In search of flat flexible cable for Panasonic AG1980P

[dpalomaki]

The mechanism has a pin that detects the presence of a S-VHS cassette by sensing a depression in the bottom back corner of a cassette on the near left corner as you look at the bottom of the cassette with the spine label facing you. This pin controls a switch that informs the VCR controls that a S-VHS cassette is inserted in the machine. Something may be interfering with proper operation of this switch - or perhaps the sensing pin has broken off.

At one time some folks would try to "promote" a standard VHS tape to S-VHS by using a soldering iron to melt a hole in the cassette at this location. But the problem is that the tape in the cassette may not have met the magnetic requirements for S-VHS recording.

[snowpeck]

That pin is intact.

Also, I tried recording something just for the heck of it. What I recorded still won't play back on the AG1980, but it does in another VCR. No idea if that means anything either. I think I'm just going to pack it up and take it to the repair shop in my neighborhood and see if they know anything.

[dpalomaki]

Did you try record both SP and SLP/EP speed?

[snowpeck]

Yes, both speeds work.

[snowpeck]

And I am still getting that error message from before. I guess I just wasn't leaving a tape long enough on play to find out. The counter will go to "0 03 11" and then back to the counter again. I'm beginning to just think I have a dud that I've wasted nearly $300 on.

[snowpeck]

Since this thread has veered off topic, I switched back to the other one. Moderators, feel free to delete or lock it.