Hitachi Hi8 camcorder tracking adjustment
 

I've got a Hitachi Hi8 camcorder model VM-H720A. I was trying to play a
tape recorded several years ago but it seems to plays like the tracking is
out of whack, i.e. static horizontal bars and no sound. I tried playing
this same tape on another Hi8 machine and it worked fine. Interesting, a
recent recording made on the Hitachi camcorder does playback OK. Seems to
me that maybe the tracking has shifted adjustment somewhere along the line
and it now can't track the earlier recording properly.

Can anyone comment whether this diagnosis makes sense or whether there is a
simple way to make a tracking adjustment to get the older tape to play.
Unfortunately I don't have a service manual for this machine so any
pointers on how to make the adjustment would be greately appreciated.

Paul

Hitachi Hi8 camcorder tracking adjustment
 

I've got a Hitachi Hi8 camcorder model VM-H720A. I was trying to play a
tape recorded several years ago but it seems to plays like the tracking is
out of whack, i.e. static horizontal bars and no sound. I tried playing
this same tape on another Hi8 machine and it worked fine.
.......................

From your description, the camcorder in question has a mechanical tape path
problem. That is: A tape guide or something that establishes the tape's path is
loose, bent, or broken. This makes it impossible for tapes recorded long ago,
presumably when the machine was in proper adjustment, from tracking properly.
Tapes recorded recently (with the tracks in non-standard positions) on the
problem machine will play fine on the problem machine...but probably not well
on any other machine (try it).

In other words: There is no "tracking adjustment" as you understand it that
will have a positive effect on your problem.





webpa

Hitachi Hi8 camcorder tracking adjustment
 

Yes that model usedthe same tape mech as several others did .
What has happened is one or both of the tracking posts that keep the
tape aligned on the head have become lose and threaded themselves out of
adjustment .
First thing to do is try to carfully turn each post . If one or both
turn with NO effort at all it has become loose .
The tracking posts are screwed in and held with a tiny set screw . The
set screw has come loose and let the posts turn .

Simple repair but getting to it on most models is very difficult as i
have done many of them .
You need a tape with recordings from a good cam then simply play it in
your Hitatchi and adjust the tracking posts back right .
Many times the one that comes loose turns very free . if it wont turn
free its probably ok .
The next thing is gettng the set screw back tight beause its hard to get
at and requires a tiny alan wrench .

If you manage to get at the post & adjust it and have no luck you will
not have hurt anything and a repair shop can get it adjusted . This
should not cost much and if they do tr to charge 100$ go to another shop
this is a simple adjustment .

OR you may just have something loged in the very back of one of the
tracks that the tracking posts ride next to the head so check that while
you are in there .

Good luck .

Hitachi Hi8 camcorder tracking adjustment