personal Best

Venom

The Long Good Friday

Golda

Sam Raimi's The Evil Dead

The Jesus Trap

The water babies

Black Beauty

Choppy and the princess 2

The Archer and the Sorceress

One flew over the cuckoo's nest

Agatha Christies The Mirror Crack'd

Halloween 3 Season of the Witch

Tess

Star Wars

Footloose

Sudden Impact

Superman 3

The Amityville Horror

The Last American virgin

The Iron Master

Blood and Honour

Mad Max 3

Raiders of the lost Arc

Perfect Gentlemen

Conan the Barbarian

Star Treck 2 The Wrath of Khan

Captain America

Watership Down

Who Dares Wins

Foul Play

Willo the Wisp

Sunshine Run

Escape to victory

Little Lord Fauntleroy

The Champ

Torn between two lovers

Rocky 2

The Jazz singer

Terms of Endearment

The Last Tycoon

Bronx Warriors

Carry on cleo

Immoral Tales

The Jericho Mile

Porkys

Brubaker

The Amateur

Poltergeist

Romeo and Juliet

Callipoli

Mother Lode

The Shining

Survive!

Jaws

48 Hrs

Big Bad mama

By the way, I am looking for an original RMT-217 remote for my SL-T50ME, I only had a RM-612 instead when I bought it. I want it to look almost as new because all my video machines and remotes (even those aged more than 30 years) look as new. And I am quite a perfectionnist !

Joe I am pleased if some of my passionate comments may be of some interest for you.

One thing : The average price of a working SL-HF950 on Ebay is about 800 /1000 € but sometimes you can find one for less than 450€. You must check twice a weak because they are rapidly sold. Most of the time they are auctions that start from 50 € and are finally sold bewteen 300 and 450 € depending on their cosmetic aspect.

Thanks frandid too.

As i said, i have a very good friend here. Is a pleasure, and i tell you the same that MR Lambert, is you know a good hf950 unit, please fell free to contact to me.

id like to have one of this machines.

Id like to have a good units to see my old betamax tapes and i am looking to buy a good jvc vhs prosumer unit for my vhs tapes, but this is another question and is no concerning to this place.

Thanks to all

Many thanks MR Lambert, i can tell one clearly thing, i dont know you personally but i dont need to know personally a man to tell is my friend and for me you are a very good friend. Every people who try to help another whitout wait absolutly anything should be a good man and here in the forun there are very good people

You helped me in the past time whit my twom40 and even remember when i post here for first time whith vtc-nx10 and you allways tryed to help me so i can said totally you are my fríend.

As i said the machines are in my parent house but i am confident that as soon as i can i will send you and i can tell this, if is imposible to fix one or even the two, i will give you.

Here in Spain id see that for 25 or 30 Euros i can send you the VCR.

Is there are another cheap option please fell free to tell me.

Is clear that i prefer to pay to you, because when i send the VCR i would like you can revise this machines for full, hopefully maybe i can use it for many time whitout problems.

If you know a good hf950 i am interested to buy one too.

Thanks to all

Kevin,

No doubt you're a qualified betamax repairer, you gave me some good advices which helped me repair my 3 machines in the past but I don't share many of your positions concerning the Sony ! And I'm sure you received as much compliments for repairing Sony models from your customers !

You wrote Sanyo DID build Secam Beta models, I probably already saw a flying saucer in France but a Sanyo SECAM Beta never, for sure ! And even in the PAL and NTSC systems I am sure they were hundreds of times less nummerous than the Sony. So if you repair as many Sanyo Beta machines this mean they were in fact less reliable ;-)

I know that the prehistoric Sony Beta were bulky, I recorded all my beta tapes in a Sony SL-C6 F !

But the hundred of Beta cassettes I kept plays perfectly in my SL-T50ME, SL-C9 F and SL-HF950ES. And I like to see the recorded programmes as much as I like to see the VCRs working !

