Are there places where one could buy parts for JVC VCRs?

[916Area52]

Hello,
Roy here,

Hoping you all could steer me in the right direction? Finding parts for my JVC HR-S7800U VCRs have been increasing difficult over the years. Is there a source(s) for parts? At this time I'm in search of the following... LP40370-001E ROLLER ARM ASSY, QAR0119-001 STATOR ASSY and LP20617-008A DRUM SUB ASSY... Edit, almost forgot PDM4311A-1 ROLLER ASSY

Thanks in advance,
Roy

[johns0]

The only place i can think of is ebay.

[october262]

Hello,
Roy here,

Hoping you all could steer me in the right direction? Finding parts for my JVC HR-S7800U VCRs have been increasing difficult over the years. Is there a source(s) for parts? At this time I'm in search of the following... LP40370-001E ROLLER ARM ASSY, QAR0119-001 STATOR ASSY and LP20617-008A DRUM SUB ASSY... Edit, almost forgot PDM4311A-1 ROLLER ASSY

Thanks in advance,
Roy

try this website - https://www.electronic-spare-parts.com/catalogue/

[916Area52]

The only place i can think of is ebay.

I've since pulled the trigger on a 4800 from eBay. According to the seller, "working/tested". The seller accepts returns, that may become a good thing. We'll see how it goes.

[916Area52]

Hello,
Roy here,

Hoping you all could steer me in the right direction? Finding parts for my JVC HR-S7800U VCRs have been increasing difficult over the years. Is there a source(s) for parts? At this time I'm in search of the following... LP40370-001E ROLLER ARM ASSY, QAR0119-001 STATOR ASSY and LP20617-008A DRUM SUB ASSY... Edit, almost forgot PDM4311A-1 ROLLER ASSY

Thanks in advance,
Roy

try this website - https://www.electronic-spare-parts.com/catalogue/

Checked it out. They don't seem to have the parts that I'm currently looking for. Definitely another resource to put in my tool kit.

[aramkolt]

Small world! I also have been thinking more about cross-compatible spare parts here recently for that series. Some of those parts are relatively easy to find since most HR-S units use the same chassis with the exception being presence or absence of the dynamic drum, flying erase head, and some older machines also use a little bit different tape basket, but they still fit each other.

My understanding is that some of the model numbering was x800u vs an x600u is whether it was released in 1998 or 1996 with some slight design changes, though the mechanisms stayed mostly the same outside of whether drums had flying erase heads or not. What is unclear is how different the actual video head drums are from model to model. There has been talk that JVC may have used more durable materials for the head chips on some models and less so on other models. My guess is that if they were mass produced, that they probably were mostly the same for the HR-S series of the same year, but these days, the condition/prior hours on the heads probably matters more than which model the heads come from. I’m sure other manufacturers used different materials, but I kind of doubt that machines in the same general series from the same manufacturer with the same mechanisms used different head chips.

It might also be possible to use a non-flying erase head drum in a flying erase head machine, though the width of the ribbon connector coming off of the drum will be smaller in the non-flying erase head units, but the actual pin order and pin widths are likely the same. The question is whether you can plug the smaller connector drum pushed all the way to one side while you are inserting as I don't know if the pin order on the heads we care about (SP/EP/HiFi) are in the same order on those connectors, but it probably wouldn't be too hard to figure out by looking at the service manual.

If that's the case that the pin order is the same and the flying erase heads are all on one extreme side of the connector, you could take really any inexpensive machine like the HR-S3800u (no flying erase heads) and plug that into your 7800u and have inexpensive low hours parts probably forever. Unfortunately, you can't do that with the DD models because they have added/required mounting screw holes for the DD motor. You could try swapping the upper drum only onto a DD model, but I think you then have to worry about eccentricity (top being slightly off center) measurements and adjustments which require special tools and just more likely to break things. I also don't know for sure that the coils for each head on the rotary transformer have the same order or spacing, so it's possible that may not be possible, but maybe?

[916Area52]

@aramkolt...

