First, make sure the two tape loading arms are completely unloaded, so
that the tape unload switch being activated by the loading gear
underneath is pressed.
[...]

I checked what happens when the tape is inside: the switch is pressed (if it
wasn't nor ffwd or rew would work.. tested). But when the tape is inside I
cant hear or see any solenoid working. In the whole machine I found 2
solenoids: one commands every automatic stop and works perfectly. I never
saw the other working: surely it's related with play.. if I move by hand the
levers I see another lever with a head upon it getting closer to the tape
location. On the other hand rec buttons are never enabled.
The strange thing is this: even trying to move any lever inside the videorec
by hand, I wasn't able to enable play button...
Another thing: there are two arms that should take the tape film near the
reading head. I still didn't discover what moves them.

solenoid is not doing its job. It may be weak, a common fault, or the
driver transistor for the solenoid may be open, another common
failure

well... if the solenoid is gone... I think it's a problem. I should get some
copper wire and rebuild the windings inside it (but will it work??!?).
The transistor.. maybe that's a problem too without the schematic of that
monster.
Anyway... if you have experience.. you could tell me someting about the
voltage driving the solenoid.
It has 4 wires upon it: red, orange, yellow and brown.

or crud has got in the well freezing up the solenoid bolt,
not a common problem. I had the manual for this machine somewhere.
I'll try to find it.


I would exclude the crud.. it's really clean inside.
Also the manual would be a great step forward!!

Bye
Daniele

P.S.
Would you continue this topic by email?
you can write me : skrauso (at) infinito . it

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