This was my latest thrift store find. It ate the first tape I put in it. You can see why in the pic which shows the belts. I replaced all the belts (and the idler tire - which was ok but there was a new one in my belt kit so I replaced it anyway).

When I put a tape in after I changed the belts it played fine, but the picture was not so great - like the tracking was way off. After running for a few minutes it started to improve some. I then cleaned the head with alcohol and q-tips. There was nothing visibly on the head, and I'm always hearing about guys ruining their heads in the process of cleaning them, so I didn't do too much. I tried play again and got the picture you see below (that's a b/w tv). I still occasionally see some lines across the screen, but it's mostly fixed.

Does anyone know what the remote that goes with this model looks like? I didn't think this used a remote when I got it, but I noticed a remote sensor when I was working on it, so I'd like to get one.

Just scored a VKT300 at a thrift shop today for only $10. In typical Hitachi fashion, the belts are completely gloopified. I'll be getting belts and an idler tire for it soon from Studio Sound Electronics.

It always gets me how cheap VCRs are now, I wonder if VCR collecting will ever gain much of a following and the prices will go up. I find myself getting more interested in VCRs lately.

Did you get the remote with yours? I'm still trying to figure out what it looks like.

I didn't get the remote, but this is what it looks like.

As far as I know, all of the VKT series machines used the same remote. You can use a newer Hitachi remote in a pinch, and they are much easier to find. The Hitachi VT-RM260A should work just fine, and be readily available. I have a new in box VKT700 that I just recently decided to get running. Awesome machines.

RCA VKT300 is the same VCR model that actor George Clooney once owned in 1984-1999. Then it went to auction where I bought it, and I resold it for $150 in 2011. The VCR picture is mines that I took.

http://www.eonline.com/news/170337/star-crap-george-clooney-s-vcr-can-be-yours

Replaced the belts in my VKT300 today. Didn't have a new tire, but some alcohol made it usable again. The belt for the counter that comes off the takup reel had turned into a disgusting sticky mess, and I had to sit for about an hour with alcohol and q tips to get it clean. There was goo all over the tire and both reel tables. I finally got it going, but the audio is extremely poor. Also has the poor tracking issue that Adam's machine had. It cleared up after a few minutes.

The audio AND the tracking cleared up? Good.

If one is still poor use Windex on the Audio/Control track head, then follow up immediately with your regular head cleaning fluid.

This looks like a Hitachi VT-33 rebadge. Melting belts is very common on these Hitachi's. My portable VT-8E was suffering from the same issue.

It always gets me how cheap VCRs are now, I wonder if VCR collecting will ever gain much of a following and the prices will go up. I find myself getting more interested in VCRs lately.

Did you get the remote with yours? I'm still trying to figure out what it looks like.
I can even count have many VCR's that are in my possession.
Freebees, dollar items etc.
I never was too crazy about the Hitachi and their re-badges. Late 90's Panasonics were a disappointment as well. I never really had any luck with the Samsung-built GE's and RCA's. I don't even want to think about Fishers. :thumbsdn: