VHS Head cleaning procedure

[@silvanodelrio3361]

Wow. I found truly amazing the fact that a one-minute cleaning (if that) actually cleaned heads that were so dirty so as to give no picture to what looked like a perfect picture. Chapeau bas. :-)

[@Croccydile]

One of my VCRs had a clogged head, then I remembered your paper trick from other videos. Suffice to say, it works perfectly and brought it back into operation. This is one of your best tips.

[@12voltvids]

That will be 29.95! :)

[@speedyboishan87]

@@12voltvids That will be 11.95

[@aCrazyAfro]

Thanks! I thought my Sony Video8 camera died but ordered good swaps and the liquid on Amazon and the next day I cleaned the video head as you showed with the VHS recorder and I got my video image & audio back!! 😄

[@12voltvids]

You got lucky because 8mm uses metal tape that basically needs to be physically ground off the head. You had mild contamination because a clog would never clean that way. The metal particles literally weld themselves to the heads.

[@grandtheftauto1233]

@@12voltvidsthis is bad news I also have video 8 with dirty head I haven’t tried cleaning but now I’ve got less hope

[@waltchan]

5:00 These surface-mounts caps are for the Hi-Fi stereo audio board (best to get a mono unit only), and there is another IC surface-mount caps board for video on top of board. Two boards total.

[@12voltvids]

Am radio quality sound. No thanks.

[@waltchan]

@@12voltvids Yes, Hi-Fi stereo audio is far superior. Any VCR brands were easily more reliable than the 1989-1992 Panasonic VCRs. That was Panasonic's worst and darkest days in history. Very few units are still running today. By 1993 (starting with PV-4351), the SMDs were dropped and back to regular caps again.

[@12voltvids]

We used to call Panasonic panafuckers back at the shop.

[@waltchan]

@@12voltvids So, Toshiba was much better than Panasonic on reliability, right (assuming the product was manufactured by Toshiba)? Time to admit it... After 35 years later from 1990 service peak, more and more retired techs in this country are starting to agree with this fact.

[@12voltvids]

I wouldn't go as far as saying that Toshiba was more reliable than Panasonic. Some products yes others no. This stuff back in the 80s failed at much higher numbers then the new stuff does today with the exception to led backlights. Most people have just forgotten about taking their VCR in a couple times a year for various problems or all those tuner problems on TV's. That or they are not old enough to have gone through those headaches. They might remember an old vcr from their childhood but don't remember the monthly trips to the service shop for 1 thing or another lol. Panasonic and Sony had relatively high picture tube failures in the 80s and 90s. I can't count how many 25xbr jugs i changed. Hundreds of them and hundreds of projection crt where the face actually cracked and the vacuum sucked the coolant into the tube. That was interesting. Or the Philips projectors that the coolant leaked out of the lens assy. It's getting really hard to reply to messages ever since the new KZbin app update. Locks my phone up. Type reply and hit save and can't save. Have to locate message in KZbin studio. I guess Google is forcing me to retire the old phone and get a new one lol.

[@kelsozz]

Very well done. Thanks for taking the time to reposition the camera. Makes a big difference to me.

[@joeb2588]

Love those mid to late 80's matsushita machines.

[@PhillipeNover]

You fixed my VCR!!! 🔥🔥🔥 Thank you!

[@ZenithClarity]

Oldie but a Goodie. Thank You.

[@KylesDigitalLab]

Thanks for this video, I recently got a Sony CCD-V8AF Video8 camcorder/VCR, it worked great until I played a Scotch tape in it. Then the picture had a bunch of static and looked horrible. I cleaned it using the method you did (copy paper, 100% alcohol, counter-clockwise), and yup, good as new again, perfect playback. Before I was using chamois swabs from Amazon but this method is much easier, since I already have copy paper for my printer.

[@kyokochan81]

RCA also sold Hitachi made VCRs around the same time. This was when General Electric bought RCA (that also included RCA's NBC TV network). RCA's trademark was sold to Thomson after that.

[@Kyrtryf]

Hello, thanks for your video, could black and white output means that the head needs cleaning or it's definitely some other thing?

[@12voltvids]

If the picture is clear it's not dirty heads. No color is a chroma problem.

[@Kyrtryf]

@@12voltvids What does this mean? Problem with cable or TV?

[@karlkirven8174]

Can you use coffee filters instead of paper 📝 to clean the 🥁 drum heads instead ? Thanks for you videos

[@NunYa953]

Yes, but paper is much safer.

