tracking problem with vhs tapes

[janefield]

I have a fair number of VHS tapes accumulated over the years made on different machines. My problem is that though I have held on to two old faithfuls plus a newer one (all Panasonic) the tracking on all three recorders is different and I still have tapes that will not track properly on any of them. How can I get to transfer what is on the problem tapes to DVD? I thought of taking the lid off one recorder and making manual adjustments but was advised against this and wasn't even told if such a thing was possible. Any suggestions?

[edDV]

I have a fair number of VHS tapes accumulated over the years made on different machines. My problem is that though I have held on to two old faithfuls plus a newer one (all Panasonic) the tracking on all three recorders is different and I still have tapes that will not track properly on any of them. How can I get to transfer what is on the problem tapes to DVD? I thought of taking the lid off one recorder and making manual adjustments but was advised against this and wasn't even told if such a thing was possible. Any suggestions?

A good VCR repair expert can misadjust a VCR to match your old tapes that were recorded on an out of alignment VCR. Best to use the same machine.

[edDV]

The tracking control adjusts linear drum to tape movement. Worn machines go 2D with arc shaped tracks that can only be duplicated with guide adjustment.