Beta Hi-Fi Video Machines

[derek92994]

Working on beta hifi machines when I am well enough to do so. Got all the Sonys sorted, and the Sanyos were done a while back. All have good heads and perform well. The hifi tracking is strong, tested this by recording some hi resolution audio on a new tape, not a single drop out. I think 5 is enough



From top to bottom:
1. Sony SL-HF150
Purchased in working order, had been repaired by a friend who specialises in betas. No faults, pristine heads. I did further work to it which was recapping the psu and replaced power transistor heatsink paste (for shits and giggles).



2. Sony SL-HF150 (the 2nd)
Found at markets for $10. Dead except for clock display. Had been run in a high heat environment. Almost all the psu caps measured half their value, power ic was blown, therefore many voltage rails were missing, mainly 9 and 12 volts. Psu recapped, power transistor replaced. Colour board afc needed adjustment for drop outs. Has more head/drum wear than the other 150 but still has strong picture and hifi tracking.
Replaced dodgy sanyo capacitor which sends tracking control off centre, and adjusted as required. Remove glue from hall effect sensor which drives head drum, the glue shorts over time and causes issues.

3. Sony SL-HF950
Flagship model that does super beta (similar to super vhs). Hifi capable with impressive editing features, slow motion and perfect picture in pause. Purchased working. Recapped head amp board to fix picture noise. The usual removal of glue from drum motor hall effect sensor. Psu was buzzing, removed entire unit and replaced with external switch mode psu (requires 12v 4a).
Recapped secondary board which is next in the chain after the main psu unit.
Performs well and its cool to be able to open the draw while the tape is still playing. Good performance, moderate head and drum wear, stable picture and audio tracking.

4. Sanyo VTC-M40
My first hifi beta machine, this started it all.
Will keep it short. Mech Service and PSU recap. Built like a tank and have done a lot of hours on it. Replacement Heads are unobtainable but are still going strong. I watched some tapes recorded 13 years ago with this machine, was enjoyable and I had forgotten half the stuff that was on them.

5. Sanyo VTC-M50
Flagship model bought serviced. Required reel tables to be lubed and back tension adjustment.
Recapped psu for shits and giggles, theres no telling how long 40 year old capacitors will last.
Runs well, I do prefer the vu meters on this compared to the m40. But the m40 is a better looking machine overall.
Lots of work and learning fixing these machines. I have enjoyed the journey and am now enjoying good performance.

 

[mlucitt]

theres no telling how long 40 year old capacitors will last.

My research indicated that electrolytic capacitors have a lifespan of 25-30 years. Less if high heat or high stress environments. They should be reformed (working voltage, or a bit less but not maximum voltage, brought up slowly and held for 24 hours) if idle for more than a year for longest life.