Valuable research. As you say there are lot's of parts out there, if you know where to look. In our/my case fortunately, parts for the 7800s have not dried up yet. I will gladly pay $120.00 +/- for a donor machine to keep my 7800s purring. I look at eBay as well as FB Marketplace, Mercari, Bonanza and Offerup.

However, I haven't found a good/go to source for belts and such, yet.

[916Area52]

@aramkolt...

Have you check out this sight yet https://www.smcelectronics.com/vcrele.htm ?

[aramkolt]

I guess when I say spare parts available, I mean probable low hours working machines like the 4800U that you picked up. Most sellers probably won't take the lid off for you, but at a glance, machines that have little to no wear on the P2 and P3 guide tracks probably haven't been used much.

I actually bought a parts 3800U seeing if I could substitute the whole drum to be used on some of my other higher end machines, but alas, I didn't realize the ribbon connectors would be different widths on the non-flying erase head models. That, and I was able to get the machine fully functional in short order having worked on a lot of the higher end ones and I couldn't bring myself to part it out just yet haha. I did similar to you this week and picked up a couple of flying erase head models also not working and of unknown hours to see if they can be substituted into higher end models. Even if they can't, I've got a few DD heads that have torn ribbon connectors, so*if* the ribbon cable is the same and *if* that can be transplanted, I'll have a good use for them.

I did happen upon a bunch of new rollers of the size they use and I add ball bearings instead of the original, and I might list them on eBay for like $25 each shipped if you want something that just works without having to fiddle with parts sourcing and bearing depths etc. I will say that JVC rollers tend to hold up pretty well, I haven't seen many cracked or glazed ones compared to some other manufacturers.

[october262]

@aramkolt...

Have you check out this sight yet https://www.smcelectronics.com/vcrele.htm ?

see this thread post #1 - https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/398787-Deter-s-AG-1980-Repair-Service
try contacting Deter and see if he sells parts.

[916Area52]

@ aramkolt...

What "higher end machines" are your preference?

[916Area52]

@aramkolt...

Have you check out this sight yet https://www.smcelectronics.com/vcrele.htm ?

see this thread post #1 - https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/398787-Deter-s-AG-1980-Repair-Service
try contacting Deter and see if he sells parts.

Thank you, I'll give a shout out.

[dellsam34]

Here you go: https://www.ebay.com/itm/395301969438

[916Area52]

Here you go: https://www.ebay.com/itm/395301969438

Do you think this would work? It is one digit off LP20617-001A JVC DRUM SUB ASSY compared to what I need LP20617-008A DRUM SUB ASSY.
The eBay listing description indicates that the LP20617-001A JVC DRUM SUB ASSY is for models... HRA51U HRA55U HRA56U HRVP670U HRVP672U HRVP673U HRVP674U HRVP675U HRVP676U HRVP680U HRVP682U HRVP683U HRVP68U HRVP780U HRVP782U HRVP783U HRVP78U HRVP58U. All are non-SVHS.

[916Area52]

Here you go: https://www.ebay.com/itm/395301969438

Thank you... It's on it's way.

[dellsam34]

That part I can't tell, I don't really know what the last 3 digits mean, When you get it just make sure the head configuration is the same, and measure the head coils resistance to see if it matches your heads' reading.

[aramkolt]

I was watching that one, thought about buying, it was actually in my cart before dellsam34 posted about it haha - just FYI, that doesn't have a flying erase head so the connector will not be an exact fit for your 7800U as it has two less pins - or I suppose it is possible that the connector is the same width and the two end pins are just not connected. Lucky for you (I've looked into it since my last post) the missing pins (flying erase head) are on one extreme end of the connector, so as long as you shift the whole ribbon to the "Pin1" side of the female connector, it's otherwise the same pinout. I'd be curious to hear if there's any difference since these were never used in the HR-S series. I'm guessing head chips should have similar properties, but that's hard to say without testing. There's been speculation that different head models may have used different head chip compositions which could affect frequency response, etc. I'm sure that's the case across different brands, but I'm not so sure that they'd have different heads across the same model line released in the same year.

