1: Should I use a Cleaning Tapes?
SIMPLE, only in an emergency. Using the cleaning tape may allow recording.
If the heads are dirty then the best way is a proper service.
For more information regarding cleaning tapes visit the VCRs PAGE
2: What can I use to clean the heads?
Sorry...NOT RECOMMENDED! Isopropyl alcohol is one of the best, NEVER use the generic METHO as
there are too many residues after evaporation.
Chamois cloth can be dampened with the isopropyl alcohol and applied to the head drum.
Recently a customer requested information about how to clean video heads because
many operators using different tapes were causing the heads to become dirty often.
If in doubt then please call in for a demo on head cleaning procedure.
Field servicing may be neccessary if on location somewhere remote from the workshop.
Most of all, the video heads are VERY fragile and can easily be damaged. One unfortunate customer tried a
lubricant to clean the heads. This resulted in an entire video head/motor assembly strip down and
degreasing. Several hours work.
3: The best tapes to use?
This depends on your format. 8 mm systems have a choice of METAL or NORMAL tape.
Use METAL for a recording you may want to keep for many years, a MASTER recording.
NORMAL tape is fine for everyday use and then can be edited to METAL.
The VHS system can be FULL size or 'C' cassettes, the small size VHS. With 'C' cassettes the same applies
as the 8 mm format. FULL size it is best to use a PREMIUM cassette to avoid the possibility of dropouts.
Particularly at the beginning where hub indentations are significant. Recommend 'PRO' full size VHS tapes
as the hub problem is reduced and the typical length is 1-2 hours with low, if any, dropouts.
Tapes that are of dubious integrity should have damaged sections spliced out or disposed of thoughtfully
once important footage is transferred to a good tape.
Interested in breezy professional home editing of your movies?
With the correct hardware, results enviable of the best moviehouses are possible.
How?
Titling, wipes, sound tracks, fading are just a few features available with modest outlay when compared with
the end product. Since the process is digitised your final copy is first generation VHS, Great quality and you
can run off as many copies as needed with the same quality.
See more at the PRO EDITING page.
Self-diagnosis Code Symptom/State Correction
C 04 00 Non-standard battery is used. Use the info LITHIUM battery.
C 21 00 Condensation. Remove the cassette, and insert it again after one hour.
C 22 00 Video head is dirty. Clean with the optional cleaning cassette.
C 31 10 LOAD direction. Loading does not complete within specified time Load the tape again, and perform operations from the beginning.
C 31 11 UNLOAD direction. Loading does not complete within specified time Load the tape again, and perform operations from the beginning.
C 31 20 T reel side tape slacking when unloading. Load the tape again, and perform operations from the beginning.
C 31 21 Winding S reel fault when counting the rest of tape. Load the tape again, and perform operations from the beginning.
C 31 22 T reel fault. Load the tape again, and perform operations from the beginning.
C 31 23 S reel fault. Load the tape again, and perform operations from the beginning.
C 31 24 T reel fault. Load the tape again, and perform operations from the beginning.
C 31 30 FG fault when starting capstan. Load the tape again, and perform operations from the beginning.
C 31 40 FG fault when starting drum. Load the tape again, and perform operations from the beginning.
C 31 42 FG fault during normal drum operations. Load the tape again, and perform operations from the beginning.
C 32 20 T reel side tape slacking when unloading. Remove the battery or power cable, connect, and perform operations from the beginning.
C 32 21 Winding S reel fault when counting the rest of tape. Remove the battery or power cable, connect, and perform operations from the beginning.
C 32 22 T reel fault. Remove the battery or power cable, connect, and perform operations from the beginning.
C 32 23 S reel fault. Remove the battery or power cable, connect, and perform operations from the beginning.
C 32 24 T reel fault. Remove the battery or power cable, connect, and perform operations from the beginning.
C 32 30 FG fault when starting capstan. Remove the battery or power cable, connect, and perform operations from the beginning.
C 32 40 FG fault when starting drum Remove the battery or power cable, connect, and perform operations from the beginning.
C 32 42 FG fault during normal drum operations Remove the battery or power cable, connect, and perform operations from the beginning.
E 61 00 Difficult to adjust focus Inspect the lens block focus reset sensor
E 61 10 Zoom operations fault Inspect the lens block zoom reset sensor
E 62 00 Steadyshot function does not work well. Inspect pitch angular velocity sensor
E 62 01 Steadyshot function does not work well. Inspect yaw angular velocity sensor
For the budding Speilberg see Movie MAKING tips .
HOME MOVIE tape to DVD transfer. Save those tapes! page.
