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Old 14th Oct 2018, 4:40 am   #1
SpyguyUK
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Default Panasonic F65 Video Recorder - VU Meter Dimness

Hi Everyone,

I have a Panasonic F65 VCR and the VU meter is quite bright but if it is on for quite a while it goes dim. It sometimes goes dim then back to being bright again.

I realize this may be down to the Power Supply/ PSU.

Can anyone tell me what capacitor/s in the PSU needs replaced or anything else I should know?

Also, I have a Panasonic F55 not in use. Could I use the PSU from that and put in the F65?

Thanks.
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Old 14th Oct 2018, 9:20 am   #2
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Default Re: Panasonic F65 Video Recorder - VU Meter Dimness

Hi

If you are familiar with electronics repair, change all the electrolytic capacitors in PSU.

Check also for bad soldering points in PSU and board and on display board.
Also check the condition of the display.Remove the front panel and check if the filament is OK or you have open or cut fillament wire.
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Old 14th Oct 2018, 3:06 pm   #3
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Default Re: Panasonic F65 Video Recorder - VU Meter Dimness

Similar problem with my FS200. Display is very dim all the time. Will try changing the caps in the PSU.
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Old 14th Oct 2018, 5:53 pm   #4
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Default Re: Panasonic F65 Video Recorder - VU Meter Dimness

Almost any VFD display can be revived by burning off the oxidation from the filament but it take a bit of confidence to do it. It is done by disconnecting the filament completely from its supply.
Using a constant current bench PSU, short bursts watching the filament until it glows white.
I have done this to VCR`s and stereo systems from the era which were almost indistinguishable in daylight but recovered to very bright and readable.
It will not replace damaged phosphor so areas of constant wear will be more apparent when brighter.

A scrap VFD is handy to practice with to see what they can cope with.
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Old 14th Oct 2018, 9:09 pm   #5
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Default Re: Panasonic F65 Video Recorder - VU Meter Dimness

Does anyone know if there is a company worldwide who can " rejuvate" or make a new VFD copy.
Last year i have collect some VCRs who have aged VFDs sections such as clock digits and function marks especially on Panasonic SD series.
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Old 15th Oct 2018, 4:19 am   #6
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Default Re: Panasonic F65 Video Recorder - VU Meter Dimness

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for your helpfulness however can anyone tell me if I can replace the Panasonic F65 VCR Power Supply Unit with that of a F55 which I know is ok?

On the F65 PSU chromium/metal casing there are two numbers: VSC2692-1(Engraved) + VEK4683(Paper). On the F55 it says VSC2692-1(Engraved) + VEK5686-4.(Paper)
I'm not sure what the numbers are exactly but one of them is the same on both units.
Thanks.
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Old 15th Oct 2018, 12:21 pm   #7
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Default Re: Panasonic F65 Video Recorder - VU Meter Dimness

No, they are not interchangeable, the two circuits are completely different and although they do produce similar voltages/rails the connector to the machine is in a totally different order.
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Old 15th Oct 2018, 1:11 pm   #8
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Default Re: Panasonic F65 Video Recorder - VU Meter Dimness

In any case, if it's of a similar age, you may have the same problem with caps...
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Old 15th Oct 2018, 3:57 pm   #9
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Default Re: Panasonic F65 Video Recorder - VU Meter Dimness

VEK is the assembly (unit) while VSC is probably the metal cover.
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Old 16th Oct 2018, 5:22 am   #10
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Smile Re: Panasonic F65 Video Recorder - VU Meter Dimness

Hi,

Always the hard way! Thanks.

I have now opened the PSU on my Panasonic F55, (to practice on) but I can't seem to open the metal part of side with AC In on it - To see capacitors.

The other side with the circuit board underneath came off ok.

I have attached two photos of side I did get access to and the other that I am having difficulty with.

Can anyone advise how to take this side off as I take it that it has to come off
off. I didn't want o force as wasn't sure if it was to slide off or be lifted. One side I can raise partially but the side with AC In socket seems to be holding it in place.

Many thanks.
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Old 4th Sep 2019, 5:43 am   #11
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Default Panasonic F65 Video Recorder - Intermittent VU Meter Dimness

Hi Everyone,

I have a Panasonic F65 VCR and the VU meter is quite bright but sometimes, in fact quite often it goes dim. When I say dim it goes off completely and can stay off for a long time even if VCR is switched off then on again. It sometimes goes dim then back to being bright again.

If I give it a thud on side or top of machine it becomes bright again but sometimes only for a minute or two then it goes off again.

I have changed most capacitors in the Power Supply/ PSU and even replaced PSU completely.

Anyone able to advise me on this?

Thanks.
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Old 4th Sep 2019, 6:27 pm   #12
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Default Re: Panasonic F65 Video Recorder - Intermittent VU Meter Dimness

Just the VU meters, or is the clock and other symbols on the Vacuum Fluorescent Display also affected?
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Old 4th Sep 2019, 7:08 pm   #13
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Default Re: Panasonic F65 Video Recorder - Intermittent VU Meter Dimness

Possible dry joint?
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Old 4th Sep 2019, 7:34 pm   #14
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Default Re: Panasonic F65 Video Recorder - Intermittent VU Meter Dimness

Reflow the dry joints on the front panel. These displays tend to fade out rather than flick on or off if the filament voltage disappears.
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Old 4th Sep 2019, 8:48 pm   #15
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Default Re: Panasonic F65 Video Recorder - Intermittent VU Meter Dimness

Hi,
Thanks for your reply. Everything on the Display is affected.
Drew.
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Old 4th Sep 2019, 8:49 pm   #16
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Default Re: Panasonic F65 Video Recorder - Intermittent VU Meter Dimness

Hi,
Thanks for your reply. I have no idea. If so what should I do?
Drew.
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Old 4th Sep 2019, 8:55 pm   #17
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Default Re: Panasonic F65 Video Recorder - Intermittent VU Meter Dimness

Hi Ben,
Thanks for your reply. Yes, Like I say it goes on and off. I turned VCR off last night and it was blank. I've turned it on and it is still the same. I have now thumped it again on side and Display has reappeared but for how long I don't know. So, are you saying re solder everything on front circuit board that VU Meter/ Clock Display is attached to? Thanks.
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Old 4th Sep 2019, 8:58 pm   #18
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Default Re: Panasonic F65 Video Recorder - Intermittent VU Meter Dimness

The fact that it responds to "percussive maintenance" just screams "poor connection". Unplug and replug any connectors a few times (dribble a tiny bit of switch cleaner into the "socket" parts if possible) and remake any suspect solder joints (especially on the display, processor IC and capacitors on the power rails) using fresh solder. Apply extra flux if possible.
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Old 4th Sep 2019, 9:01 pm   #19
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Default Re: Panasonic F65 Video Recorder - Intermittent VU Meter Dimness

if you have the cct diagram, you can trace the filament lines. Usually some 3v derived from a regulator on PSU secondary..
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Old 4th Sep 2019, 10:51 pm   #20
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Default Re: Panasonic F65 Video Recorder - Intermittent VU Meter Dimness

Quote:
Originally Posted by SpyguyUK View Post
So, are you saying re solder everything on front circuit board that VU Meter/ Clock Display is attached to? Thanks.
It rather depends on your soldering ability, because there is a risk that you will make things worse.
A less radical approach would be to start with the connections to the display itself, these are comparatively large, and prone to failure called "dry joint".

You may be better off inspecting the PCB with a jewellers loupe and just re-flowing any joints that look suspect.

I see you asked about the same machine/fault a year ago.
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