Help with VCR problems?

[Lutochris]

I've gotten a lot of great help with my digital video problems on this forum, without even posting much. But now I've got a problem with my VCR, and I wasn't sure if it's appropriate to ask about VCRs here in a digital video forum. Is there an appropriate forum on here to ask about VCR problems? If not, can anyone suggest another site? I searched on Google but couldn't find much help there. I thought about posting in the capture forum (since they deal with analog sources) but figured I'd better ask here first.

[setarip_old]

So what's your problem/question?

[Doobie]

Lutochris, you need to adjust the widget so that it doesn't bump the thingamabob.

[Lutochris]

Basically, sometimes when I rewind a tape (and this happens regardless of the tape that's in there), after I get to the point I want and hit play, and it stops rewinding and goes back to play mode, just before the tape starts going forward again the VCR turns itself off. No sound or anything, it just turns itself off as if I hit the power button. When I turn it back on, I can hear the tape being reloaded into the system as if I ejected the tape and put it back in. It doesn't actually pop out, but I can hear it inside. Then I hit play again and it starts from a little before where it left off and the counter reset itself.

It doesn't happen all the time, but it's gotten more frequent. Also, it doesn't just happen on rewind now. It happens any time the master cam gear has to switch position (going from rewind to play, play to stop, stop to fast-forward, etc). It's pretty annoying especially since it resets the counter on its own. I'd like to not spend $50 on a new one if I don't have to, especially since I'm probably gonna be using it less as less. Oh and FYI the model is a Panasonic PV-9000 series. I bought it in late 1999 and have used it quite a lot, recording and watching, since then. It also makes me mad since my previous VCR (a Magnavox) lasted from 1983-1999, and it was used about as much. Is newer stuff just that much more crappily built? My Sylvania TV from 1983 still works fine today, without a single picture or sound problem, and during its life I've seen a newer Hitachi, Toshiba, and JVC TV all come and go (with serious picture and tuner problems), all of which were purchased between 1992-1996.

I know this is a litte outside of your guys' jurisdiction, but I'm hoping someone can at least point me in the right direction. There's gotta be a few analog-o-philes left over around here.

[setarip_old]

As a last ditch attempt, before buying a replacement, you might want to try running a head-cleaning tape on it, although they've frequently gotten a "bad rap"...

[Doobie]

VCRs have sensors that look at what's going on. If the tape isn't where the VCR thinks is suppose to be, then it powers down to prevent damage. The problem could be a dirty sensor that needs cleaning. It might be a mechanical problem that could be fixed with a little lubrication. There might be an out-of-position part. You'll just have to use the mechanical aptitude built into your male genes to see what doesn't look right.

As for old TV and VCR working for so long, welcome to the disposable age. At least this kind of stuff is cheap now.

[SallyDog]

You'll just have to use the mechanical aptitude built into your male genes to see what doesn't look right.

Yep - just take the thing apart :D

[Lutochris]

You assume I'm a guy?

Well, you're right. :cool: (Of course I'm a guy why else would I worry about this stuff? Otherwise I'd probably be getting my hair done or shopping or cleaning something :devil: )

Anyway, I guess I should try to find a technical manual to know where to look for the sensors. It would really be nice if the unit had something like a service mode that I could use to diagnose the problem; if it's shutting itself off to avoid damage, you'd think it would return an error code of some kind. Then maybe I could call Panasonic and they could tell me what kinds of things would cause it to do that (I e-mailed them and got a probably automated response that said to "make sure the unit is plugged in", and then "try a different outlet", followed by instructions to see their nearest authorized service center if that didn't fix it - gee thanks so much).

Anything to narrow down the cause would be great, I guess I'll just get out my screwdriver and start pulling stuff out. Thanks for the suggestions though!

[mod]

Another option is.. the OLD, DEAR, SATISFACTORY KNOCK :D

[Doobie]

You assume I'm a guy?

Well, you're right.

I thought I was sure, but then you go and say:Anyway, I guess I should try to find a technical manual

If you're a guy, then why do you so quickly want to turn to a manual?

It would really be nice if the unit had something like a service mode

It would be nice if polygamy were legal and you were taking full advantage of it.

(I e-mailed them and got a probably automated response that said to "make sure the unit is plugged in", and then "try a different outlet", followed by instructions to see their nearest authorized service center if that didn't fix it - gee thanks so much).

Have you never noticed that official trouble-shooting advice always assumes that the only problem is that the user is a moron?

Anything to narrow down the cause would be great, I guess I'll just get out my screwdriver and start pulling stuff out.

Arrgh, that's what a man does!

Remove any tape and take the cover off. Find the motor. Start turning the motor by hand, in the correct direction. It might take a lot of turning. Observe that the gears move smoothly and that those posts follow their full range. If things aren't going smoothly, then look at see what the hangup is, then you've found your problem.

[GrofLuigi]

This should get you started:

http://www.repairfaq.org/REPAIR/F_Repair.html

GL

[Lutochris]

Thanks again.

And Doobie you should know that I only decided to seek help after many hours of staring stupidly at the inside of my VCR and just kind of poking at things to see if it would help (THAT's what a man does).

[jggimi]

Try this instead:Have a friend present and available.

Remove the cover, then poke at all the gizzards 'n' things inside while saying, "Lookit all o' them wires in there, Fred!" You will find this is is much more effective than merely poking while remaining silent and alone.