Name: My private 24x7 cable channel (Raspberry pi + RF modulator) @probnotstech
Uploaded: 2024-10-20T08:17:00-05:00
Duration: 8 min 17 s
Description: My private 24x7 cable channel (Raspberry pi + RF modulator)

My private 24x7 cable channel (Raspberry pi + RF modulator)

probnots tech 2024-10-20 | My private 24x7 cable channel (Raspberry pi + RF modulator)

Samsung VT-1270C VCR (from 1992) power supply fix

probnots tech 2024-09-28 | Another one.

0:00 Intro / Initial Look
1:14 Power Supply
7:01 Diodes?
8:05 Test tape - SP
10:16 Test tape - SLP
10:56 Diodes!
14:14 Underside, mode switch and head cleaner
16:37 Functions
20:03 Test tape - LP
20:53 Test tape - S-VHS?
22:13 Test tape - PAL..?
23:22 Conclusion

Panasonic PV-4841 VCR (from 1988) repair attempt

probnots tech 2024-09-23 | Oh boy, this is a long one.

Hitachi 19 TV from 1980 (Model MT-220)

probnots tech 2024-09-16 | Television. With knobs.

Some neat Sony CD Players from 1984

probnots tech 2024-08-31 | Models D-5A and CDP-200.

0:00 Intro
2:44 Sony CDP-200 (A Look Inside)
10:43 Rambling about CDs
14:16 Sony D-5A Dock (bodge job)
21:44 Outro

Grundig Multi-Standard VCR (Model GV 460 VPT)

probnots tech 2024-08-24 | Sources have told me this was made by Thomson Consumer, and I haven't bothered to confirm this. Manufactured May, 1994.

Mitsubishi VCR repair (HS-337UR from the late 80s)

probnots tech 2024-08-16 | In this video I make an absolute mess of the troubleshooting process to accomplish a fairly simple repair. Enjoy!

** Apologies for the egregious editing error. I'm sure it will happen again.

A look at some real dirty CRT TVs

probnots tech 2024-08-09 | A rural garage sale find, probably stored in a barn. Are they any good?

JVC HR-7650U VCR - quick repair

probnots tech 2024-07-20 | A second video about the JVC HR-7650U where I replacement the broken VFD.

0:00 Intro
1:11 Unboxing
3:05 Testing & Differences
8:14 Solder Time
9:55 Success!
10:33 Demonstration
13:58 Outro

New battery for Sony CCD-V110 camcorder (from 1986)

probnots tech 2024-07-12 | In this episode I show a very kludged-together battery pack for a very old Video8 camcorder.

Apologies for the quiet audio, this is my first video after switching to Davinci Resolve and I'm still getting used to it.

0:00 Overview of the camcorder
2:52 The battery problem
3:27 The battery solution
8:56 Quick demo
10:58 Camera footage
15:54 Final thoughts
18:09 Honk.

Cheap HDMI Modulator - ADDENDUM

probnots tech 2024-04-28 | Thanks to all the comments in the previous video clarifying where I went wrong on the first issue.

Cheap HDMI to RF modulator (also composite mod)

probnots tech 2024-04-27 | *** There's an addendum video, where I address where I went wrong setting the resolution on my laptop: youtube.com/watch?v=N5eR98B3Zx0

I look forward to finding out that I should have added a coupling capacitor to keep this from breaking things. Cheers!

0:00 Aspect ratio rant
5:40 Testing the converter
10:56 Composite output mod
20:54 Testing out the mod
23:35 Conclusion
25:39 Not a transmitter!
26:25 Pictures

Sears Portable Beta VCR (from 1981)

probnots tech 2024-04-20 | Another really long video, this time about a Beta VCR. Made by Sanyo for Sears and sold sometime around 1981. Complete with the wired remote!

The VCR portion is model 30133 D (chassis 539-40650).
The tuner/timer portion is model 30133 T (chassis 539-40660).

0:00 Intro
1:19 Disassembly
5:20 Tape Removal & Resurrection
21:04 I get confused
27:45 Tuner
32:01 Overview
39:00 Recording Samples
40:07 Playback Samples
41:36 Conclusion & Sears Discussion

Odd 1970s clock radio (Lloyds JJ-8398)

probnots tech 2024-04-13 | This is a fairly unusual design of digital clock radio from the 1970s. Instead of the expensive electronic digital clock (with LEDs of a VFD),flip clock or even Lumitime... this is a "roll clock" with a neat looking font.

