Knowledgebase

This section is a powerful troubleshooting tool for beginners. It gives you insights about how a VCR works and how to go about troubleshooting when it doesn't work. You start out by familiarizing yourself with all the parts and what they do. Then develop a working knowledge as to how they all work together.

Troubleshooting basics are presented that enable you to identify problems in a defective VCR as well as possible solutions. Chapters on the Top 15 Defects of the 80's and the Top 10 Defects of the 90's gives you information about the problems that repair shops keep seeing again and again. You will also be shown how to use some of the basic tools like the dummie cartridge and how to set up a simple workbench.

This manual provides information on VCR troublshooting and repair regardless of a persons skill level or knowledge of electronics. No working knowledge of a VCR's internal mechanical or electronics mechanisms is required. If you know how to operate a pair of needle nose pliers and a screw driver, you are qualified to use this manual.

This section is a resource for all VCRs in general. It contains information that applies to the majority of VCRs, but because of so many differences between makes and models it will never exactly apply to all.

This website is based on a two part approach to servicing:

the Database Pages for specific information on your VCR.
this section, the Knowledgebase is for general service information on all VCRs.

Basic Topics

Understanding the VCR Deck
Knowledge of the VCR Mechanical Deck is important for the VCR novice. In order to understand the Database Pages and the rest of this manual, it's imperative to have a good understanding of this section.

The 15 Most Common Defects of the 80's
In event your problem is not found in the Database Pages, there is a good chance it may be one of these.

The 10 Most Common Defects of the 90's
VCRs have changed a lot since the 80's. The electronics is much more advanced but the mechanical decks have gone backwards in time.

Video Heads
This part reads and writes on the tape. Find out how it works and what it might do if it's defective.

Preparing to Start
How to set up a simple repair bench.

The Dummie Cartridge
Fantastic for beginners. For what little it costs, it goes a long waytoward solving many mechanical problems.

VCR Cleaning
How to clean your own VCR like the professionals.

Basic Theory
A VCR isn't much different than an ordinary audio cassette recorder.

Basic Troubleshooting

These pages show you how to troubleshoot some of the common mechanisms found in a VCR that fail. Normal operation is explained, then detailed troubleshooting instructions are given to help you figure the problem out.

Mechanical Defects

The Cassette Carriage
Learn how the cassette carriage operates and a few things that can help you pinpoint defects on it.

The Moving Mechanism
The primary part of the moving mechanism is the Master Cam Gear. It also includes linkages that move things like the Pinch Roller, Brakes and Tension Arm.

The Tape Transport
What happens step by step in the transport system.

VCR Mechanical Operations
Learn some of the different ways a VCR converts electricity into mechanical motion.

Electronic Defects

Initialization
Knowing if initialization is taking place or not, is an indicator that can tell you if your problem is routine or major.

The Sensors
Your VCR has sensors all over the place. Because there are so many of them, there is a chance you may encounter trouble with them.

CPU - Central Processing Unit
This is the command center of your VCR. It executes all the commands you give it as well as commands the sensors initiate.