[@vroemtoet]

That was extremely helpful. I had no picture at all, who would have thought a piece of paper and some alcohol was all I needed :-)

[@12voltvids]

That's all we used in the shop.That will be 30.00 please.

[@CBLounge2112]

Thank you sir, appreciate and enjoy your channel very much!!

[@selwynandrews9665]

Thanks! I've been doing it wrong but will use paper from now on. Liked and subscribed.

[@jonesynet]

Useful video - thanks for posting. Is it ok to clean the Audio Control Head with a cotton bud?

[@kaydarkholme]

Thank you. Because if your video I have fixed my old VHS. I tried all sorts of head cleaners on it, none of which worked. After doing this it works perfectly.

[@drpicklephd]

very informative, very interesting, and it's clear that you're very knowledgeable on the topic! thank you for sharing this, you're the bomb!!

[@shabzh786]

May I ask why you recommend using paper to clean the head over cotton swaps or maybe even general cloths? I've never seen anybody clean them with paper before so i'm intrigued as to why? :]

[@12voltvids]

Never use qtip on video heads. Too easy to snag an break them. Same wi cloth. At Sony we used leather chamois cleaning sticks. I still have some original sticks. I learned the paper trick from an engineer when I worked at a tv station. Paper is smooth, but has just the right texture to clean video heads and no chance of damage like poking it with a qtip

[@shabzh786]

Cool! Didn't know that, thanks for the info. Bye bye cloth, hello paper. :D Watched a few of your videos yesterday too, great informative content, keep it up ! Thanks Again.

[@wx4newengland]

We had a quasar version of this deck. It was good but it eventually had major issues with the power supply

[@12voltvids]

Lots of capacitor problems on those Panasonic machines.

[@williamreichold1545]

I have a JVC 30000 D-VHS and think I damaged mine using a microfiber cloth. When I first cleaned it using this cloth, I popped in a Tape that would not previously play and it worked perfect. Then I popped in another tape that also would not play and it would not, so I think the second tape was compromised and dirtied up the heads again. So I went in for a second round going more towards the bottom and I could hear some friction and noticed the cloth had torn a little. After that the first tape will not work now. I tried blowing out with compressed air too and not working. Bummed out. I have allot of recorded tapes to watch. I should have watched this video in its entirety, I did not know the little holes at the bottom were the heads, I thought it was the big silver sphere part. Is changing a head easy if I can find another? Not going to be easy or cheap as these are hard to find now.

[@williamreichold1545]

Okay, I fast forwarded the tape and started play ,then did fast play where it goes at 3x speed with no sound for about 5 minutes, then pushed play and now its working. I do not know what to make of this. I rewound all the way and started from the beginning, and now its playing perfectly again. It had one quick glitch for 1/2 a second but otherwise playing perfectly. Did I get lucky? I definitely will not be popping in the 2nd corroded tape again.

[@estylegreesye4384]

Hi, thanks for the great video! Would this also help with color noise? My VHS video recorder runs perfectly fine, but the image, especially the colors have a lot of noise.

[@12voltvids]

Probably not. You have to understand how home video is recorded. The black and white information. (lumanence) is recorded in fm mode. The color is converted down from 3.58mhz to 629khz and recorded directly to tape. As the tape ages, the magnetic signal on the tape starts to get weaker. This does not affect the luminence because it is fm, but the color signal drops and as it does the signal to noise level also drops and the noise becomes more of a problem. All the consumer formats used color under as did 3/4 UMatic and the all suffer from this. BETACAM used a swperate chroma track recorded by dedicated heads using fm recording and did not suffer this problem.

[@estylegreesye4384]

@12voltvids oh, thank you for your detailed answer! So simply said, my vcr is totally fine. It's the magnetic band of the VHS cassettes that is getting worse over time?

[@ievgeniilutsenko1431]

Thanks! Can I ask you 2 questions. 1. my tape is damaged and have some greasy spots. Does after playing this tape I need to clean tape head every time to avoid this grease or subcutaneous fat spreading on other tapes? 2. I’ve cleaned my head with cotton bud and vertical movements :( how can I check if my vhs is damaged?

[@12voltvids]

Cotton bud and vertical movement on video head is a great way to break the head. :(

[@edithpruitt5058]

Thank you! I can see my tapes better. It's still some grain but way better!

