Contents:
Tape width: 1/2 inch
Tape length: 240 meters, T120 - 120 minutes at SP speed, most common.
Other lengths up to T160 and perhaps more.
Tape speed: SP 1-5/16 ips 1.3125 ips 33.3375 mm/sec
LP 21/32 ips .6563 ips 16.6688 mm/sec
EP 7/16 ips .4375 ips 11.1125 mm/sec
Track pitch: .058 mm (SP)
.039 mm (LP)
.019 mm (EP)
Min wavelength: 1 micrometer
Writing speed: 4.83 m/sec.
Recording density: (SP) 34 K transitions/sq. mm
Recording time: SP 120 minutes 2 hours
(T120 cassette) LP 240 minutes 4 hours
EP 360 minutes 6 hours
Drum diameter: 2.45 inches (VHS VCRs).
1.63 inches (VHS Camcorders).
Drum speed: 30 RPS 1800 RPM
Rotation: Counter-clockwise viewed from above.
Tape movement: Left-right viewed from front.
Heads (typ): 2 for normal recording/playback.
1 to 3 optional for SP freeze frame/slow motion, etc.
2 optional for HiFi audio.
1 or 2 optional for flying erase.
End sensing: Clear leader and trailer.
Brake torque: Supply forward = 450 - 650 g-cm
Supply reverse = 70 - 130 g-cm
Takeup reverse = 450 - 650 g-cm
Takeup forward = 70 - 130 g-cm
Back tension: 20 - 25 g.
Takeup torque: Play - 80 - 160 g-cm
FF - greater than 350 g-cm
Rew - greater than 400 g-cm
Lum. Carrier: 3.4 Mhz
Color sbcrrier: 629 KHz
Azimith angles: +/- 6 degrees
Frame length: 7.7 inches 196 mm
Field length: 3.85 inches 98 mm
Line length: .0147 inches .3723 mm
Skew: SP - 1.5 H (sync tips align)
LP - .75 H
EP - .5 H (sync tips align)
Color Vector A head is + 90 degree/H
rotation: B head is - 90 degree/H
Luminance Specifications for various VCR technologies:
Type Video Resolution FM Deviation Freq. Range
--------------------------------------------------------------
VHS (240 lines) 1.0 Mhz 3.4-4.4 Mhz
SVHS (*) (400 lines) 1.6 Mhz 5.4-7.0 Mhz
BETA1 (250 lines) 1.3 Mhz 3.5-4.8 Mhz
BETA2/3 (240 lines) 1.2 Mhz 3.6-4.8 Mhz
SuperBETA (285 lines) 1.2 Mhz 4,4-5.6 Mhz
ED BETA (500 lines) 2.5 Mhz 6.8-9.3 Mhz
(*) The tape for SVHS must have a higher coercivity since the frequency is
higher (information more dense) and the demagnetizing forces are greater.
Linear audio .0384 inches 1 mm (mono, along top of tape)
track width: .0138 inches .35 mm (L or R stereo, R at top of tape,
.3 mm guard band between L and R)
Audio bias: 67 KHz
Control track: .0288 inches .75 mm (along bottom of tape)
Guard bands: .0059 inches .15 mm (linear audio track to video)
.0059 inches .15 mm (video to control track)
The majority of maintenance and repair procedures on VCRs and camcorders can be carried out without really understanding **how** the video magic is performed. However, if you want to really get into the nitty-gritty or are simply curious, then the following book is for you. However, you probably want to find it at a library - the suggested retail price is $55! * Video Recorders: Principles and Operation Z. Q. You and T. H. Edgar Prentice Hall International (UK), 1992 ISBN 0-13-945890-5, TK6655.V5Y68. This book includes basic aspects of helical scan video recording; various formats including VHS, Beta, U-matic, and 8mm; as well as advanced principles of video encoding (with equations) relating to the chrominance and luminance recording and playback channels.
