MiniDV tape keeps getting stuck in JVC?

[johnmullin78]

I have a miniDV tape that keeps getting stuck (JVC SR-VS30) when I attempt to eject. Any recommendations on how to get it out?

This question was asked via email. Site Staff no longer answer tech questions via email, so that others may read and benefit from our expertise. Please continue the conversation here. Either login or join as a Free Member, and we can continue troubleshooting your video, photo or web related issue. Thanks for understanding our tech Q&A policies.

[lordsmurf]

Again, heed my warning to you:

Quote:

Originally Posted by lordsmurf

I gave you a VS30 with a tested DV/DVCAM deck. Those are rarer these days, most DV have failed. Those DV mechs do have engineering flaws, so proceed with caution.

I tend to not tempt fate, and only use those for DVCAM. In general, I vastly prefer Canon ZR series and Elura DV camcorder models, for MiniDV transfer (either analog method or digital transfer, or both).

At this time, what's done is done.

In terms of removal, try not to damage the fragile (flimsy! thin!) DV tape. That's most important. I'll sometime even snap off (break!) the tape gates, in order to protect the actual tape. The gate doesn't really matter. In fact, sometimes the gate itself is the cause. I'll do that with any format I can access (ie, non-camcorders), especially VHS and this sort of deck-accessible DV tape.

DV tapes have that 2-piece gate, which is nice in theory (keep out dust). But in practice, it's also too flimsy, not properly moving, or moving in time for the deck/camcorder mechanics.

I'd have to open my deck, insert a DV tape, and watch the mechanics move, to precisely recall all the extraction "gotchas".

[aramkolt]

I believe the tape elevator/basket can be removed with a tape still inside, but I personally haven't had one get stuck to the point where it wouldn't eject. I do have some MiniDV decks that I removed from VS30u's that I can look at later tonight, but the service manual should also show which screws need to come out to remove the tape basket. The question just is whether those screws are accessible when a tape is still in the elevator/basket. The VS30U generally isn't recommended for DV because they do like to eat tapes unexpectedly, most likely due to either gears that like to crack, or possibly also lubrication issues. I generally just remove the DV decks from VS30Us so that they are not accidentally used for DV tapes (due to high risk of eating tapes). The VHS side works perfectly fine without it installed and machine probably draws less power without it.

Eventually, I'll look at the pulled decks and see if I can identify common problems with them. I've also seen fried components on the circuit board underneath that controls the actions of the DV deck, so it is also possible for electrical failures to occur there.