What to watch for when unboxing a JVC HR-S9911U?

[TheCptn]

10 years ago I bought a JVC HR-S9911U with the intention of digitizing our VHS tapes but my house burned down between when I ordered it and received it. So I've had this thing in storage for all this time but lost the tapes I wanted to convert in the fire. Recently some family members asked me to digitize some of their home movies. Is there anything I should watch for after having this thing in storage for so long.

[lordsmurf]

Maybe, maybe not.

Dust is a problem, if not sealed in box.

It probably needs a good proper cleaning. (NO Q-TIPS!)

Over time, all VCRs succumb to gravity, go out of alignment. The biggest tell is when tracking fails to work well.

If this was stored in a garage, attic, outdoor storage unit, the boards may have gotten screwed up from heat. Once the VCR mainboards go, it's a parts deck only.

If you're a smoker, the VCR is probably completely screwed, tar adheres to everything, heads are destroyed.

Whatever you do, don't stick a valuable family tape in that VCR first, maybe not even tenth. Test it thoroughly with non-important tapes.

[TheCptn]

It was always indoors and we don't smoke so I'll look up up how to clean it and go from there, My biggest worry is we've moved a couple times since so I'm hoping it hasn't been bumped to much.

Thx for the input

[josem84]

You can always test the threading mechanism manually (with the vcr switched off) without risking any tape or most importantly... without risking to damage or even break any gear.

[TheCptn]

Opened it up yesterday, hardly any dust, lightly wiped everything with a dry microfiber. Tried it with an old tape and everything went well.