Ferguson 3V00, 3V16 and 3V22 VCRs - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Philips210 · 31st May 2013, 10:17 pm

Hi.

I picked up for free, a Ferguson 3V16 VCR in quite reasonable condition, and started to think about the similar 3V00 and 3V22 models and wondered if the decks are similar or maybe the same?

What I'd like to know is, what are the differences between these three models?
I assumed there are differences with the clock and timer options but there must be more variations between the three. It's ages (20+ years) since I last repaired one of these robust JVC built machines.

Regards
Symon

AndiiT · 31st May 2013, 10:29 pm

Hi,
As far as I can recall, the 3V00 was the "original" VHS machine and had an extra switch for 'off air' or 'off tape' viewing, this effectively prevented RF patterning on any terrestrial channels but did not allow RF through pass so was dispensed with on the 3V22 and subsequent models.

The 3V16 had a wired remote control which allowed some "trick" facilities such as slow motion etc. as opposed to the basic remote pause facility on earlier machines. The remote unit was attached to the VCR via a sixteen (I think) pin plug and socket similar to the camera socket used on the later "portable" recorders and the all singing all dancing 3V23.

Mechanically I think the three models were very similar, but electrically the 3V16's servo must have differed considerably to allow the slow motion option.

Regards

Andrew

FERNSEH · 1st Jun 2013, 1:19 am

There was a Ferguson video recorder on sale before the 3V00, the model 3292 which was introduced late 1978. although similar in many respects to the 3V00 the drum motor servo control circuits are not as good as the 3V00.
The 3V22 is almost identical to the 3V00, it's only the presentation that differs, black instead of metallic grey.
The 3V16 is an excellent machine. correctly adjusted this machine offers a near perfect freeze frame picture. Well worth restoring.
Interesting thing about the 3292 is that the model number relates to the old Ferguson model codes for tape recorders.

DFWB.

Nicklyons2 · 1st Jun 2013, 10:37 am

The 3292, and I think early 3V00s, had a slightly different belt layout. The early machines had a large belt running a fairly circuitous route, the later models used smaller belts and the addition of a 'relay idler'. The decks could be converted one to the other by the interchanging of the appropriate nylon pulleys. I used to use bits from scrap machines to 'convert' earlier machines when the 'big belt' became fairly rare & expensive as a spare. The 3V16 was the de-luxe machine and was something around £700 when first issued around 1980 - quite a lot in today's prices.

Mike Phelan · 1st Jun 2013, 5:02 pm

(Trawling through facts learnt decades ago!)

The 3V16 had a slightly different video head drum than the 3292 and 3V00, to allow a good freeze frame.

The latter two just switched the video channel off when the "Pause" key was depressed; you could get a sort of freeze frame on the two older models by allowing the picture to show, but there were significant noise bars with the narrower video heads.

We found the main mechanical problems were that some of the huge forces on the deck made some of the rivetted posts for levers come loose. Thorn supplied replacement posts and a tool to fit them.

A well made and useable machine though.

Philips210 · 2nd Jun 2013, 12:19 pm

So it seems then, the 3V16 has superior still frame performance over the other two VCRs. I have managed to acquire a service manual for the 3V00 with supplements for the 3V22. Also, there are some circuits for the 3V16. It will be another project when time permits.
Thank you for all your replies.

Regards
Symon.

Welsh Anorak · 3rd Jun 2013, 12:08 pm

Hi
One thing I liked about these machines was the fact that when you pressed 'stop' there was no E-E, so if you had just enjoyed a film you weren't bombarded with whatever was on the air at the time, especially as the audio from the tape was invariably a bit lower than the E-E. I think I was the only person who liked this feature as many people who bought them second-hand complained about it.
The 3292 was the first VHS machine that came into my workshop - it was very new. It had a very poor picture, so I spent half a day with scope, manual and meters setting everything up with little improvement. Of course with hindsight I would have known immediately one head tip was damaged!
Good robust machines - their main failing as they got older was the loading mechanism used to begin to sieze up and a stripdown and repair wasn't a viable option.
Glyn

toshiba tony · 26th Jun 2013, 5:37 pm

Also the 3v00 did not have a solenoid pause, the 3v22 and 3v16 had a clunk when you put them in pause, the picture was blanked unlike the 3v16, memories are made of this!

And of course no macro, video pirate studios loved em.

Until 3 years ago I was still mending them, although I never queried why they were still using such old machines.

Samba1360 · 26th Jun 2013, 6:24 pm

I bought the portable piano key JVC version ( can't remember the model number) portable back in about 1980, cost about £2,000 back then, (could have bought a new car). I remember it was very robust and reliable, and heavy, sold it in about 1984 and bought a new NV180.

FERNSEH · 26th Jun 2013, 6:42 pm

Pictures of a 3V22, note the old style UHF sockets for video in and out. The origins of this machine date back to 1976.
BTW. I've got a spare 3V16 manual if anyone wants it.

DFWB.

mark pirate · 26th Jun 2013, 7:46 pm

I have three variants of these machines, the 3V22 was the first VHS machine I owned, bought second hand in 1980 for £200, which was around a months wages back then!

Apart from the 3V22's I have the 'luxury' model with slow frame complete with wired remote control, I must get around to them this year, they were all workers when they went into storage, but will all require a new set of belts by now.

These were a very good machine, the only problems seem to be belts and failure of the cassette sensor bulb.

Mark

Mike Phelan · 27th Jun 2013, 8:58 am

... plus the various posts for levers becoming un-rivetted from the deck plate due to the enormous spring tensions as in post #5.

The Fergy folk did supply an LED replacement for the sensor bulb.

Focus Diode · 27th Jun 2013, 9:05 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by FERNSEH

There was a Ferguson video recorder on sale before the 3V00, the model 3292 which was introduced late 1978.

I recall there was also an AKAI badged version which found its way into Hi Fi brochures, I think they pulled out of the VCR market very early on.

Brian

toshiba tony · 27th Jun 2013, 10:12 am

Re Akai pulling out, I still have a teletext with videoplus VCR, programming it was a doddle. I admit though it isnt NICAM or even hi-fi.

Marvellous machine, except for the known display failure.

Nickthedentist · 27th Jun 2013, 11:35 am

Yes, Akai seemed to get back into it again circa 1990 with a range of inexpensive but feature-laden machines, built in Europe ISTR.

Nick.

Nicklyons2 · 27th Jun 2013, 12:15 pm

The Akai version of the 3V00 was replete with wooden sides - signifying its higher quality and appeal to the hi-fi enthusiasts -LOL

Akai also went through a bad patch with VHS machines - particularly notorious was a sloping fronted early dual speed machine (may have been VS 3 or 4) very flimsy deck - the 'interchange' was shocking - you were lucky if it could play back it's own recordings a day after making them!.

Sanbeta · 23rd Jun 2016, 2:09 pm

Hi
I've been sent a Ferguson 3v22 to sort out and the only issue I'm having at the mo is finding the right size belt for the head drum motor. The original just falls off.
Can anyone supply the correct size for this to enable me to search the correct one as I'm dubious as to whether this original one is right. It also doesn't seem to have much holding/guiding this belt to the smaller motor pulley for the head drum.

Cheers in advance....................Kevin

Nicklyons2 · 24th Jun 2016, 8:30 am

I'll have a look I may still have some spares of various belt/idlers in a 'hidden box' - I'll go look for it.

Sanbeta · 24th Jun 2016, 11:06 am

I appreciate the offer and any help VERY greatly received.

Many thanks...............Kev

ben · 24th Jun 2016, 1:05 pm

I seem to recall the belt on the drum was less substantial and tight-fitting than that on the capstan, which also had to power the loading arms so was thicker and needed to be tight. That used to be a common problem, incomplete loading due to slack or slippy belt. But it's been 20+ years since I last went inside one. Next month I have one awaiting my attention, however, so will probably make a post then.

31st May 2013, 10:17 pm	#1
Philips210 Nonode Join Date: May 2007 Location: Redruth, Cornwall, UK. Posts: 2,580	Ferguson 3V00, 3V16 and 3V22 VCRs Hi. I picked up for free, a Ferguson 3V16 VCR in quite reasonable condition, and started to think about the similar 3V00 and 3V22 models and wondered if the decks are similar or maybe the same? What I'd like to know is, what are the differences between these three models? I assumed there are differences with the clock and timer options but there must be more variations between the three. It's ages (20+ years) since I last repaired one of these robust JVC built machines. Regards Symon

31st May 2013, 10:29 pm	#2
AndiiT Octode Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Saltburn-East, Cleveland, UK. Posts: 1,786	Re: Ferguson 3V00, 3V16 and 3V22 VCRs Hi, As far as I can recall, the 3V00 was the "original" VHS machine and had an extra switch for 'off air' or 'off tape' viewing, this effectively prevented RF patterning on any terrestrial channels but did not allow RF through pass so was dispensed with on the 3V22 and subsequent models. The 3V16 had a wired remote control which allowed some "trick" facilities such as slow motion etc. as opposed to the basic remote pause facility on earlier machines. The remote unit was attached to the VCR via a sixteen (I think) pin plug and socket similar to the camera socket used on the later "portable" recorders and the all singing all dancing 3V23. Mechanically I think the three models were very similar, but electrically the 3V16's servo must have differed considerably to allow the slow motion option. Regards Andrew

1st Jun 2013, 1:19 am	#3
FERNSEH Dekatron Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, UK. Posts: 7,444	Re: Ferguson 3V00, 3V16 and 3V22 VCRs There was a Ferguson video recorder on sale before the 3V00, the model 3292 which was introduced late 1978. although similar in many respects to the 3V00 the drum motor servo control circuits are not as good as the 3V00. The 3V22 is almost identical to the 3V00, it's only the presentation that differs, black instead of metallic grey. The 3V16 is an excellent machine. correctly adjusted this machine offers a near perfect freeze frame picture. Well worth restoring. Interesting thing about the 3292 is that the model number relates to the old Ferguson model codes for tape recorders. DFWB.

1st Jun 2013, 10:37 am	#4
Nicklyons2 Octode Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Barnsley, South Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 1,517	Re: Ferguson 3V00, 3V16 and 3V22 VCRs The 3292, and I think early 3V00s, had a slightly different belt layout. The early machines had a large belt running a fairly circuitous route, the later models used smaller belts and the addition of a 'relay idler'. The decks could be converted one to the other by the interchanging of the appropriate nylon pulleys. I used to use bits from scrap machines to 'convert' earlier machines when the 'big belt' became fairly rare & expensive as a spare. The 3V16 was the de-luxe machine and was something around £700 when first issued around 1980 - quite a lot in today's prices.

2nd Jun 2013, 12:19 pm	#6
Philips210 Nonode Join Date: May 2007 Location: Redruth, Cornwall, UK. Posts: 2,580	Re: Ferguson 3V00, 3V16 and 3V22 VCRs So it seems then, the 3V16 has superior still frame performance over the other two VCRs. I have managed to acquire a service manual for the 3V00 with supplements for the 3V22. Also, there are some circuits for the 3V16. It will be another project when time permits. Thank you for all your replies. Regards Symon.

1st Jun 2013, 5:02 pm	#5
Mike Phelan Dekatron Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Near Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK Posts: 4,609	Re: Ferguson 3V00, 3V16 and 3V22 VCRs (Trawling through facts learnt decades ago!) The 3V16 had a slightly different video head drum than the 3292 and 3V00, to allow a good freeze frame. The latter two just switched the video channel off when the "Pause" key was depressed; you could get a sort of freeze frame on the two older models by allowing the picture to show, but there were significant noise bars with the narrower video heads. We found the main mechanical problems were that some of the huge forces on the deck made some of the rivetted posts for levers come loose. Thorn supplied replacement posts and a tool to fit them. A well made and useable machine though. __________________ Mike.

3rd Jun 2013, 12:08 pm	#7
Welsh Anorak Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: North Wales, UK. Posts: 6,927	Re: Ferguson 3V00, 3V16 and 3V22 VCRs Hi One thing I liked about these machines was the fact that when you pressed 'stop' there was no E-E, so if you had just enjoyed a film you weren't bombarded with whatever was on the air at the time, especially as the audio from the tape was invariably a bit lower than the E-E. I think I was the only person who liked this feature as many people who bought them second-hand complained about it. The 3292 was the first VHS machine that came into my workshop - it was very new. It had a very poor picture, so I spent half a day with scope, manual and meters setting everything up with little improvement. Of course with hindsight I would have known immediately one head tip was damaged! Good robust machines - their main failing as they got older was the loading mechanism used to begin to sieze up and a stripdown and repair wasn't a viable option. Glyn

26th Jun 2013, 5:37 pm	#8
toshiba tony Heptode Join Date: May 2006 Location: Accrington, Lancashire, UK. Posts: 978	Re: Ferguson 3V00, 3V16 and 3V22 VCRs Also the 3v00 did not have a solenoid pause, the 3v22 and 3v16 had a clunk when you put them in pause, the picture was blanked unlike the 3v16, memories are made of this! And of course no macro, video pirate studios loved em. Until 3 years ago I was still mending them, although I never queried why they were still using such old machines. Last edited by Mike Phelan; 26th Jun 2013 at 7:08 pm.

26th Jun 2013, 6:24 pm	#9
Samba1360 Triode Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Horsham, West Sussex, UK. Posts: 29	Re: Ferguson 3V00, 3V16 and 3V22 VCRs I bought the portable piano key JVC version ( can't remember the model number) portable back in about 1980, cost about £2,000 back then, (could have bought a new car). I remember it was very robust and reliable, and heavy, sold it in about 1984 and bought a new NV180.

