We Are Rewind Curtis Boombox TEARDOWN! GB 001 series GB 20250922 MrBetaByte 2026-09-19 | We Are Rewind Curtis Boombox TEARDOWN! GB 001 series GB 20250922
Sony Betamax SL-C5UB - Clock buttons replaced and belt change - PART 2 MrBetaByte 2025-09-06 | This one's a little bit different as we continue work on this amazing Sony SL-C5 Betamax which doesn't seem to have seen much use at all. In this one we do a belt change and sort the clock set buttons that always collapse/ fail on the C5 and C7 and talk about the alternatives for replacement.The wobble you see in the image at the end is caused by an idler and we'll sort that in part 3.Chapters:00:00 Where we left off from part 100:33 Belts under the deck01:47 Star Components belt kit - what you get C5 and C702:30 Changing the belts under the deck08:41 Belts on the top of the deck - lacing ring belt and eject take-up19:20 Spool tyre21:10 Idler tyres26:27 Lacing /loading ring belt installation29:04 Supply reel removal (if you want to!)30:38 After cleaning the deck32:17 Replacing the counter belt35:50 Installing and aligning the top loading system39:43 Pinch roller replacement41:15 Clock/ timer buttons replacement48:50 Testing and issues (we'll fix in part 3!)#betamax #repair #vcr #mrbetabyte #sony
Sony SL-C5 Betamax - Colour on pause and picture search plus servo repair MrBetaByte 2025-08-30 | This one's a little bit different insofar as we're looking at a very nice Sony SL-C5UB Betamax machine with the usual issues these machines have if they've been looked after - belts/ servo issues and those annoying timer buttons. We also look at the black and white pause and search and modifying the C5 so it can display colour in these modes.This is part 1 of a two part series and we'll be changing the belts and clock buttons plus no doubt a few other bits and bobs in part two.Interested to see your views in the comments on something to replace Deoxit - I've used Servisol and Electrolube products in the past but Deoxit really does do the job well and seems compatible with a lot of plastics too, but the annoying can top sprayer drives me mad plus it's getting so expensive.Chapters:00:00 It's a really nice Sony C5!01:27 Mains plug 01:58 Power on test and checks04:01 Testing a cassette08:20 Servo issues - changing the capacitors10:50 Testing the servo repair11:33 Colour in pause and picture search - modification15:38 Testing - recording a black and white signal17:01 How to enable colour in pause and picture search on the Sony C5 plus poor video input.18:22 Playback test of black and white recording 19:00 What a great Sony SL-C5 Betamax#betamax #vcr #electronics #retro #mrbetabyte
Panda W10i personal stereo review - The original Maxell MXCP-P100? MrBetaByte 2025-08-23 | This ones a little bit different insofar as we're looking a Panda W10i personal stereo from Kmido Audio Studio that shares a striking resemblance with the Maxell MXCP-P100 but is half the price. Translation of the enclosed leaflet to follow.Chapters00:00 Introduction01:18 Pricing as of 20th August 202501:46 Unboxing and what you get05:10 Quick run through the features07:30 Playback test09:50 Wow and flutter test11:33 Comparing the Panda W10i with the Maxell MXCP-P10012:12 Panda W10i - tear down and belts22:34 Reassembly24:49 Wow and flutter after some use and an odd rubbing noise issue26:10 Shake test26:53 Tape thickness performance test28:50 Azimuth adjustment29:39 Stickers29:59 Would I but the Panda over the Maxell?#cassette #audio #portable #mrbetabyte #retro
Sony SL-C20 Betamax - Front loading system and reel motor issues plus making it reliable. MrBetaByte 2025-08-16 | This one's a little bit different insofar as we're looking at a decent Sony SL-C20UB Betamax machine; the non-remote version of the C30.We look at the front loading system, a reel motor issue plus replace the front buttons as they always start to give issues at this age. We also look at the power supply. I do need to treat the rust and try and find a foot as one is missing and strengthen the rear sockets for the AV in and out.Chapters00:00 Introduction01:57 Quick look over03:42 Under the deck06:00 Removing the front08:00 Removing the front loading system36:41 Replacing the front deck switches42:52 Checking the lacing gear for cracking48:27 Cleaning the hall effect51:44 Reel motor dragging fixed52:44 Plug check!53:51 Power on and first test57:00 Sorting front loading alignment issues - switches and gears01:02:38 Testing and playback 01:04:42 Power supply check and capacitor swap01:12:00 Front loading system flap removal, clean and reinstallation01:14:37 Final checks and tests#sony #betamax #vcr #mrbetabyte
Nsendato from Aliexpress - Super cheap personal stereo - Why, just why?! (*Re-upload due to errors) MrBetaByte 2025-08-09 | This one's a little bit different insofar as we're looking at the bottom of the pile; in this case the Nsendato personal stereo from Aliexpress.* I accidentally uploaded the wrong version originally which had a random picture of my tape deck and some of the captures were in the wrong place so here's the corrected version!I've just noticed the listing has changed again and it's now £19.69, down from £21.17! Promise there's more Beta content to come but the daytime job has been so manic, I've just not had time to complete pretty much anything!If you want the pain of ownership the non-affiliated link is here:aliexpress.com/item/1005009504719027.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.5.755f1802sIqgKFIt'll be interesting to see how much the price keeps varying.Chapters:00:00 Why just why would you buy the Nsendato portable player00:20 Nsendato personal stereo02:45 How it's packed03:35 Sockets05:35 Initial checks08:18 Wow and flutter tests11:26 Sony Walkman wow and flutter13:23 Take up torque tests15:01 Tape thickness performance tests16:40 USB capture18:38 Final review#portable #cassette #mrbetabyte
Nsendato from Aliexpress - Super cheap personal stereo - Why, just why?! MrBetaByte 2025-08-09 | This one's a little bit different insofar as we're looking at the bottom of the pile; in this case the Nsendato personal stereo from Aliexpress.There are errors in the editing in this one and the correct version is now going live.I've just noticed the listing has changed again and it's now £19.69, down from £21.17! Promise there's more Beta content to come but the daytime job has been so manic, I've just not had time to complete pretty much anything!If you want the pain of ownership the non-affiliated link is here:aliexpress.com/item/1005009504719027.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.5.755f1802sIqgKFIt'll be interesting to see how much the price keeps varying.Chapters:00:00 Why just why would you buy the Nsendato portable player00:20 Nsendato personal stereo02:45 How it's packed03:35 Sockets05:35 Initial checks08:18 Wow and flutter tests11:26 Sony Walkman wow and flutter13:23 Take up torque tests15:01 Tape thickness performance tests16:40 USB capture18:38 Final review#portable #cassette #mrbetabyte
