From: rkim@CALSTATELA.EDU ("Richard H.S. Kim")
Newsgroups: rec.video
Subject: Re: HOW TO REPAIR A VCR
Date: 25 Jul 92 03:59:49 GMT


In article <BrwBnz.2Du@news.cso.uiuc.edu> Susana writes...

| I need help, I want to learn how to repair my VCR I am very interested but I
| haven't been able to get the name of a company or school that teaches how to
| repair a vcr, is there such a thing, I really appreciate any information. thank
| you.susana

Here is a reprint of a net article I found in sci.electronics....
(rk)
_____________CUT__HERE_____8<_________________

With all the posts here lately asking for assistance with VCR
repair, I thought I would mention a book I found to be
extremely helpful in repairing my VCR.  The title of the book
is "How to Keep Your VCR Alive" with the subtitle "VCR Repairs
Anyone Can Do," written by Steve Thomas, 2nd Edition,
ISBN 0-9618359-5-8.  The book cost me $24.95 and allowed me
to fix my VCR myself (my problem was the VCR would not play or
fast-forward, pressing either of these buttons caused the machine
to turn on, and after about 4-5 seconds, shut itself off--sound
familiar?).

The book covers all VCR makes except 2 (the manufacturer's of those
models would not provide the author with any information on their models--
the author doesn't state which two but does give a list of all that
are covered and suggests not buying any makes not listed).
The book describes how VCRs work (from a layperson's standpoint),
how to trouble shoot your problem (includes how to make the VCR
work with the cover off and how to make a dummy cassette to fool
the VCR into running) and there is a whole chapter devoted to cleaning
your VCR (probably worth the price of the book by itself).  One
chamois tipped swab which is safe to use to clean the video heads
with is also included.  The trouble location procedure directs
you to the remaining chapters in the book which go into more detail
on the different problems possible for the symptoms and the solutions.
Also of benefit is a discussion on where to get replacement parts and
the part numbers of common replacement parts for all the makes and models
covered in the book (belts, pulleys, idler wheels, etc).  

There is an appendix in the book which gives block diagrams of all makes
and models covered which shows the tape path, placement of the mechanical
parts and gives the replacement part numbers.  Using this appendix, I
found that my RCA VCR is really manufactured by Hitachi.

While this may sound like a plug for the book, it is not.  It is a
book that I used and found to be very helpful in learning about VCRs
and how easy it is to fix most VCR problems.  I found mine at the local
B. Dalton book store.  Maybe your library has it as well.  Check it out
(pun intended).  Has anyone found any other VCR repair books worth-
while?

Almost forgot, the book covers both VHS and Beta's.

Typical Disclaimer:  These opinions belong to me and are not my employer's.
      I am not affiliated with the book publisher or author and have no
      financial gains from this.  I'm just a paying customer who used
      the product and was satisfied with the results.

==============================================================================
 Kevin Ahrens - kea@ihlpm.ih.att.com - AT&T Bell Laboratories, Naperville, IL
Newsgroups: rec.video