LG FC930W Video VHS VCR Repair - Cassette Won't Load! A Successful Fix Eventually! Saved from Scrap!

[@frankbeans5921]

I work at a waste disposal depot and it almost makes me cry the amount of valuable stuff that’s just gets thrown out. Stuff like this that doesn’t get made anymore. Just thrown out 😢

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Yep, I feel your pain Frank! It's terrible that this happens and usually the people in charge don't care at all! 😭

[@frankbeans5921]

@@TheUltimateRecycler it’s not just vcr’s either. The managers don’t understand because they’re just working on scale and efficiency. It’s a waste disposal facility after all. Not a re-selling or swap meet. But imagine how much, all around the country or world this is going on!

[@bicu77]

Thank you ,sir ! I fxed an almost same vcr model , LG ! I found the same sensor in the same place on motherboard , the casstte hadn"t been accepted , now it works ! Greetings from Romania !

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

That's excellent! Well done you! 😀👍

[@designertjp-utube]

Absolute Beautiful experience watching you "work & reason" with that old VCR! you definitely have the patience of a Mule, my Friend.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Haha, thanks! I don't think I've ever been called a mule before! 🤣

[@Th3Pr0digalS0n]

Good catch on that switch. I have had many vcrs torn apart in my workshop and was feeling your frustration. Knowing the problem but not able to find the faulty component can drive a fellow mad. Your solution was quite good. I wish all of my repairs turned out this well.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Yeah, I thought I'd leave in the sense of frustration as it's something most repairers know very well!

[@margaretbrown2568]

Oh wacko Chris, well done! Wish someone was that handy around here, we have various electrical things that I just can’t bear the thought of throwing out when it could be something simple. Love your passion and patience in salvaging things.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks Margaret, patience and a stubbornness not to be beaten!! 🙄

[@MrSilv55]

@@TheUltimateRecycler Thanks for the video;are you experts on old VCR?; i have an old VCR Sony SLV N60 and I'm trying to use the vcr as a RF converter to send video from a streaming box via HDMI to an HDMI to RCA converter to RF coaxial to the hole Apt ,i was able to make the set up and connection ,i connected RCA cables to VCR input line 1 but in order to see video from the streaming box i have to put a tape in the vcr and press play and i can stop play and video stays on. I have to do this process every time i turn on VCR .Any clues why? thanks

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

@@MrSilv55 Sorry mate, I have no idea why that would be happening. It seems odd that you need to press play to activate the VCR.. 🤔

[@MrSilv55]

@@TheUltimateRecycler Thanks ,it seems to be that way on VCRs ,i tried another brand with AV in Panasonic and it's exact same thing ?

[@MrSilv55]

@@TheUltimateRecycler I had these explanation from a VCR expert , The normal domestic setup for a VCR was to feed the aerial rf signal through the unit to the TV rf input (allowing viewing and recording of broadcast programmes with the VCR in line), with rf channel 34 being the default value for the VCR play output. So there was no need to connect the RCA line outs. Many TVs did not have RCA inputs, as domestic users did not have an RCA video source before VCRs came along. With the VCR in standby/off mode, only the rf signal feed-through would be on. The VCR model you have maybe configured such that the RCA line outs are only energised when a tape is installed, which might be a common arrangement given the normal VCR setup.

[@MagnusPaul1976]

95% of the time, it is also a dirty mode switch, that can also cause the cassette not to load, as I recently found that out on my VCR. 👍

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks - yeah, I've seen some vids on cleaning mode switches! A pretty common problem indeed. 👍

[@MagnusPaul1976]