0:00 Introduction
0:45 Problems & Repairs
8:50 Overview & Demonstration

Mitsubishi VHS VCR (Model HS-330UR)

probnots tech 2024-04-06 | The only thing missing was HiFi. In Canada this model was also sold under the Electrohome brand as model HVR-A01.

Commercial at the beginning: youtube.com/watch?v=VDIlUkYS19w

0:00 Intro
0:20 My history with this machine (ramble)
2:39 Overview & Demonstration
16:46 The Insides
28:05 Test Recording prep
29:06 Test Recordings
32:16 Service controls
33:33 Spaghett
34:50 Rear connections
36:53 End

The Panasonic TR-555 (quick fix and long overview)

probnots tech 2024-02-17 | Model TR-555C.

Channel Master 6518 and other radios

probnots tech 2024-01-29 | Just a look at some transistor radios.

* Channel Master 6518 (Sanyo AFT-1A)
* Sanyo 8C-028S (Channel Master 6515)
* Sanyo/Artonc 6C-8 (Channel Master 6501)
* Auritone unknown model
* Silver 6TR-100
* Sanyo RP-1250 (two of them!)

Analysis of some Panasonic VCRs

probnots tech 2023-09-04 | Tonight's episode:
"probnot personally peruses a pile of programmable panasonics"
OR
"The K stands for Kanada!"

0:00 Intro
3:34 VCR #1 - PV-8200-K
8:18 VCR #2 - PV-4652-K
16:00 VCR #3 - PV-V4630-K
26:11 Bonus VCR - PV-2201-K
34:53 Outro

JVCs dual format VCR (JVC HR-FC100U)

probnots tech 2023-07-19 | Fancy drawer loading JVC VCR from the early 90s (probably 1991ish). The usual JVC quality.

0:00 Teaser
0:38 Repair
7:10 Overview & VHS
31:29 VHS-C
38:35 Playback of recording
45:10 Goodbye

Looking at four VCRs - do they work?

probnots tech 2023-07-08 | A stack of newer (20ish year old) VCRs.

0:00 Stupid
0:40 Sylvania 6220CVA (2 Head, Mono)
13:22 Electrohome EH8013 (4 Head, HiFi)
20:44 Citizen JVHS3987D (2 Head, Mono)
23:19 Toshiba W522CG (4 Head, HiFi)

Old-school analog cable TV setup - Tour & Update

probnots tech 2023-06-15 | A quick update on the madness.

Link to the playlist, because the card is apparently not working: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3efIbuabYe-PVxg19TrS3CCmDdaZTP0F

0:00 Introduction
1:49 The Channels on an old TV
5:13 A spreadsheet!
9:02 The Hardware
17:49 The Channels on a new(er) TV

Weather Channel code: github.com/probnot/wpg-weatherchan

Late 80s RCA VCR (Model VR285 from 1988)

probnots tech 2023-04-23 | Rare doesn't always mean good. This VCR was manufactured in 1988 and sold in 1988/1989. The mechanism is Samsung. From the beginning of the Thomson Consumer era.

VCR Commercial footage: youtube.com/watch?v=BwjbH2Z4av4

0:00 Some explanation
1:44 Problem #1 - Power Supply
2:52 Problem #2 - Belts
3:52 Problem #3 - Pinch Roller & my oopsie
6:55 Demonstration
8:40 Problem #4 - Full Logic Fail
11:22 Samsung-Hitachi Connection?
12:47 On-screen programming
15:23 Tuner
19:58 The Repair-y bits
27:16 Playback Examples
27:43 Test Recordings
29:15 Linear Stereo

Playback Comparison - VHS / S-VHS / S-VHS ET

probnots tech 2023-04-05 | All recordings are in SP speed, recorded and played back on a JVC-SHR7600U VCR with TBC turned on. S-VHS recording on a Sony MQST-120 tape, S-VHS ET and VHS recordings on a Fuji HQ 120 tape. Digitized using S-Video to an HDMI upscaler.

A note on the vertical noise with the ET recording - this seems to be amplified with the upscaler. When directly connected to a CRT or LCD TV, it's less pronounced, but still present. This would probably improve with the use of a higher quality VHS tape, but appears to be a common complaint from what I've seen on old forum posts.

Expected Horizontal (luminance) Resolution:
VHS - 240 Lines
SVHS - 400 Lines

JVC HR-S7600U (Fancy & Flawed VCR from 2000)

probnots tech 2023-04-02 | This VCR has many cool features. Too bad it's from an era of extreme cost-cutting.

Also I called many things by the wrong name (jog vs shuttle wheel for example). I do that a lot - feel free to point it out in the comments :)

0:00 Introduction
3:21 Demonstration
5:01 Dynamic Drum System
8:19 Look Inside
11:31 S-VHS Horizontal Resolution Test
16:14 A skippable rant about capture devices
21:49 More Dynamic Drum System
23:31 Catastrophe
24:07 Detailed look at the mechanism & Head Drum
26:44 Thoughts on DDS
28:26 No Brakes (no brakes)
32:12 Conclusion
33:01 Example Captures

Sony SL-360HF Betamax VCR (repair attempt)

probnots tech 2023-03-25 | Oh no, I do not know what I'm doing.

3D model for the gear: thingiverse.com/thing:5922561

Sony Watchman FD-40A (Flat CRT from 1985)

probnots tech 2023-03-19 | Sony made good stuff.

Around 3:07 the audio is a trip if you're using headphones - no idea what's going on there.

Website talking about the A/V in connector: https://vintage-technics.ru/Eng-Sony_FD-40A.htm

JVC HR-7650U VCR (front loader with linear stereo)

probnots tech 2023-03-09 | All the bells and whistles in 1982. Apologies for the furnace noise, February is a cold month.

12voltvids video with some great repair info: youtube.com/watch?v=n_p1D5z7Pn4
Neat article about this VCR when it first came out: worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Audio/Archive-Audio-IDX/IDX/80s/Audio-1982-12-OCR-Page-0014.pdf

====REPAIR====
0:00 Initial Look
2:58 Down the wrong path
5:55 More testing
9:07 Sad news for VFD fans
10:54 Why did I buy this?
14:04 New Belts!
15:59 Mechanism & Front Load
18:27 EP woes
21:54 Capstan makeover
26:35 It was just vapour lock
28:05 Final adjustments
====DEMONSTRATION====
30:42 Overview & Controls
38:26 EIAJ Input & CKC021 Camera
40:14 Still some issues
41:51 Playback
43:02 Tuner
45:51 The rear connections
47:07 Conclusion

14 Baycrest TV (from 1984)

probnots tech 2023-01-21 | Model HB1423. Sold at "The Bay", now called Hudson's Bay - a Canadian department store.

I also test out an old vacuum tube pattern generator - an RCA WR-64B.

3D model for the gear, for the 1 in a million person who has this same TV and is also missing the fine tuning: thingiverse.com/thing:5805562

Sansui Boombox (model CP-5 from 1983)

probnots tech 2022-12-25 | Some half-assed repairs of a Sansui CP-5 boombox I picked up.

Index:
0:00 Overview
8:39 Tuner
14:06 Tuning around the FM dial
17:28 Cassette Deck
23:11 Conclusion

Toshiba Beta VCR V-S443C Pt.2 - noisy head drum fix

probnots tech 2022-12-13 | Part 1: youtube.com/watch?v=mc7rAuag2IE

In this follow-up I try oiling the video head drum bearings, which involves taking the entire head drum assembly apart. The question now is - can I reassemble it to be working again?

Toshiba Beta VCR (model V-S443C from 1984)

probnots tech 2022-12-11 | This model came out a year after the V-S36C and added some features (like VU meters) while eliminating other features (like direct access tuner, variable speed special effects, etc). It's also much more stylish looking. It was also sold in grey/silver.

Index:
0:00 Introduction
1:36 Initial test / dirty switches
13:52 FF/Rew Idler
16:10 Head drum noise & other issues
19:57 Another problem!
23:06 Playback samples
26:21 Conclusion (in glorious SD)

Winnipeg Weather Channel (on a raspberry pi) V2

probnots tech 2022-12-04 | I finally got around to making this work again. It's still buggy, but at least it's running again! It's currently running on a Raspberry Pi 3B.