I'd personally think that an HR-S series machine would be more likely to use identical heads than one from the HR-A or HR-VP series, but who knows?. The HR-S3800, 4800, 7800, and 9800 were probably all released in 1998 and probably shared the same head chips. 3800 lacks flying erase heads and would have a narrower ribbon connector, which again as long as you plug it in with the ribbon connector aligned to pin 1, that shouldn't matter either. Buying a complete 3800 or 4800 that appears to be low hours also gives you a spare set of every other part you were looking for as they all otherwise use the same parts. You can't do a direct swap of the whole drum for DD models DD models though as they had some other physical differences.

[916Area52]

I was watching that one, thought about buying, it was actually in my cart before dellsam34 posted about it haha - just FYI, that doesn't have a flying erase head so the connector will not be an exact fit for your 7800U as it has two less pins - or I suppose it is possible that the connector is the same width and the two end pins are just not connected. Lucky for you (I've looked into it since my last post) the missing pins (flying erase head) are on one extreme end of the connector, so as long as you shift the whole ribbon to the "Pin1" side of the female connector, it's otherwise the same pinout. I'd be curious to hear if there's any difference since these were never used in the HR-S series. I'm guessing head chips should have similar properties, but that's hard to say without testing. There's been speculation that different head models may have used different head chip compositions which could affect frequency response, etc. I'm sure that's the case across different brands, but I'm not so sure that they'd have different heads across the same model line released in the same year.

I'd personally think that an HR-S series machine would be more likely to use identical heads than one from the HR-A or HR-VP series, but who knows?. The HR-S3800, 4800, 7800, and 9800 were probably all released in 1998 and probably shared the same head chips. 3800 lacks flying erase heads and would have a narrower ribbon connector, which again as long as you plug it in with the ribbon connector aligned to pin 1, that shouldn't matter either. Buying a complete 3800 or 4800 that appears to be low hours also gives you a spare set of every other part you were looking for as they all otherwise use the same parts. You can't do a direct swap of the whole drum for DD models DD models though as they had some other physical differences.

Knowledge is a wonderful thing... Item had me at "new", To late for me to cancel, will be returning

[aramkolt]

If you look at the HR-S4800 and the S7800 service manuals, they do indeed have identical part numbers for the video drum. I reaaaaaly suspect the 3800 is exactly the same as the 4800 just without flying erase head because they share a service manual. The circuit diagram in there just says the flying erase head is not present on the 3800.

I did just grab an HR-S39xx parts machine and I suspect that'll be also be roughly the same as the 3800, just a year newer (1999 model instead of 1998), though I will say the head drum part number is completely different on the 39xx for some reason, so a bit more chance that those heads aren't exactly the same as the 3800/4800 ones, however the ribbon cable pinouts are the same per the service manuals.

[916Area52]

If you look at the HR-S4800 and the S7800 service manuals, they do indeed have identical part numbers for the video drum. I reaaaaaly suspect the 3800 is exactly the same as the 4800 just without flying erase head because they share a service manual. The circuit diagram in there just says the flying erase head is not present on the 3800.

I did just grab an HR-S39xx parts machine and I suspect that'll be also be roughly the same as the 3800, just a year newer (1999 model instead of 1998), though I will say the head drum part number is completely different on the 39xx for some reason, so a bit more chance that those heads aren't exactly the same as the 3800/4800 ones, however the ribbon cable pinouts are the same per the service manuals.

You've given me information that I didn't know, I needed to know. Such as, flying head eraser vs non, dynamic drum vs non, cable size, pin placement/position etc. Basically, I should just stick to the numbers and not try to put square pegs in round holes.

I'm pretty much vested with my first quality VCR(s) the 7800s, one of many models recommended at the time for capturing (and within my budget). Of course, since the initial investment and more miles into my journey, I've looked into higher caliber VCRs (JVC 9xxx, Pana AG-1980) to be had for capturing. As I have read/learned (please correct me if I'm misinformed), the higher caliber the VCS the more finicky they are, and are more difficult/expensive (in my case) to repair,

The service manuals are where I found the part numbers. As far as reading and comprehending the technical data and schematics, I'm at total loss. So, I ask questions on this fantastic site I discovered, VideoHelp.com, purchased a VCR troubleshooting and repair book (Gregory R. Capelo and Robert c Brenner), also, re-discovering 12voltvids https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIQg0oSw7uE&list=PLK7YTXgop1wSYIcpFtvaPWwHsYSSkX6uu&index=193. And anything else to continue my travels.

