Panasonic VCR Buttons Acting Erratically
 

Both via remote control and buttons on unit.

The mechanism tries to rewind almost all of the time at current, if the tape is at the beginning it will jolt constantly until ejected.

Having removed the z mech to make things easier I have come to this issue.

I can't seem to think clear enough to know what it might be and would be greatful for any pointers.

Firstly, make sure the photo sensors in the machine are not getting just confused by some light source (typically sunlight) due to the cover being off or similar.

Did it work fine before taking out the mechanism for the first time?

If that's not the issue I would check that the mode switch is ok and clean, and for any timing issues in the mechanism and that everything is connected properly.

Wow, thanks again for your help.

I'd considered the mode switch (forgot the name) but it was working previous to removal.

I'd noticed it was being temperamental too once placed back, it's taking the tape and then sometimes not, then when it does, it only wants to rewind, I can't get any buttons to work aside from eject (luckily).

I'll look again soon to start fresh and report back.

On the electronic side make sure there is no leaky capacitors inside any PCB that can cause a short due to leakage and that can lead to such a weird behavior.

Thanks, noted. I will check today.

Edit:

I'm just thinking now that before the mech was removed it was working 100% and it is only since placing it back that the issue has come.

I've got another z mech now, I checked another VCR that's been dormant for a while and luckily it is a z mech too so I've checked this one which I know is working and the same issue is now appearing on both.

Now I'm thinking timing is off and needs adjusting as it is causing the same result.

I'll look up timing issues but if you have any thoughts it would be great to hear back.

Solved!

It was as simple as placing the cover back on and screwing it down.

I didn't need to do that before so maybe there was too much light.

Hodgey already warned you about that.

In my experience it's mainly sunlight that confuses the sensors (maybe it has more IR light?) so if you are working near a window maybe there was more sunlight hitting it this time than before.

Absolutely, I couldn't fathom what had happened because I have often left the cover off whilst testing and in this case it is definitely as you said, I must have been working in low enough light before.

The best part is of course it is my mistake and not something mechanical.

Thanks again hodgey

Yeah I've experienced the same and it ended up confusing me too.