The dual-speed Philips N1702 is back and its a bit broken! MrBetaByte 2025-08-02 | This one's a little bit different insofar as the Philips N1702 is back and quite broken! Bit of an odd fault too!#philips #vcr #mrbetabyte
Maxell MXCP-P100 - A new personal cassette player worth buying in 2025? Review and teardown MrBetaByte 2025-07-26 | This one's a little bit different insofar as we're looking at and taking apart a Maxell MXCP-P100 personal cassette deck. At the moment it's only available in Japan but hopefully it'll be officially available Globally.For context, I never expect anything great from any portable tape deck so this is comparing this with those - it's certainly no CD player, audio quality wise! 😊Link to translated user manual:drive.google.com/drive/folders/1PWIupGaqooU85v2YkQ2mbIOJ08taZpWw?usp=drive_linkChapters00:00 Some background on why I bought the Maxell MXCP-P10001:20 Quick look around the Maxell01:55 Unboxing - what you get04:19 Quick test06:50 Bluetooth test07:59 Charging and battery life/ charging time08:33 Headphone jack output level09:52 Testing a Dolby cassette from 198311:18 Computer support through USB?11:42 LED12:17 WOW and Flutter plus tape speed tests13:50 Deck functions and auto-stop14:20 Disassembly of the Maxell MXCP-P10014:55 Removing the lid17:26 Rear access to the Maxell MXCP-P100 - battery replacement and belt replacement20:57 Closer look at the PCBs23:57 Belts used - diameter and thickness25:03 Reinstalling the battery26:13 Testing with the back off26:50 Playback speed control adjustment27:04 Reassembly and getting the cassette door reinstalled30:37 Testing and final thoughts - worth buying?#maxell #cassette #walkman #mrbetabyte
Video tape mould removal kit from eBay - Betamax/ V2000/ Video8/ MiniDV MrBetaByte 2025-07-19 | This one's a little bit different insofar as we're looking at (I guess you could call it a review!) of one of several tape mould (or mold if you're in the US) removal kits available on eBay. This one is from here:ebay.us/m/H0UQg5 and there's a video on YouTube from the maker here: youtube.com/watch?v=LRpPWx4NyDI Full disclaimer - this is not sponsored at all and I bought it to clean up a few cassettes that I want to transfer over to a digital format which it should do pretty well. I found out later that the way I cleaned the tape wasn't the recommended method hence the issues that I had but I'll leave the result I obtained to your thoughts and comments.Helps give the Sony SL-C7 Betamax a bit more hope of being saved too! That video to follow very soon (apologies for not getting when I hoped!).Chapters:00:00 What it is and what it does03:50 Unpacking and what you get for the full kit option07:40 The cassette we'll be cleaning - Beta from the Sony SL-C709:20 Opening up the cassette and installing the spools16:40 Cleaning the tape (outside with smoke, dogs and gulls!)37:40 Cassette reassembly39:12 Disassembly and a look inside43:25 The mold removing fabric removal and setup44:46 Trying out the cleaned cassette47:15 Final thoughts and would I have bought one knowing what I know now?#video #betamax #v2000 #video8 #mrbetabyte #vcr
Sony SL-C7 Betamax - Save it or scrap it? PART 1 MrBetaByte 2025-07-05 | This one's a little bit different insofar as we're assessing a Sony SL-C7UB Betamax to see whether it's worth saving. It's previous owner tried the machine and while testing it went pop! There's quite a lot to seal it's fate and be scrapped but there's also a few things in it's favour to make it worth saving. Have a look and see what you think and let me know in the comments. If you know me though, I think you can guess what the answer to that will be!Chapters:00:00 Introduction00:40 Issues and disassembly02:26 Looking over the inside of the C703:28 Clock battery leakage05:36 Power supply removal and checks plus key capacitor replacements and switching transistors19:36 Manually removing the cassette in the Sony C7 with the power off23:31 Clock buttons - how many work?24:00 The moldy cassette25:25 Installing the replacement 4.7uF 350v power supply capacitors26:21 Fuses27:37 Checking the transistors in the power supply31:43 Closer look at the back battery on the clock assembly37:10 Examining the belts under the deck plus the PCBs39:33 Rounding up#sony #betamax #mrbetabyte
Panasonic NV-V8000 - Self -inflicted issues MrBetaByte 2025-06-28 | Just a quick video on the final touches to get the Panasonic NV-V8000 finished off. Two main issue - unable to switch between VHS-C and full size VHS and more video issues - both of these were things I missed during the main final video although the video issue did catch me out as it worked for a full day without issue and then the next morning it had the fault! It really felt like another capacitor had failed but no, it was a soldering issue. A big thank you to all the people who suggested what was going on with the video issues - that was very helpful and helped me see the wood for the trees! Amazing how you can sometimes become somewhat blinkered after working on something for so long!Chapters:00:00 Introduction 03:29 Video issues10:03 Front loading system issue - jamming when going to VHS-C15:02 Testing the remote control (not the correct one but it works!)16:00 Final run through and tests#panasonic #vhs #vcr #mrbetabyte
Toshiba V9600 Betamax - More issues after soak-testing MrBetaByte 2025-06-28 | This one's a little bit different insofar as we're looking at a couple of issues that occurred during soak-testing the Toshiba V9600 Beta machine. After around 15 hours or so I found it at the end of the cassette unable to do anything other than eject the cassette and rewinding it back showed that as soon as the cassette loaded the machine went into fast forward. Really a great story sourcing the chip and I can't thank Valerie from partsandproducts on eBay who pulled out all the stops to send a replacement IC from the US - the only place I could find a NOS chip. Huge thanks to William too; I bought a well used but complete V9600 from him for spares as a backup plan. I ended up not needing it so it may well feature in a future video.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and the issues02:25 Syscon issue explained03:40 Demagnetising the ACE head assembly04:20 Checking the clock backup capacitor06:21 Syscon issue - always going to fast forward unable to select other deck functions.#betamax #vcr #mrbetabyte