Joe,

Also consider the fact that sending 2 heavy VCRs abroad will probably cost you more in shipping charge than buying a SL-T20 or SL-T30 on Ebay. Make a simulation on your post office internet site, for 2 machines the weight should be about 25 kg good package included.

If you were in the South East of France I would be pleased to watch them for free and almost sure I could make at least one perfectly working, but due to shipment charge and risks I wouldn't advise you to send them to me.

Joe:

My friend rest assured I have worked on hundreds of Sanyo's and sadly your comments from so called professionals is very common. THEY DON'T WANT TO KNOW basically and do the very smallest things to these(usually try to replace belt's and idlers)and that's it! (My E-Bay ID is: knightman2 feel free to check it out.)

I have had many delighted recipients to my machines as I am one of the very few who it THOROUGH and as these are getting on in age now THEY NEED IT :)

I could give you many names that would be happy to back up my comments.

I would of course LOVE to get one or even both perfect for you.

I would estimate the packing at around 11KG to allow for plenty of good strong packing and then would need your full address to get a quote for you.

I have promised to do this work for you for nothing but if you feel you want to pay me for it i'll leave that up to you entirely, as you are having difficulties getting said machines the attention they truly deserve.

If I cannot solve your issues then I doubt many could. That comment is from experience and lot's of it.

No dout either wasting more money on questionable machines. The owners do not always tell it like it is and the buyer usually finds out the hard way. I've been on the end of that many times too.

Let me have your details and we'll get the ball rolling again for you.

........Kevin (UK)

i forgot it. i spent more tan 100 euros in tecnical guy to get absolutly nothing

as i know i am in friends place, i need to tell my history about my two vtc-m40

last year i buyed couple of vtc-m40 for only 40 euros, at least seller was sincery and told me the two VCR was not perfect. Ok i decided to asume the risk

i buyed the two VCR and then i send it to a "special sanyo tecnical".

one unit was not bad, but in my opinión it needed new belts, the other one needed new belt and another pieces because it damaged the tapes.

ok after many and many hours to find, i finally managed to get two belt kits and other spare parts, i send the two m40 to the tecnical guy and after two months this was the finally of the story

One of m40 have new belts but have track problem, this is the unit i usually use to "see" my tapes, the tecnical guy did not check the track problem and when i said, hey this VCR has this problem, your answers was." never send me a betamax, vhs is more easier to work whit it"

The other VCR was return to me exactly like i send him, and the answer was:" the VCR are fully damaged and you should not spend money in it", did you check it? was my question, no, but you shouldnt want to spend more money. This only is a old relic

So every people who read my post can see how dissapointed i i had in this moment.

This was few months ago. After been father, i have 38 year old and i have a precious Little baby, and a new job and house i left the fórum and forgot this fantastic world for sometime.

now i am back and finally want to resolve a back to life my vcr

Now as i said i am back and i want to finally resolve the VCR problems and tell my son the history of this precios betamax/betacord machines.

I know is a long post but i need to tell my history to good friends

its a pleasure to find people who can and knows how to help.

As i said many times here in Spain there are no professionals at all.

Now in eBay i found a couple of hf950, one of this unit it cost 199€ but, its impossible to know if the unit are in good or bad conditions.

Another in 500€ and in germany in 800 and more.

The only VCR that I would actually buy full confidence is one unit fully checked for people here in the fórum like frandid, bjorn, and of course for MR Lambert.

i am thinking to send you, MR Lambert the two m-40, if you can fix both or at least one for me will be fantastic. i dont know what the travel cost can be,if you can help me i try to know the travel cost and of course i pay you for the restauration and pieces

Joe:

Re reading your last post it does sound like the forward capstan servo pot needs a slight adjustment. After many years these can need just a tiny adjustment on some.

The noise coming and going on it's own is what will happen if so.

If you could get it over here I would be happy to get this A1 for you and seeing as posting would be at cost, no charge for this either just return posting.

