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Originally Posted by polaraman
I also got a 1977 RCA VHS VCR from the pile. It was made 15 December 1977. The model number VBT200. I wonder if they came from the same house??? This thing is really heavy. It has made in Japan stamped on the back. :-(
The VCR goes to play and the wheels will not turn to play the tape. It pickes up the tape, puts it on the head but the tape will not play. I took a picture with the top off. Is there supposed to be a belt on the two brass wheels?
polaraman
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The RCA VBT200 is the first VHS VCR ever made in history. I've seen several of these on eBay often. There is one right now. If restore and clean properly, this unit worths about $150 final bid price. Last one sold for about $172.
Regarding the problem, you will need to replace the belts and idler tires. To do that, flip the unit upside down and remove the seven screws to remove the bottom cover, remove the six screws mounted on the board at the center, open them, and then the belts are revealed. You will need to remove the capstan shaft cover and play idler cover to remove all the belts. To replace the idler tires, remove the top cover and remove the top loading cassette by unscrewing the four black screws and two gold screws. You may need a small hex-shape screw to replace the idler tires.
I have a Panasonic PV-1600 that looks identical to yours, except mine has SLP play speed/record and programmable touch tuner added.
To order a replacement belt kit for this model, go to studiosoundelectronics.com, use the manual entry cart item, and type it part # VBK-19, two of IT-2, and one of IT-6. You may need a new pinch roller if the VCR is eating or chewing tapes.
If putting all the new belts, tires, and pinch roller, you will get about 15 years of reliable service, or maybe more. These first-generation Matsushita-made VHS VCRs were built like tanks. I found the first-generation ones to be more reliable than the (1981-1982) second-generation ones (the one with playback search). The second-generation ones use fewer belts, but the loading belt seems to wear out faster than the first chassis.