Philips V6462 VHS from 1985 - Working nice? MrBetaByte 2025-06-21 | This one's a little bit different insofar as we're looking at a Philips VR6462 from 1985. Really an advanced and well thought out design with simplicity mixed with innovation. I was never that impressed with the video quality with these and I did sell a lot of these machines as reconditioned units back in the day and they were considerably cheaper than the JVC and Panasonic recorders from the wholesalers and people did seem to really like them too. Working on this one though and seeing the playback, I'm actually quite impressed and it's better than I remember.I did like the 'working nice' sticker on the top; at some point I'm sure it did but those days were well behind it when it arrived with me but it is now working really well and I've watched a few tapes on it with no issues at all with the idler now working perfectly too.I do wonder if the smoking from the old tyre which I just couldn't seem to completely clear was causing the issues with the idler.Chapters;00:00 Introduction01:47 First look03:00 Is there a RIFA? A bang and smoke at power on prevented04:46 Pinch roller mold06:04 Drum cleaning - they seem to easily corrode 06:42 Changing the idler17:10 First test and the backup battery24:42 Remote control26:50 Removing the front loading system27:18 Under the deck - replacing the hardened grease39:48 Idler issues again40:54 Regreasing the spools and spool removal47:20 Reinstalling the front loading system49:50 Testing and bad take up issue53:30 VHS torque meter cassette VHT063 from Aliexpress54:17 Idler play noise57:50 Back tension adjustment59:24 Idler issues yet again01:05:05 Front loading system back in and test01:06:46 Front panel clock display01:10:20 Final bits and pieces and test#vhs #philips #vcr #mrbetabyte
Sony SL-C6 - A couple more capacitors that might be worth changing... MrBetaByte 2025-06-20 | Just a quick video on a couple more suspect capacitors that might be worth changing. These have been reported to me as being potential failure points on the video side but to be fair, I've never had any issues with them so just sharing so you spend a few minutes now and have some extra piece of mind.#mrbetabyte #sony #betamax
Sony SL3000 and TT3000 portable Betamax - check over MrBetaByte 2025-06-14 | This one's a little bit different insofar as we're looking at an early 'portable' Betamax machine and companion tuner/ power unit from Sony; the SL3000 and the TT3000. These things are heavy and with a camera must have really been a challenge to use for any length of time. Also interesting the changes made to the deck due to it being a portable like the super quick stop is there's a tape issue and of course, something quite rare on Sony Beta machines, the dew sensor. There's also a different loading method and the reels are drive directly via a belt from the head motor.Chapters:00:00 Introduction02:52 First test after not being used for months07:08 Tension tests (back tension, reel torque etc) using the Sony 'case'09:14 Lacing belt and eject take up belts14:15 Removing the top loading system15:02 belt and Idlers check, replacement and refurb27:17 Testing28:49 Reassembly of the top loading system31:39 Final tests #sony #betamax #vcr #mrbetabyte
Panasonic NV-V8000 VHS - Question - Bad video but from only one cassette? MrBetaByte 2025-06-07 | This one's a little bit different insofar as I now have another issue and I was a little sad when I first saw the playback on the NV-V8000 the following day after getting it working so well BUT it's only doing this with one cassette and it's the same cassette I used for testing the machine previously! Just very odd!#panasonic #vhs #mrbetabyte
Panasonic NV-V8000 SVHS - Part 2 - Should I have said never again? MrBetaByte 2025-06-06 | This one's a little bit different insofar as it's part 2 of the second Panasonic NV-V8000 S-VHS machine. In part one we at least got it playing with some sort of picture but in this part we get to the bottom of the image quality issues and resolve the jammed front loading system getting the VHS to VHS-C swap working.The surface mount capacitors were nothing unexpected but I was amazed I got away with their removal like I did, especially on a ceramic sub-panel; I was very lucky and yes, it was bonkers that I did!Apologies for the slip of the title text too - that slipped somehow during rendering and I didn't have time to get it fixed. Chapters:00:00 Introduction00:43 Ejecting the cassette manually and using a battery02:45 Removing the front loading system with a cassette loaded07:42 Checking and servicing the front loading system in the NV-V800023:10 Testing the front loading system outside of the NV-V800029:47 Testing the magic!32:33 Video quality issues on the NV-V800038:12 Checking the TBC pack for bad capacitors42:43 Video playback issues investigated on the video pack48:55 The ceramic sub-panel and replacing the surface mount leaky capacitors - bodged but fixed!55:02 Testing the final result#panasonic #svhs #vcr #retrotech #mrbetabyte
Sony SL-HF100 - Capstan speed issue - Worse than the first PART 3 MrBetaByte 2025-05-31 | So this one's a little bit different insofar as we have yet another issue with the Sony SL-HF100 and this time it's a fast running capstan motor - not at first but after an ever decreasing amount of time, the normal playback speed goes to near review speed. A massive help was a video I posted some time ago with a similar fault hence why I make these videos because I have a memory like a sieve!youtube.com/watch?v=s_5O0eRiIhY&t=998sChapters:00:00 Fault03:02 Accessing the SS-28 properly for full access05:36 Investigation09:27 The fast capstan motor fault fixed#sony #betamax #mrbetabyte #vcr
Sony SL-HF100 - Worse than the first? PART 2 MrBetaByte 2025-05-24 | This ones a little bit different insofar as we did the right thing with the SL-HF100 in changing that hall-effect device on the head drum and doing a few other jobs and checks on the way.There will be a part 3 with an interesting fault!Not sure what happened with the sound as there are some crazy artifacts in some places but I've done my very best to minimise those.Chapters00:00 Introduction02:04 Feet and the importance of having them03:02 Hall-effect cleaning - it'll work but not for long!05:24 The plan for replacing the hall-effect and servicing the drum06:03 ACE guides and pinch roller - tracking and tape path issues and Rubber Renue15:40 Audio/ control/ Erase head assembly demagnetising16:50 Stripping down the drum and removing the heads and the drum to replace the hall-effect30:25 Changing the hall-effect 38:32 Reassembly of the head drum and replacing the head disk51:38 Resurfacing the upper drum59:02 Reel table check - what to check for with reel motor scraping 01:04:25 Run through of work done off camera and final tests#sony #betamax #vcr #mrbetabyte
Sony SL-HF100 The 2nd Betamax - Worse than the first? PART 1 MrBetaByte 2025-05-17 | This ones a little bit different as we're looking at the second Sony SL-HF100 sent in for repair by Xavier. If you've been following, the first one had a lot of issues and some interesting colour problems which were all solved but it came back for a second time due to linear audio issues. This one seems better and yet worse in so many ways!00:00 Introduction08:01 Power supply removal08:18 Appraisal now the power supply is removed and the deck!14:17 The scrap deck and recycling!18:07 Power supply and changing the capacitors - whistle from power supply fixed30:53 Deck lacing issue - guide stuck up and no lacing - split gear32:46 Lacing motor gear fix using the original gear39:36 Testing - does it work and a cliffhanger with the head drum motor!#sony #mrbetabyte #betamax #50thanniversary
Sony SL-HF100 BetaHiFi Betamax - back again with poor audio MrBetaByte 2025-05-16 | This one's a little bit different insofar as the SL-HF100 we repaired a little while ago is back with a low linear audio issue. It's a simple fix and it's so much better now - I'll be doing this on every deck (and really should anyway, I just always forget to!) to ensure as good an linear (so not BetaHiFI) audio quality as is possible.Chapters:00:00 Introduction03:31 Servo issue - not?06:00 Repairing the transit damage09:35 Final test and all good to go!#sony #betamax #mrbetabyte
Sanyo VTC9300 Betacord from 1978 - 50th anniversary of Beta MrBetaByte 2025-05-10 | This ones a little bit different insofar as were looking at the first big selling Betamax machine released by Sanyo, the VTC9300 Betacord from 1978. This one looks to be released later and I'm sure I saw a date code from July 1979 on a motor.I do need to look at those piano keys as well as they're sagging quite a bit, especially the eject and I will more than likely do a proper update video on this machine covering the finer points of getting back to as near 100% as possible. The playback speed issue got a lot better after using the machine but you can see from the last clip, it's still isn't quite right so we'll look at that too. Chapters:00:00 Introduction02:15 eBay listing03:10 Mains plug05:03 First tests11:14 Clock15:44 First look under the top cover19:26 Under the bottom cover25:38 Changing the belts32:16 Removing the top loading mechanism/ carriage34:20 Changing the idler tyres40:35 Changing the pinch roller and getting caught out by the new one!44:34 The counter belt45:40 Reassembly of the VTC930047:43 Testing after new belts and idler tyres48:36 Fixing colour issue on the VTC9300 (Black and white picture)50:18 Slight issues to fix for the next video and final test#sanyo #50thanniversary #betamax #betacord #mrbetabyte
The MrBetaByte channel introduction video 2025 MrBetaByte 2025-05-10 | This one's a little bit different insofar as this is the MrBetaByte channel introduction video which includes a longer-form version of the 50th Anniversary of Betamax video released on the 10th of May 2025!Welcome to the channel and a Subscribe would be really appreciated and helps the channel grow.
Betamax - 50th anniversary - Happy Birthday Beta! MrBetaByte 2025-05-10 | Happy 50th anniversary to the format that is Betamax; also known as Beta, Betacord and BetaVideo. It was absolutely great to work with @12voltvids @video99couk and @betamaxrebeloutpost8945 to skim the surface of what was a wonderful video format.Chapters:00:00 Celebration!00:14 Introduction00:35 12voltvids and the SL-HF1000 accurate editing to 2 frames!08:02 Video99.co.uk PCM digital audio and the Sony SL-C910:09 Video99.co.uk Toshiba V547010:59 Video99.co.uk Sanyo VTC5000 and M40 BetaHiFi11:35 Video99.co.uk Betacam13:00 MrBetaByte Sanyo VTC9300, VTC5150, VCR7250, Sony SL-HF950, C6,C7, C9, C40, SL-F30, SL-HF150, SL-HF100, SL-500ME 15th anniversary edition, SLO1700, Toshiba V9600 and Bush BV690020:15 BetamaxRebelOutpost Sony SL-2000/ SL-HF2000, 1975 Sony LV1901, Toshiba VS44, SL-55 with a cool modification!#betamax #50thanniversary #mrbetabyte #video #sony #nostalgia
Toshiba V9600 Beta - Resurrecting a family heirloom (The most unloved Betamax?) MrBetaByte 2025-05-03 | This one's a little bit different insofar as we're bringing back to life a Toshiba V9600 Beta (Betamax) machine from 1982 that has been in storage having been well used and loved since 1991. Lots covered in this one and I didn't want to span it over two videos so this one is pretty long!Just been told the story of the dent on the top of the machine:Oh, the dent on the top was caused by something landing on it which fell off the top of the Ferguson television set that was sat next to the machine in the 80s 😂Chapters:00:00 Introduction03:45 First checks and a basic clean05:45 The backstory of the Toshiba V960008:48 RIFA capacitor and fixing a dead Toshiba V9600/ Power supply issue11:30 Front panel removal12:33 Mains plug and belt kit from Star Components13:46 Front loading system removal on the V960015:38 Deck overhaul, belt change and idler tyre change on the Toshiba V960045:54 Front loading system checks and service and belt replacement54:34 First test56:00 Why a Toshiba V9600 won't lace - FF/REW OSC59:50 Testing playback01:03:32 Resurfacing the upper drum01:06:42 Testing after upper drum resurface01:11:20 Changing the video head disk on a Toshiba v960001:32:40 Loading ring adjustment and LC assembly 01:34:11 Idler/ fast forward and rewind drive issues - shiny drum01:35:00 Final test and all good fun!01:37:08 That bit of foil on the head drum...01:39:35 Final test and...#toshiba #betamax #vcr #retrotech #mrbetabyte
