New problem with tracking of videos on JVC HR S8960

[avz10]

I am busy capturing quite a number of VHS cassettes with a JVC HR S8960 super VHS machine. I bought it second hand, but without a remote control. It has been capturing hours of videos this far.

Since this afternoon, the tracking is completely out and the advice that the manual gives, does not help.

Anyone has an idea to fix this?

[orsetto]

It would be unusual for the tracking to go from fully functional to "completely out" overnight.

There does not seem to be any front panel method of manual tracking adjustment on the 8960: the instruction book implies that you need the remote control to adjust tracking. Since you don't have the remote, you may encounter tracking issues with some tapes that require turning off the automatic tracking system. I would recommend you buy the JVC remote if you can find one at reasonable cost: you might be able to fix the tracking simply by using adjustment buttons on the remote. If that doesn't work, or this new problem is occurring on all your tapes, even those that previously played OK, then you can look for other causes, such as:

The last few tapes you played in it might have been old or damaged in some spots, so flakes of the magnetic coating might have come off the tape and got stuck to the heads. This can result in horrible white streaks that resemble massive tracking error. If the streaks don't go away or only barely move when you adjust the tracking, the heads probably need to be cleaned with either a cleaning tape or wet swab kit. With the swab kit, you would need to take the cover off the VCR and carefully wipe the head drum. Do not apply pressure! If cleaning does not solve the tracking issue, the heads may be significantly damaged or you have failure in the circuits that control the heads or capstan. You would need to have a good VCR technician service the unit if that is the case.

[victoriabears]

try unplugging it over night and it might reset the tracking or try running a new tape or a good tape at fast wind and rewind.

[avz10]

If the streaks don't go away or only barely move when you adjust the tracking, the heads probably need to be cleaned with either a cleaning tape or wet swab kit

Thanks for the help! I used both methods and the cleaning kit did the job!