My VCR not only had the loading issues, it was also eating my cassettes and wrapping the tape around the drum of the heads. It also did not respond to any control buttons on the front panel, i.e. play, stop, fast forward, rewind, record, "operate" and above all eject. Unfortunately, the only way I could remove the mangled up tape from the mechanism, was to cut the tape loose and lift the cassette off the mechanism. However, all my cassettes are fully rewound to the beginning, so I only lost a few seconds of recorded media and repairing this was quite simple and easy... The leader tape was still intact, so I only had to splice and stick, from where the tape was good and bond the two together with 3M magic tape (the broad one). So far, I have tested a few cassettes and also watched a few, to see how the VCR responds and I haven't had any further issues. I have seen videos of some pretty bad VCRs too, of loading mechanisms where the plastic guides that are molded into the metal casing, on both sides have cracked and split due to age and going yellow. Clear or white epoxy should be able to fix that issue. It should also be noted, that the last of the VCRs were manufactured in the early 2000s and they were not of a good quality. I bought my VCR brand new in 1994 and only 29 years later, it was having those issues, as mentioned above. The specifications of my VCR are as follows... It is a Panasonic NV-SD3 and it is in an absolutely pristine condition. *I hope you don't mind me giving some valuable information on your channel, but I am only trying to give advice based on my experience at no charge to other VCR owners. *

[@ShadowMoonFarms]

Once again, you have convinced me that you can fix anything. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Well, I'll have a go at nearly anything Cynthia!😁

[@GutsyGibbon]

Well done! Never give up.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks Gusty! 😊👍

[@beakman1966]

Here in Brazil, I have one that looks exactly the same as yours. The model here is EC-971B. I use it to connect the UHF antenna to those old tube TV sets. It serves as an RF converter. And it's still playing the video cassettes. Great equipment and video! Cheers!

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Excellent. Thanks for watching beakman 👍😊

[@sinemacanavari]

Wonderful video. I enjoyed alot watching it. Thank you. 🥰👍🏻

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Excellent! Thanks for watching 👍😊

[@096dragonballz]

Congratulations!!

[@096dragonballz]

Also, what a silly issue! haha

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks! Yep, there's hundreds of silly things that can go wrong with these things!

[@AquelaGibbles]

Wow, thanks for the video. Had the exact same issue. While watching it, I decided to try shaking it so the board would go to the back like you suggested. Lo and behold, it worked! Didn't even have to open it up 🤣. Of course it's not a permanent fix, but it'll do for now. Thank you again!

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

That's awesome! You must have a magic touch! Thanks for watching 😊👍

[@RetifsGarage]

Not so many videos on how to repair VCR ! Very nice result, wouldn’t have had a clue about the microswitch….now it gives me a good hint if I encounter the situation :-) cheers

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks Retif. Yep - the next one with this fault should be much faster for me to fix! 😊

[@RetifsGarage]

I found that video that explains the VCR mechanism but this little switch is forgotten…. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooOxp2ergpuUq6s

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

@@RetifsGarage That was an excellent video for explaining the VCR workings - even though there was no mention of the cassette loading switch! Thanks for sharing Retif 😊

[@RetifsGarage]

@@TheUltimateRecycler my pleasure :-) I imagine the amount of work to produce such a vidéo !

[@realpower9ir]

Beautiful Work. Thank you

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thank you! Cheers! 😀👍

[@afineliner740]

You're a genius !! That was a great repair. 👍

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks Alex, I did quite enjoy this one! (well, I enjoy them all but this was extra satisfying!) 😊👍

[@realpower9ir]

the same problem I Had and after watching your video I fixed that.. seems plastic shrinkage in all dimensions. CS501 is the codename of this mentioned SWITCH and stancilled on PCB which is connected to IC501. this is one of the common malfunction of LG-Combo machine also. Thank you for sharing this valuable video.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Excellent! Glad you were able to fix yours as well 👍😀

[@realpower9ir]

@@TheUltimateRecycler As I said that was because of your informative and useful video.

[@unclejackstoolshed4513]

Really top job, Chris. Impressive. You needed a chopsticks expert at 17:16! Heard this one yet? "What's a cat's favourite button on the VCR remote? Paws"

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Haha, I think that's Coco's favourite button too! I didn't need to mention I was no good with chopsticks - it's clearly demonstrated! 🤣

[@Tomsonic41]

I had a VCR with a very similar problem; would only take the tape in on very rare occasions. After getting a junk tape and just pushing it into the slot over and over, it seemed to work better and better and eventually took the tape in every time. I guess the switch was slightly out of place, or had some dirt in it stopping it from triggering. That particular VCR then worked perfectly and allowed me to capture many old tapes to digital format.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Yep it seems to worked the switch back into operation! Well done! 👍😊

[@videohistorysnippets8963]