Panasonic NV-V8000 SVHS - Part 1 - Yes, another one! (Did I say never again?) MrBetaByte 2025-04-26 | This ones a little bit different insofar as we're looking at another Panasonic NV-V8000 SVHS video recorder from around 1990. These things are amazing bits of kit from the TBC to the Dual-format full-size VHS and compact VHS ability (which is a real weak point mechanically with these units).I was hoping to release part 2 next week but we have busy times on the channel ahead of us so it might be a while before part 2 is released ([plus I do need to actually finish fixing it!).There's a fun component pop and flames in this one too!This machine feature in the Quick Look! Series 2 here:youtu.be/Qi0hGOOMJ8cComplete series is here:youtube.com/watch?v=Qi0hGOOMJ8c&list=PLj6GMxwXGowOgFZ4czPhNazCILcVAIjPAChapters:00:00 Introduction01:40 Run done of all the issues05:21 Noisy head drum - lubricating the motor bearings22:23 Testing the head drum - no noise23:05 Clock/ VFD display issue25:48 Power supply removal, checks and fixing the display issue32:14 Testing - is the display OK?37:02 Investigating the capstan motor jammed issue40:57 Conductive black pads47:45 Testing again... Capstan trying to work?54:30 Sorting 'some' of the playback image issues59:30 Testing and a pop!01:00:20 Replacing the regulator and a self-imposed fault01:07:29 Testing and the capstan issue is solved#vhs #panasonic #svhs #mrbetabyte
Panasonic NVV8000 short #mrbetabyte #retro #vcr #repair MrBetaByte 2025-04-25 | Doesn't happen often but we had a machine go pop! Full length video on why on the MrBetaByte channel.youtu.be/W2aX5umC83AOut on the 26th of April 2025 at 3pm BST. 😊
Sony TTF1E Tuner and power supply for the Sony SL-F1 Betamax - PSU issues fixed. MrBetaByte 2025-04-23 | This one's a little bit different insofar as we're looking at the Sony TT-F1; the tuner/timer/ mains power supply companion to the Sony SL-F1 portable Betamax machine. I recorded this back in December 2024 and I really wasn't at my best so I make assumptions that I normally wouldn't! I wasn't going to release this but there is some useful information and a relatively easy fix if you change the main 47uF 350v capacitors and the two transistors and the power supply still won't start - had a few with this issue now and it's always the same culprit (so far!).Chapters00:00 Introduction00:40 Removing the power supply on the Sony TT-F104:17 Investigations09:20 Issue causing the TT-F1 power supply to not start (appears dead)16:52 Power on test17:39 Testing with a Sony SL-F1 Betamax deck#sony #vintageelectronics #betamax #mrbetabyte
Sony SL-500ME Betamax - Poor servo lock; an eBay special? MrBetaByte 2025-04-19 | This one's a little bit different insofar as we're looking at a Sony SL500ME. A little bit of a sad one this one as I don't get to do what I'd really would like to do to get this machine back to full health but no doubt, it'll happen one day!Unfortunately I had to blur out some of the captures from the NTSC cassette due to copyright issues.I sort of have a go at the way this machine has been treated previously - I fully support attempting to repair your own device as long as you're careful and maybe know when to stop but when a device is messed around with, then sort of made to work to then be sold on eBay for £500+ with no mention of the work attempted, I do find it frustrating.Chapters:00:00 Introduction01:54 First look inside the SL50005:06 First test09:30 Gaining access to the top PCB11:25 Servo section repair13:06 Random bit of plastic - front loading system14:29 Testing and adjustment after servo capacitor replacement NTSC22:30 The broken bit of plastic...23:22 Testing playback PAL25:06 Power supply check31:30 Upper drum resurfacing and some back story34:56 Front loading system - quick fix and super glue36:00 Testing everything - NTSC and PAL42:06 Quick revisit after some retrospective thinking!#sony #betamax #vcr #mrbetabyte
Sony TCW-E835S double tape-deck - Overhaul and new test tapes! MrBetaByte 2025-04-12 | This one's a little bit different insofar as we're looking a great Sony TCW-E835 double cassette deck and get to try out some of the test cassettes currently available (at time of publishing) from Aliexpress. I have to say they seem very good and are a very useful set of tools. I would put links to them but they keep changing and there are several listings selling various versions and types of test cassette.We have a few more tape decks to come over the next few weeks and months including some more Sony decks and my own Technics deck which has a slightly odd recording issue which seems to gradually be getting worse.Has anyone tried the 'TDK Brilliant' cassettes and if so, how did you find their performance? So far, they seem OK but I really need to do some more in-depth tests - let me know if you'd like to see that on the channel, maybe as a Wednesday video, in the comments.Deck details and service manual is here: hifiengine.com/manual_library/sony/tc-we835s.shtml but you'll need to sign up to download the manual (it's free!)Nothing referred to here forms any sort of sponsorship but I am open to offers!The Lady Gaga test dubbing was excellent! So much so that I now have a Sony deck from the same era from Ivan! That'll also be featured on the channel soon.Test tape part numbers (to search on AliExpress)18um mirror tape path cassette - TCC9019um mirror tape path cassette - MC-109CSANYOU cassette torque meter - CT-FCalibrated tone cassette from eBay/ OddBits: tinyurl.com/3dx73wuf - I notice they now use the same TDK Brilliant Cassettes featured here - I'm lucky enough to have a BBC brand cassette which are pretty decent.Chapters:00:00 Introduction00:45 DeckTech belts01:19 Audio test tapes from AliExpress - see description for part numbers03:54 Surplus new old stock cassette - Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga04:49 Testing the Sony tape deck - loud rumbling noise07:21 First look08:55 Removing the decks to change the belts15:05 Removing the belts - and gunge!29:07 Installing the new belts36:13 Deck two - replacing the belts44:56 Reassembly46:22 Testing the deck49:40 Playback tape path test using TCC90151:50 Playback tape path test using MC109C54:39 Changing the pinch rollers 55:33 Testing after pinch roller change57:50 How to change the pinch rollers58:30 How not to change the pinch rollers01:04:55 Speed alignment using a calibrated tone cassette01:21:38 Quick run through of everything!01:25:04 Final checks and tests plus recording and tape to tape dubbing01:26:53 Lady Gaga - Mayhem cassette#sony #cassette #repair #mrbetabyte #tapedeck
Lady Gaga - Mayhem cassette unwrapping #mrbetabyte #sony #ladygaga #cassette MrBetaByte 2025-04-10 | Unwrapping of the now hard to get Lady Gaga - Mayhem album cassette. Watch it being played on this Saturday's MrBetaByte video featuring a rather nice Sony tape deck. Note the curious cracks in the plastic on the cassette itself!
