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Old 14th Oct 2018, 9:16 am   #18
mark pirate
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Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Worthing, West Sussex, UK
Posts: 5,185
Default Re: Cleaning video heads etc

I am surprised that no one has mentioned using plain paper soaked in isopropyl alcohol, simply hold it perfectly still against the upper drum and rotate the head by hand.
This works well and can be repeated until the paper looks clean.

It is always worth cleaning the tape path, audio/control & erase heads, capstan & pinch roller at the same time. Cotton buds soaked in isopropyl alcohol are fine for this, but NEVER use on the video heads!

I always remove those automatic head cleaners fitted to later machines, they are always clogged with muck and do more harm than good.

I only play known good tapes in my decent machines, old worn tapes not only clog video heads, they can also accelerate head wear. I have some cheap later machines to play tapes of unknown condition, be aware that badly stored tapes can shed oxide, some that have been subject to storage in damp conditions actually go mouldy, this can be dealt with by cleaning the tape itself.

Mark
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