(From: xcuseus9@mail.idt.net) It is characteristic of a house fire to generate 'fire debris', often referred to as 'soot'. Fire debris, thanks to the plastic content of a house and it's furnishings, is an airborne particulate, as small as 1 micron (um, 1/100th the diameter of an 'average' human hair) that has a high petroleum content. Internal air currents created by a house fire are often high enough that the minutely sized particulate fire debris will find its way into the interior of most consumer electronic equipment. Cabinets, covers, jackets, and the like (unless they are totally airtight), are ineffective in preventing such infiltration. Fire debris is abrasive. While little or no damage is done to the video tape that is wound tight on the reel(s), the exposed tape could be contaminated, effectively making it as rough as a piece of fine sandpaper. Cleaning videotapes after a fire prevents damage to the video heads when the tape is later played.
The following appeared as a reply to a sincere request for help on the USENET newsgroup sci.electronics.repair. The company is unknown and I have deleted the email address - this sort of comment is usually not constructive. However, I include it to provide all points of view :-) :-(. It isn't that the comments are without validity - just the way they are presented. (From: National Service Manager). "Why do people insist that they have the knowledge to repair something as complicated as an electronic circuit, When they can't even program a VCR??. If you are not familiar with switch mode power supplies, don't attempt to repair it...if you are attempting to repair it and know of the consequences and are prepared to pay more for the extra damage you cause, or if your prepared to purchase a new VCR then go for it. But just don't do it to try to save a few bucks........ Good luck in whatever you decide to do."
If the solutions to your problems have not been covered in this document, you still have some options other than surrendering your VCR to the local service center or the dumpster. Fortunately, VCRs are among the most popular of consumer appliances to be addressed by literature that is readily available - at all levels of sophistication. If you are tackling an electronic fault, a service manual with schematics will prove essential. Some manufacturers will happily supply this for a modest cost - $20-50 typical. However, some manufacturers are not providing schematics - only mechanical and alignment info. Confirm that a schematic (not just a block diagram) is included before purchasing if possible. Howard Sams publishes Sams Photofacts service data for almost every model TV that has ever been sold but their selection of VCRfacts is limited and the newer ones tend to have strictly mechanical information. However, they are worth a shot, especially if your local large public library subscribes to the Sams series as many do. Some of the older VCRfacts are quite detailed and complete.
Tandy (Radio Shack) has a nice web resource and fax-back service. This is mostly for their equipment but some of it applies to other brands and there are diagrams which may be useful for other manufacturers' VCRs, TVs, CD players, camcorders, remote controls, and other devices. http://support.tandy.com/ (Tandy homepage) http://support.tandy.com/video.html (Video products) http://support.tandy.com/support_video/15788.htm (VCRs) http://support.tandy.com/support_video/15786.htm (Camcorders) In addition to Tandy products, there is at least one Sony model. Furthermore, since Tandy does not manufacture its own VCRs or camcorders - they are other brands with Realistic, Optimus, or other Radio Shack logos - your model may actually be covered. It may just take a little searching to find it.
There are a variety of books dealing with all aspects of VCR maintenance and
repair. All will cover the basic cleaning and rubber replacement. Some of
these only address mechanical problems (but, hey, this covers most failures)
while other are heavy into the basic recording theory and electronic
troubleshooting. Your local public library probably has some of these in the
electronics section - around 621.38 if your library is numbered that way.
Technical bookstores, electronics distributors, and the mail order parts
sources listed in this document carry a variety of these texts.
If you want to get an idea of what is out there, search for the keywords 'VCR'
and 'repair' at http://www.amazon.com/. Several dozen titles are listed.
(I have no affiliation with amazon.com nor am I suggesting that you purchase
from them, but the search engine is convenient.)
Here are a couple of typical titles which I have used (there are many others
and I am not necessarily recommending these above the others):
* VCR Troubleshooting and Repair
Robert C Brenner and Gregory R. Capelco
SAMS, a division of MacMillan Computer Publishing
11711 North College,Carmel, Indiana 46032
* Home VCR Repair Illustrated
Richard C. Wilkins and Cheryl A. Hubbard
TAB Books, a division of McGraw-Hill, Inc.
Blue Ridge Summit, Pennsylvania 17294
The following is a recent publication:
* In-Home VCR Mechanical Repair and Cleaning Guide
PROMPT Publications (Howard W. Sams), (800) 428-7267.
ISBN #0-7906-1076-0. $19.95.
