Hitachi VT65E - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

andyw25 · 18th Oct 2014, 9:34 pm

Hi all, think I know the problem but just wondered if anyone would be able to confirm for me.

Just done a full belt replacement on the Hitachi VT65E as all the belts bar two were completely turned to goo.

Got to the testing stage and can't achieve playback, there is no rotation from the right hand reel.

Tho there is also no rew/ffw so would I be right in assuming worn idler ?

Would this stop the right hand reel rotation during playback?

I have an idler coming from America as I struggled to find one. But wanted to make sure it wasn't anything else in the meantime.

Many Thanks, Andy

gec2110 · 18th Oct 2014, 10:34 pm

It is best to change the idler and there is also a play idler, also check that the capstan motor is free running.

HamishBoxer · 18th Oct 2014, 11:37 pm

Think it is the idler from my Granada days, certainly worth waiting for and a good machine. The first new VCR I bought.

mickash · 19th Oct 2014, 12:07 am

Hi Andy,

This was a very common fault "back in the day" and provided the motor is OK is probably the cause of your problem.

A temporary repair can be effected by turning the idler tyre inside out, this should also enable you to assess the general working condition of the machine.

I'd also agree that these were really good machines. I had a VT11E which was an earlier model using a very similar mechanism.

Michael.

Nickthedentist · 19th Oct 2014, 9:04 am

That idler was notorious and failed when the machines were only 2-3 years old. The nice thing is they take seconds to change. Hope you manage to find one.

PS I've got 2 VT11Es which you can have FOC if you need spares or want another Hitachi for your collection.

Welsh Anorak · 19th Oct 2014, 12:48 pm

These were good machines, and Hitachi had finally sorted out the capstan motor problem that was rife on the VT11 and 33 units, though I have had the occasional VT63 with a flat spot on the motor - check it's going round!
End sensors were a known fault in the early days. These machines didn't like Scotch tapes - we had several complaints about a poor picture which was rectified by selling the customer a pack of Memorex.
Glyn

18th Oct 2014, 9:34 pm	#1
andyw25 Pentode Join Date: May 2009 Location: Dumfries & Galloway, UK. Posts: 101	Hitachi VT65E Hi all, think I know the problem but just wondered if anyone would be able to confirm for me. Just done a full belt replacement on the Hitachi VT65E as all the belts bar two were completely turned to goo. Got to the testing stage and can't achieve playback, there is no rotation from the right hand reel. Tho there is also no rew/ffw so would I be right in assuming worn idler ? Would this stop the right hand reel rotation during playback? I have an idler coming from America as I struggled to find one. But wanted to make sure it wasn't anything else in the meantime. Many Thanks, Andy

18th Oct 2014, 10:34 pm	#2
gec2110 Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Croydon, London, UK. Posts: 408	Re: Hitachi VT65E It is best to change the idler and there is also a play idler, also check that the capstan motor is free running.

18th Oct 2014, 11:37 pm	#3
HamishBoxer Dekatron Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: W.Butterwick, near Doncaster UK. Posts: 8,935	Re: Hitachi VT65E Think it is the idler from my Granada days, certainly worth waiting for and a good machine. The first new VCR I bought. __________________ G8JET BVWS Archivist and Member V.M.A.R.S

19th Oct 2014, 12:07 am	#4
mickash Hexode Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Derbyshire, UK. Posts: 289	Re: Hitachi VT65E Hi Andy, This was a very common fault "back in the day" and provided the motor is OK is probably the cause of your problem. A temporary repair can be effected by turning the idler tyre inside out, this should also enable you to assess the general working condition of the machine. I'd also agree that these were really good machines. I had a VT11E which was an earlier model using a very similar mechanism. Michael.

19th Oct 2014, 9:04 am	#5
Nickthedentist Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Oxford, UK. Posts: 17,865	Re: Hitachi VT65E That idler was notorious and failed when the machines were only 2-3 years old. The nice thing is they take seconds to change. Hope you manage to find one. PS I've got 2 VT11Es which you can have FOC if you need spares or want another Hitachi for your collection.

19th Oct 2014, 12:48 pm	#6
Welsh Anorak Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: North Wales, UK. Posts: 6,927	Re: Hitachi VT65E These were good machines, and Hitachi had finally sorted out the capstan motor problem that was rife on the VT11 and 33 units, though I have had the occasional VT63 with a flat spot on the motor - check it's going round! End sensors were a known fault in the early days. These machines didn't like Scotch tapes - we had several complaints about a poor picture which was rectified by selling the customer a pack of Memorex. Glyn