Video repair specialists - any recommended?

[IanNVJ35]

Whilst I am able to do many electronic and mechanical repairs, some aspects of video repair sadly elude me (due to lack of test equipment). I know that in the past there were many video repair shops, and in recent years many that I see just have not bothered to have the 'video repair' sign removed (as in The Christmas Carol with Marley's name) when they deleted that service.

I have worked hard to get my machines as good as possible but I really need the services of someone who has the equipment and interest in doing it. Setting up and sorting a video fault. The last repair person I used set the tape to ride up over the lower cylinder ridge, which damaged some prize tapes.

I live in Herts, but I can post my equipment as far as needed - I just really need someone who still understands video repair.

Thank you for any leads, Ian

[IanNVJ35]

Out of interest, do the manufacturers of the VCR's still support VCR repair? I would like to imagine they have an older employee who remembers and cares enough.

[murphyv310]

Hi Ian.
I have been following your problem on the other thread.
One problem you have is as you say finding an engineer willing to look at the machine. If you do and the engineer finds that the unit has been obviously been fiddled with they might just return it and say it has had third party involvement. Problem is that not only have you to sort out the manmade faults but then repair the original fault, which in your case may actually be nothing to do with mechanical set up.

[IanNVJ35]

I understand exactly. I end up feeling rather upset to tell you the truth as I put in hours of work restoring a broken machine with new parts and components and then the repair shop just made any old setting to get some cash obviously without any interest in the subject. I find VCR's a wonderful mix of mechanical and elecronic devices and my interest is greater than most people's I suppose.

[murphyv310]

Hi Ian.
I closed down in late 2005 and being honest did very few video's near the end. Most people refused point blank to pay any more than £15 for a repair even if you had spent 3 or 4 hours on it, eventually I refused to do them and threw out all my gear in disgust!
This of course is a problem for genuine people like yourself, I am surprised though no one here has offered to look at it, I would have a few years ago, but without the proper gear and better eyesight I have to be honest and say no.
I hope you get it sorted out, copy all your tapes onto a PVR and then use it as a clock!
Sorry that's how I still feel about VCR's

[trickie_dickie]

Crikey, I haven't had the lid off a vcr in 15 years. (Worked for Mastercare at Hemel Hempstead) May I suggest you look on the internet for setting up instructions for your model.

Btw, youtube has loads of stuff on repairing VCRs.

[IanNVJ35]

I was at Mastercare, Hemel too 15 years ago but I was on audio.

[trickie_dickie]

Small world, innit?

I think I left there in 93....ish. It was the year they got through four managers, one was a woman.

[IanNVJ35]

Geoff Wall knew all of this but would not tell it to me. Don't mess with 'The Wall'!

[trickie_dickie]

I'm guessing......this might help.

http://www.electronica.ro/service_ma...corder/nv-j35/

Look at page 67. Items 57 and 61 are the cause of your trouble. They set the tape path relative to the head drum assy. Look on youtube for instructions on how to adjust them. Shouldn't be more than half a turn out of alignment.

[IanNVJ35]

Thank you for the link to the manual - very helpful, but I still don't have all the test equipment sadly.

[HamishBoxer]

If you are really stuck,send it to me and will do my best FOC.

Regards David