Panasonic AG-7750 scratched heads?

[natebirch]

So I just received a Panasonic AG7750. I have cleaned it but the picture doesn't get any clearer than this(pictured below). The tapes I've tried all look great on my other VCRs I think that the heads are scratched/damaged. I am not very knowledgeable.


If anyone could chime in and let me know their opinion, that would be much appreciated.

Unlisted youtube video below.

https://youtube.com/shorts/WsysXnj2piA

[timtape]

If the VCR is working properly you should still get a picture with the TBC bypassed. There seems to be a picture with TBC on suggesting the heads are basically OK. Perhaps the TBC switch itself needs a clean.

VCR's are very complicated, mechanically, electronically. They're also now quite old. Unless it has been professionally serviced before your purchase, at least some expert service work will likely be needed on it.

[latreche34]

It looks like one head is chipped or severely clogged, leaving only one field intact, If you want to get deeper into troubleshooting this you would need to post a sample capture (without TBC) so we can examine the fields and the scan lines, Also it is helpful if you can take macro shots of the video heads.

[natebirch]

Here are some images of the heads. I will have to do a capture over the weekend when I have time.

[mts1]

Not sure about the head, but the drum is dirty like hell.
I would imagine the audio head is not much cleaner.

[timtape]

Normally the drum should have a highly polished surface, a mirror finish. Not this one. I wonder what happened here.

[themaster1]

overuse w/o service is what happened and probably oxydation to top it off (stored for some time in a humid place)
I can see serious black residue on a pair of heads. It might take a microscope and serious cleaning for this one. i'd inspect the inside of the upper drum aswell.

[mts1]

Could all of it be a result of moldy "sticky" tape?

[timtape]

Maybe it was just dust and dirt. These pro machines have a built in cooling fan. Unless the system is designed and maintained well the fan can just suck unfiltered and abrasive muck in from outside, coating the internals. The alloy head drums are made of soft material and the fine polished surfaces are so easily scratched as can the magnetic tapes they play. Dirt was always an enemy of magnetic tape machines and tapes. Cleanliness is the word.

Never even play a tape in a machine which is likely to damage itself or the tape. Clean the internals first. Cleaning done well, without causing more damage, can take skill and time.

Dont buy a machine just because it is "pro" or top of the range. Condition, condition, condition.

Edit: the band of very scratched drum surface at the heads suggests the auto head cleaning foam ring had been caked with abrasive dirt and only made matters worse.

[radiokom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mts1

Not sure about the head, but the drum is dirty like hell.
I would imagine the audio head is not much cleaner.

I doubt hell is that dirty and run down. It's brimstone and heat, but the devils still take care of order and they have enough politicians to put to work cleaning up and repairs.

[latreche34]

The head chips look okay, though there is no way to see how worn they are, the drum is not so much, heavily scored, I would not put any tape in contact with it. It can be polished but with the heads on it, it is too risky.