..Kevin

Oh and as for the 'too bulky looking', have you seen the Sony C6 or C5 /7 now THAT's BULKY.(yes I know the Sanyo 9300 was but it was their first vcr and many are still working today)

Each too their own but I like USING my vcr's and know the ones I sort are still doing that.Also the always laced 'feature' on Sony's and Toshiba's does cause excessive tape wear. The tiny oxide particles usually around one or too guides is proof of that.

.Kevin

Frandid:

If you are talking about Spain or even France you could be right and yes Sanyo DID make Pal/Secam models too.

The reason so many Sony's are around I'm afraid is they were not very solidly built and that's why 98% of the ones i see ,despite being described as 'working order', have issues.

Broken plastic small gears and bad transistors and capacitors are their main issues,broken solder joint's are another ,especially on the poorly supported BNC socket's on the HF100 board.That is the most common model for that, but then you get the ones fiddled with by those who should not be inside causing horrendous faults and broken damaged heads. I've seen a few like that too.

If we are talking solidly built you cannot beat a Sanyo beta. Their only Achilles heel after many hours use are belt's and rubber idler tyres (very easily sorted and still available),an upgrade to a reel drive resistor after many hours use and a clean and general transport function servo/back tension check (that should apply to all vcr's after time) are all that's required on the hundreds I've sorted for many and are still giving their all.The Sanyo M30/40 &50 will also need that tracking pot checked out too. Some fail some don't.If we are talking cosmetically then all makes suffer with rough handling to the fragile outer flaps and you will see many like this from rough handling.

The pinch rollers on the later Sony's are also prone to wear in worst cases going hard causing tape rippling in play and even worse in reverse search modes.

These are NOT easy to come by either. The Sanyo pinch roller lasts for a phenomenally long time and usually just requires a light clean.

In the UK Sony's are held in high regard but they are not as well built as a Sanyo. Too many complexities and fragile parts that I have seen many of. The failing too of most of the VU level meters on the HF100 and HF950 is just not acceptable either. Sanyo managed to obtain ones that NEVER failed on all their Hi-Fi models (VHS and BETA) why Sony's were prone to this is strange and does spoil the machines look if so.

Maybe in France they are seen that way but not here in the UK.

.Kevin

Joe,

I think the main reason why repairers see more Sony than Sanyo in their workshops is that the Sony were by far much more sold than the Sanyo. I never saw a Sanyo beta VCR in France, and I don't think they ever made a single SECAM unit. Almost all PAL Sony Beta were available in France in PAL/SECAM or SECAM only version.

Just check Ebay and other sites (which you have probably done) and see that you can quite easily find a SL-C9, SL-HF100, SL-HF950, SL-C20, SL-C30. Now try to find a PAL Sanyo... You will only find a few NTSC...

I would never exchange one of my Sony for a Sanyo as I said. Not only because they have great features as slow motion, 2X etc. but also because it is still possible to find spares 35 years later.

Nevertheless if you like your Sanyo you could follow Kevin's advice and try to have it repaired. If it only comes from the tracking pot it could be easily done I think. But the fact that the tracking pot doesn't have any action could also come from a bad mechanical alignment, I've already seen this happen. The fact that you have video noise up and down and that the tracking doesn't work could also mean that the video heads are worn, I also saw this on my old VHS VCRs in the past. That's why I asked you if you didn't put a little video showing the problem on Youtube.

Joe:

Your issue with your M40 is down to the tracking pot being faulty.

I can send you one I've repaired for yours in return to repair. This would be a lot easier then sending the whole vcr.

You would need someone capable to replace this ,which is not a hard job.

One way to know for sure is when you picture search the tape,turn the tracking slowly left and right.

Do the thin noise bars rise up and down in response wih each movement?

If they don't then it IS this if they do then it's not.

It could be the servo pot for the capstan in the play mode needs a tiny tweak.

Let me know................Kevin (UK)

Hi Betaphiles:

I've been reading these latest comments with interest.