[@nigelgregory3142]

Good video bit of a long intro, but great tips and advice! - Thanks

[@robertmattison1282]

Your nickname should be inspector gadget. You might want to consider getting an assistant. Have your ever thought of packaging your D.I.Y video and airing than I your local cable Access Network. I live the United State, and the cable company provide the local community with fund. We have a local Public Access Network. They have everything to produce a T.V. show that would air over the Cable System to connect to surround towns. Plus if you don't have cable, now you only have internet, go on the internet and you can watch program this way. They even have local Government channel. Enough for now. But your the producer, director and the talent all in one. But I do have to say, the sound your voice comes across very clear. And audio in a video is #1 in my book. I can't stop, but the last video I watch, was great in the way you gave the history about RCA being MFG thru Panasonic. I went wow, I own a broken VHS RCA VHS recorder/player. Haven't open it up. I once had a teacher, years ago tell me understand the working of a television set, and that knowledge will prepare your entry into the world of electronic. And you could go work for NASA.

[@christineshadwell7498]

Very helpful, but I am still having the problem. (hitachi VCR/DVD combo, late 90s) The thing is, some tapes it plays, some it does not. I have 2 professional tapes, one plays, one does not. I have 3 tapes from a VHS recorder, and one is all black screen, one flashes and sometimes go black and white. Could it be speed? SP/LP/EP? Any troubleshooting ideas? I'm in the middle of digitizing old tapes. Thanks!

[@patricknoonan7242]

I was having some issues on my VCR. When I try to put the tape in, the VCR gets stastic. It seems weird. I think you might want to use a clean sheet of paper and don't use some q tips and it will damage the VCR Head.

[@12voltvids]

I don't use qtips on the heads. Just copy paper soaked in alcohol.

[@SuraDoes]

It worked. Thank you!

[@Shamsithaca]

I have a Philips VR 6443 that visually looks like in good condition. Apparently it stop when play is pressed for some reason. I opened up the cover and saw that while everything looks clean inside,...the guides (where the tape is moved into towards the head) looks super dry and cant see any lubricant. Should I put some lubricant before trying to play the tape? If so, what lubricant can i use safely? Also what can i put inside the headcapstan so it moved freely? I can send photos if u wish.

[@LEARNHOUSEOfficial]

Super, so simple and understandable. Thanks

[@andrewlkozar]

Great video-thanks!

[@michaelzoran]

QUESTION: I cleaned the VCR heads similar to what is done in this video. I used paper and the 91% rubbing alcohol. The tapes played with improved video and audio. Everything seemed fine. But then I put the cover back on the VCR and the video problems and audio problems returned. I then cleaned the heads again. This time when I put the cover on the VCR the video problems no longer existed, but there was still a slight "static" hiss type of noise. This happens EVERY TIME. I have tried this over a dozen times and the moment I place the cover onto the VCR while a tape is playing, the static "hiss" starts to be there. What is causing this and how can it be corrected?

[@12voltvids]

Sounds like a grounding issue. The metal cover is inducing noise into head amplifier. Did you fasten the screws to the cabinet as that is what provides the bond to chassis

[@michaelzoran]

@@12voltvids This static noise happens the moment the top of the cover is placed back on - even before the screws are put into place. The static noise remains after the screws are put into place, too.

[@VhsGutter]

@@michaelzoran I had the same prob, panasonic vcr, It's the type of right screw you need . I took 1 out of a old tv. its a metal screw. try differ ones.

[@michaelzoran]

@@VhsGutter Is there any chance you might have a particular screw to suggest? Maybe one a type of screw to buy online?

[@VhsGutter]

@@michaelzoran Not sure man , I lost a screw for mine, had to fiddel with the video sound wires just to eliminate the hiss. I took a screw from a small tv it sticks out but it cleared the interference up, clear as crystal no. screw look like this www.ebay.com/itm/Panasonic-PV-VS4821-S-VHS-VCR/223973627897?epid=66723794&hash=item3425de57f9:g:xsAAAOSwtZpekNTa

[@rtrey2436]

My Hitachi VRC/DVD player will not eject the VHS tape ..I push the on button and the player comes on for about 10 to 15 sec then turns itself off any suggestions ? ?I removed the Tape and cleaned all the heads with alcohol and rolled the gear put the tape back in it started to play than stop and turned itself off and tape will not eject ? used different tapes ...I did this several times to no avail ....HELP

[@atakamastudio]

would be great to have the lubrification and retiming procedure of a vhs vcr, thanks.

