Help needed to repair a Philips N1502 VCR - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

ludovic · 17th Dec 2018, 9:32 pm

Hello,

I have bought a Philips N1502 VCR from a previous UK owner, it was supposed to be in good working order (so was it advertised) but, once I got a plug adapter (UK to EU) and had the chance to try, that's what happened.

After plugging the unit, the clock display started to blink and the lights went on, so I thought it could be in working condition and I inserted a tape. I placed the "On / off / eject" switch in "On" position and pressed Play, but the tape would not move. I pressed Stop, ejected the tape successfully, and tried again. This time the "Play" key would not remain pressed, and the "Eject" would not work anymore so the tape is stuck inside.

If I disconnect the mains cable, the "Play" button remains pressed until I press "Stop", but once I plug it again the "Play" button releases and the same behaviour repeats, anyway being unable to eject the tape. A bit of a noise was heard so I stopped trying and stored the unit again (with the tape inside).

To be honest, from years ago I'm eager to play some VCR tapes I have with Spanish TV recordings from the 70s, but every VCR I have bought happened to be faulty. In Spain I haven't been able to locate a single repair service that could deal with this, they literally run away from vintage machines and in addition I don't live in a large city. Internet, and maybe this forum, is my last hope.

I would like to know whether anybody could help, either suggesting a trustworthy repair service (no matter if it's abroad) or with assistance to help me to repair it myself. I have a background in electronics and work with computers, but I'm absolutely a newbie when it comes to repairs.

Thank you very much in advance. Kind regards from Spain.

John123 · 17th Dec 2018, 11:50 pm

Start with the basics: If there is a voltage selector on the machine, make sure it is set for your locality, which is likely to be 220v (although double-check beforehand).

I know very little about these machines, but if you have service documentation you can measure to see if the power supply rails are within spec, and also check for things like leaking capacitors etc.

Often, erratic operation can be attributed to a failing power supply and have nothing to do with the actual mechanics..unless, of course, there is something glaringly obvious that is amiss. I find it's usually the best place to begin any troubleshooting procedure..

ben · 18th Dec 2018, 12:07 am

Hello and bienvenido!
The loading on these consists of a sequence where the whole head drum assembly gets shifted into place. It is possible during transport that some part of that mechanism was knocked out of place - one of the pulleys perhaps. I'm not familiar with this specific machine but I would check this video and try and see what happens in yours with the top removed.

cheerfulcharlie · 18th Dec 2018, 1:25 am

Just a thought.

Do you know if your recordings came from a Philips machine?

If they came from a Grundig machine, they made their own specification version using the N1500/1700 tape which if I recall correctly (I maybe wrong) is incompatible with a Philips machine.
I mention this as I think Grundig machines were popular in mainland Europe but less so in the UK..more Philips machines.

I would assume a Grundig tape cartridge would have different holes somewhere to operate micro switches etc.. so if someone could post you a picture of a Philips machine cartridge you could perhaps compare to yours.

Just an idea ..I might be totally wrong

Welsh Anorak · 19th Dec 2018, 2:11 pm

Following on from that, just be sure that your tapes are OK, especially as you've tried three machines! Tapes can deteriorate with age and storage, and these VCR tapes can seize up and jam in your machine.

Vonsworld · 20th Dec 2018, 3:55 pm

Hello
We specialise in repairing Philips VCR's from this era.
The most common problem, which could be causing the fault you describe is if the drive belts are slipping and need to be replaced, especially the head drum belt.
Please get in touch if you require further advice.
Regards
Robin

Eidolon · 25th Dec 2018, 7:45 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vonsworld

Hello
We specialise in repairing Philips VCR's from this era.

Do you do V2000 machines too, from early 80's? I'm looking for someone to fix an ITT 482 rebadged Philips. You're not too far from me.