As far as Sony and Sanyo Betamax vcr's go, and I've been repairing, servicing and refurbishing these for quite a good few years now ,go, this is my take on it.

The Sanyo M40 is a great machine, i have seen a few with worn hi-Fi heads and this is usually accompanied by a replaced reel motor signifying a high level of use.

The tracking pot's can come apart inside and I have successfully repaired around six with this issue. Apart from this and the usual reel drive components and a need to change the value of the reel drive resistor during unlacing, which affects many Sanyo's if the vcr has been used regularly, then they are a very good reliable vcr offering the highest PAL 1 picture bandwith at around 2.8.The drop out compensator is effective so long as the adjustment is checked but maybe not quite as 'invisible' as the one on Sony's HF100.

The Sony SLHF950 Superbeta is a great machine but suffers with it's PSU after time ,usually blowing out two transistors and a fusible resistor in the process. The sled mechanism is prone to a broken sled track and also the mode switch comes loose. It also usually has failed LED's for the audio level VU meter, sometimes a failed hall sensor for the head drum motor. Also other anomalies affecting the beta hi-Fi (transistors) and a diode opening up causing no picture output. The list goes on. It does offer sublime picture quality if using Superbeta pro and the correct tapes for that and the drop out compensator is one of the best.

The C9 is a very technical machine for it's time over complex and suffers with failed Dc-Dc components that will wipe out other ones if left for long enough. The loading slot mechanism needs metal gears for the plastic white ones which break. It can suffer with failed transistors causing the deck to freak out. The usual hall sensor glue issue. The PSU usually has failed caps (as do many Sony's of powered up for long periods).The head drum (as it's a direct drive system for both reel spools like the F1 )can cause a bumping in rewind due to lack of friction or a over shiny upper drum. The drop out compensator is also poor compared to the later Sony models.

These comments are from working on many in the last year or so ,and having the opportunity to see all models working up close and personal in quick succession.

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

Hello, i have no link to see the m40 problems, but i can do it if you can help me.

the VCR didnt damage the tapes, it has noise up and down of the picture. sometimes the noise dissapear and back again by itself.

the track button does not workt at all.

As you probably know, i need a PAL VCR because i am spanish.

Honestly, to see the tapes in new 4k led, what is the sony that you can recomend me?

i dont think i have superbeta tapes. my beta tapes was adquired in 80s and are rallyes, so i dont think any of the productions of 80s used superbeta mode.

c9 is cheaper than 950, this 950 model i see in ebay and other places in 900 Euros and c9 is much much cheaper.

Sanyo m40 is imposible to find in this moment, and m50 as i said in last post i never seen one in europe to sold.

i have hifi tapes because the hifi in m40 works properly and i need a hifi model

Joe,

I wouln't be able to choose between my 3 beta I like each one ! I don't think the SL-C9 is less reliable than the HF-950 : Aging HF950 have less PSU problems for sure (because they don't have a CD09 module) but have problems due to their linear skate and vu-meters... All Sony may have the HES problem. The HES should be checked immediately after buying a Sony and cleaned if it looks brownish. Nevertheless I think they are the best. As I am french I mainly watch my old home made SECAM cassettes, so I can say the best SECAM player is the SL-T50ME immediately followed by the SL-C9 F, because my C9 is a SECAM only machine. The T50 has more natural colors. The C9 has a much brighter picture with more contrast and has a better drop out compensation system. The HF-950 drop out compensation is less efficient even with the PAL system and the T50 has the weakest drop out compensation. But these are tiny differences, all 3 have a good picture and I think the difference is less visible with the PAL system.

