AKAI VS-303U VHS VCR from 1986-87

[@lesnuitssanskimwilde7986]

I think we had this model back in the 80s. The "interactive monitor system" was actually a very good feature. It displayed VCR menus on the TV and made programming easier. The one we got after, despite having a remote control, was more difficult to program.

[@Megalocade]

Akai made some good vcrs my VS-G815 is still going strong, considering it was made in the early 90s the deck is really well made packed to rafters with circuits boards, looms and God knows what but easy to work on as the boards slide out and there is even a board that sits on top of the tape transport which unscrews and folds back on hinges so you can get to the heads to service them...very neat! never seen a vcr with so many boards in then again it was a highend model back then.

[@succulent951]

My favourite, love the industrial tank-like feel contrasted with the microwave esque tape lighting! The HiFi versions of this look especially cool :D

[@Zone1242]

Nice unit - designed in the days when serviceability was a consideration. The layout of the boards and cable looms makes troubleshooting doable - unlike so many modern units. Thanks for sharing. Cheers, John

[@databits]

+Zone1242 - you're welcome John, thanks for watching

[@wildbilltexas]

I had a Sharp VHS deck with 3 recording speeds in the mid 80's. But a lot of later decks stopped having LP as a recording speed because IIRC it was never offically supported by JVC. But I liked having it, LP was a good compromise speed for video and linear audio quality. I recorded a lot of movies off HBO using it.

[@coloniellizardt4191]

I always thought LP had better picture quality than EP/SLP.

[@gerardjurgens2670]

In 1984 I bought the simplest Akai VHS at that time, the Akai VS1.

[@ilcool90]

Thank-you for using a screen with corners :)

[@mrmagnetoscope]

A VCR with the deck at the right? Usually, it's on the left. And a light. This VCR is very special.

[@jayceesmiley]

I had this VCR when I was a kid it was extremely high-end and my parents paid like $650 for it if not more

[@VintageElectronicsGeek]

In 1986, this VCR retailed for $449.95, its bigger brother (Akai Model VS-616UM) is awesome and would be a preference over this one. I'd imagine the "cheese grate" plate serves as an RF shield and support for the boards that mount to it. As far as the display is concerned, it just maybe the caps are shot, check them out or better yet, replace them all!

[@ignatiusgrippa]

When plugged in the OSD time blinks "Jan 1 1984". That and the build makes me think it's older than 86-87. You should show underneath. It has the tuner board with a NiCad battery to store settings in case of power failure (mine's long dead) and the gears of the loading mechanism. The loader originally had a reflective piece that pivots in those grooves that run parallel to the lights so that you can see the top of the cassette just by looking straight in. Mine was given to me in rough shape with many problems. I was going to junk it but it's such a dense clunker it has a certain charm so I've been tinkering with it for fun trying to get it running.

[@TiMneR-tx1ys]

I just dug one of those old girls out of its box. Im sure more will surface as us generation x kids start to empty the old family home. Found alot more relics

[@johneygd]

Whoooaaah this vcr is monstress,all just to generate an analogue 240p signal,lol. I can hardly imagine that we were so used with vcr tapes back in those day's.

[@t0nito]

Actually it 480i as it's an interlaced signal, it does have 240 lines of horizontal resolution though.

[@Gljin40509]

Two recording speeds were pretty much the norm with the exception of models produced by Panasonic and its sub brands..,such as Quasar,Sylvania,etc......reason being,the "LP" middle speed or 4 hour speed was never "recognized" or "licensed " by JVC...the inventor and licencor of the VHS format machines.

[@nikcos37]

Hello am looking for Akai Vs-2eg VCR 1983....can you find me .?

[@constantiner2246]

I have an old AKAI vs-220 ev. It had many many years to operate. The problem is that it cannot FWD or RWD vhs tapes. It can only play them. But when ejecting tapes it destroyes the ribbon. I removed the cover and greased mechansms but issue remains. What can I do? I love that vcr and keep it since my childhood and don't want to get rid of it!

[@Megalocade]

There is 3 things that can cause this problem. It's an old vcr so probaby has an issue with idler tire / clutch ensembley so look at the following, sounds like the take up reels are not turning very well which is caused be the following. 1. Slipping drive belts 2. Idler tyre is crack or gone hard to the point it can not grip the take up reels 3. Idler tire clutch is slipping to much All three of those are connected to the take up reels which would explain the lack of rewind and fast forward plus if the reels are not working then it's unable to take the tape back in before it ejects which explains the chewed tapes.

[@michaeldufour3244]

i recently have a mitsubishi hi fi vcr from my uncle with no remote however

[@VHSFan2003]

I have a VCR exactly like this, and I popped a tape in and it is STUCK INSIDE (No matter how many times I press Eject, IT DOES NOTHING.) I cannot find the loading motor AT ALL. Where is the loading motor on this machine and how can I get the tape out?

[@pawansathi6312]

This VCR is DUK Timing

[@VISHAL-3444]

Where repair VCR?????

[@mariomatura4308]

Today? Nowhere except you now how to do it and having all special tools and parts you need it 😉..a bit tricky job

[@joeb2588]

Do you know who actually manufactured it? I doubt it was akai.. cool video by the way!

[@TheVCRKing]

It was Akai.

[@tripsadelica]

It's pronounced "ak-aye" in the original Japanese.