How can i play a VHS tape with the lid off?

[Sir_Loin]

Hi

I bought 2 VHS players off ebay and I want to use one of them to clean a bunch of tapes with mould on.

The problem is that when i open the lid and put a tape in, the tape won't play. It appears that there is a sensor somewhere in the machine that won't allow me to play the tapes unless the top is covered. The same with the player. This obviously doesn't help me & I'm wondering how to overcome this if possible.

Thanks for any advice.

[JVRaines]

Put opaque tape over the tape out sensors. You must be careful to stop the tape yourself when it reaches the end.

[lordsmurf]

Mold?
Hopefully you are you doing this outdoors?!

[johns0]

Sounds like you are a same person from brazil with mold issues.

[OldMan64]

In case you are wondering. JVRaines is correct. The VHS tapes have a leader at each end of the tape (beginning and end) that is clear. When that leader comes into the visible tape transport area, the light passes through that clear leader and the sensor then trips the sensing circuit that shuts down the tape transport system.
If you defeat that by covering the light emitting lamp, that disables to auto shut down feature.
So if you do that, just be vigilant to watch for that clear leader and shut down the advance/reverse manually.

[JVRaines]

Mold?
Hopefully you are you doing this outdoors?!

+1
Mo(u)ld spores are irritating to the lungs and can lead to bronchitis or worse in some people. Wear a HEPA mask and use ventilation. Most infections are on the edge of the pack and can be simply wiped off with hydrogen peroxide solution.

[Cornucopia]

Except mold on tape is a common enough issue, while mold INSIDE a dvd (as the brazilian seemed to always get worked up about) is a one in a billion rarity.

Scott

[cornemuse]

As I remember from years ago, with the cover off, my vhs player worked in a dark room but not in a bright room. Go figure, , , ,

[Sir_Loin]

Put opaque tape over the tape out sensors. You must be careful to stop the tape yourself when it reaches the end.

Thank you very much. I never knew that.

[Sir_Loin]

Mold?
Hopefully you are you doing this outdoors?!

Thank you. Yes, absolutely. Im very conscious of the health issues surrounding mold. I have purchased a few masks and goggles.

[Sir_Loin]

Sounds like you are a same person from brazil with mold issues.

Nope. Not the same.

[Sir_Loin]

In case you are wondering. JVRaines is correct. The VHS tapes have a leader at each end of the tape (beginning and end) that is clear. When that leader comes into the visible tape transport area, the light passes through that clear leader and the sensor then trips the sensing circuit that shuts down the tape transport system.
If you defeat that by covering the light emitting lamp, that disables to auto shut down feature.
So if you do that, just be vigilant to watch for that clear leader and shut down the advance/reverse manually.

Thank you for your reply. I never knew that's how it worked until the replies in this thread. I appreciate your reply.