You can see here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mygP1Uq6KLs a 32 years old video transferred to digital with my SL-T50ME a few weeks ago. It was originally recorded with a SL-C6 F (the only one I could afford when I was young). If I had used the C9 contrast would have been higher, color less natural but more stable especially the pink and red. (Same with the HF950 with a slight difference in color range and less contrast). You can see other videos on my YT channel transferred from beta, they start with the Beta logo. Don't forget that this was recorded on analog air broadcasting... and it has been recompressed by Youtube... Another one which has been transferred with the Sony SL-C9 here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcv0l-1zXiE

Have you got a link where you explain your Sanyo tracking problem, or a Youtube video where you show it ?

Is the VCR damaging your tapes or do you have noise up or down the picture ? Is the tracking button working a little or not at all ?

thanks to frandid and bjorn for help me.

I think the m40 maybe is a great machine, i cant confirm it because as i said mine have tracking problems.

i see you have a sony c9 in common. so is better Sanyo m40 than c9 and the 950 better than c9?

Maybe if you help me i can discard the c9 and try to choose between m40 and 950.

I think that Sanyo m50 was sold only in Australia. In europe i never seen one to sold.

The main problema here in Spain is that there are no experts to repair this VCR and is a shame that we cant maintain our Betamax in properly work conditions.

Joe,

I know the repairers prefer the Sanyo because they seem to be more reliable. But I never liked them, they look too bulky and don't have many features such as slow motion, reverse, x2 etc.

I have 3 Sony, picture is very good on each of them, but I also like just to see them ! The top range SL-HF950 (Super Beta, HiFi) is great, The ES model is PAL / SECAM, and it's nice to watch its linear skate work ! I also own a SL-C9 and a SL-T50ME, both have unique features and work very well. Of course I had some problems with them, but once they are repaired they work well. The easiest to find are the HF950 and the C9.

Frandid

Hi Joe

What VCR? Well, this one tends to spark of quite some lively debates. I personally prefer the Sanyo VCRS as I tend to find them less troublesome. Some will argue that the Sony produces the better picture quality, and in some cases they could be right.

I tend to find with Sony, however, that the color is a little too strong for some LCD screens so end up adjusting the saturation, yet this could just be down to my VCRs needing a little attention.

Sanyo's tend to handle worn or damaged tapes a lot better, but the belts and idlers tend to wear. The Sony's often have a more reliable mechanics but the electrics let them down. Given the choice, a good VTC-M40 is my preferred machine. As much as I do like my C9, it's never been reliable, too many issues.

I think that maybe can be a good idea to make a post or section in the web or something like that where the people can sell and post recomended places or webs where to buy a good VCR and a fair price too.

i am sure that most of us we know some place or people who have old betamax and want to sell it and maybe we can find a good new house for our old glories

Just wanted to let people know that there is a great resource called Youtube for fixing many of the older vcrs in your collection. That includes Betas as well as VHS decks. The nice thing is the visuals so you don't have to guess where parts are, what readings you need to get on an ohm meter, etc. I've been following 12voltvids for awhile now as he is very knowledgeable on older equipment and will also take questions as to your malfunctioning equipment. There are several other older techs who also do vids so do a search based on your model number. In many cases, they will also show where to buy parts. In the US at least, there are also a few outfits that will sell you a completely refurbished unit and will include a warranty. I want to get a new refurbished deck so I can transfer my old recordings to a digital format but I've also come across an old tech in my town who has several non-working Betamaxes that he will give to me for free (to clear some shelf space as he says). Hopefully I can get something up and running with the resources here and elsewhere online.

Sanyo vtc-m40, vtc-m50, Sony SL-HF950, sl hf100 or other model, what VCR to buy?

Hello, i was out the web long time for job, now i have more time so i am back.

As some people knows here in the fórum last year i buyed a Sanyo VTC-M40, this unit never worked properly, i managed to find some people who changed the belts, pinch rollers etc but the track problem never was resolved.

Now in my own house i have a 55 inches 4k LCD and want to buy a good VCR to see my old tapes in the new tv.My old vcr are in my parents house

this VCR, the m40 -m50 and 950 are top of range, if you have enough money you can have all three models in good conditions, so what to choose?

i dont know why but my head say the sony, and the advantage of course is that for Sony there are spare parts, are very expensive but is posible to find it, Sanyo spare parts are more difficult.

