Sony SL-C6UB - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

dcastro · 19th Apr 2017, 4:34 pm

Hi

I've just cleared my fathers loft and have found our old Betamax player and tapes. Was hoping it would all work as everything was wrapped up but alas no. Its like the motor is not quite powerful enough for the tape to load around the head - with a bit of a gentle nudge it does. However once the tape is loaded the rewind mechanism is not powerful enough to turn the tape. Fast forward is fine. Also the play button works and fan etc come to life but the tape spools do not turn.

Can anyone give me any help or shall i just sell for spares,??

Thanks

Dav

Welsh Anorak · 19th Apr 2017, 5:10 pm

Hi
This is a common problem when machines have been left for a while. I'd plug in, switch on and leave it for a few days to warm up. Then see how it behaves. It might be that the tapes are a bit tired too and have become stiff so it's best to try some that you know are OK - though not ones you value too highly.
Good luck
Glyn

Vauxfan2k · 22nd Apr 2017, 12:14 pm

Leaving electrical items stored in a loft is a pretty bad idea. There's constant temperature changes in the loft space, humidity is the main problem. The rubber belts, idler tyres etc all degrade due to this and age. They can either go all sticky, stretch, snap or go hard and brittle.

Any item taken out of storage for a long time should be inspected and serviced with new parts before Continued use.

Kits are available on the internet for these machines, so it's money well spent in fitting them.

On top of that make sure to give it a hoover out as this will stop any dust etc flying about when the machine is running.

Good luck!

19th Apr 2017, 4:34 pm	#1
dcastro Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Chelmsford, Essex, UK. Posts: 1	Sony SL-C6UB Hi I've just cleared my fathers loft and have found our old Betamax player and tapes. Was hoping it would all work as everything was wrapped up but alas no. Its like the motor is not quite powerful enough for the tape to load around the head - with a bit of a gentle nudge it does. However once the tape is loaded the rewind mechanism is not powerful enough to turn the tape. Fast forward is fine. Also the play button works and fan etc come to life but the tape spools do not turn. Can anyone give me any help or shall i just sell for spares,?? Thanks Dav

19th Apr 2017, 5:10 pm	#2
Welsh Anorak Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: North Wales, UK. Posts: 6,918	Re: Sony SL-C6UB Hi This is a common problem when machines have been left for a while. I'd plug in, switch on and leave it for a few days to warm up. Then see how it behaves. It might be that the tapes are a bit tired too and have become stiff so it's best to try some that you know are OK - though not ones you value too highly. Good luck Glyn

22nd Apr 2017, 12:14 pm	#3
Vauxfan2k Hexode Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Inverness, Highland, UK. Posts: 300	Re: Sony SL-C6UB Leaving electrical items stored in a loft is a pretty bad idea. There's constant temperature changes in the loft space, humidity is the main problem. The rubber belts, idler tyres etc all degrade due to this and age. They can either go all sticky, stretch, snap or go hard and brittle. Any item taken out of storage for a long time should be inspected and serviced with new parts before Continued use. Kits are available on the internet for these machines, so it's money well spent in fitting them. On top of that make sure to give it a hoover out as this will stop any dust etc flying about when the machine is running. Good luck!