From the advertising blurb for this book:
"PROMPT Publications, an imprint of Howard W. Sams & Company, has
released the In-Home VCR Mechanical Repair and Cleaning Guide, a
comprehensive guide that anyone can use to fix their own VCRs at home
(even start a VCR repair business). Full of illustrations, diagrams,
and helpful, step-by-step instructions. ISBN #0-7906-1076-0. $19.95.
222 pages. Call 800-428-7267 to order or for more info."
(From: Neil Preston (npreston@cctr.umkc.edu, npreston@CCTR.UMKC.EDU))
If you teach consumer electronics repair, I've run across a text that you
should check out:
* Practical VCR Repair
David T. Ronan
Delmar/ITP publishers
ISBN # 0-8273-6583-7
I've looked at several VCR repair books in the past, and almost all of them are
very weak on the explanation of the mechanical problems in VCRs, which account
for 90% of the problems. This text does an excellent job of explaining exactly
how the tape transport system works in VCRs and what each part does. It has
lots of photos with parts clearly identified. It assumes NO prior experience.
I believe I could take a beginner student and let him walk his way through it.
The table of contents pretty well describes it:
1. VCR Operations & Controls
2. Removing covers & getting started
3. Understanding the videotape path (Also with a detailed appendix describing
operation of tape load shuttles, video heads & drum, capstan & pinch
roller)
4. Video Cassette examination & repair
5. Troubleshooting loader and Transport Malfunctions (Includes timing!)
6. How to perform VCR Maintenance and common repairs
7. How to align tape path and make adjustments
8. Understanding basic electronics
9. How to use a multimeter
10. Electronic components
11. How to solder
12. VCR Power supplies
13. Checking motors, optical sensors & remotes
14. VCR Microprocessors & servos
15. How a TV picture is made
16. Recording on videotape
17. Beyond standard VHS
18. Using manufacturer's Service manuals
19. Common audio and video problems
20. Service considerations: The business side of VCR repairs
This is by far the best book I've seen on the subject.
(Please note: I have no connection with the publisher nor anything to gain by
bringing this to your attention.)
For basic mechanical problems, I could not have said the following any better.
(From: scott.holderman@mogur.com (Scott Holderman)).
One of the best I have seen is called:
* How To Keep Your VCR Alive (VCR Repairs Anyone Can Do)
Steve Thomas
Retail Book Sales, Worthington Publishing Co.,
P.O. Box 16691-B, 6907-202B Halifax River Drive, Tampa FL 33687-6691.
(Tel: 813/988-5751)
This book describes in a step-by-step fashion how to repair a VCR without
expensive test equipment or special tools. Fixes are described for
different machines by brand & model #, and there is also a list of parts
suppliers.
I'm not affiliated with these people in any way - just impressed with the book.
(From: sam).
* All Thumbs Guide to VCRs
Gene B. Williams
TAB Books, Inc., 1992
Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0214
ISBN 0-8306-4181-5 (paperback)
This one is even more basic but does cover the most common problems and has
illustrated instructions for video hookup, cleaning, rubber parts, cassette
repair, etc.
(From: cx163@FreeNet.Carleton.CA (Morton Lee Cohen))
Some of the books that you can find in your local library about the repair of
VCRS are listed below. One of the good books is HOME VCR Repair Illustrated.
These are all in the EE section: 621.38.
Author Date Title
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Ronan, David T. 1995 Practical VCR repair
2 Wayne, Victor A. 1992 Operating your VCR.
3 Capelo, Gregory R. 1991 VCR troubleshooting & repair.
4 Wilkins, Richard C. 1991 Home VCR repair illustrated.
5 Thomas, Steve. 1990 How to keep your VCR alive.
6 Brenner, Robert C. 1987 VCR troubleshooting & repair guide.
7 Goodman, Robert L. 1996 Maintaining & repairing VCRs
8 Williams, Gene B. 1993 All thumbs guide to VCR's.
9 Goodman, Robert L. 1993 Maintaining and repairing VCRs.
10 McComb, Gordon 1991 Troubleshooting and repairing VCRs.
11 Williams, Gene B. 1990 Guide to VCRs, camcorders, & home video.
Only a few manufacturers actually produce the vast majority of VCRs. For
example, Radio Shack, Magnavox, and Emerson do not make their own VCRs (I
can tell you are not really surprised!). Or, how about a brand of 'Pulsar'
sold through a store chain with the name of Canadian Tire? Rubber companies
really do not design VCRs (even if there is something inside a VCR called an
idler tire :-).