[@hawleygriffon9290]

Now we need one on cleaning the lens on a DVD Recorder or player. I just got a Toshiba DVR630KC from a friend who says it doesn't record anymore. I suspect a dirty lens, though it could be some other problem. Just tested the unit and both the DVD section and VHS section play back videos flawlessly. Just did a dub from an old VHS satellite wildfeed tape to a DVD-R and it recorded flawlessly. But it could probably use a good cleaning anyway...

[@12voltvids]

Satellite wild feeds. Those were the days. I have about 10 tapes of wild feeds from 9/11. Most i have never watched. I hit record and went to work. I remember setting up multiple recorders that morning. Cnn, CBS NBC ABC cbc and 2 pool feeds on ku out of New York.

[@hawleygriffon9290]

@@12voltvids I used to do a lot of TV series: Star Trek Deep Space 9, Star Trek Voyager, Babylon 5, The X-Files, etc. every week for years. Still have the tapes. Since I could never afford to get the equipment myself, I had to depend on others to do the recordings or else go to their houses, move the C Band Dishes and tune them up for the recordings. After the small dishes became popular and everything became scrambled on the BUDs, I gave up on those 10 foot plus monstrosities. Was fun for as long as it lasted though. Too bad I never got stuff like crews setting up news reports and stuff like that. Those tapes are usually hilarious to watch. I used to buy all the sat mags, program guides, etc. I remember seeing the earliest stuff by Robert Cooper in Radio Electronics as well as articles for watching terrestrial microwave broadcasts in several amateur radio mags. They are still in my collection...

[@12voltvids]

@@hawleygriffon9290 I still have a BUD on the roof. Haven't used it in years. No analog programming for many years but lots of open digital. I haven't gotten around to removing it only because I would need a crane to take it down.

[@suryoday8611]

Hi there, My funai vcr 5000hc mk2 playing with sounds but no pictures. Can I use whiskey to clean my vcr head? Kindly advise, it's really urgent! Believe me! Thanks

[@12voltvids]

No you can't. Use iisopropanol or use the thumbnail trick I have shown.

[@suryoday8611]

@@12voltvids ok, sir can u suggest the possible reason for not playing Video. Thank you for your quick response!

[@Rupertbear27]

I have a Panasonic VHS/DVD RecorderDMR-EX99VEB. When I push Play I get a gray picture and it doesn't play---however when I push forward it shows the picture moving OK---What do you think it could be --Thanks

[@aidanfranits1339]

Do you have any tips for cleaning camcorder heads (that is, heads in much tighter quarters)?

[@infinitecanadian]

Why not hold in some cleaning paper in a pair of tweezers or long nose pliers?

[@jeremymiller1513]

What is your opinion on head cleaners?

[@12voltvids]

8MM, DV & DAT dry type tapes are a must as they use a metal tape abs that is the only way to clean the heads. For vhs no, do it by hand. Far safer.

[@chrismifsud7154]

@12voltvids Please help. I got a JVC SR-VS10 (Super VHS / MiniDV) deck. When I play the tapes I get a no image but sound works. If I press FFW Play I can see the image perfectly. I was told clean the heads which I did but it made no difference. I don't know if its relevant but the VFD display on the VCR says SuperVHS even though I tried normal VHS tapes.

[@andorcor]

I see it 6 years later... 😄 What about "insert" video mode? VCR plays correctly video and hifi, but snow appears if I try to make some video insert... Thanks.

[@12voltvids]

That would be a record issue in insert. Flying erase heads come on and wipe video but no recording takes place.

[@andorcor]

@@12voltvids Thanks a lot 1000 times. Now I "just" need to know how to fix it. 🤯

[@mranderson5668]

I've tried cleaning the audio, but still get static sound. can i try something else?

[@yay4meluigi]

Great video!

[@thedreamdrug495]

Do you recommend demagnetizing vhs tape heads?

[@12voltvids]

Not necessary. Soon as you enter record the record carrier will remove any magnetization.

[@thedreamdrug495]

@@12voltvids oh ok good to know, I thought VHS Tape Heads were similar to Cassette Tape Heads. Thanks

[@powerstuffup]

I have a other vcr which just keeps ejecting videos and messes with some of the film on the way out. What n how can I fix?

[@12voltvids]

Check the mode switch.

