Strange sound from Panasonic AG-1980

[SasukeUchihax]

My Panasonic AG-1980 randomly just started to make this sound when playing tapes, what could it be or what’s the issue?

[lordsmurf]

Two potentials.

1st
The tapes themselves could be wound too tight. This is common, especially when not played for years. The wrong-headed "fix" is to FF/REW the tapes, but that can lead to catastrophic damage (the "one and done" tapes), so it's ill-advised. You must test for the FF/REW, or the tape is ruined forever, vastly degraded at best. The best solution is to just grit teeth and deal with it, assuming it doesn't affect the image/sound quality.

2nd
Something in the AG-1980P is causing bad tape pulling through the transport. Lots of gears, bands, greases, etc, on those transports. Not a fun task, especially not the PITA build-quality Panasonics. You'll need the service manual, it's here in the repair forum. This is also common, to all VCRs. It's mechanical, it's old, it wears. Some wear is non-fixable, your deck has an unknown expiration date, and will entirely seize up eventually. Even the best refurbishers can't fix some of these. Transport motors are the most damning parts, and must be swiped from parts/donor decks (which are also aged).

[SasukeUchihax]

Is it bad long term? Or should I just ignore it and deal with the sound, everything plays fine

[lordsmurf]

It really depends on where and why. Some should be addressed ASAP, some just have to be ignored.

A 3rd option could even be a problem with the head cylinder, hard to tell without the machine in front of me.

[SasukeUchihax]

I just assumed maybe it might have been the pinch roller making that sound, but thanks for your answers!

[lordsmurf]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SasukeUchihax

I just assumed maybe it might have been the pinch roller making that sound, but thanks for your answers!

Fingers crossed, here's hoping it's really that simple.

[aramkolt]

Could be a brake dragging somewhere. I'd pop off the bottom cover and see if you can feel the vibrations from anywhere around the brakes.

I haven't seen a pinch roller do that, but they do contain ball bearings that could have become shot I suppose. You should be able to tell if the noise cycle fits with exactly how long it takes the pinch roller to make a full revolution

[SasukeUchihax]

Update: it’s not making that sound a lot anymore. it will sound every few seconds. I can feel a slight vibration on the pinch roller arm whenever it makes that sound. But it’s not doing it as much like in the video. Couldn’t be the tapes, I’ve tested on another VCR. I suppose the arm or whatever else is located in that area where the pinch roller is making that sound.

[lordsmurf]

Just don't be like a dumb eBay seller -- I was helping another member/buyer troubleshoot -- who shot WD-40 into it. That 100% ruined the deck. Best of all, the idiot seller tried to fight the buyer, with lies and gaslighting.

[SasukeUchihax]

That actually happened? Wow, that’s insane! Yeah I know definitely not to spray anything inside the VCR

[lordsmurf]

Yep, 'tis true!

I had to search my PMs and emails, see if I still have those messages. And I did.

Most of the replies are actually my writing, or parts of my writing. More than once, I've helped duped buyers (new members here, trying to troubleshoot the broken crap they bought) to craft good messages to send when eBay sellers try to screw them over.

Enjoy:

Quote:

You requested a return
"This item does not work. For starters, it smells like WD-40, which it should not. I cannot get any tape to track stable beyond a few seconds, and audio is buzzing like a machine gun. This is simply a bad unit."

Quote:

Seller message
"Hello. All units are serviced before being sent out and we take proper documentation of them working perfectly prior including videos and photos of the units working. We do not sell non operating units. If you would like to send a video of the problem we would be happy to try to help you with this situation."

Quote:

You sent a message
"Read what I wrote. Audio is the problem. It sounds like a machine gun, pulsing buzzing audio on my tapes. Photos won't show audio. I don't know how to post videos on eBay. Maybe you need to service it again? Refund me, take your VCR back, and maybe I'll buy it back later when you fix it.""

Quote:

Seller message
"Unfortunately we can not accept returns on items that have been fully tested and documented with video and photo proof that will be provided to eBay in the situation we can’t come to a mutual decision. It has been in your possession for long enough that we have no assurance that you haven’t caused this issue. I am happy to try to work something out with you but we are unable to accept this return."

Quote:

You sent a message
"That's not how eBay works. The item arrived non-functional, not as described, defective. And I have 30 days to report a problem. There's no understanding to come to. If eBay needs me to submit an audio file, I can do so, but they'll have to instruct me on how to go about it, because I can't figure it out. Your machine does not work, and I'm not paying $400 for a broken VCR."

Quote:

You sent a message
"And another thing, if you were so meticulous and careful, why was it shipped in a flimsy reused squashed Costco box? And why does it smell like WD-40? Did you seriously lube the inside of a VCR with WD-40? WD-40 has a very distinct odor. I can't submit a photo or video of a smell."

Quote:

Seller message
"WD-40 makes a lubricant specifically for electronic band lubrication which is suggested to be used by the manufacturer. This is sometimes used at our service center but I do not believe it was used on this device. Like I said before, it was tested and deemed in perfect working condition before being sent out as well as being documented in that situation with videos and pictures including the serial number. I’m not sure what could of happened while it was in your possession and because it has been so long I am unable to accept a return. I’m am happy to try to assist you or come to an agreement out of generosity but can not go further."

