Anyone know how to fix a VCR?

[MWink]

My father was just given a broken Philips Magnavox VCR that was made in 1998. The problem does not seem that major but I can't figure out how to fix it. The only problem is that it will stop after playing a tape for about 10 seconds. In fact any operation concerning the tape will stop after 10 seconds except "pause". Any ideas how to fix it. For the 10 seconds it plays, it plays perfectly. I would hate to throw out such a new VCR. Thanks for any help.

 

[DaveJ]

Link to sci.repair faq for VCRs

Check out the link...

Dave

 

[Windogg]

99% of all VCR problems can be solved with a thorough cleaning.

Windogg

 

[Mday]

the 1% is when you bash it with a hammer.

 

[MWink]

I have figured out it has to do with the infrared LED that tells it if the tape is moving. The sensor must not be getting a strong enough signal. It works perfectly if I keep a remote aimed (and a button pressed) at the sensor. Do you think the LED needs to be replaced (is it even possible?)? Any ideas how to fix it? Thanks.

 

[me4get]

Try Here Has lots of info.

 

[DadofOne]

Sounds like the end-of-tape detector malfed---if that is the case, check the Sunday papers---a fair 4head Hi-Fi unit will set you back under 100.00, and the repair bill will exceed that.

 

[RossMAN]

99% of all VCR problems can be solved with a thorough cleaning.

That's weird but true, my mother's Panasonic had some major issues so I took it in for a check up with started off with a mandatory $39.95 cleaning. After the cleaning it worked just fine. Most people would say that VCR's are so cheap that they aren't worth repairing which is somewhat true. It all depends on the extent of the repair work and how much it costs. I'd say if it's over $59 then it's a lost cause.

Then again who needs a VCR when you have a $224 ReplayTV 3030