[@robertmattison1282]

Do you do you own editing before you upload your video?

[@12voltvids]

Yup, I edit stuff, some more then others. Its all done with premiere pro.

[@lorenzolopez8297]

Title says cleaning head. But he wastes the first 9 of 12 minutes with all sorts of other issues. Then when he FINALLY starts showing how to clean the heads, he says to use a product that he says you can't buy anymore!!!! What a jag-off!

[@12voltvids]

True you can't buy freon TF solvent anymore but you can still buy the head cleaning solution which is now alcohol based. The old stuff I have is TF solvent based. The TF solvent was definitely better but 99.9% IPA also works good, just takes longer to evaporate.

[@shawnjenkins8707]

I need this guys help. I love the videos, have a beta cord, hoping he has tips on repair of power supplys

[@NunYa953]

He has TONS of beta repair videos. TONS of VCR repair, power supplies, all kinds of stuff. Even if it's not the exact machine, you can learn alot from watching all his videos. The principles of electricity are the same regardless of the repair. I'd bet you can learn more from this channel than a technical school honestly.

[@ramonmorales4114]

Really helpful guidance, thanks. Now as constructive criticism, you may want to make your workshop more presentable by cleaning and organizing it a bit. I realize the video is over 5 years old, but still.

[@12voltvids]

Do I really give a shit how my bench looks. No, and I don't give a shit how you feel about it. It is what it is and that isn't going to change any time soon. I have no time to clean up. When you see a spotless shop it is because the guy isn't that busy and has time to clean up. I am not that guy. I work full time 40+ hours a week plus run a relatively busy video production business. These repair videos are made when I have a couple of hours to spare. If you would rather me spend those hours cleaning my bench, well there would be no repair video simple as that. When I worked in the business the only time the bench was clean was when there was no work. If I stopped to clean it when there was work waiting by boss would chew my ass off.

[@ramonmorales4114]

@@12voltvids Very professional response. I am impressed. I imagine the rest of your house looks the same way. Enjoy it!

[@12voltvids]

@@ramonmorales4114 Actually it is spotless, but then again you are a troll (I can smell trolls a mile away from their comments) and as such you get my standard troll troll response.

[@Redrachell4]

hi, thank you for your awesome videos. Question my Magnavox DVD/ VHS combo. I put tape in and it immediately ejects the tape but seams to get hung up and pulls the tape out as its ejecting. Any ideas on this?

[@12voltvids]

A couple of things. Most likely is the mode encoder switch is dirty, or you have a broken belt that drives the tape spools.

[@jeff-TessAD2022]

Thanks!

[@maximilianox235]

I just did this and now the image is more distorted and the audio quality got worse :c

[@leojoris6092]

same! Did you fix it?

[@fadhlematrook1248]

where is the cat..i miss it.

[@JOAOPENICHE]

Great tips thanks

[@codebeat4192]

"Handle with care" is on the box (when it is brand new), the proper way to handle this equipment however he doesn't care because it is old? Weird.

[@12voltvids]

No that means just don't throw it off the back of a truck. Don't send through the mail either,, as the posties will play football with it.

[@chris7662]

Is the INtro really necessary?!!

[@natski4288]

7:53

[@donald1056]

You threw it on the workbench and it broke ??? Ha Ha

[@garyastron5440]

Damn dude, if it isn't broke....... well it is now throwing it around. What is wrong with you?

[@12voltvids]

It's old crap that is headed for the recycle center.

[@garyastron5440]

@@12voltvids Just Kidding Dave. I had a question that you would know the answer. My Sony Hi 8 video recorder started showing a rainbow looking streaks going horizontal on all playback. It kind of comes and goes. Kind of fades in and out as the tape plays. Like a electrical static and the lines are slightly moving. Even when the tape is on pause you can really see them moving on the screen. Is it dirty heads? A Cap problem maybe? It kinda looks like a electrical interference of some sort. I've seen it on you videos playing on your monitors. They are faint and you probably could watch the movie but it would be distraction. Do the heads need demagnetized. I don't know....what do you think Dave>/????

[@12voltvids]

@@garyastron5440 check the ground strap for the video head.

[@garyastron5440]

I will Dave, thank you.

[@garyastron5440]

Where exactly would the ground strap be on the head? And is it prone to just coming disconnected? I can't find anything searching for video head ground straps. Please help 12voltvid.@@12voltvids

[@tiagosantos7622]

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