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Thread ID: 54279 2005-02-08 09:13:00 Cleaning VCR heads Morgenmuffel (187) PC World Chat
Post ID Timestamp Content User
322713 2005-02-08 09:13:00 Good evening all
I have about 3 VCR s none of which work correctly,

one I am fairly sure has dirty heads as whenever a tape goes in, sound oplays fine but the image is snow, now i have been reading up on cleaning them seems simple enough (provided you are careful)

but i am curious as to where I would get the cleaning fluid or isopropyl alcohol (i think thats spelt right-ish)
and where would i get the cloth's to do the cleaning as i have seen neither when out looking.


And yes I have tried a head cleaning tape, but it made bugger all difference.

Thanks
toddles off to bed
Morgenmuffel (187)
322714 2005-02-08 09:45:00 if you've tried a decent head cleaning tape then i would take it to a tv/video service man for the mto check it. odds are heads are proberly stuffed.

also with the cost of cheap vcr's these days they are not economical to repair (unless its a special high end model/brand).
tweak'e (69)
322715 2005-02-08 09:54:00 But, if you wanted to get some Isopropyl Alcohol, then a chemist would be able to sell you some.

I do agree with tweak'e re economics though.
godfather (25)
322716 2005-02-08 09:59:00 I agree with tweak'e, but if you are desperate there is one more thing you can try. Buy a can of spray-type head cleaner and try that. You need to know how to recognise the actual head though, they are very small and sit at the bottom of the head drum.

I have some 25+year old VHS archive tapes that drop oxide every time I use them. The pix goes all to snow and doesn't come back until the heads are cleaned so it is possible that a clean will help, but I don't hold out much hope.

Cheers

Billy 8-{)
Billy T (70)
322717 2005-02-08 10:47:00 God I just use spit and a pair of Mrs Highlander's silk undies. Works a treat and I have never abraded the heads ever. Been doing this for years. Present vcr I do every 6 months or so and is 5 years old. the highlander (245)
322718 2005-02-08 20:09:00 God I just use spit and a pair of Mrs Highlander's silk undies. Works a treat and I have never abraded the heads ever. Been doing this for years. Present vcr I do every 6 months or so and is 5 years old.

If PF1 had a Number 8 Wire Award, for the best Kiwi Ingenuity as a Solution, you would win it Highlander. :D Love it !
Strommer (42)
322719 2005-02-08 21:16:00 hometheater.about.com
Do a google for "how to clean a vcr" (w/out quotes) there is heaps
bartsdadhomer (80)
322720 2005-02-09 00:33:00 Any cloth is dangerous . The heads are tiny and very fragile . If they are snagged by a cloth cleaner, it's all over .

Are wet head cleaning cassettes available for VHS? That's what I use for my 8 mm helical scan backup tape drive .

The only recommended tool for hand cleaning is a chamois covered swab, wetted with IPA .
Graham L (2)
322721 2005-02-09 00:57:00 I have been known in the past to simply wipe them with a t-shirt and a drop of iso,.....works wonders....

Not recomending it though, My VCR cost all of $120 a good 5 years ago and would go down the tip before i paid to have it serviced.
Metla (12)
322722 2005-02-09 01:04:00 I have been known in the past to simply wipe them with a t-shirt and a drop of iso,.....works wonders....

Not recomending it though, My VCR cost all of $120 a good 5 years ago and would go down the tip before i paid to have it serviced.
You are lucky to have a tip,we have waste disposal stations.
Do miss the old tip,most of my house came from there! :D
Cicero (40)
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