[916Area52]

Following up…

My “parts” (one JVC HR-S4800U) arrived yesterday. Packaging was done with care, I put it through its paces and am very happy with this find.

Purchased the 4800 for parts for two of my 7800’s.

VCR #1… I had serviced for a squeaky drum. A non- 7800 drum and stator was used for a replacement. I wanted to get this VCR back to stock. See attached.

Attached VCR #1 pictures,

20241210_041716

20241210_041721

20241210_042732

20241210_073901

VCR #3… Was suffering from “ghost loading/ejecting” (not sure if is the tech. description). I had it serviced, according to the tech. found the cassette basket had shifted and was rubbing on the circuit board (don’t know, I’m not a tech.). Repairs were made, all better now. See attached.

Attached VCR #3 pictures,

20241210_100509

20241210_100515

20241210_100521

20241210_101948

20241214_075105

Got to thinking…

If one has a Pana ES-xx in their workflow, why would you need/require a VCR w/an on-board TBC?

Within a week or so I will be listing, for sale, VCR #1 & #3 for $225.00 each, plus shipping on eBay. For my fellow travelers here and another forum I enjoy, the price is $175.00 each, plus shipping.

PM me if you have questions and are interested.

Thanks in advance,
Roy

[Barrythecrab]

This is interesting as I have two 7800s, one new-in-the-box (until I got my mitts on it).
For some time now I have a new-ish but somewhat finicky working 4800.
I think I'll keep it, and not bother to get it adjusted. Though I hope I never need the parts.

[916Area52]

This is interesting as I have two 7800s, one new-in-the-box (until I got my mitts on it).
For some time now I have a new-ish but somewhat finicky working 4800.
I think I'll keep it, and not bother to get it adjusted. Though I hope I never need the parts.

You have some nice treasure there. You should never need to worry about VCRs again. Unless of course you get the itch to explore the rabbit hole of "higher end VCR" possibilities, like myself... Do not give in, Lol.

[lordsmurf]

I've looked into higher caliber VCRs (JVC 9xxx, Pana AG-1980) to be had for capturing. As I have read/learned (please correct me if I'm misinformed), the higher caliber the VCS the more finicky they are, and are more difficult/expensive (in my case) to repair,

You're not wrong.
For example, the AG-1980P is a money pit -- and if somebody don't eventually hate the machine, they've just not used it very much!

Got to thinking…
If one has a Pana ES-xx in their workflow, why would you need/require a VCR w/an on-board TBC?

If one has a bicycle, why do they need a car?

[916Area52]

I've looked into higher caliber VCRs (JVC 9xxx, Pana AG-1980) to be had for capturing. As I have read/learned (please correct me if I'm misinformed), the higher caliber the VCS the more finicky they are, and are more difficult/expensive (in my case) to repair,

You're not wrong.
For example, the AG-1980P is a money pit -- and if somebody don't eventually hate the machine, they've just not used it very much!

Got to thinking…
If one has a Pana ES-xx in their workflow, why would you need/require a VCR w/an on-board TBC?

If one has a bicycle, why do they need a car?

https://www.digitalfaq.com/forum/video-capture/11656-vhs-vcr-tbc.html

[Barrythecrab]

This is interesting as I have two 7800s, one new-in-the-box (until I got my mitts on it).
For some time now I have a new-ish but somewhat finicky working 4800.
I think I'll keep it, and not bother to get it adjusted. Though I hope I never need the parts.

You have some nice treasure there. You should never need to worry about VCRs again. Unless of course you get the itch to explore the rabbit hole of "higher end VCR" possibilities, like myself... Do not give in, Lol.