Original video out about this: youtube.com/watch?v=MlzgNECJfMc

Example of the original channel that this emulates: youtube.com/watch?v=CEFzDZNA76k

Live YouTube stream of recreation: youtube.com/watch?v=xBuBo14KgeQ

GitHub page: github.com/probnot/wpg-weatherchan

1970s RCA 9 B&W TV (Model CX 095E)

probnots tech 2022-12-02 | Another vintage RCA TV.

Thrift Store VHS

probnots tech 2022-11-20 | Shorts are dumb. Here's a short.

RCA 12 B&W TV (Model CJR 121W from 1983)

probnots tech 2022-11-19 | A look at an inexpensive old TV that just has a lovely style to it.

0:00 Introduction
1:52 Initial test
6:14 Take it apart
7:37 Test with a clean tuner
10:10 More inside
13:07 Some rambling
15:30 RCA TV Model Numbers
18:58 Fin

Sony SL-5800 Betamax VCR (from 1980)

probnots tech 2022-11-15 | Beta time! Complete with the box*, manual and remote. Most likely stored in a musty basement.

*You may notice this alleged box it came in is missing from the video. I can assure you it is alive and well, but due to extreme mustiness is not allowed in the house.

0:00 How it started
8:06 Overview (How it's going)
8:55 Australian CL-7 Belt kit!
13:22 More Overview
15:40 What is "Brightness Balance"? (flicker problems)
23:54 Playback Demonstration
26:50 Front Controls
33:32 Rear Connections
35:41 More "Brightness Balance"
39:01 Recording
46:07 Conclusion
47:21 User Manual
50:13 Goodbye

Panasonic RX-CW55L - Extremely wide boombox

probnots tech 2022-11-05 | This video was recorded in 2019. I don't know why I sound so grumpy.

Hitachi 12 Black & White TV (from 1981)

probnots tech 2022-10-30 | Model M1211. This TV has a somewhat unusual tuner design that makes unique compared to the other 12" black and white sets of the 70's and 80's.

How to hook up an old TV

probnots tech 2022-10-21 | I ramble on about using old TVs, technologies and go on whatever tangents I forgot to edit out.

Some very good educational videos I recommend watching:

Technology Connections:
How analog TV works: youtube.com/watch?v=l4UgZBs7ZGo
Compatible Color: youtube.com/watch?v=InrDRGTPqnE
These are not Pixels: youtube.com/watch?v=Ea6tw-gulnQ

Captain Disillusion:
Interlacing: youtube.com/watch?v=5eu_KjKsnpM
Frame Rate: youtube.com/watch?v=DyqjTZHRdRs
Aspect Ratio: youtube.com/watch?v=g5ZgUIobSj0

Cathode Ray Dude:
Why is your NES A TV Station?: youtube.com/watch?v=8sQF_K9MqpA

Nostalgia Nerd:
Why is TV Static Monochrome?: youtube.com/watch?v=476QlbFZanY

Card links from the video:
12" Black & White TV: youtube.com/watch?v=thes9tK9Qys
Analog TV Ghosting: youtube.com/watch?v=Xf7VgF6PSxc
VCR Connection Basics: youtube.com/watch?v=WI4smw4f4xA
13" RCA Colotrak TV: youtube.com/watch?v=zdfc3Ie3H8w
Sylvania Top-Load VCR (programming pushbutton tuner): youtu.be/ar7Xe7vx0Nc?t=340

0:00 Intro
0:29 Twin Lead / 300 ohm
2:23 Coax / 75 Ohm
2:55 Matching Transformer / Balon
3:27 Channel Tuning - VHF vs UHF
5:37 Connecting a VCR Pt.1
7:32 Fine Tuning
8:44 Automatic Fine Tuning
9:08 TVs with Twin Lead and Coax
10:27 Cable TV vs Antenna/Normal Channels
11:32 Connecting a VCR Pt.2
12:02 Coax is still around!
12:30 Game Switch Adapters
14:06 Pushbutton / Varactor Diode Tuners (Slideshow)
15:44 Composite Video & RF Modulators
19:14 S-Video
20:18 Component Video
21:19 HDMI
24:12 Digital (Over-the-air) TV Tuner Box
26:55 Portable TVs / 3.5mm Antenna Connector
28:55 Outro

Casio TV-21 Pocket TV (from 1985) + other handheld TVs

probnots tech 2022-10-08 | Tiny TV from the 80s that offered an image that was almost, but not quite, entirely unlike television.

