Sony M 677V Microcassette corder repair

Repair of a Sony Microcassette dictation recorder

[@codebeat4192]

Just purchased a Sony M-627V that doesn't spin for $5 from auction site. Inside it is very similar, downloaded the service manual that is available. I thought it was required to remove the door to remove a screw behind the door (backpanel stuck at some point) however after watching your video you showed me it wasn't needed. Pfieuw! Pull it off with some gentle force. Replaced the belt with a 'normal' one and works great! There is enough room to use a slightly thicker one. After replacing the belt the motor doesn't spin, watch the pause button! I also needed to clean the contacts inside with some contact cleaner (Griffon Contact Spray). After a while the motor was spinning again. The culprit seems to be a dirty/dusty speed switch. It is a very funny little machine, now I have to find some tapes ;-) Thanks for uploading this video.

[@pengyboby]

Bought this from a thrift store for a dollar and thought the band was shot on mine because the same thing happened to my walkman. Followed along with what you were doing to discover my band was perfectly fine and it was probably a motor issue. In a final ditch effort before I just gave up was to bang it on my palm a few times and sure enough it kicked right on and started playing the tape that was inside when I bought it(A very muffled and hard to hear session of catholic psychotherapy). But thanks for teachin' me how to take this apart without without breaking it!

[@sonyxxmunions]

OMg I just followed your advice and smacked the heck out of it. It works!! 😅😅😅 thank you!

[@thetruthexperiment]

It’s funny how old stuff just needs a little oil or a little wack or just left plugged in for a couple days. I dont think CDs will every hold a lot of interest in the future but anything tape or vinyl. It will just get more and more expensive. I bought my dream micro cassette recorder. It good shape but doesn’t work but I have never been more excited about anything. The Olympus L200 Pearlcorder. Wanted one since I was 12 or younger. Finally I’ll at least be able to hold one again.

[@ElectronicsEditor]

I used to work at a circuit board company that made 2-foot by 3-foot circuit boards (approx) that had full layers of resistor layers. On a board like your video, it would have to be covered with a conformal coat, otherwise, it would blow the resistors when you touch them. They are very sensitive. On bad boards at the company, we used to swipe our hands across them and listen to the resistors pop as you rub over them. Lol... Awesome technology out there.

[@12voltvids]

Oh yes that is really awesome... NOT!

[@thenovicesretroreview7841]

Very interesting, I did a video on my channel about a micro cassette corder in this same line I believe. It was functioning so I never did take it apart and look at the electronics. So it’s interesting to see the inside of a very similar machine.

[@tevkaber4604]

Great walkthrough, I suspect mine has the same issue. Found a replacement belt, I’ll give repair a try!

[@graynoble4795]

WHERE did you get the BELT!? :D also, what is a suitable stand-in if you cannot find an actual belt? Do you have any alternatives suggestions? Thank you for a great video and wonderful advice!!!

[@L-xj2xs]

I hate it when people make these videos and then don't answer people's questions.

[@northernbettygirl]

funny as it sounds, try a rubber band. My son fixed a 8 track stereo tape player once that needed a belt. It worked!!😅

[@markmarkofkane8167]

I have Panasonic microcassette recorders. Interesting to see another brand opened up. Our first answering machine used microcassettes. I can play the answering machine tape in the microcassette recorder, with some speed adjustment.

[@MrRedelgado03]

Saved the day again!! Thank you SO much!!

[@MrRedelgado03]

Where did you find your replacement belt?

[@mycroftsanchez901]

Thanks for posting this video, I found it very helpful.

[@Suedeash]

Excellent job, I just fixed an m-530v camcorder.

[@12voltvids]

Cool. Fixing things is fun. Just fixed my 63 plasma last night. Just had to unplug for 30 seconds. Power bump must have locked something up.

[@shahraizayoub4369]

Hi sir you are A genius 😊

[@graxjpg]

I think my Panasonic dictation recorder has an issue somewhere along the microphone input, as it won’t allow me to use external audio sources. Also the monitor out has an issue with the right channel. I’m sure it’ll be a fun fix thanks to videos like yours!

[@crashbandicoot4everr]

I used to have an Olympus microcassette recorder back in 2003. Had lots of fun with it although sound quality was crappy.

[@AtacamaHumanoid]

Where do you get a belt like that? I have a like new Sony M-430 that's been sitting in a drawer and I'm guessing the belts just deteriorate with age (not from overuse, because I barely used it).

[@moorekidsbooks6371]

it worked - thanks

[@northernbettygirl]

Mine is a SONY M-607V. It will rewind and fast forward the tape just fine. If I take the tape out and push PLAY, the little head turns fine, but it locks up with a tape in😮

[@12voltvids]

Could be the tape... Binder can leak through the tape coating and act like glue. I had a cassette that would not play. Had to bake it at 120'F for 6 hours and then it plays fine.

[@sparrafien]

Hi sir, thanks for the video, can i ask... What would cause the recorder to run. But no sound, sounds like its picking up the motor drive

[@janesooby7699]

Any comment on the tools used here? A magnetic screwdriver with a tiny head and a miniature soldering iron?

[@blood-agent-j1012]

What model belt did you do use? I’m trying to replace my M-677V motor belt which has melted.

[@Bluethunderboom]

Speaking of the Micro Cassette, I've heard that the tape can also record directly from the Answering Machine whenever someone is trying calling through the phone. Besides that, have you heard that there's a MicroMV Camcorder that was shown in 2001 and later discontinued in 2004 because it was a failure in the marketplace?

[@12voltvids]

Yes it can record phone calls, and beeps every 20 seconds to let the party know on the other end it is being recorded.

[@12voltvids]

Yes I have seen microMV camcorder and the NT format which was a tiny little DAT cassette. MicroMV recorded video in MPG2 IPB format, as opposed to DV format that the DV cameras did. HDV, which is a high definition format used MPG2 IPB encoding also, but used a standard mini DV 6mm (1/4" tape) I have a couple of HDV cameras inclusind the HDRHC3, which was the smallest tape based HDV camera that sony made. I should do a video and show this little camera as it is really a tiny camera, As far as I know mine still works. Haven't used it in probably 10 years now. I remember taking it to Disneyland when I took the kids there in 2008. The wife said, "Disneyland in the summer, are you f---ing nuts? take them youself, I'm staying home" So I did, and boy did I regret it. 2 weeks by myself with an 8 and 11 year old. Oh, and we drove there, and then drove to Las Vegas which was even crazier. I should dig up some tapes from the HC3 and show how good it actually recorded, as it was very good. That little camera also had a great still camera in it. Only 4 megapixel, but it had a real xenon flash so it could take really good still pictures in the dark.

[@thenovicesretroreview7841]

I’ve never heard of MicroMV. What is it?

[@12voltvids]

@@thenovicesretroreview7841 It was a video tape format introduced by sony that used an even smaller cassette than miniDV and recorded in mpg2 @ 12 megabits data rate. It was only around for a couple if years and disappeared because no other manufacture got on board and nobody bought it. It was originally developed to make camcorders even smaller and more fragile than they already were

[@Bluethunderboom]

@@thenovicesretroreview7841 MicroMV camcorder was introduced in 2001, and it was a failure in the marketplace and later discontinue the MicroMV camcorder in 2004.

[@randomscience4k]

Hi, That was nice to see a recorder be brought back to life. I’ve a M-529V. When playing the cassette the volume is very low almost in audible. When I plug in the earphones it’s slightly better. Could it be that the audio amp is dead?

[@MartyMartin87]

Could be the capacitors dead?

[@CanizaM]

I hope you put the lanyard back... What's with the NiCd message on the back? Does it have an internal backup battery for something?

[@12voltvids]

What lanyard? No I threw it out. It originally came with nicd batteries.

[@bobpowell783]

Very fine demonstration, but I'm puzzled because you only replaced the belt. Yet in the beginning you said that you couldn't hear the motor turning. How did replacing the belt fix this. Was it because the old belt was wrapped about the pulley and prevented the motor from turning? That is probably the answer. Do you agree? Thanks.

[@kiri8853]

I fixed the belt on my microcassete recorder, the internals looked exactly the same as this one. But when I record audio on it it has a wobble affect

[@Suedeash]

Hi, might be worth oiling the capstan or cleaning the board thoroughly with IPA. Alternative it may be that there is residue of the old belt still inside the machine. hence the wow and flutter. Did you clean that all off if there was any gunk of the old belt inside?

[@markallen1782]

@@Suedeash If the wobble is very fast, there is something stick on the motor pulley. If it's not as fast, there is something stuck on the flywheel pulley. Old belts decompose to something very sticky, which can be hard to clean up..

[@prettytoesforever]

I have pretty much the same one but the play isn’t working. Cue and review is working but not play??? Can you help? I have a recoding from my answering machine when my daughter was little that I would love to hear again. 🙏

[@LeBen55]

Good video, I also need to replace the belt. My unit is a Sony M-607 V which looks identical. Can you tell me the width and length so I can find something close. The one that was there is all broken in pieces. Thanks

[@zx8401ztv]

Smashing, the owner will be happy :-) At least the belt didn't turn into black tar, seen that too many times :-( I've seen painted resistors in calculators, i don't like the idea but they work.

[@750kv8]

Belt seemed *just about* to turn into goo in a few years. Long ago I was given a memory card with painted resistors. They had protective coating on them.

[@Bluethunderboom]

I really don't like the painted resistors along with the painted traces two, but what I understand the way Sony chooses to make room for the board to keep it clear for the belt and the flywheel without risking a damage to the component. To me it's very cheaply made where it's a Cost-Cutting without risking it to make a real traces along with the actual component including the surface mounted resistors with the real solder joint that is bonded from one end to another. I've seen people do that to test them out by using a pencil graphite to see that is very conductive to load with the electricity, not just using the pencil graphite alone, but they also manage to make a sketch traces graphite on the paper and got to receive electricity! Sounds crazy, that's how it works.