How do you determine the actual manufacturer? For most types of consumer
electronics equipment, there is something called an 'FCC ID' or 'FCC number'.
Any type of equipment that may produce RF interference or be affected by
this is required to be registered with the FCC. This number can be used
to identify the actual manufacturer of the equipment.
A cross reference and other links can be found at:
http://www.repairfaq.org/REPAIR/F_FCC_ID.html
The chart below probably has your VCR so you probably do not need to
use the Web resource.
(From: William Miller, ASEET, eagle@trader.com)
This is a chart used to find the original manufacturer of a VCR. Find the
FCC-Listed or UL-Listed code (first few digits), then you'll see who REALLY
made it!
ORIGINAL UL LISTED FCC LISTED
MANUFACTURER CODE(s) CODE(s)
Akai 186Z ASH
Daewoo 41K4 C5F
Fisher/Sanyo 403Y AFA
Funai 333Z, 51K8 ADT, EOZ, BFY
Goldstar 86BO BEJ
Hitachi 238Z ABL, AHA
JVC 439F ASI
Matsushita (1) 679F ACJ, AIX, AJU
Mitsubishi 536Y BGB
NEC 781Y A3D, E74
Orion-Emerson 44L6, 722 A7R
Philips (2) 645Y BOU
Samsung 16M4, 414K A3L
Sharp 504F ATA, APY
Sony 570F AK8
Toshiba 174Y, 84X7 AGI, G95
(1) Matsushita is the parent company of Panasonic, Quasar, and Technics
(2) (North American) Philips is the parent company of Magnavox and Philco
Sears model series to original manufacturer:
564. - Sanyo/Fisher
565. - Sanyo/Fisher
934. - Hitachi
580. - Goldstar
274. - RCA
626. - Phillips (Mag)
Belts are normally specified by their cross section - square, flat, round, and their inside circumference (IC). The IC is used since it is virtually impossible to accurately measure the diameter of a belt. Assuming you cannot locate an actual part number, determine the type of belt; square, flat, or round. If you do not have the old belt, this is usually obvious from the pulleys. Most small belts (as opposed to V-belts on 1 HP shop motors!) used in consumer electronic equipment are of square cross section though flat types are sometimes found in the main drives of VCRs, cassette/tape decks, and turntables (remember those?). Measure or estimate the thickness. The IC is always specified with the belt fully relaxed. This can be measured by hooking the old belt on one end of a ruler and pulling it just tight enough so that it more or less flattens out. Read off the length, then double it for the IC. Get a new belt that is 5% or so smaller to account for the old one be somewhat stretched out. Of course, if the belt broke, measurement is real easy. Or, if you do not care about the old belt, just cut it and measure the total length. If the old belt decomposed into a slimy glob of jellatinous black goop or is missing, you will need to use a string or fine wire around the appropriate pulleys to determine the IC. Reduce this by 10-25% for the replacement. Very often the match does not need to be exact in either thickness or length - particularly for long thin belts. A common rubber band may in fact work just as well for something like a tape counter! However, there are cases where an exact match is critical - some VCRs and belt driven turntables or tape decks do require an exact replacement for certain drive belts but this is rare. Some parts suppliers make determining replacement belts very easy with the PRB system in which the part number fully codes the shape, size, and thickness. Idler tires are specified by their inside diameter, outside diameter, and thickness. Some parts catalogs provide actual size drawings so that all you need to do is match up your old tire to the picture. Since tires do not generally decompose or stretch significantly and hold their shape, measurement is usually quite easy, Pinch rollers are specified by diameter and height along with bearing inside diameter. The match must be exact so using the original manufacturer's part number is best but generic replacements are available. Parts suppliers generally provide quite complete cross references to their replacement rubber parts and complete belt kits are available for most model VCRs.