Your best upload yet Chris (although I have to admit I’m biased when it comes to VHS content) I was on the edge of my seat hoping it’ll work out in the end, well nutted out Chris, such a fascinating watch. ✅🙏👍📼

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks VHS, thought you'd like this one! 😊👍

[@textpower3050]

Thanks for the video, I quite enjoyed it.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Excellent! Many thanks for watching 😊👍

[@hagopsivazlian7416]

what a great vidoe easy explained the same problem i have , now i will try do the same . Thank You 👍😄

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Many thanks! Hope it works for you! 😀👍

[@EclectikTronik]

If a switch is suspected as being intermittent or oxidised due to lack of use, it's wise to spray it with contact cleaner and activate it a dozen times or more to ensure a lasting fix. In this case the repositioning probably helped though - it was obviously borderline and the extra pressure helped

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Yes, I believe so. From memory, I think I did use contact cleaner as well. Thanks for watching 😊👍

[@jorgecemajorgecema8772]

Parabéns pelo seu belo trabalho!!!!!!!

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Many thanks 😊😊

[@unboxingreviews5327]

great job done

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Many thanks! 😊👍

[@jamesdemuro5923]

Thank you for the video 👍 I have a panasonic vcr with the same problem , i know where to look now . 👍

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks James, best of luck! 👍😊

[@markcumbriauk]

Nice Job.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks mate! 👍😊

[@joem7023]

This is awesome. I learned a lot, thank you.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks for watching! 👍😊

[@G.M.C2005]

I love retro technology!

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

I must be getting old if this is retro technology! 🤣 Thanks Gabs! 😊

[@martincowie4520]

Nicely fixed, I'm surprised how easy it separated into two parts! They've definitely been reduced to the bare bones construction.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks Martin, yeah access was pretty good on this model! 😊👍

[@walker55able]

Well done

[@joethomasson6326]

Good repair thank you!

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks Joe! 😊

[@user-ne9lk6wp9o]

I must say that most of the combo units are dificult to service however, all of the troubleshooting and specific repairs to each unit are the same it appears there has been difficultly in designing an easily servicable unit that doesnt require a complete tear down if its entire subassemblies.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

I have a few combo units to look out Leon! I'll prepare myself for big tear-down jobs! Thanks for the warning 👍😊

[@resurrectronics]

Do you think a bit of IPA or contact cleaner might have restored the sensitivity of that microswitch? I find with other types you have to press them harder when they get dirty, so it's usually worth dropping or spraying some cleaner in there and pressing them a few dozen times to break up the gunk.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

That is a fair point and I probably should have given it a spray of DeOxit! 👍

[@lawrencecavens5760]

Located on the main board is whats called a mode switch that is underneath the chassis. It's the circular thing that sits to the right underneath the chassis. In most cases the switch becomes oxidative and needs cleaning. And or the soldering connections might be broken, in any case - if this switch is not in the home position then the loading function wont work.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks Lawrence! I guess cleaning the mode switch should be including in a normal service or anytime the machine is apart and having issues then. Thanks for your input 👍😊

[@user-ne9lk6wp9o]

Most VCRs use an infrared sensor circuit to detect the tape has been loaded rather than mechanical switch. This video was very informative in that this is an unusual and poor design that's prone to the mechanical alignment which in this case relates to the circuit cards movement. This is a very informative video that can save troubleshooting time

[@geofft3214]

I hate it when the magic smoke comes out! 😂

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

I agree Geoff, unless it's intentional - then it's fun! 😁

[@brendenmajor2993]

I have issues with the door just like you did at the end, but I can’t put it back together and the cassette won’t come out. Can you do a quick video on how you assembled the lever for the door? Cheers

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Sorry Brendon, I don't have that unit anymore. I don't remember what was involved in fixing the door issue - I think just reassembling with the linkages in the correct place. Good luck 👍

[@ethancroll8896]

Nice. Looks like overall, it still works. Try re-recording a tape via the VCR shown in this the next time you test it. Most VCRs, in my experience, tend to track their own recordings better than those that were made on other VCRs. I’m not sure why that is? Is it just me, or do most VCRs struggle to accurately track tapes were made neither on a specific VCR alone, nor a comparable VCR with a similar array of heads? I don’t fully understand why that is.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks Ethan. Not sure on that - I didn't actually try and record and re-play on it!