Sony SL-C6 Betamax part 2 - Bad heads? MrBetaByte 2025-04-05 | This one's a little bit different insofar as it's part 2 of the Sony SL-C6 Betamax machine overhaul. In part 1 we sorted a power supply issue out, changed the belts and idler tyres, fixed the front loading system and changed the usual servo capacitors but we still an issue - a very noisy picture. In part two we look at the heads and hope that they are just very contaminated... Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to look further into the more suitable switch for the front loading system but that may still happen!Chapters:00:00 Introduction00:50 The heads...01:47 Removing the heads07:12 Soaking the head disk in 99% Isopropyl09:05 Putting the cleaned heads back in the C610:20 Using an eccentricity gauge to align the head disk17:00 Completing the reassembly20:32 Are the heads now OK?21:20 More heads?23:15 Final capture#vcr #betamax #repair #mrbetabyte
Philips N1702 - Part 2 - N1500 playback, counter and more bent metal! MrBetaByte 2025-03-29 | This one's a little bit different insofar as we're finishing off the N1702 Philips VCR machine. We sort the dual-speed issue (and learn that actually checking the colour bands of resistors rather than trusting they're in the right packet is useful!) find some more bent metal that fixing makes the top loading assembly come free much more easily and replace the counter.Chapters00:00 Introduction02:59 Tape counter replacement16:30 Testing after counter replacement17:45 Tape carriage issue - not able to release/ remove18:56 Cassette top loading mechanism not staying down19:26 Fixed dual-speed issue22:13 Testing26:37 More testing 31:01 Quick full capture playing N1500 cassette on an N1700 (no TBC)#philips #vcr #electronics #mrbetabyte
Panasonic AG-7350 VHS/SVHS - Servo issues and no real-time counter FIXED! MrBetaByte 2025-03-22 | This one's a little bit different insofar as we're looking at a Panasonic AG-7350 VHS machine. Dating from the early 90's, it's a very solid, well built machine and picture quality is excellent. This PAL machine is only short-play and NTSC and CCIR/MESECAM is playback only.Looking on the internet to see if this is a common issue with these machines (and it is!), I came across a video from Colin on the @video99couk channel from around 2020 working on one of these with exactly the same issue and that video is here: youtube.com/watch?v=oJLEtmANGIAEditing this one was a challenge as I got copyright blocks for some of the footage from the cassette to lots of re-uploading and it may well need to be trimmed in the future so apologies if parts get disjointed in the future.I'm not sure I quite explained the RS232 very well and I do need to look more into remote control using the various control protocols - video to follow no doubt.I must get my Panasonic AG6200 out and finish that off - I have new heads for it (sort of!).Chapters:00:00 Introduction and basic features02:53 Rear panel04:21 First test12:17 Deck checks13:48 Quick check over the electronics and card removal16:00 Quick check of the ACE head16:47 Checking the servo/ syscon board for bad capacitors20:56 The capacitor giving the issue of bad tracking and noise on picture every few seconds23:28 Testing the machine27:10 The bad cap on the schematic29:52 Lacing belt replacement30:53 Testing after belt replacement32:21 Trying a long-play PAL cassette33:30 Final test and full-screen capture#vcr #panasonic #vhs #repair #mrbetabyte
Sony SL-C6 Mark II Betamax - Teaser MrBetaByte 2025-03-21 | Teaser video for Sony SL-C6 repair video - odd front loading system behavior is one of a few issues! Full video is here: youtu.be/Ki2O076Y_uk#sony #betamax #mrbetabyte
Sony SL-C6 Mark II Betamax - Stuck in standby and the rest! MrBetaByte 2025-03-15 | This one's a little bit different insofar as we're looking at a Sony SL-C6UB Mark 2 Betamax and this one had the somewhat common missing switched power supply rails as a result of the STK regulator failing but it had so much more to give too! What's covered:- STK chip replacement- Front loading system issues - unable to eject- Full belt replacement- Servo speed issues and replacing the Sanyo capacitors- Head issues - to hopefully be resolved in part 2!Where I've sourced decent STK5314 chips - ebay.co.uk/itm/191897395657Upper drum resurfacing - youtu.be/D3jsbIek9i0 - note I now use Silvo rather than Brasso for the one part of the process but either will do the job.Chapters:00:00 Introduction01:30 Unboxing03:15 Terrible mains plug!04:16 First checks07:33 First power on and STK5314 chip issues16:30 Power on test and first deck check23:40 Capstan and head servo capacitor change (fix servo speed issues)25:56 Front panel removal26:40 Changing the belts on the Sony SLC655:07 Refurbishing the front panel - clock and channel change window removal and clean01:01:00 Upper drum resurfacing01:08:50 Front loading system issues - not ejecting cassette01:17:23 Testing and a video head issue - cleaned with cotton wool buds? (NEVER do that!)#sony #betamax #vcr #retro #repair #mrbetabyte
Sony SL-HF100 BetaHiFi Betamax - Now lacing but... Part 2 MrBetaByte 2025-03-08 | This one's a little bit different insofar as it's part 2 of the Sony SL-HF100 betamax repair and we get the colour back, the lacing/ loading a little bit quieter, get the VU meters working and make the clock display brighter, wasting some time along the way!Update - this machine is coming back! There is a flickering snow effect on playback and I have a nasty suspicion I know what the issue is - I think the glue might have failed on the head transformer coils. Also the sound is too low on linear playback so we'll check that out too. I suspect ACE head wear to be the issue though.Chapters:00:00 Introduction00:50 (pointlessly!) Changing the VFD for a C20 one04:20 Removing and gaining access to the clock front panel10:49 Swapping the VFDs and testing20:22 Replacing the whole board and testing29:50 More lacing woes38:49 Linear audio issue? 40:11 Lacing/ loading motor reassembly42:49 Final tests#sony #betamax #beta #vcr #nostalgia #retro #mrbetabyte