Larger components like electrolytic capacitors are often secured to the circuit board with some sort of adhesive. Originally, it is white and inert. However, with heat and age, some types decay to a brown, conductive and/or corrosive material which can cause all sorts of problems including the creation of high leakage paths or dead shorts and eating away at nearby wiring traces. The bottom line: Most of the time, this stuff serves no essential purpose anyhow and should be removed. A non-corrosive RTV or hot-melt glue can be used in its place if structural support is needed. One comment: make sure you scrape and clean off all the old glue. I have heard and seen cases where this stuff turns conductive with obvious bad consequences. Note: do not mistake the hot melt glue or silicone sealer often used to anchor capacitors or other large components to the circuit board for leakage. One tip-off is that leaking chemicals will not tend to climb up the side of a component! However, if it is on the circuit board and decomposed, various erratic symptoms or other failures are possible. (From: Gillraker (eternity@mail.cybertron.com)). Extremely common in older Mitsubishi's!!!! Take it off of all your circuit boards, some of that old glue is caustic, it eats into the traces and becomes conductive as previously mentioned...sure way to tell is look at it and see if it is rust colored around the edges....and there doesn't have to be much rust either...that glue still puzzles me at times....even had to replace leads that have been eaten totally away.... (From: Alan Hurst (alan@sastro.demon.co.uk)). I had a dead display on my Sony SLV-777 (similar to 715 and 747 models) which turned out to be caused by a leaking capacitor in the power supply. The leakage had eaten through two tracks which supply power to the display. The problem with leaking capacitors on the PS secondary is apparently very common to the extent there is a service kit available from Sony to replace all the capacitors on the secondary side of the power supply and has caused a wide range of strange faults in this range of models.
Like TVs and monitors, newer VCRs have much more of their adjustments done digitally inside complex integrated circuits. What this means is that there may be no easy way to tweak some of the common parameters without either a special remote control or a computer interface and software. Good for the manufacturer; bad for the DIYer and even professional repair person. For example: "Does anyone know which variable resistor adjusts the head switching point in a Sony CCD-F401 camcorder, where it is?" (From: Paul Weber (webpa@aol.com)). There is a very good chance that there is no "variable resistor" for adjusting the head switching point or anything else in your machine. Most recent Sonys use are setup entirely with an EEPROM which is programmed with a special wired remote control (RM-95). Even if there is, you are going to need the shop manual, or you run a high chance of breaking something important just taking the thing apart.
The question often arises: If I cannot obtain an exact replacement or
if I have a VCR, tape deck, or other equipment carcass gathering dust, can I
substitute a part that is not a precise match? Sometimes, this is simply
desired to confirm a diagnosis and avoid the risk of ordering an expensive
replacement and/or having to wait until it arrives.
For safety related items, the answer is generally NO - an exact replacement
part is needed to maintain the specifications within acceptable limits with
respect to line isolation, X-ray protection and to minimize fire hazards.
However, these components are not very common in a VCR except for the
power supply.
For other components, whether a not quite identical substitute will work
reliably or at all depends on many factors. Some deflection circuits are
so carefully matched to a specific horizontal output transistor that no
substitute will be reliable.
Here are some guidelines:
1. Fuses - exact same current rating and at least equal voltage rating.
I have often soldered a normal 3AG size fuse onto a smaller blown 20 mm
long fuse as a substitute.
2. Resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, switches, potentiometers,
LEDs, and other common parts - except for those specifically marked as
safety-critical - substitution as long as the replacement part fits
and specifications should be fine. It is best to use the same type - metal
film resistor, for example. But for testing, even this is not a hard
and fast rule and a carbon resistor should work just fine.
3. Rectifiers - many are of these are high efficiency and/or fast recovery
types. Replacements should have at equal or better PRV, Imax, and Tr
specifications. For line rectifiers, 1N400x types can usually be used.
3. Transistors (except power supply choppers) - substitutes will generally
work as long as their specifications meet or exceed those of the original.
For testing, it is usually ok to use types that do not quite meet all
of these as long as the BVceo and Ic specifications are not exceeded.
However, performance may not be quite as good. For power types, make
sure to use a heatsink.
