VTC-M30
Sanyo 1984
Betamax VTC-M30



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Technical

VTC-M30 rear view
Rear view

VTC-M30 inside view
Inside

Common circuitry

The VTC-M30 is similar to the VTC-NX30. Sanyo released a number of models (VTC-M10, VTC-M20, VTC-M30, VTC-M11, VTC-M21, VTC-M31, VTC-M15) which were all essentially the same machine, with minor circuit variations to adapt to regional broadcast standards. The service manual is common to all of these. It also refers to the common circuitry found on the VTC-5000 and VTC-6500.

In the event of a fault, it is worth looking through the quick fault guides to all of these models for possible solutions.

Quick fault guide

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FaultSolution
Tape remainingOn a few units, this was sometimes found to be rather inaccurate, often saying there is half a tape left and suddenly giving a warning the tapes end is imminent.
Tape remaining display issueThis was probably down to dirt and debris surrounding the sensor.
Although i have yet to see one with this fault.
No control of tracking in either normal, slow motion mode or bothThe tracking control potentiometer fails internally causing there to be no centre contact of the metal slider on the resistive carbon arc. The small plastic pins holding the centre contact break.

Thus the machine is at the fully open or highest resistance position which is hard to one end of the adjustment range.

It is possible to disassemble the unit and super glue the contact back in place. Alternatively you may have to adapt another design of potentiometer to perform the tracking function.
No Colour During PlaybackThis is caused by a failure in the Chroma microchip, replacing this microchip if you can source the part rectifies this problem.
Cassette transport intermittently cutting out during playbackThis is often caused by a worn idler. Due to age, these tend to show signs of wear, causing problems initially indicated by sluggish rewind/ffw functions. Replacement of the idler will rectify this problem. There are 2 idlers in this machine, recommend replacing both. Also checking belts whilst the repair is carried out to prevent future issues.
Tape damage during eject and also poor rewindAll the 'M' series Sanyo's and their earlier models (5000,5150,6500) suffer eventually with this issue.
Replacing the idler tyres is a MUST as is removing and cleaning the tape spool edges, even using a sharp item to clean and refresh those grooves. New belt's too are a MUST.
There is also a resistor upgrade that will help poor tape take up even when all these new parts have been fitted. The 5000,5150 and 6500 also have a diode upgrade to unless already carried out at manufacter.
Note too the 'M' series have two rubber idlers ,the earlier models had a geared upper one (which rarely gives trouble unless it starts to angle upwards ,hence the new style with a silver plate on top to prevent this happening).The benefit being a smoother quieter operation over the geared type.The negative being more wear!