0:00 Introducing the Casio TV-21
5:53 Sony FD-20
8:02 Comparison - TV-21 vs FD-20
9:23 Sony FD-20 Battery Life
12:03 Casio TV-21 Battery Life
12:55 Comparison - TV-470 vs P422
14:55 Casio TV-470
15:40 Casio TV-470 Battery Life
16:19 Citizen P422
17:28 Citizen P422 Battery Life
17:55 Citizen P422 A/V Input
18:36 Sony FD-20 Video Input
19:29 Citizen P422 External Antenna
21:08 Casio TV-880
22:49 Casio TV-880 A/V Input Fix!
25:25 Casio TV-880 Battery Life
25:53 Sony FDL-370
26:33 Sony FDL-370 Battery Life
27:39 Thanks for watching!

Emerson VCR (Model VCR765 from 1990-ish)

probnots tech 2022-10-01 | This Emerson branded, Orion-made VCR is from around 1990/1991. There was an updated version released the next year that was identical except for the additional of digital tracking control.

Tektronix 465B Oscilloscope - Fixed!

probnots tech 2022-08-06 | It only took me 2 years and 3 months to upload a follow-up. Not too bad, eh?

Original video: youtube.com/watch?v=3MOces1F_NI
Unrelated video: youtube.com/watch?v=_gXK_kcQ3RU

Sanyo SRT-6000 Security VCR (from 2000)

probnots tech 2022-06-25 | Industrial Beige.

0:00 Overview Pt.I
7:07 Automatic Head Cleaner
7:22 Test Recording
11:02 Sample Recording at 1/5 EP Speed
11:49 Discussing the Quality
12:56 Overview Pt.II
26:04 Final Thoughts
22:46 Test Recordings & Source Comparison
24:43 Playback on a Normal VCR
25:43 Outro

Whats wrong with this VCR? (JVC HR-J3009UM)

probnots tech 2022-06-11 | It's broken. But in what way?

Grundig Concertboy 4000

probnots tech 2022-06-04 | Late 60s / early 70s all-transistor FM Stereo radio.

0:00 Introduction & Overview
7:19 AM Tuning (in the basement)
8:49 Shortwave Tuning (in the basement)
11:28 The Back
13:51 Inside
19:44 Taking it Apart
20:42 The Tuner Light Debacle
24:04 All Cleaned Up
25:05 FM Tuning (outside)
26:48 SW1 Tuning (outside)
27:47 SW2 Tuning (outside)
32:35 AM Tuning (outside)
33:37 LW Tuning (outside)

Toshibas first Hi-Fi Beta VCR (V-S36C from 1983)

probnots tech 2022-05-07 | Hefty machine with a few neat features.

0:00 Introduction & Demonstration
14:01 Let's take a look under the hood
18:13 BIII Test & some rambling
25:15 Test Recording
26:18 Comparison w/ Sony SL-2710
26:56 A look underneath
29:17 A gander at the back end
30:18 Manuel (Part 1)
34:39 Variable Speed Picture Search
36:53 Manuel (Part 2)
39:47 "Auto Find" Feature (Indexing)
42:23 60Hz
43:56 Outro

Fisher FVH-6400 VCR (with linear stereo)

probnots tech 2022-04-23 | From around 1989. Linear stereo (with Dolby NR), 2 video heads, and a mandatory remote control.

1971 Philips Cassette Recorder (Model 1530)

probnots tech 2022-04-15 | A cheerful little tape recorder from the inventor of the compact cassette.

0:00 First Look
5:29 Repair
13:39 Demonstration

Zenith VR-3010 Follow-up (LP Playback & Tracking Fix)

probnots tech 2022-04-12 | I always leave issues unresolved in videos and fix them later off-camera, so here's some closure for a change of pace.

Zenith VR-3010 VCR (from 1984)

probnots tech 2022-04-09 | JVC made VCRs really did have a nice picture.

Fisher top-loading VCR from early 1980s

probnots tech 2022-04-04 | Fisher FVH-520, sold around 1981-1983. A classic looking 1980s top loader that seems to have a bad reputation.

0:00 Commercial
0:30 Part I: Testing & Diagnosis
29:58 Part II: The Bad Transistor
35:10 Part II: The Repairs
47:32 Part IV: All Fixed Up
1:04:16 Test Recordings
1:05:07 Outro