4. Switching power supply transistors - exact replacement is generally
best but switchmode transistors that have specifications that are at
least as good will work in many cases. See the documents: "Notes on
the Troubleshooting and Repair of Television Sets", "Notes on the
Troubleshooting and Repair of Computer and Video Monitors", and "Notes
on the Troubleshooting and Repair of Small Switchmode Power Supplies"
for more info.
5. Video heads (and lower cylinders) - generally not possible unless it is a
very similar model as even the mounting is usually unique to a particular
manufacturer and it may change from model to model. However, since,
multiple brands may be manufactured by the same company, substitution may
sometimes be possible - check a cross reference (e.g., your parts
supplier's catalog) for compatibility.
6. A/C and full erase heads - may be possible if the mountings are reasonably
compatible. However, there could be other unknowns like coil impedance
drive requirements. The connectors are not likely to be similar.
7. RF modulators - there is a certain amount of standardization. Therefore,
if you have one that fits (or you can make it fit), this is worth an
attempt.
8. Motors - small PM motors may be substituted if they fit physically.
Capstan motors - especially the direct drive type - are probably not
interchangeable.
9. Sensors - many are sufficiently similar to permit substitution.
10. Power transformers - in some cases, these may be sufficiently similar
that a substitute will work. However, make sure you test for compatible
output voltages to avoid damage to the regulator(s) and rest of the
circuitry.
11. Belts, tires, and pinch rollers - a close match may be good enough at
least to confirm a problem or to use until the replacements arrives.
12. Mechanical parts like screws, flat and split washers, C- and E-clips,
and springs - these can often be salvaged from another unit.
The following are usually custom parts and substitution of something from
your junk box is unlikely to be successful even for testing: SMPS (power
supply) transformers, interstage coils or transformers, microcontrollers,
other custom programmed chips, display modules, and entire power supplies
unless identical.
For general electronic components like resistors and capacitors, most
electronics distributors will have a sufficient variety at reasonable
cost. Even Radio Shack can be considered in a pinch.
However, for consumer electronics equipment repairs, places like Digikey,
Allied, and Newark do not have the a variety of Japanese semiconductors
like ICs and transistors, or VCR specific components like RF modulators,
idler assemblies, belts, tires, pinch rollers, video heads, etc.
The following are good sources for consumer electronics replacement parts,
especially for VCRs, TVs, and other audio and video equipment:
* MCM Electronics (VCR parts, Japanese semiconductors,
U.S. Voice: 1-800-543-4330. tools, test equipment, audio, consumer
U.S. Fax: 1-513-434-6959. electronics including microwave oven parts
and electric range elements, etc.)
Web: http://www.mcmelectronics.com/
* Dalbani (Excellent Japanese semiconductor source,
U.S. Voice: 1-800-325-2264. VCR parts, other consumer electronics,
U.S. Fax: 1-305-594-6588. car stereo, CATV).
Int. Voice: 1-305-716-0947.
Int. Fax: 1-305-716-9719.
Web: http://www.dalbani.com/
* Premium Parts (Very complete VCR parts, some tools,
U.S. Voice: 1-800-558-9572. adapter cables, other replacement parts.)
U.S. Fax: 1-800-887-2727.
* Studio Sound Service (Rebuild kits for many popular VCR switchmode
power supplies, VCR parts, some components.
U.S. Fax: 1-812-949-7743 They will be happy to identify specific VCR
Email: part numbers as well based on model and
studio.sound@datcom.iglou.com description as well - see below.)
Also see the documents: "Troubleshooting of Consumer Electronic Equipment" and
"Electronics Mail Order List" for additional parts sources.
