No Sound JVC HR-9600U S-VHS VCR

[snocap820]

I'm getting no sound when playing back consumer tapes in SP mode. When I try commercial tapes such as Willie Wonka and The Chocolate Factory and Bruce Lee Double Dragon, I get sound. I noticed these two tapes are in Hi-Fi sound mode and while the tapes I tried which aren't commercial tapes, are in norm monitoring mode. So, I am guessing the norm audio monitoring mode does not work?

[orsetto]

Several possibilities.

The tapes may not have any audio recorded on either hifi or linear tracks: rare, but it does happen. Try playing them on another VCR: if you get sound, then the problem is in your JVC, if the tapes are still silent then the problem is in the tapes.

If the tapes do play with sound on another VCR, you need to look more closely into your JVC. Some advanced VCRs have an audio select system that allows you to completely lock into one soundtrack or the other. If your JVC has this feature, and it is currently set to hifi, and the tapes do not have a hifi track, the JVC will not automatically switch to the linear track like most other VCRs do: you'll have to manually choose "linear audio" or "mono audio" or "norm audio". I am not familiar with this specific JVC model, but I have used some VCRs that have such a sound select system. It couldn't hurt to check your remote control and/or menus and try different sound settings.

If still no go, the VCR may need to have its stationary non-hifi audio head cleaned. Take the top off, and use a Q-Tip dampened with isopropyl alcohol to scrub the face of the stationary heads. Let it dry for ten mins, then try playing the problem tapes again. If still no sound, the problem may be electronic and your 9600 needs service. Usually this involves demagnetizing the linear audio head or repairing a loose connection.

[lordsmurf]

use a Q-Tip

NO!!!!! Do NOT use a cotton swab!!!! The cotton is highly damaging to VCR heads.

Only use non-cotton swabs.

Read this: How to Properly Clean a VCR

[orsetto]

JEEZ-US!

We're talking about the STATIONARY audio heads, which even in the vaunted 9600 are made out of impervious chunks of anthracite. I have been using Q-Tips to clean stationary audio heads in VCRs and tape decks for 27 years and never once had an issue. Watch what you're doing, don't oversaturate the swab, and don't leave any bits of fluff that might pull off. (nothing should pull off if you're paying attention). Yes, by all means, if you have access to the scarce dedicated chamois swabs and fluid they are preferable, but not necessary, to clean audio heads that are so filthy they stifle the signal completely. One way or another you will be applying enough pressure that could conceivable "damage" the head, but at this level of crud on this type of head surface unless you're using sandpaper or Brillo you will be FINE.

The round rotating head drum with the video heads and hifi audio heads is another story: that you should leave the hell alone unless you REALLY know what you're doing and can afford to risk permanent damage. This is the inverse of the stationary head blocks. I don't give a damn whether you use a Q-Tip or LordSmurfs super duper pro swabs: you can and will wreck the the rotary heads unless you know EXACTLY what you're doing. One false move with ANY cleaning tool, and you've ruined the rotary head. Those who are not experienced in rotary head cleaning should stick to using automatic "wet" VCR cleaning tapes (still sold thru various online electronics dealers, if not Radio Shack).