Quote:

You sent a message
"Wow. You actually used WD-40 in a VCR? No words. That is a well known no-no for electronics, including VCRs. It is absolutely not recommended by manufacturers. You just admitted that the VCR was ruined before it was even sent. WD-40 is primarily a harsh degreaser and rust remover. The lubricant aspect is volatile and evaporates. After evaporation, the former lubricant turns into a sticky gummy brown oil. And that is precisely why you never, ever, use WD-40 in items like VCRs."

Quote:

Seller message
"If you read the message it says I do not believe it was used and after contacting my service team they have confirmed it was not used on this product. We have service records showing it. I hope you have a good day. Also, you are not aware of the wd40 product we used which is meant specifically for electronics and it shows. So this conversation is over."

Quote:

Seller message
"Wd-40 is a brand and not just a product. They provide products specifically for electronics. Please do your research "

^ My favorite part was how he tried to defend WD-40 here , then said he didn't use it, then said he did, then defended it again.. We all know he used WD-40 for sure now. He showed his hand.

Quote:

You sent a message
"You are correct, WD-40 is a brand. Actually an entire company. However, the strong smell coming from your VCR is the odor of the cheap Multi-Use line, not the Specialist line. Their odors are different due to the VOCs. If any WD-40 made contact with the play surfaces, that would explain the problems observed."

Quote:

You sent a message
"So, in summary, so far you have attempted to blame me for your VCR not working; you have suggested I had the VCR for too long, even though it's within the 30 days allowed by eBay; you have waffled on the use of obvious WD-40 in the VCR, a chemical not made for VCRs; you have ignored the fact that the audio is bad, tracking is bad, and the shipping was subpar. Got it."

Quote:

Seller message
"Judging that none of that is true I don’t think this conversation should go any further. The only thing that sounds true at this point is you broke the VCR and are now trying to get a refund on something you did. I explained you’ve had it for so long that it’s very possible you caused the issue. Not talking about eBay’s policy. I have extensive documentation showing the device working perfectly. If this goes further I will happily provide it all to eBay which would prove that what ever issue has occurred happened after it was in your possession. Given the timeline, you had plenty of time to damage the device yourself. This will be the last message as you have left the realms of being civil. Goodbye."

Quote:

You sent a message
"You keep repeating that you have documentation, but that does not matter. This unit arrived defective. Your box arrived during the busy holidays, and I did not even open it until last week. I did not break it, or even get to use it. It was DOA. Your attempt to gaslight, to accuse me of not being civil, is ridiculous. You are the one accusing me of nefarious actions, whereas I'm only informing you that your unit does not work, and then use of WD-40 is likely responsible. A refund is required here."

Quote:

Seller message
"Just reviewed all the documentation with the service team. I am in sales and had no idea of what they use. The only thing that was done was use head cleaner on the head. This is 99% isopropyl which is the suggested cleaner. So the fact that it now has wd40 in it raises my suspicions of you damaging the item and trying to send it back even more. I will be filing a complaint and sending all the documentation of this unit in perfect working order before it left my warehouse to eBay and reporting your account for fraud."

Quote:

You sent a message
"I've had enough of your gaslighting and accusations. The fact is the unit arrived in a crushed flimsy reused box, non-functioning, smelling of MU WD-40. Given that data, I do not believe there is a team of service employees, or documentation, or anything else. Just a one-man eBayer reselling some random items. If the VCR had arrived properly working, I'd be using it right now, not having a pedantic message battle in the eBay returns system. I was sent damaged junk, defective goods, not as described."

Quote:

Seller message
"This will be settled with eBay’s team. We are in the process of submitting all the necessary documentation to prove it was in perfect working order before it was sent. I’m not sure what you did to it but you can deal with the karma for trying to scam. Have a good day."

Quote:

You sent a message
"This item is defective, not as described. It arrived in a beat-up reused Costco box, smelling of WD-40, and does not function properly."

Quote:

A case was opened
"This item arrived poorly packaged, defective and non-functional, and smelled heavily of cheap WD-40 which is not proper for using in VCRs. The seller has been rude, accusatory, and has not once addressed the issues. This is not a used item by eBay definition, and is significantly not as described. This must be refunded."

The buyer was refunded.

But it literally took almost 2 months between the buy and the refund, and those back-and-forth messages dragged out for weeks.

eBay sucks for buying VCRs. I have far worse stories, including threats and stalking. People are nuts.

Those messages were over a year old, and that member hasn't been back since, because (1) I helped him not get screwed, and to fight for his eBay refund, and (2) he got some gear from me. My stuff works, and he's surely happily capturing instead of fighting bad gear and eBay idiots.

Situations like this are sadly very typical. Even worse is that buyers don't always win cases, because they're not aware of the proper descriptions and words needed to defend themselves.

[timtape]

A basic and inexpensive mechanic's stethoscope may help. The metal rod is placed on various mechanical parts and we listen. The sound that corresponds with the sound you are hearing through the air is the likely source. Be careful though. Dont place it on moving parts of course, or on anything with live voltage. Just Google 'mechanic's stethoscope'.

[latreche34]

I would remove the pinch roller arm and put a dab of machine oil on all pins. Also check the take up reel table, These are the only two places where speed is low that matches the strange noise.

[SasukeUchihax]

I appreciate you telling this! That's just insane of that seller and that's great that you helped out. Can't imagine other nightmares others have gone through

-- merged --

Thanks for the suggestion guys