26th Jun 2013, 6:42 pm	#10
FERNSEH Dekatron Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, UK. Posts: 7,444	Re: Ferguson 3V00, 3V16 and 3V22 VCRs Pictures of a 3V22, note the old style UHF sockets for video in and out. The origins of this machine date back to 1976. BTW. I've got a spare 3V16 manual if anyone wants it. DFWB. Attached Thumbnails

26th Jun 2013, 7:46 pm	#11
mark pirate Dekatron Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Worthing, West Sussex, UK Posts: 5,185	Re: Ferguson 3V00, 3V16 and 3V22 VCRs I have three variants of these machines, the 3V22 was the first VHS machine I owned, bought second hand in 1980 for £200, which was around a months wages back then! Apart from the 3V22's I have the 'luxury' model with slow frame complete with wired remote control, I must get around to them this year, they were all workers when they went into storage, but will all require a new set of belts by now. These were a very good machine, the only problems seem to be belts and failure of the cassette sensor bulb. Mark

27th Jun 2013, 8:58 am	#12
Mike Phelan Dekatron Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Near Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK Posts: 4,609	Re: Ferguson 3V00, 3V16 and 3V22 VCRs ... plus the various posts for levers becoming un-rivetted from the deck plate due to the enormous spring tensions as in post #5. The Fergy folk did supply an LED replacement for the sensor bulb. __________________ Mike.

27th Jun 2013, 10:12 am	#14
toshiba tony Heptode Join Date: May 2006 Location: Accrington, Lancashire, UK. Posts: 978	Re: Ferguson 3V00, 3V16 and 3V22 VCRs Re Akai pulling out, I still have a teletext with videoplus VCR, programming it was a doddle. I admit though it isnt NICAM or even hi-fi. Marvellous machine, except for the known display failure. Last edited by Mike Phelan; 27th Jun 2013 at 4:26 pm.

27th Jun 2013, 11:35 am	#15
Nickthedentist Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Oxford, UK. Posts: 17,864	Re: Ferguson 3V00, 3V16 and 3V22 VCRs Yes, Akai seemed to get back into it again circa 1990 with a range of inexpensive but feature-laden machines, built in Europe ISTR. Nick.

27th Jun 2013, 12:15 pm	#16
Nicklyons2 Octode Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Barnsley, South Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 1,517	Re: Ferguson 3V00, 3V16 and 3V22 VCRs The Akai version of the 3V00 was replete with wooden sides - signifying its higher quality and appeal to the hi-fi enthusiasts -LOL Akai also went through a bad patch with VHS machines - particularly notorious was a sloping fronted early dual speed machine (may have been VS 3 or 4) very flimsy deck - the 'interchange' was shocking - you were lucky if it could play back it's own recordings a day after making them!. Last edited by Nicklyons2; 27th Jun 2013 at 12:16 pm. Reason: spelling

23rd Jun 2016, 2:09 pm	#17
Sanbeta Hexode Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Lowestoft, Suffolk, UK. Posts: 256	Re: Ferguson 3V00, 3V16 and 3V22 VCRs Hi I've been sent a Ferguson 3v22 to sort out and the only issue I'm having at the mo is finding the right size belt for the head drum motor. The original just falls off. Can anyone supply the correct size for this to enable me to search the correct one as I'm dubious as to whether this original one is right. It also doesn't seem to have much holding/guiding this belt to the smaller motor pulley for the head drum. Cheers in advance....................Kevin

24th Jun 2016, 8:30 am	#18
Nicklyons2 Octode Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Barnsley, South Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 1,517	Re: Ferguson 3V00, 3V16 and 3V22 VCRs I'll have a look I may still have some spares of various belt/idlers in a 'hidden box' - I'll go look for it.

24th Jun 2016, 11:06 am	#19
Sanbeta Hexode Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Lowestoft, Suffolk, UK. Posts: 256	Re: Ferguson 3V00, 3V16 and 3V22 VCRs I appreciate the offer and any help VERY greatly received. Many thanks...............Kev

24th Jun 2016, 1:05 pm	#20
ben Dekatron Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Madrid, Spain / Wirral, UK Posts: 7,498	Re: Ferguson 3V00, 3V16 and 3V22 VCRs I seem to recall the belt on the drum was less substantial and tight-fitting than that on the capstan, which also had to power the loading arms so was thicker and needed to be tight. That used to be a common problem, incomplete loading due to slack or slippy belt. But it's been 20+ years since I last went inside one. Next month I have one awaiting my attention, however, so will probably make a post then. __________________ Regards, Ben.