The venerable workshop VHS machine has finally given up after many years of sterling service. It doesn't make it into play or record. It'll be the loading belt, a small, rubber drive belt that's used to move the components of the mechanism into it's various modes. Why do I want to repair it? Because:
1) I can.
2) It's better repaired than in landfill. I hate to see stuff thrown out.
3) Because this machine is very good at recording and playing back system A video.
Thankfully a new belt kit is obtained from the lovely people at www.notobsolete.co.uk
As per usual, unplug the machine from the mains. Don't argue, do it.
There are two screws on the left and right sides of the top cover. Undo them and remove the top.
There.... put it safely to one side.
Undo the plastic catches holding the front panel on. Three on the top, two on the sides....
... and three across the bottom....With a bit of jiggling, the front panel will now come off.
Put the machine on it's side.
Remove the three screws,. indicated with arrows stamped into the base plate, I've circled them in the photo. Put the machine back on it's feet.
We now need to remove the deck. It's held in with 5 screws...
Two down the holes conveniently positioned on the cassette housing (the bit that loads the cassette onto the deck)
One to the rear right hand side of the deck...
One on the rear left...
... and one in the middle by the head amplifier.
While you're there, unplug the cable to the top of the head amplifier....
... and the one to the right of the cassette housing, which connects the end sensor..
You should now be able to remove the deck from the main board and case etc ... Just grab it by the cassette housing and gently pull...
Flip the deck over....
The big belt from the capstan motor to the reel drive gear is easy to get at, so replace it now, whilst we've got the machine apart.
One to the rear right hand side of the deck...
One on the rear left...
... and one in the middle by the head amplifier.
While you're there, unplug the cable to the top of the head amplifier....
... and the one to the right of the cassette housing, which connects the end sensor..
You should now be able to remove the deck from the main board and case etc ... Just grab it by the cassette housing and gently pull...
Flip the deck over....
The big belt from the capstan motor to the reel drive gear is easy to get at, so replace it now, whilst we've got the machine apart.
The loading belt is located as shown by the arrow in the picture to the right. The shaft that the belt drives (the bit with the little fan on) is only held in position by the force of the belt and a small black plastic clip. Now we could disassemble the entire loading gear and gain easy access to the motor, belt and shaft, but then be faced with a re-alignment job... nah. Careful use of some small, needle nose pliers, and the belt can be worked out from around the shaft!
... and there's some access to the loading motor spindle from the top of the deck too...
The old loading belt had lost it's tension, and wasn't exactly round anymore....
Fit the new belt, Reassemble the machine, making sure to reconnect the end sensor cable, and supply to the head amp. When refitting the deck, check the large multipin connectors under the head amp have located and seated correctly. Test for correct operation. Have a cup of tea safe in the knowledge of a job well done, and another piece of kit saved from landfill!
