UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum - View Single Post - Akai VHS VCRs

jayceebee · 22nd Apr 2021, 10:07 am

I came across two models in large numbers, the VS-F30 and VS-F600 rebadged as the Baird VC-142L and VC-143H. They used the same deck and suffered from mistiming of the front load rack and gear. Akai released a mod which consisted of a metal bush to stop the rack from flexing solving the issue.

Both machines had better than average picture quality in my opinion and the HiFi audio on the VC-143 would playback the worst of tapes that other makes just gave up on.

Sadly both machines suffered from poor electrolytics in the PSU, on the VC-142 particularly it would overun the heaters of the VFD leading to it's early demise. I seem to recall a mod but it only put off the inevitable replacement.

They also fell foul of the Y2K bug and were withdrawn from rental, staff could buy them for a fiver. Still wish I had my VC-143H and it's "Beam me up Scottie" remote.

John.

22nd Apr 2021, 10:07 am	#5
jayceebee Heptode Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Durham, County Durham, UK. Posts: 640	Re: Akai VHS VCRs - want to hear your opinions on them I came across two models in large numbers, the VS-F30 and VS-F600 rebadged as the Baird VC-142L and VC-143H. They used the same deck and suffered from mistiming of the front load rack and gear. Akai released a mod which consisted of a metal bush to stop the rack from flexing solving the issue. Both machines had better than average picture quality in my opinion and the HiFi audio on the VC-143 would playback the worst of tapes that other makes just gave up on. Sadly both machines suffered from poor electrolytics in the PSU, on the VC-142 particularly it would overun the heaters of the VFD leading to it's early demise. I seem to recall a mod but it only put off the inevitable replacement. They also fell foul of the Y2K bug and were withdrawn from rental, staff could buy them for a fiver. Still wish I had my VC-143H and it's "Beam me up Scottie" remote. John.