Help me please, i want to spend my money one last and finally time

Hi from the sunny south of France, Nigel ;-)

It seems you cleaned your HES too late. If the tape works for 2 seconds in all modes then stops it means the HES has passed away when you first powered on your VCR after years of storage, due to short circuit of its pins. You can check this easily: When you power on your unit check if the head drum makes some turns. If it doesn't and if it seems paralysed then it is dead. If you didn't touch anything a servo board failure is very unlikely. If you're not a pro it is quite difficult to replace, I did it on a SL-HF950ES and hope I'll never have to do it again ! I think the head drum in your unit is the same as in a SLT-50ME or a SL-C9.

Frandid.

Greetings from sunny South Africa :-)

Used to have a Sony C7 (great machine) but after being struck by lightening (happens during summer in this part of the world) I obtained a used SL-C30SA ( C7 had to be surrendered for insurance claim) and was working fine when put into storage. Now few years later wanting to transfer family Beta recording to DVD, unit is not functional :-( Symptoms are that tape loads but not possible to play / FF / Rew. Head drum not rotating so cleaned glue from Hall effect sensor as per guide but no improvement.

What next?

I have not been able to locate schematic but do have an oscilloscope that could use to assist fault finding IF someone can point me in correct direction (fingers crossed!).

Looking forward to receiving guidance.

MANY thanks in advance.

Best regards

Nigel R

K.Lamber.

Thanks for showing me where the failure may be. When playing it seems to be skewed and looks black and white, but this is due to the slower playback speed. When you play fast in play, they look in color. I think rather the problem seems to be on the front and rear rollers to the engine. I think there is a kit for the problem.

Hello. Has somebody an answer to my problem? The technical diagnosis said problem with "servo"...

R2D2:

As far as reel torque goes for the Sony 950.

You would need the Sony torque cassette for the ultimate result.

If by lack of torque you mean the machine cut's out after pressing play or struggles.

Does the magnet for the motor seem to be rubbing on the coils making a light scraping noise as ,if so this will greatly affect the torque or lack of.

You can fit a self made small washer into the base magnet shaft hole to raise this and overcome this issue.

Also there is no forward torque adjusting pot as on previous Sony's either on this model.The back tension too will affect said torque that's why you really need this torque cassette to check.

Where about's in the world are you?

....Kevin

Thanks for answering Neil.

I am looking for a replacement of the entire reel or second-hand reel in good condition. I can not find anywhere with spare parts.

I understand that the most common fault with the 950s is the lack of torque of the reel, as I see the best cure is to replace the chassis of the reel and springs or look for a "Mod Kid" motor.

Hello Antonio,

What do you mean by how to find the lack of reel torque for the Sony HF950?

Do you mean which tool to use for measuring the reel torque? Or did you want to know what is the value for the optimal reel torque? Or how to accurately measure the difference between the required torque and the actual torque of the reel? Or did you mean the procedure on how to correctly measure the reel torque? Or did you want to know how to adjust the reel torque?

Good afternoon from Seville. My name is Antonio and I am a follower of the Betamax System. Since a few days ago I managed to repair a unit half, Sony SL HF950 and I would like to know if anyone knows where I can find the lack of reel torque. Thank you

Thanks Neil,

I have managed to source some idler tyres to fit. I just need to finish a Sanyo I'm working on. My VTC-6500 which has a couple of sound issues, nothing major but a little irritating. Also the front touch controls have worn through as they do with age, very tricky to sort out but should have the machine restored.

pumabr, I found a web site that also sells the Operation and Service manual, as a pdf download, for USD50 and USD51.15 respectively.