(From: Frank Fendley (frank.fendley@datacom.iglou.com)). If you work on VCRs occasionally, for yourself or friends, you know that most VCR problems are mechanical in nature, and usually require a replacement idler, belt kit, or other small mechanical part. Most of these parts are inexpensive, but you run into a problem when you try to order from electronics distributors -- most require a $20 or $25 minimum order. Studio Sound stocks a large selection of VCR parts, including belts, idlers, gears, mode switches, semiconductors, etc, and will ship direct to you with no minimum order! Our prices are competitive with electronics distributors such as MCM and others, but you can order as little as one belt, and we'll ship it. Just the cost of the part, plus $5.00 shipping is all you pay. Many distributors charge $6.00 or $6.50 shipping, in addition to the $20 or $25 minimum order! We'll even help you determine which part you need, if you don't have the part number - at no extra charge. Need a part for a VCR? Fax or E-Mail the information to us, and we'll respond with a price quote before you order. We accept check, money order, Visa or MasterCard - sorry, no CODs. Send all of the information you have (make, model, part description, part number if you have it), plus a return e-mail address or fax number, and we will be glad to give you a quote on your part. Don't wind up paying $25.00 plus shipping to get a $3.00 part! Let us help. We also stock a large selection of Panasonic switch mode power supply rebuild kits, and have just added Samsung power supply rebuild kits to our line. * Studio Sound Service (VCR repair parts with personal service). Fax: 812-949-7743 Email: studio.sound@datacom.iglou.com Web: http://www.iglou.com/studiosound The following site (under construction) looks like a promising resource to provide help and new/used VCR parts for the DIY'er. They have a collection of VCRs with salvageable parts as well as general repair info (and links back to this site!). * Dale Harper's VCR Parts and Help for the Do-It-Yourself Technician Web: http://www.cei.net/~dharper Email: dharper@cei.net
* Gury Enterprises (Video heads for many VCRs). Email: gury@shadow.net Web: http://www.shadow.net/~gury/vh1.html On-line video head cross reference info (as well as a link back to the section of this FAQ on video head problems!). I have not ordered anything so I cannot vouch for their quality or service.
Perhaps they would get more respect if they were called 'previously owned'
or 'broken-in' VCR parts :-).
The following companies are sources for inexpensive used VCR parts:
* Allbrand Audio & Video Parts (Huge quantities of used and rebuilt VCR
368 Ball Hollow Road parts. A lower drum for a two-head
Pulaski, Tennessee 38479 machine usually goes for around $15.
U.S. Voice: (615) 427-6262 Major parts come with a 30 day warranty.
Well, it beats no warranty, I guess!.)
* Browning Electronics. (Used VCR parts, refurbs, repair, computer
3813-2 Wards Road sales).
Lynchburg, Va 24502
U.S. Voice: 804-237-9131 Email: browning@hillcity-mall.com
U.S. Fax: 804-237-2682 http://www.be-online.net/
These are even better than junk yards as they do the searching and pulling
for you. For major subassemblies in older VCRs, this may be the only realistic
economical option even if the original part is available from the manufacturer.
(This section from: ac557@detroit.freenet.org (Ted C. Gondert)). Look in the Thomson (a.k.a. RCA and GE) "VCR/Camcorder Sourcebook" TCE publication # 1J9780 available from your local Thomson distributor. Publish date October 1994 (maybe newer version is out now) This book lists the most common parts for many brands and models of VCR and tells which Thomson or SK parts fit. Also has some solid state parts listed crossed to Thomson part #. RCA VR470 uses belt #192179 or SKBK0516 and pinch roller #202113. Similar to VR450 through VR475, made by Hitachi. Service manuals for RCA/GE/Thomson are available from Thomson Consumer Electronics publications, P.O. Box 1976 Indianapolis IN (317)-267-5799. Or maybe their at 10003 Bunsen Way, Loisville, KY 40299. Microfiche for VCR is about $10. Older model series are available by the year for good prices. I bought 1985 to 1990 for $50 or so. I have the microfiche for RCA VR470. Also looked through my file cabinet and found a printed service manual for VR470 in excellent condition, only used once. Have extra microfiche set for 1985 vcr including models VLT250 to VLT470, VLT600HF to VLT700HF, VLP800 to VLP970HF. I'll sell those service manuals for a good price maybe $15 or so? (will pay for shipping). Or I'll check with local high school electronics class if they want them. Don't know if they are still fixing vcr or not, last time I talked to instructor he said it was too many problems and they were getting away from repair. Tandy (Radio Shack) can order PRB belts and have a CD ROM to look up model # belt guide. For just one set of belts, Radio Shack is much more accessible to people then mail order with $20 minimum orders and shipping/handling.There is no Next. THE END
Go to [Table 'O Contents]