[@deankdx]

surprised at the value, i passed on one recently (not sure on brand). i fixed up one of ours last year, that had the grease turn gummy on one of the slides. not much in them mechanically. think i'll try selling one next time the opportunity arises. we only wanted to play one video from back in the day.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

It wasn't long ago that I didn't even thing of trying to resell VCRs, but they have had a resurgence! 😊

[@realpower9ir]

Do you have around yourself a service manual for "LG DC-2002W Combo DVD+VCR"? I have this machine at home and sometimes it goes off (goes to Stand-By mode, i mean) randomly by chance. I just want to know what the hell is wrong inside? I was looking for this model at the internet but sorry to say nothing found. OR probably its chassis and mainboard are same with WHAT model/Type of LG-Combo, if you know? Thank you very much in advance.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Sorry, I can't help you there. I don't have any service manuals here. Sounds like a sensor switch issue but could be very tricky to find! 🤔

[@n0_31]

I have this same exact one, except I found mine in an abandoned building and it was In mint condition

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Awesome find then mate - well done! 👍👍

[@n0_31]

@@TheUltimateRecycler 🤌

[@sydsydneyk7416]

Is there any way to get the vcr mechanism in my JVC tv/vcr combo unit to move? When I attempt to put a tape in I hit the metal piece that must load the tape. It won’t move. This unit was working fine until 2 days ago.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Not sure on that one Syd! You may have to dismantle and inspect more closely!

[@Liz-wz4qm]

Hi felix, I was wondering if you can help me? I have an LG DVC5931 I need to reset all the settings on it because it’s child locked and I don’t have to remote to unlock it. Any advice?

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Sorry - Felix just stepped out.. 🙄🤣 I'm not much help with that request, but I'm sure some googling could find an answer! Cheers, Chris

[@longship789]

Successful investigative repair.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Yep, a very satisfying job too! 😊👍

[@ericlarson8875]

This guys funny "it was being a battery ram"

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

A battering ram even! 🤣

[@diymariuselectro]

you know how to unlock safe error child lock on lg vcr without original remote?tnx.

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Sorry no - I can't help you there!

[@terencewilliammckenna6121]

Let’s ask for a company to preserve and overhaul VHS tapes and VCRs

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

There's quite a demand for them at the moment - but I don't think it will be a long lasting thing!

[@terencewilliammckenna6121]

@@TheUltimateRecycler I guess not, but still we should try

[@terencewilliammckenna6121]

Please

[@greendog8489]

i have the same one in my shed

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Cool - now you know what to do if it won't load tapes! 👍😊

[@user-wu6eh3ud9i]

Hello sir my vcr player not working please guide me LG combo Rc388 model Hanging problem....Not going beyond hello

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Sorry, I'm no help with that problem!

[@78vinyl97]

Sounds like a voltage problem in the power supply.possibly a capacitor that has gone high esr.had a similar problem on a vcr I repaired.

[@joshuapowell1868]

Great video everything proven vhs tapes don't stop playing at all everything proven vhs tapes don't lock up at all like internet does now days everything proven broken vhs tape itself is fixable with Scotch tape it starts playing again with out no problem's now days people like myself are buying VCR players cleaning tapes vhs movies VCR belts cleaning tapes offline now days everything proven my vhs movies offline was 10 dollars plus my VCR player itself was 43 dollars everything proven you have to everything the right way now days

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Thanks for watching Joshua 😀

[@joshuapowell1868]

Your welcome

[@rosariodagosto6484]

FUNNY WHEN SENSORS WORK EVERYTHING ELSE WORKS BRO😊😊

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Yeah, sensors are pretty important! 😁

[@balazsbota3392]

LG..VIDEO.

[@balazsbota3392]

ILYEN HIBA VAL TALAKOSZTAM

[@balazsbota3392]

Na nem volt nagy hibaja.

[@balazsbota3392]

OUrokl.hogy mukodik.

[@SilverScorpion]

First

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

You have the fastest trigger finger on the internet SS! 😁👍

[@karanaz2008]

How you repaired this VCR without replacing any part(s)?!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@TheUltimateRecycler]

Often switches don't need replacing, just cleaning! Thanks for watching 😊