The web site URL is: http://www.manuals-in-pdf.com/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&keyword=SL-F90

In my experience, service manuals for VCRs always carry a price tag because they are subject to copyright, and the companies who put the manuals together, still try to exact their pound of flesh, even though they probably recouped their investment in paying their (presumably now retired) staff to put the Service Manuals together, and the printing costs (as to why there should be such a steep charge for pdf publication, I have no idea; I suppose it's because they can) decades ago.

Bjorn I found these suggestions on idler tires, from tapeheads.net:

From somebody with the handle: ke4mcl

"on the cheapskate route... you can service it and bring it back to life.

if you can remove the idler it makes this job tons easier but it can be done with the tire in place.

take fine sandpaper and carefully rotate the tire while applying light pressure against the sandpaper. this should remove the glazing thats causing it to slip. when the tire begins to look like carbon black you've gotten all the glazing off. now take a q-tip dipped in alcohol and clean the surfaces the tire runs against. dont get alcohol on the tire. once done with that take a DRY q-tip and clean all the rubber dust off the idler."

For the alcohol, I'd recommend 99.9% pure isopropanol A.K.A. isopropyl alcohol.

Other suggestions:

From somebody with the handle: retrokeeper

"Sound Electronics has idlers,even had a sizing guide you can download.MCM Electronics also has them also. Rob

"

I Googled sound electronics and clicked on the web site called studiosoundelectronics, and clicked on the relevant links, there is a link to download their sizing guide.

I'm not sure if the web site URL will appear here, but I'll post it just in case, for copying and pasting to your browser's URL field: http://www.studiosoundelectronics.com/it.htm

Hope this helps.

Hello,

I'm interested in trying to repair a Toshiba V-51A Betamax front loading VCR.

The fault is with the speed of the tape during both Play back and Recording modes.

The tape speed is stuck on Fast Forward / CUE speed when only the [Play] button is pushed. The display on the screen looks like a FF/Review screen and has lines dividing the screen into three horizontal sections.

When the [Rec] button is pushed the tape also is stuck at an apparently similar FF/CUE speed, without recording any useful signal.

Could someone please advise which electrical, electronic or mechanical components may require checking or replacement? Are the drive belts possible culprits?

I just finished working on an interesting Beta. This one is a Rank Top Loaded, basically a re-branded Toshiba V-5470

Any idea's where I can get idler tyres for this? Pleasantly surprised with the sound and picture quality, but the machine doesn't rewind. It this the only model that Rank did, of are the more?

Don, I have responded to your question in the Umatic section.

Hi, my Grandad has a Sony VO-6800ps but the batteries are pretty useless now. It has an option for an external power supply but I can't find anything for this. From the research I have done it looks like I need a power supply that will connect to the device with a female 4 pin XLR. I have seen the following on eBay but not sure what I would then connect the D-Tap end to in order to power the device. Any suggestions appreciated....

2-Pin D-Tap to 4-Pin XLR for 12VDC power adaptation

Thanks

James,

I should have added you can look at each model I mentioned under videos in PALSITE to see the associated remotes model number.

cheers Noel

James,

The remotes from F1, SLC9, SLC30, SLC34, SLC35, SLC40, SLC80, SLHF100, SLHF150 and SLF60 will work with an SLF30.

regards Noel

Hi, my Grandad has a Sony VO-6800ps but the batteries are pretty useless now. It has an option for an external power supply but I can't find anything for this. From the research I have done it looks like I need a power supply that will connect to the device with a female 4 pin XLR. I have seen the following on eBay but not sure what I would then connect the D-Tap end to in order to power the device. Any suggestions appreciated....

2-Pin D-Tap to 4-Pin XLR for 12VDC power adaptation

Thanks

Hi Guys new here does anyone which remotes can work with Sony Betamax SL-F30UB

Thanks

Hello again all - Don't get on much these days but still fixing machines.

Dominic,

You can still get belt kits in Sydney Australia from WES COMPONENTS.

Their website is

See their catalogue page at https://www.wes.com.au/mediapub/ebook/wescat2014np/#1240

Under the Sanyo list for models M10,M20,M50,NX10 it specifies a VBK59 kit

I presume that they will post overseas.

