What to do with a broken JVC 9800?

[Brent212]

I got a 9800 a few years ago, after hearing that it was a higher quality player than the 9911, which I already was using. After getting the 9800 and comparing the caps I made with both VCRs, I decided I preferred the 9911. So I sold the 9800, but it was damaged during shipping, so I got it back. There's a crack on the front of the unit, I can hear loose pieces inside, and the power won't turn on.

I got a full refund from UPS, so I'm not really bummed about it, but now I'm not sure what to do with it. Do people buy VCRs for the parts? Or would I be able to get it fixed somewhere, so I could sell it again? I was about to take it to a local "electronics disposal" place, but then I thought of how much it cost new and I couldn't bring myself to do it without at least looking into other options.

Any thoughts?

Sorry if this is off topic. Since VCRs seem to be discussed mostly in the Capturing forum, I figured it was most relevant here.

[redwudz]

You could try selling it on Ebay, stating, 'As is' and describing the problem. VHS decks have a lot of moving parts and something rattling around doesn't sound good. But it's still probably worth a try, even as a 'parts machine'.

And this really isn't capturing. Moving you to Newbie / General discussions forum.

[samijubal]

Probably cracked or broke a circuit board. Sometimes they can be easily repaired and sometimes they can't, it depends where and how big the crack/break is.

[lgh529]

It would at least be worth taking to a VCR repair shop and asking for an estimate. Back when I was in the repair business we charged $25 for an estimate. Usually with most VCR's, it isn't worth it anymore, but if the VCR is worth over $200, then it would be worth at least the estimate fee.

It would also help you sell it better on Ebay because you could state in your description what the problem was and what the estimate would be to repair it.

Just a thought

[dadrab]

Probably cracked or broke a circuit board.

I'm thinking that part of the face plate is what you're hearing rattling around.

Open up the case and see. When you find what's rattling, you'll know whether you've got a working unit with some cosmetic damage or a really, really nice paperweight.

Given the scarcity of older JVC units these days, I might even contemplate keeping it around if it were me - you know, a back-up if the 9911 ever heads for warmer climates (south) on you.

Trying to get it repaired, if it's an internal part, is never a bad idea either. As someone has already mentioned, it might cost a little something, but nothing like replacing it.

[orsetto]

Repairs can be expensive, and depending where you live an estimate could be pricey or perhaps worthless if the repair person has no experience with a luxe deck like the 9800. Look around and see if you can find a smaller neighborhood shop run by an older guy: they usually have experience fixing the older larger VCRs and can give better advice than some multi-line place staffed by kids who do nothing but swap boards out of the newer disposable products.

dadrab made a good suggestion: since you have nothing to lose, open the case and turn the unit upside down so the rattling piece falls out. If its plastic/cosmetic, try loading an unimportant tape and seeing if it plays. If yes, you're golden for resale, if no, decide whether its worth repairing. Mechanical parts on these are scarce now but the electronics are usually fixable. Just weigh repair costs against resale value: at the moment working SVHS DigiPure JVCs are fetching $90-$200. The only ones that seem to be breaking the $300 mark are the uncommon old models like the 5500. So if you get a repair estimate of $150, it may not be worthwhile unless you just want to be "green" and ensure the thing doesn't end up in a dumpster.