there is one of these local to me, reminds me of the 1st VCR I ever owned. I have never worked on a VCR, are these a problem to repair?

there is one of these local to me, reminds me of the 1st VCR I ever owned. I have never worked on a VCR, are these a problem to repair?

Could easily be, because of availability of replacement parts, especially the belts and other rubber drives.
The early models are highly mechanical and extremely complicated. Plus, there has to be ten times, the electronic parts, compared to the newer ones. :yikes:

prob before SMT, saw an older thread (after posting this) on one. Perhaps the owner can chime in on how his is holding up.

I had that model and gave it to Walter Beers. Mine "kinda" worked... I think it just needs a good cleaning and belts. Yes.. they are built like tanks and more complicated than a "modern" one. Depending on how it was stored ( hopefully in a climate controlled environment) it may work as is, or just needs belts. Moyers would have the parts/belts for that.

good to know, Its local so if nothing else can check it out.

I would grab it if its price is low, at least. I have that same model as in your picture (VBT-200), RCA's first consumer VCR. They need something like seven belts at a cost of $50-60 perhaps, but I am going to do the work on mine before too long. I got two Sony VCRs from that same time period working recently by doing little more than replacing belts and idler tires and lubrication, so these early Matsushita-built machines may be just as durable.

I would grab it if its price is low, at least. I have that same model as in your picture (VBT-200), RCA's first consumer VCR. They need something like seven belts at a cost of $50-60 perhaps, but I am going to do the work on mine before too long. I got two Sony VCRs from that same time period working recently by doing little more than replacing belts and idler tires and lubrication, so these early Matsushita-built machines may be just as durable.

Early VBT200's needed the addition of a small metal plate to hold down a relay rod.

Don't forget the sensor bulb!

Don't forget the sensor bulb!
Thank you for posting that tip, I hope I remember it when I get to repairing my two early RCA VCRs.

I've got the Quasar branded version of that. It was working 5 years ago when I put it in the closet. No use for it but, hate to get rid of it.

I have several of those boat anchors in my basement keeping my house from floating away.hehehehe.

Ooh my aching back.LOL......Picking them up...

I love these old VCR's.

They have alot of rubber in them with the idlers and belts and yes the sensor bulb too.

Plus separate PC boards for each circuit function too.

called him will try and get over to see it some weekend. I kinda hope it sells so I will not be too tempted. It's getting to the point that I have to be very selective (as all collecting ends up being) do to space WAF etc...