ag1980 tracking/playback issue

[deuce8pro]

(Hopefully this is the right thread for this question)

This problem only recently started.
I would put a tape in the ag1980 and then it would drop to lp speed and into slow motion like the jog shuttle was on and very snowy. Thought the problem was dirty heads so I opened it up and cleaned the heads and then put it back together and I still had the same problem. Anyone know what the damage is? Thanks in advance.

[davideck]

This sounds like a control track issue. A VCR that cannot lock to the control track may have difficulty determining which speed to play at and remain in variable speed mode. Did you clean the control track head?

Is this happening with all tapes? You might want to examine the tape within the shell to see if there is any edge damage. I once had a VCR that crinkled tape as it played. The first time through a tape would play fine, but after that it was permanently damaged and exhibited the same behavior that you have described.

[deuce8pro]

It did the same thing on two different tapes. I will look for the control track head and clean that. Any hints where its located? Maybe that will work. Didnt have this problem before on this machine.

[davideck]

Here is an image of a VHS transport;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:VHS_m-loading.jpg

The control track head is next to the linear audio head.

[deuce8pro]

Looks like the problem is fixed although I did notice a brief drop out on a tape. Could have just been that tape. Is there anyway to make sure something like that doesnt happen again?
Like have the part completely replaced even?
Thank you though for helping me. Very appreciated.

[edDV]

If just on one tape, probably a user operational problem.
Avoid gaps in the recording.

[deuce8pro]

Im still recieving this problem, very slow playback with a lot of snow in the picture even after cleaning the tracking head.
Please advise.

[The_Doman]

Possible you need to replace the pinch roller?

A worn out pinch roller is one of the most common faults in older VCR's.
You can easily recognize a worn out pinch roller because it will look shiny/polished.
Cleaning does not help, you need to replace it.

http://www.videointerchange.com/tips.htm

The pinch roller wil look like this:

[davideck]

At this point, I would recommend that you open the VCR and watch the tape move along its path to see if it is binding, looping, crinkling, slipping off a guide, etc.

[deuce8pro]

At this point, I would recommend that you open the VCR and watch the tape move along its path to see if it is binding, looping, crinkling, slipping off a guide, etc.

I dont see any crinkling or slipping off after opening the case up while a tape is playing.
The picture itself has bits of snow in it and the audio sounds very wobbily and odd.

Im not sure if the pinch roller is the problem, its probably worth replacing though.
How do I do that though and where to find a pinch roller?

[edDV]

Have we established whether this happens on one, some or all tapes played?
Do newer commercial tapes play smoothly?

Old tapes often get sticky and gunk up the transport.

[deuce8pro]

No its not playing any tape smoothly.

[Marvingj]

Sounds like the Head is getting ready to go bad. I had similar problem, after cleaning head & getting new pinch roller.

[davideck]

Can it record and then playback OK?

You might also try pressing on the pinch roller arm to slightly increase the pinch pressure during playback. Any difference?

[deuce8pro]

Both record and playback picture is stable but has bits of snow and noise. When I was playing back a tape yesterday the audio was very wobbily. Should I get a new pinch roller put in?

[edDV]

Both record and playback picture is stable but has bits of snow and noise. When I was playing back a tape yesterday the audio was very wobbily. Should I get a new pinch roller put in?

A VCR repair shop should be able to replace worn parts (belts and springs too), then clean and align the tape path to get close to new specs.

[deuce8pro]

I need further input from you guys.
A repair shop here that I took the vcr into replaced the pinch roller with a brand new pinch roller. Problem was not solved.
It seems like they dont see the problem when the vcr is in the shop. When I put a tape into it at home, I get the problem. Usually not right away but the day after. I think this unit is useless at this point. What do you suggest? Id think replacing it with a functioning circuit board would eliminate any problem but they dont have the ability to do that as not many ag1980's are available at this point. Suggestions? Do I need to get a whole other vcr?
They dont seem to want to refund me because after all, they have worked on it but they havent taken care of the problem.

First thing they did was replace was the capictors then the next thing was the pinch rollers. Each time it only seemed to work for a brief time.

[Pele1977]

Very intresting fault. It might be that audio/control head needs adjustment. Only professionals can do that like me with right equipment. I could do it but i'm in Finland. Or it might also be something else too...