UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum - View Single Post - Philips VR2022 tape speed slight unstable

samjmann · 12th Aug 2016, 12:19 pm

From what I can remember (it's some 34 years ago!), certain Grundig machines did not have the head actuators. The 'output' from the DTF circuit was capstan phase only, so in effect it was auto-tracking from the 4 field DTF sequence, rather than a average FM output that's used on VHS/Beta.

I think that these Grundigs were budget models, the 2x4 super model was the one I saw the most of. This had the perfect search and pause.

Going back to the original post, I found both the Grundig and Philips machines quite sensitive to back tension problems. This could lead to a 'tapered' lead FM output waveform which causes poor field sync. On the Grundig there was even a modification issued to generate a artificial field sync pulse as the field sync pulse was weak when using pre-recorded tapes.

The back tension on the Philips is done by the supply reel motor gently 'pulling the tape' in the opposite direction, the tension arm position set the motor torque. There's no back tension band!

12th Aug 2016, 12:19 pm	#11
samjmann Heptode Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Nottingham, UK. Posts: 648	Re: Philips VR2022 tape speed slight unstable From what I can remember (it's some 34 years ago!), certain Grundig machines did not have the head actuators. The 'output' from the DTF circuit was capstan phase only, so in effect it was auto-tracking from the 4 field DTF sequence, rather than a average FM output that's used on VHS/Beta. I think that these Grundigs were budget models, the 2x4 super model was the one I saw the most of. This had the perfect search and pause. Going back to the original post, I found both the Grundig and Philips machines quite sensitive to back tension problems. This could lead to a 'tapered' lead FM output waveform which causes poor field sync. On the Grundig there was even a modification issued to generate a artificial field sync pulse as the field sync pulse was weak when using pre-recorded tapes. The back tension on the Philips is done by the supply reel motor gently 'pulling the tape' in the opposite direction, the tension arm position set the motor torque. There's no back tension band!