Philips N1700 VCR - Beyond saving? MrBetaByte 2025-03-01 | This one's a little bit different insofar as we're trying to save quite a raced and rallied Philips N1700. Lots wrong and it's really seen some life.Chapters:00:00 Introduction02:32 Removing the top cover - first look06:46 Mains lead options07:20 First power test10:00 Play/ eject blocking plate issue13:30 First lacing test and deck issue13:49 Replacing the servo / control PCB20:40 Sorting the jammed pinch roller23:39 PCB now installed and cable routing26:00 Changing the belts43:35 Dual speed modification plans44:12 Fixing the tuner panel chassis distortion and the AV out mod47:40 Issues with the case surround and the tracking control issue50:50 Dual speed modification53:26 Removing the front screw and reassembly59:10 The eject/ play stop plate01:02:48 Plastic rivet to hold servo panel down01:04:14 Testing01:07:31 Eject button not stopping deck fix01:08:34 Testing and a few more things to do!#vcr #philips #mrbetabyte
Sony HVR-M15E DVCAM VTR - Not much action! MrBetaByte 2025-02-22 | This one's a little bit different insofar as we're looking at a Sony HVR-M15 DVCAM machine. This one had no deck movement at all and would error back to standby regardless of what you tired to do. There was no OSD either so no error codes. No chapters in this one as it's pretty much the same theme right the way through - discovering what the fault actually is.Since fixing it's been thoroughly tested with several cassettes and it's been faultless so it's just a little odd it failed the way it did.#vcr #dvcam #sony #mrbetabyte
Sony SL-HF950 HiFi Betamax - Reel issues and power supply whistle - Part 2 MrBetaByte 2025-02-15 | This one's a little bit different insofar as we're finally finishing the Sony SL-HF950 Betamax that had so many issues. In this one we sort a power squealing issue and try and sort lots of cracked plastics on the reel assembly.Sorry if the sound is a bit awful - not sure what happened in Movavi other than it is Movavi!Video of the reel drive motor being fixed:youtu.be/x9sWl2eYfJEPart 1 of the repair:youtu.be/_v5noR2vo_UChapters:00:00 Introduction02:00 Trying to fix the cracked plastic gear assembly under the deck07:35 Replace the whole plastic assembly?11:28 Power supply can capacitor replacement to stop it whistling/ squealing14:00 Pulling the skate out and sorting the cracked plastics issue24:38 Reel assembly reassembling! 30:00 Grating of the skate mechanism32:40 reassembly of the skate mechanism37:23 Initial power in test after PSU and mechanism repairs39:40 Idler issues on take up and fast forward - fixed44:18 Reassembly of the components on the reel assembly47:49 Test and checks #betamax #sony #vcr #repair #mrbetabyte
Sony Betamax SL C9E - Front loading issues (and its not the plastic white gears!) MrBetaByte 2025-02-08 | This one's a little bit different insofar as we're looking at a Sony SL-C9 Betamax with a rather noisy front loading system! Chapters00:00 Introduction01:00 Fault investigation - why is the front loading system banging on eject05:54 Front loading system gaining more access and more investigation16:56 Front loading system removal21:45 Investigating the issue with the carriage and the plastic gears and parts24:46 Straightening out bent metal parts27:53 Why the front loading system was jamming and the carriage locking mechanism30:20 Removing the side and regreasing the gears and reassembly38:37 Carriage alignment - one tooth out39:28 The cause of the fault42:03 Re-aligning the one part of the lacing mechanism45:37 Reassembly47:19 Testing the machine#betamax #sony #vcr #mrbetabyte
Sony SL-HF100 HiFi Betamax - Not loading/ lacing Part 1 MrBetaByte 2025-02-01 | This ones a little bit different insofar as we're looking at a Sony SL-HF100 Betamax - the first consumer BetaHiFi machine in the UK and Europe. This one is quite tired and is going to need quite a bit of TLC to bring it back to life and working well again but in part 1, we make good progress.Chapters:00:00 Introduction00:45 Issues and what we'll fixing02:21 Mains plug02:48 Changing the split lacing gear10:15 Resurfacing the upper drum15:25 Completing the loading/ lacing reassembly20:15 Power supply - changing capacitors23:33 First test after power supply and loading issue24:00 Not lacing25:55 Playback test and another issue!26:47 Adjustment to get the deck to lace28:15 Swapping the YC28 board with a good one as a test30:00 First diagnostics for the colour issue31:22 Changing the power supply capacitors in the can35:40 The whistle from the power supply is gone!36:43 Leaky capacitors...37:29 Colour fault first checks#betamax #vcr #sony #mrbetabyte
