Panasonic FS200 Issues

[Topsy]

hello there,

I've picked up a Panasonic Fs200 from Ebay. The picture is "ok" but it has 3 issues I was hoping for advice on :

1 - the Hi-Fi audio seems not to be working properly - very distorted on left channel and very quiet on the right. Is there anything I could do as a simple check/fix? I've tried cleaning the heads.

2 - The machine makes a bit of a squeak as it takes in the tape and laces it - I guess worn belts?

3- The SMELL. It has an electronic/old smell which is quite noticeable once it's been on for a little while. What could that be?


many thanks in advance for any suggestions!

t

[hech54]

Best thing to do is take the top off and clean the heads. Find your nearest Apotheke that sells Isopropanol (mine says 70%) since "rubbing alcohol" that is so common in the US is virtually unheard of here in Deutschland.

[Topsy]

Yeah I've cleaned the heads. I went to Konrad and bought some head cleaning fluid. Unfortunately it hasn't helped.

There was some dirt but not much. Even the self cleaning arm was not too filthy. I just think the machine has never been maintained - hence the electric old smell. Popped capacitors?

Know any good repair places.? There is a company called Positron near Munich I'm aware of but not sure of reviews.

[hech54]

There are a couple of sellers on Ebay(Germany) who have been around for a long time with great feedback......they also appear to refurbish the machines that they sell. You may want to try and contact them if they can look at it. Just do an advanced search in Ebay for s-vhs, Germany, and sort by highest price.....you'll see them on there.