17th Dec 2018, 9:32 pm	#1
ludovic Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Valladolid, Spain Posts: 1	Help needed to repair a Philips N1502 VCR Hello, I have bought a Philips N1502 VCR from a previous UK owner, it was supposed to be in good working order (so was it advertised) but, once I got a plug adapter (UK to EU) and had the chance to try, that's what happened. After plugging the unit, the clock display started to blink and the lights went on, so I thought it could be in working condition and I inserted a tape. I placed the "On / off / eject" switch in "On" position and pressed Play, but the tape would not move. I pressed Stop, ejected the tape successfully, and tried again. This time the "Play" key would not remain pressed, and the "Eject" would not work anymore so the tape is stuck inside. If I disconnect the mains cable, the "Play" button remains pressed until I press "Stop", but once I plug it again the "Play" button releases and the same behaviour repeats, anyway being unable to eject the tape. A bit of a noise was heard so I stopped trying and stored the unit again (with the tape inside). To be honest, from years ago I'm eager to play some VCR tapes I have with Spanish TV recordings from the 70s, but every VCR I have bought happened to be faulty. In Spain I haven't been able to locate a single repair service that could deal with this, they literally run away from vintage machines and in addition I don't live in a large city. Internet, and maybe this forum, is my last hope. I would like to know whether anybody could help, either suggesting a trustworthy repair service (no matter if it's abroad) or with assistance to help me to repair it myself. I have a background in electronics and work with computers, but I'm absolutely a newbie when it comes to repairs. Thank you very much in advance. Kind regards from Spain.

17th Dec 2018, 11:50 pm	#2
John123 Heptode Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Luton, Bedfordshire, UK. Posts: 891	Re: Help needed to repair a Philips N1502 VCR Start with the basics: If there is a voltage selector on the machine, make sure it is set for your locality, which is likely to be 220v (although double-check beforehand). I know very little about these machines, but if you have service documentation you can measure to see if the power supply rails are within spec, and also check for things like leaking capacitors etc. Often, erratic operation can be attributed to a failing power supply and have nothing to do with the actual mechanics..unless, of course, there is something glaringly obvious that is amiss. I find it's usually the best place to begin any troubleshooting procedure.. __________________ Regards, John

18th Dec 2018, 12:07 am	#3
ben Dekatron Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Madrid, Spain / Wirral, UK Posts: 7,498	Re: Help needed to repair a Philips N1502 VCR Hello and bienvenido! The loading on these consists of a sequence where the whole head drum assembly gets shifted into place. It is possible during transport that some part of that mechanism was knocked out of place - one of the pulleys perhaps. I'm not familiar with this specific machine but I would check this video and try and see what happens in yours with the top removed. __________________ Regards, Ben.

18th Dec 2018, 1:25 am	#4
cheerfulcharlie Heptode Join Date: May 2009 Location: Birmingham, West Midlands, UK. Posts: 708	Re: Help needed to repair a Philips N1502 VCR Just a thought. Do you know if your recordings came from a Philips machine? If they came from a Grundig machine, they made their own specification version using the N1500/1700 tape which if I recall correctly (I maybe wrong) is incompatible with a Philips machine. I mention this as I think Grundig machines were popular in mainland Europe but less so in the UK..more Philips machines. I would assume a Grundig tape cartridge would have different holes somewhere to operate micro switches etc.. so if someone could post you a picture of a Philips machine cartridge you could perhaps compare to yours. Just an idea ..I might be totally wrong Last edited by cheerfulcharlie; 18th Dec 2018 at 1:32 am.

19th Dec 2018, 2:11 pm	#5
Welsh Anorak Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: North Wales, UK. Posts: 6,927	Re: Help needed to repair a Philips N1502 VCR Following on from that, just be sure that your tapes are OK, especially as you've tried three machines! Tapes can deteriorate with age and storage, and these VCR tapes can seize up and jam in your machine. __________________ Glyn www.gdelectronics.wales

20th Dec 2018, 3:55 pm	#6
Vonsworld Diode Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Shrewsbury, Shropshire, UK. Posts: 2	Re: Help needed to repair a Philips N1502 VCR Hello We specialise in repairing Philips VCR's from this era. The most common problem, which could be causing the fault you describe is if the drive belts are slipping and need to be replaced, especially the head drum belt. Please get in touch if you require further advice. Regards Robin