I think the "higher end JVCs are maybe trouble due to all(?) having the Dynamic Drum time bomb. I feel the 7800 is the sweet spot. Dependable, fairly recent manufacture, TBC, no DD. Watch online prices soar now...I better hurry...

[916Area52]

@Barrythecrab...

"Watch online prices soar now...I better hurry..."

Bite your tongue,

[ProJiJi]

We have this chain of second-hand stores called Book-Off/Hard-Off here in Japan and once in a while such older VCR units can be seen on shelves and if anyone indicates that they might appreciate a shout-out if I see any such item I'll be happy to make note of that.

AND if any other member in this forum community lives in Japan and sees this thread, they may also want to assist in this matter in that way.

If that does seem worthwhile, then it would be necessary to study what to look for in the way of quality to make the purchase of such an item a right move. If the idea takes hold I don't mind hauling around the proper size screwdriver and sneaking a peak inside a unit. You'd be surprised how easy that can be. Such places don't have a lot of staff to watch for such things. And some of those stores are really big. And I would put all back together after checking something that should be checked. I can be an admirable type, when I wish to be.

Of course, this idea may have pitfalls I've not yet thought of. Just a thought, that's all; at the moment.

In addition, being here in Japan could be of some aid to the matter in another way, so a shout out on that would be a 'go' as well. Maybe.

[916Area52]

We have this chain of second-hand stores called Book-Off/Hard-Off here in Japan and once in a while such older VCR units can be seen on shelves and if anyone indicates that they might appreciate a shout-out if I see any such item I'll be happy to make note of that.

AND if any other member in this forum community lives in Japan and sees this thread, they may also want to assist in this matter in that way.

If that does seem worthwhile, then it would be necessary to study what to look for in the way of quality to make the purchase of such an item a right move. If the idea takes hold I don't mind hauling around the proper size screwdriver and sneaking a peak inside a unit. You'd be surprised how easy that can be. Such places don't have a lot of staff to watch for such things. And some of those stores are really big. And I would put all back together after checking something that should be checked. I can be an admirable type, when I wish to be.

Of course, this idea may have pitfalls I've not yet thought of. Just a thought, that's all; at the moment.

In addition, being here in Japan could be of some aid to the matter in another way, so a shout out on that would be a 'go' as well. Maybe.

That is a huge and generous offer. Not sure how I feel about asking someone to open up a piece of electrical equipment though .

In my area we have similar stores called Goodwill ( https://goodwillsacto.org/ ). In my travels I’ve looked for capture featured VCRs and such in these stores. And have found over the years that capture featured VCRs have pretty much not been around or in undesirable condition, visually.

I have on occasion searched craigslist in Japan and have always gotten no results for whatever I was searching for.

[ProJiJi]

As I was typing that I was thinking that a sheet metal cover on most of the older units is only held on by a few screws and it wouldn't be so hard to loosen them and take a quick peek at a key area/part. Then it sort of hit me that I suspect that it could all be done right out in the open. In the past I have made odd requests of staff in trying to determine if something was worth purchasing and haven't had much trouble convincing reluctant staff to do something.

However it might work out, it could be like a learning experience. Kind of fun. I sort of get a kick out of testing younger folks. And age in the Orient has its benefits. And a smooth tongue helps, especially if one is a gaijin (foreigner). If you're a round eye and old and they get hit with proper Japanese pronunciation you've got about 60 seconds to hit them with a request while they are in surprised mode. Works especially well if you hit them with some Kansai-ben here in the Kanto area.

One other thought is you'd be surprised at some of the old equipment the various military services have stashed away that they haven't used in ages and ages and eventually some new OIC comes along and orders some other admin unit to somehow sell off all the old stuff to clear space, or dump it, if they can't sell it off. The Ed Centers are a most likely place that would happen.

Somebody with a sharper mind and the connections might be able to research that idea over there in CONUS. Many years ago I picked up a whole bunch of TRS80 stuff at Yokota AB that way. Even have some unused floppies, bunch of floppies with data, an original manual (huge thing), two units and drives to go with them. But that was about twenty years ago. Haven't fired those up in ages.

Sorry, wandered off-topic. But old military/government storage may have such VCRs.