Sony SL-HF100 Betamax - Part 2 - No colour (Doing things the wrong way around) MrBetaByte 2025-01-25 | This one's a little bit different insofar as we're looking at the Sony SL-HF100 Betamax with the colour issue again. In Part 1 we looked at the power supply and did a few checks and tests and in Part 2 we get down to working on the colour issue and the head drum motor issue (spoiler - it is the hall-effect device).I am so rusty on signal processing and not that experienced so getting this working and remembering/ revising my theory was really great. It starts really coming back to me towards the end of the video! I could have edited it all out but nothing like watching someone struggle... 😊I really don't like re-capping for many reasons but thought it would be interesting to see what the results would be like and I have to say the working machine with the re-capped board has a great picture.I really confused myself too because I got it in my head that the ACK signal was low due to it being faulty when it was actually low because there actually was no colour.Another HF100 with a colour fault (plus many other faults!) coming soon on the channel. We'll also complete the work on the second YC-28. We also sort the slightly wonky display front plastic and that door.Chapters00:00 Introduction03:53 Colour issue investigation05:19 Deck starts going odd! Logic11:45 Common YC-28 board issue12:53 Checking the YC-28 board more thoroughly15:15 Trying a second faulty YC-28 board33:46 Testing each PCB after recapping both boards37:37 Testing a good YC-28 PCB38:40 Chasing the wrong issue ACK42:43 Swapping out the faulty swapped out CX10021B!43:10 Further diagnosis and the fault is found!52:02 Hall-effect THS118 and THS119 and changing it the bodgy way01:01:13 Final testing and video capture (and repairing the front flap!)#betamax #vcr #sony #mrbetabyte
Sony SL-C30 Betamax - Chewing tapes... MrBetaByte 2025-01-18 | This one's a little bit different insofar as we're investigating a Sony SL-C30 which is chewing tapes. This machine featured around a year ago on the channel and it's had a lot of use since then it would seem (there's a clue!). I didn't actually realise it was one I'd worked on before at first!The video showing all the work done originally is here: youtu.be/-sk_BPBqZ6MChapters:00:00 Introduction01:39 Initial checks03:41 First run test07:16 Checking under the deck08:52 Realising it is a machine I've worked on!11:21 Clean up time12:15 Pinch roller issues - changing the pinch roller25:22 Testing after pinch roller work28:21 Torque testing using the Sony case32:58 Testing results34:40 Just some basic double-checks and a huge blob!#betamax #vcr #sony #repair #mrbetabyte
Dual-Speed mod on a Philips N1700 (N1702) VCR! (Plus fixing it!) MrBetaByte 2025-01-11 | This one is a little bit different insofar as we're looking at a dual-speed N1700 and specifically the N1702 Philips VCR-LP machines. The first one developed a fault after properly cleaning it so I reverted to a machine I've had for years but needed some TLC. We then modify it to playback both N1500 and N1700 cassettes, learning a little bit from the N1702 that already had been modified by someone else in the past. Recorded at the end of November/ early December last year (2024), I've finally got around to editing everything as best as i can. Apologies for the audio levels in places too.It's a little messy this one as several bits of footage went missing never to be found again but it does cover the key issues and the modification and how to carry it out.I'll be covering more on the VCR formats in future videos including a detailed strip down, testing playback tension and fast forward and rewind torque plus other deck alignment.Not too sure the lower drum resurface was a good idea but the lower drum was very shiny - it doesn't really show up on this video - but it made no difference at all so at the moment I can't recommend doing this unless you've nothing to lose to give it a go )for example if you have a spares machine).A big thank you to Colin over @video99couk for sending me some old cassettes to help with testing.Chapters:00:00 Introduction00:50 Playback test - N1500 (I don't realise that I am!)02:01 Clock issue02:27 Changing the belts20:36 Power supply transformer tidy up21:27 Clock issue22:39 Dual speed overview and servicing30:08 Removing the upper drum/ head disk32:28 Resurfacing the lower drum to remove shiny surface33:55 Installing the head disk36:44 Dual speed modification to play an N1500 cassette on an N1700#philips #vcr #mrbetabyte
Quick look! Panasonic NV-V8000 Super VHS and VHS-C VCR - Ep 10 S2 MrBetaByte 2025-01-08 | It's the last quick look in series 2 and this one looks at the legend that is the Panasonic NVV8000 Super VHS and VHS-C video recorder. Hopefully this one should need a little less done to it than the last one but we shall see! Full length video to follow soon so make sure you subscribe and click for notifications so you don't miss it.#vhs #panasonic #mrbetabyte
Quick look! Grundig VP100 CVC format video recorder - Ep9 S2 MrBetaByte 2025-01-04 | This one's a little bit different insofar as I have another Grundig VP100 CVC format portable video recorder. For all their flaws, having such a small video recording deck in the early 80s is amazing and we'll have a look at those cassettes it came with too.#grundig #vcr #cvc #mrbetabyte
Quick Look! Sony MDS JE520 minidisc recorder - Ep8 S2 MrBetaByte 2025-01-01 | This one's a bit different insofar as we're looking at a Sony MDS-JE520 Minidisc recorder from 1998.Link to info and manuals:https://www.minidisc.wiki/equipment/sony/deck/mds-je520#minidisc #sony #mrbetabyte
Quick look! Philips DCC tape deck DCC-730 - Ep 7 S2 MrBetaByte 2024-12-28 | This ones a little bit different insofar as we're taking a quick look at a Philips DCC (Digital Compact Cassette) deck model DCC-730. I know I said I'd re-cap it but I'm tempted to just live with it until it actually shows signs of needing it. What do you think? Let me know in the comments. 😊#philips #DCC #mrbetabyte
Quick look! A rather nice Sony SLC9 Betamax Ep 6 S2 MrBetaByte 2024-12-25 | This one's a little bit different insofar as we're looking at a Sony SL-C9UB. This one has had two important upgrades but it'll still need some TLC so keep an eye out for the full video coming up soon.#betamax #sony #vcr #mrbetabyte
