Ferguson Videostar 3V31 picture interference problem. - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Snarf81 · 22nd Sep 2019, 6:57 pm

Hi all,

I've just got hold of a Ferguson Videostar 3v31 and after replacing all the rubber and idlers I've got it working nearly perfectly, but there is a small problem with the picture output.

There is a sort of transparent grey static over the picture. It's very hard to describe and even harder to try and take a picture of.
The colours are solid but that grey shimmering is very distracting. It's only present when playing back a cassette and through both RF and video out it's the same. When the tape is paused it's still shimmering. Black isn't solid black etc, like at the start of a pre recorded tape. I'll try and capture a video of the effect.

Any advice on what to check would be greatly appreciated.

Short video of the problem.
https://youtu.be/haoYEvrYdoo

Many thanks,
Richard.

John123 · 22nd Sep 2019, 9:23 pm

First, try it on a different TV - especially important if you still have a plasma set, as these can sometimes cause interference issues with VCR's. A good ol' CRT is always best..although not always the most practical solution, these days.

Also try ruling out anything nearby such as a Wi-Fi router/ booster, mobile phone, desktop PC, etc. Perhaps try physically moving it to a different room as there could be such interference coming through the wall from the neighbours.

Snarf81 · 22nd Sep 2019, 9:32 pm

Hi John,
Thanks for the reply.

I've tried it on my Samsung CRT and the problem is still there. I turned off my router and mobile phone, but it made no difference. It was moved from my living room when I first tested it after changing all the belts etc to my bedroom where I still have a CRT, but still the same. I've tried different connecting leads too.
I thought it might be an earthing fault at first, but I checked all around the head drum and couldn't see any issues.
It's a strange one isn't it...

Thanks again
Richard.

John123 · 22nd Sep 2019, 10:14 pm

It is indeed a very odd one, Richard! At least you've ruled out those things, although it does remind me a little of the ground loops you sometimes get with equipment plugged into different wall outlets, or outlets on different rings etc.

Other than that, I can only suspect the fault is with the machine. Maybe try leave it running for an hour or so to see if it improves with use? Might be worth going over the power supply caps and head pre-amp with an ESR meter; double-checking everything is re-seated properly (especially connections to and from the lower drum assembly); all grounding screws are tight, etc.

Snarf81 · 22nd Sep 2019, 10:27 pm

Hi John,
Thanks for that advice.
I don't have an esr meter, but I do have a spares ITT version of the Ferguson 3v32, I'll check the psu boards and pre amps are the same and swap them over and see what the outcome is.

Cheers
Richard.

Snarf81 · 23rd Sep 2019, 9:30 am

I just had a look at the boards in the ITT vr3984 and the pre amp board that runs down the left hand side is different. Damn.

22nd Sep 2019, 6:57 pm	#1
Snarf81 Heptode Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Rogiet, Monmouthshire, Wales, UK. Posts: 615	Ferguson Videostar 3V31 picture interference problem. Hi all, I've just got hold of a Ferguson Videostar 3v31 and after replacing all the rubber and idlers I've got it working nearly perfectly, but there is a small problem with the picture output. There is a sort of transparent grey static over the picture. It's very hard to describe and even harder to try and take a picture of. The colours are solid but that grey shimmering is very distracting. It's only present when playing back a cassette and through both RF and video out it's the same. When the tape is paused it's still shimmering. Black isn't solid black etc, like at the start of a pre recorded tape. I'll try and capture a video of the effect. Any advice on what to check would be greatly appreciated. Short video of the problem. https://youtu.be/haoYEvrYdoo Many thanks, Richard. Last edited by Snarf81; 22nd Sep 2019 at 7:12 pm. Reason: Added video.

22nd Sep 2019, 9:23 pm	#2
John123 Heptode Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Luton, Bedfordshire, UK. Posts: 891	Re: Ferguson Videostar 3V31 picture interference problem. First, try it on a different TV - especially important if you still have a plasma set, as these can sometimes cause interference issues with VCR's. A good ol' CRT is always best..although not always the most practical solution, these days. Also try ruling out anything nearby such as a Wi-Fi router/ booster, mobile phone, desktop PC, etc. Perhaps try physically moving it to a different room as there could be such interference coming through the wall from the neighbours. __________________ Regards, John

22nd Sep 2019, 9:32 pm	#3
Snarf81 Heptode Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Rogiet, Monmouthshire, Wales, UK. Posts: 615	Re: Ferguson Videostar 3V31 picture interference problem. Hi John, Thanks for the reply. I've tried it on my Samsung CRT and the problem is still there. I turned off my router and mobile phone, but it made no difference. It was moved from my living room when I first tested it after changing all the belts etc to my bedroom where I still have a CRT, but still the same. I've tried different connecting leads too. I thought it might be an earthing fault at first, but I checked all around the head drum and couldn't see any issues. It's a strange one isn't it... Thanks again Richard.

22nd Sep 2019, 10:14 pm	#4
John123 Heptode Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Luton, Bedfordshire, UK. Posts: 891	Re: Ferguson Videostar 3V31 picture interference problem. It is indeed a very odd one, Richard! At least you've ruled out those things, although it does remind me a little of the ground loops you sometimes get with equipment plugged into different wall outlets, or outlets on different rings etc. Other than that, I can only suspect the fault is with the machine. Maybe try leave it running for an hour or so to see if it improves with use? Might be worth going over the power supply caps and head pre-amp with an ESR meter; double-checking everything is re-seated properly (especially connections to and from the lower drum assembly); all grounding screws are tight, etc. __________________ Regards, John

22nd Sep 2019, 10:27 pm	#5
Snarf81 Heptode Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Rogiet, Monmouthshire, Wales, UK. Posts: 615	Re: Ferguson Videostar 3V31 picture interference problem. Hi John, Thanks for that advice. I don't have an esr meter, but I do have a spares ITT version of the Ferguson 3v32, I'll check the psu boards and pre amps are the same and swap them over and see what the outcome is. Cheers Richard.

23rd Sep 2019, 9:30 am	#6
Snarf81 Heptode Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Rogiet, Monmouthshire, Wales, UK. Posts: 615	Re: Ferguson Videostar 3V31 picture interference problem. I just had a look at the boards in the ITT vr3984 and the pre amp board that runs down the left hand side is different. Damn.