[@humanbuilds2717]

I’m doing a similar project with an M 307 micro cassette corder. Where did you get the belt from?

[@12voltvids]

I had a belt kit I bought off ebay.

[@orionmcnebula]

Help! I have Sony microcassette corder M-635VK and the wheels won't turn to read the cassette when pressing play/record, but all other features work; will this demo repair work for the model I have or is it different?

[@petermoradi612]

Hi, what is the size of the belt? thanks

[@markallen1782]

40 mm diameter by .8mm thickness If the belt is broken, the length is close to 125 mm.

[@t0ny185]

Hello this is a long shot. I have the same recorder and I have a tape recording of a family member who is no longer with us and I was wondering if I can get it repaired. I have no idea if you will see this but I have some hope.

[@12voltvids]

I can try.

[@random-ramblings]

What’s the make and model of wrist watch that you’re wearing in this video? I really like how it looks!

[@12voltvids]

It's a Casio wv300. Very rare. Have never seen another one. Solar powered and as a radio that synchronizes the time with the atomic clock on radio station wwvb. I think I've had it about 20 years I bought it when it was new and for a Casio it was expensive. They're running the mill plastic Casio at the time was around $25 and this one was more like 150. But I've had it now 20 years it's never required a battery because it charges itself up when it's exposed to light and if I leave it sitting on a window sill at night it will synchronize itself.

[@random-ramblings]

@@12voltvids That’s awesome! Very retro classy look. I have a Casio Pathfinder PAW-2000T. Also solar powered and atomic time, but it’s a big honkin’ watch. Paid hundreds of dollars for it probably a decade or more ago. Actually thought I lost it today, turned out to be in my car, whew!!

[@jesamani75]

Hi sir i have a Sony M-11EV it spins and i hear the motor but it does not spin the cassette and also FF does work but the reverse does not,could it be the belt?

[@sharonmagnusson2558]

Mine only plays when the tape isn’t in it. When I place the tape in, it doesn’t turn. Is that a belt problem?

[@mangreat71]

where can i take my px333 sony voice reorder to get it repaired.I have files that i want to get off it.What's the names of the companies and what's they addresses so i can mail the voice recorders that has to be repaired to them ??

[@tracienichols6739]

I have a M635 it records, rewinds and Cues. When I try to play it to transcribe, it stops. Is that also the belt? I have recorded a lady's life history.

[@starrystarrynight9822]

Yes but did the cat help?

[@jeremygunther9403]

Anyone know when these were in production??

[@Wizkidmelburn]

Hi, would an m427 be very different to this? Thanks

[@alanc6752]

I just replaced the belt on a M-427. It looks very similar to this model. I did not need to unsolder the speaker, i could lift the board up enough to fit a new belt with tweezers.

[@cjmala3370]

Do you know of anyone that fixes these? I have one that needs repair.

[@stefos6431]

Hi my friend Do you offer repair services? Thanks

[@keeff8195]

my micro cassette player has 2 speeds.the slower speed plays too slow,and the faster speed is too fast.Help!!

[@justintimberlakelover1981]

What size was your belt?

[@12voltvids]

Have NO idea. The one that fits.

[@Vossie81]

This thing sounded really crappy. I had a Panasonic back in the 80s and 90s then it broke awesome piece it was! Then I got an Olympos in the mid 2000s that thing was crap. A few weeks ago I have found a sanyo one in the trash that thing works great!

[@sonyxxmunions]

I replaced the belt and it still won’t turn. 😔😔

[@alienprotein457]

I know its a microcassette but the sound quality is very crappy sounds like something from the early 60's

[@graxjpg]

This is much of their charm today, they are most often used (in my experience) as a kind of low fidelity audio effect.

[@Rhino-sk1fp]

Thank you, I've did exactly the same and yes the belt was broken. But when you need just 1 belt, should one spend $9 on Amazon to see if if everything else is fine? Anyone out there who can send me one for say $1 on paypal ? Just asking.

[@12voltvids]

I bought a bunch on fleaby for 5.00. They are cheap belts but work in a pinch

[@Rhino-sk1fp]

Thanks for the reply. I just looked it up on Amazon and couldn't find it. Perhaps for me or anyone else, can you put up a link from Ebay or Amazon for us to buy? Just heard of dealth of Kobe Bryant , Unreal =(

[@georgekantor1782]

it is too bad that you are not sharing information like size of belt and place to buy...and brand name etc...etc... please help me .

[@12voltvids]

I have no source to buy belts. I order assorted sizes off eBay and get some that fit others that don't. Most of the belts in my parts bin have been there 10 years or more. The shop I used to deal with closed up years ago.

[@markallen1782]

Belt size is 40mm diameter by 0.8mm thickness. Length is about 125 mm

[@graynoble4795]

@@markallen1782 THANK YOU!!!!!!!!! GAH so many on this feed are asking and very little info about the belt. It would be VERY NICE if the author placed this information in the info tag.

[@dallaspilotcar9293]

Can I send you mine Sony M-7?