Resurrecting a broken VCR

OK, not quite Amiga, not really computing, but still retro technology, so maybe someone here can help.

So, I managed to acquire a rather nice VCR from a scrap heap. All the electrics are working just fine, but it has a mechanical fault. Stripping it down has presented me with a snapped plastic cog. :(

The thing is, I reckon if I can replace the cog, I can bring the thing back to life. It's a Sony SLV-E8, with Nicam Stereo and lots of other whizzy features, so I'd love to get it working.

I've tried gluing it, but of course it just snaps again. Here's a photo, just in case someone has an idea of where I can get a replacement:

http://www.proggle.net/%7Eandrew/download/vcr-cog.jpg

Why exactly do you want to repair it? I have seen (what were once flagship) working VCR's meeting their makers on a regular basis, why not just collect one from a tip or put an Ad in freecycle?

My dad has a posh Panasonic with them flip down panels (from new). These things used to cost a fortune but I have seen similar models being dumped, many probably still working.

Andy, not sure if you'll be able to trace a replacement gear for that, and glueing it is not the best solution as you have already discovered.
If you still have all the pieces from it, i suggest you either make a duplicate of it yourself (out of resin or something similar), or visit some mold-expert to see what you can have done...
Good luck anyway! :)

superglue it, then melt it back together with a soldering iron. should work.:thumbsup:

*cough* five quid VCRs at a boot sale *cough* :D Just ribbin you mate :)

theres this stuff you can buy i think its called thermoplastic i used it to fix the cogs in my BB gun its little white beads you put them in hot water and the go clear and take on a pliable rubbery feel you can pretty much mold it to whatever shape you like and when it cools it hardens then all you got to do is use a dremal or a file to smooth it out good stuff :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Hell_Labs

superglue it, then melt it back together with a soldering iron. should work.:thumbsup:

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Now that's a neat idea! I'll have to give that a go. I can probably get another one, but I'd feel bad if I chucked this one out without giving it a good go first.

I think this is the one:
http://www.donberg.ie/descript/1/14508-g.htm

If you do replace it, remember to sync the gear timing (small arrow on the gear)

Here is ,

http://www.video-parts.cdlens.com/jpg/0632_min.jpg SONY MECHANISM 31 3-147-XX , ( SONY 31 3147XX )

@ Andy

Give Wizard Distributors in Manchester a ring (http://www.wizard-distributors.co.uk/). They supply the TV and VCR repair trade with parts and I've used them for years. If they haven't got it, they'll get it.

Blimey! One wizard recommending another one ......:blink:

:lol: