"JM" bravely wrote to "All" (13 Nov 05 18:53:36)
--- on the heady topic of "Please help with: JVC HR-VP638U"

JM From: "JM"
JM Xref: core-easynews sci.electronics.repair:348450

JM My son pushed a tape too quickly into this VCR. Instead of dropping
JM and seating into the carriage as normally, the tape appeared to ramp
JM upward and too far inside. The VCR started spinning, and I had a heck
JM of time working the tape out. I did not feel or hear anything break.
JM However, when the tape was out, the VCR kept doing a cycle of spinning
JM one direction quickly for about 3 seconds, then stops and reverses
JM directions, over and over. It sounds like it's going to great effort,
JM because the speed starts to diminish after 3-4 cycles, like the
JM transports are tiring or working against something. It will not
JM respond to any of the front panel buttons. Unplugging it is the only
JM way to stop it. As soon as it's plugged back in it starts the cyle
JM over. Now it will not accept a tape unless I unplug it, remove the
JM cover and gently work the tape in and then push it down into carriage.
JM At that point it will play, rewind, ff, etc, as normal, until I hit
JM eject. Then the whole thing starts over.
JM Is there something I can do other than junk it and buy another?

JM thank you for any assistance.


jm,

If you aren't all thumbs and know how to keep track of a few screws
then there is hope of not needing to scrap the thing. It requires
removing the cover and front bezel, usually a couple of screws and a
few snap locks. What has to be done inside is to retime the loading
basket. This involves removing the loading basket assembly and
resetting the main cam to a known sequence in the cycle, then
reinstalling the basket. etc...

The easiest cycle to find manually is the stopped/off position. At
this point the load arms have retracted the tape and just stopped
moving forward. This is the point for example when a tape is loaded
and then the vcr is turned off for a timer initiated recording.

After the basket is removed the load motor can be spun manually with
your fingertips or other small tool. The load motor engages the main
cam and the basket mechanism. With the basket removed, turn the load
motor shaft until the tape loading fingers are closest to the front of
the vcr. Then spin the motor the other way so that they retract
backwards and then just stop. This is the position you want.

Set the tape basket drawer so that it is forward and down (i.e. tape
is loaded). There are often 1 or 2 little interlocks. Now re-install
the basket back in that condition. When power is applied to the vcr it
should briefly exercise the load arms and then automatically reset
itself to the proper unloaded basket position.

This procedure should work except if there is damage to a gear or bent
arms or guides.

Reinstall the bezel making sure the door opening lever is in its
proper location. Close the cover and that should be it. Good luck!

A*s*i*m*o*v

.... If all else fails, hurl it across the room a few times!