[Sony EV-A300EC Video8] Continuous loading/ejection mechanism cycle loop

[pj_hack]

Hi everyone,

I am looking for some technical advice regarding a Sony Video8 VCR (PAL model EV-A300EC) I recently retrieved it from storage to digitize my old family tapes, but it is currently stuck in a continuous mechanical loading loop .

Fault sequence:
1. The VCR was stored in a closet for several years (with a tape left inside).
2. Upon initial power-up, it wouldn't go into PLAY. Unplugging and re-plugging the power made it boot up correctly and execute PLAY.
3. I inserted a tape; it read it and went into PLAY without issues.
4. I pressed STOP and unplugged the power to move it closer to the TV.
5. As soon as I plugged it back in, the VCR ejected the tape, and from that moment it entered a continuous loop:
- As soon as power is applied (or POWER is pressed), an automatic sequence of mechanical movements starts.
- During the first phase of the sequence, if I push the door to close it without a tape, it stays closed temporarily.
- A second automatic mechanical sequence starts, which re-opens the door and ejects.
- At this point, if I try to close it manually when no tape is inside, it does not lock/catch unless I insert a tape so the door manages to close, but it feels unnatural and forced, as if something gets jammed. In this case, even as the mechanical cycles run, it will not open automatically and I have to manually pry the internal door lever to eject the tape.)
- Unplugging and re-plugging power (or pressing POWER) repeats the exact same cycle.

Attachments:
I have two short videos showing the exact mechanical movement sequence of the carriage upon power-up.

Hypothesis:
I suspect it could be a dirty/misaligned mode switch that fails to detect the end-stop position, a loose loading belt that fails to complete the movement, or failing electrolytic capacitors in the power supply or logic control circuits.

Has anyone encountered a similar issue on this Sony mechanism and can point me where to start checking?

Thanks in advance for any guidance!

[dellsam34]

You shouldn't be operating the machine without the top cover, the ambient light may interfere with the tape detection sensors.

[pj_hack]

You shouldn't be operating the machine without the top cover, the ambient light may interfere with the tape detection sensors.

That's a good point, thank you! Unfortunately, I just tried with the enclosure on, but it didn't change anything. I also have the feeling that the wheels were spinning the first couple of times I powered it on...

[dellsam34]

I would start with the mode switch and while at it clean and relubricate all moving parts, Gummed up parts are usually the culprit for items stored unused for long periods of time.

If I was you I would just get a Hi8 or D8 camcorder with analog playback, Built in TBC and S-Video out, you get much better quality than what you have now.

There is also the option to have your tapes done professionally by some members here including myself.

[pj_hack]

Thanks for the advice!!

I took a good look at the mechanical parts—everything looks clean and there's nothing obviously broken or jammed.

Interestingly, I stumbled upon a YouTube video of someone who bought a donor Video8 VCR to harvest parts. This unit had the exact same issue: it powers on, opens the door after a moment, and won't close unless you turn it back on and pull the plug mid-action. He swapped the entire mechanical assembly into another machine that had broken gears, and the mechanical assembly worked perfectly.

Based on that, I'm starting to think this isn't a mechanical fault after all, but rather something on the control/logic board..... :''(

[dellsam34]

Didn't realize what you have until I watched that video, There is one feature that you may need to fix and keep your machine just for that, PCM 6 Channel audio, You won't get that with consumer camcorders, They only playback HiFi stereo, Still worth getting a good camcorder for the improvements I mentioned in my previous post though.

[pj_hack]

In the end, I bought a CCD-TRV95E Handycam and the results are astonishing.
You make a good point. I hope I'll sort it out :'(
Thank you for your help! I really appreciate it.