Further down the chat page you talked about SLC30s having slow rewind and fast forward.

Apart from the upper drum friction and reel motor issues I have been finding quite a few with blown reel solenoid fuses.

The brake then is not released so drags on the reels in REW and FFWD.

They can be repaired. If you can't get a replacement fuse, try a 4.7 ohm 1/4 resistor instead.

regards Noel (Betaheaven.com)

Hello. I have a Sony Beta c20, from a friend who has gave it to me as a present. I am trying it since this morning. It seems to work fine but the last beta I loaded is not ejecting when I push the button... The light is flashing as if it is stucked inside...

I have opened it and the rotation systems works fine, it loads the film and reads it but when reeling it when I push the eject button, it reels but not ejects... The cassette is inside, with no film loaded and with the light flashing... Is there a way to manually eject the film and try again to load? Any idea to solve this problem if it is more than it seems?

Best regards everyone and thanks in advance for your support!

Dominic;

You may find getting a KIT hard today but not impossible.

There is another way though ,measure each belt (the thickness is 2mm) and then try to obtain each one seperately.

Classic parts used to sell them as kit's and there are numerous companies that's ell belt's one their own.

Mot sure where you reside but the US has many sources for these.

.....Kevin

I need a belt kit for a Sanyo VTC-M10 Betacord. Does anyone know if these are still available anywhere?

weber 1600

can you e-mail me or message through my facebook page /wwwbmanmeuk with details of teh problem (in English if possible for quicker response) and pictures, I currently am working on 2 broken load mechanisms so may have spare parts.

Hola..

Tengo en mi poder Sony sl c9 con problemas en su carga frontal..

He desmontado el mecanismo y los dos piñones que van a cada extremo de la varilla redonda están

en buen estado.. El problema es otro piñón el cual lleva en su parte alta , un tornillo de cruz con

una arandela muy pequeño, que en su extremo está roto ( partido ) ...

Existe alguna posibilidad de reemplazo de este engranaje??

Pumabr, I have worked on one of those before - approx 8 years ago, and from memory, if the servo board is defective, they are not too bad to repair. Sadly, I don't have the schematic which is useful, but not critical for this. If I remember correctly, it is very very similar to the HF950 so you should be able to use some of that manual as a rough guide.

First, tackle the Hall effect by removing that blob of glue, then work your way from there. Most servo problems I deal with are just replacing old capacitors, especially the smaller ones. Rarely do I find a failed IC.

If you can sort that out, then it's not such a bad purchase.

So expensive? Why do they charge so much for these manuals?

Yes, I just bought the VCR... it seems now that it was a bad option...

pumabr :

Unlike the SL-C9 and the HF950 I couldn't find the SL-F90 service manual for free on the internet. I only saw it for sale on 2 sites, 50€ and 100€, very expensive from my point of view. I am not sure; did you finally buy this VCR ?

Hi guys,

I wanted to share something i've discovered the past few months.

Last year about six SL-C30 and SL-C33 machines from various owners passed my workbench.

All had some of the known problems like dry joints, dried out caps in the psu, old greas on the gears, but five of them had another problem.

They all seemed to wind pretty slow in reverse, forward or both. I could also hear sudden drops in the winding speed.

Tape tension didn't seem right sometimes in playback.

After checking the bearing of the spool motor and the pendulum assembly, which seemed to be ok, I noticed a faint soury smell.

It came from the four caps on the spool motor pcb. The four miniature 47uf/16V capacitors (matsushita) started to leak.

All five machines worked fine again after removing the old caps, cleaning the pcb and installing new caps.

Two machines needed repairs on the pcb traces as the electrolytic fluid had started to eat the traces away.

This may apply to other machines with the same motor pcb too.

Dominic

Thanks for your help Frandid. I'll talk to a specialist to see what can be done.

Is it possible to find the service manuals for this device? Electrical and mechanical scheme?