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Vintage Television and Video Vintage television and video equipment, programmes, VCRs etc. |
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12th Sep 2012, 10:43 pm | #1 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Armagh
Posts: 4
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Sharp VL - A10 camcorder can't play tapes.
Hi,
I hope someone might help me with a problem I am currently having with my Sharp VL - A10 camcorder. Allow me to explain; I took the device out of storage today with the intention of converting old tapes onto disk. It won't read any of the four tapes I have. I can remember this happening before but it would eventually wake up and work ok. I haven't operated it since then, which was about a year ago. The possible reasons I can think of are: The camcorder was in storage with a tape inside it - may not be of benefit? The tape-reader might be dirty? The picture LCD screen comes across similar to that of a TV station that has been lost. Should I give up or is there something I can do to remedy this? Thanks with anticipation. Damian |
13th Sep 2012, 7:40 pm | #2 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Armagh
Posts: 4
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Re: Sharp VL - A10 camcorder can't play tapes.
I think I've answered this myself, the heads need cleaning. Well it's worth a go!
Anyone recommend gin as a liquid solution, as it's all I have? Not sure what to use as to apply it? Might be best to go and get the right thing to do the job properly. Thanks, Damian |
14th Sep 2012, 7:46 am | #3 |
Nonode
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Coningsby, Lincolnshire, UK.
Posts: 2,819
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Re: Sharp VL - A10 camcorder can't play tapes.
Hi,
I'd recommend a proper video head cleaning cassette, should be available from ebay very cheaply, camera shops may still have them too. I'm not sure as to using gin to clean heads!! regards, Lloyd. |
14th Sep 2012, 10:03 am | #4 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Armagh
Posts: 4
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Re: Sharp VL - A10 camcorder can't play tapes.
Cheers
I've no other choice than to do a home made job on it. In fact Its beginning to come around. I blew inside the compartment, and wiped the rotating part with a cloth. Not recommending this, but I need to finish this project by late tomorrow evening. Cheers Damian |
14th Sep 2012, 11:21 am | #5 |
Heptode
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 615
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Re: Sharp VL - A10 camcorder can't play tapes.
If you need to do it pronto, use Isopropyl Alcohol and a lint free cloth. Be very careful as the heads are extremely delicate. Taking a bit of time to get a proper cleaning cassette though is the recommended approach if you're not sure about what you're doing. These older camcorders can be a long time dead if a part fails.
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14th Sep 2012, 5:00 pm | #6 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Worksop, Nottinghamshire, UK.
Posts: 5,553
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Re: Sharp VL - A10 camcorder can't play tapes.
Always rub the heads in the direction the tape moves in. They snap off if you do them any other way.
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15th Sep 2012, 1:48 pm | #7 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: North Wales, UK.
Posts: 6,916
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Re: Sharp VL - A10 camcorder can't play tapes.
Hi
Keep it switched on for a good while and things will hopefully perk up. After storage the SMD capacitors all seem to die unpleasantly. Glyn |
17th Sep 2012, 7:12 pm | #8 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Armagh
Posts: 4
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Re: Sharp VL - A10 camcorder can't play tapes.
Thanks alot (a lot) guys.
I'm still working on my project. Got the camera working by cleaning the rotating head part with a cloth that one would use to clean spectacle lenses. No isopropyl or anything though I have tried to find it in local shops. Thanks for the help. I appreciate it as I was a new member and that, just passing through. I hope I might stay here and have a look around and see if there is anything else that floats my boat. Cheers Damian |