Sanyo VTC 5350 tracking issue

[dj_fivos_sak]

Hi. I bought a VTC 5350 (PAL/SECAM 5300) Betamax just yesterday and it is perfect shape. However, the tracking seems to be unstable. Even on its own recordings, I have to turn a little bit the tracking knob to the right to get the best picture. Is this a sign of a worn audio/control head or bad capacitors on the servo PCB? The sound is good with normal high frequency response. I don't wanna mess with the alignment of the machine and I don't have a scope. I have cleaned the tape path and pinch roller. Thanks in advance.

Fivos

[Sanbeta]

It sounds like the audio/control track head needs a slight adjustment. Or you can internally move this setting with the tracking control pot.
If the picture is nice and clear that you record on this on another machine,with it's normal traking control at the center, then the control head is set up fine.Most are.
I reckon the internal pot needs a tweak.

Kev

[dj_fivos_sak]

The service manual says there's a tracking adjustment on the servo PCB. I think VR4005. Can I adjust this safely without an oscilloscope?

[Sanbeta]

Yes
Move it slowly and gradually in one direction with your vcr's tracking control on the outside set to the centre.
When or if you get a nice clear picture try out another tape from another machine or a pre recorded one.I t should need little or no adjustment from it's centre for a perfectly clear picture.
Also on your machine when making a recording.IF everything is set to perfection when you turn the tracking control (outer one) left and right, you should get minimal interference or grain/noise at either extreme

[dj_fivos_sak]

Man. I want to thank you so much! I looked at the tracking trimmer on the PCB and it was set on the far right! I turned it with a screwdriver and...VOILA! All tapes play with perfect picture on the center tracking position, like my VTC 5000.

Fivos

[Sanbeta]

Fivos;

No problem.
I always go over everything when I refurb these.
When things are factory set and on a production line, they make a more 'acceptable' setting for the overall tracking .(that's why an outer tracking control is fitted.
The control head placement is far more important and critical.
Then again you may have had a 'fiddler' who wasn't sure what they were doing.

Glad it's now great. Remember too the checks I informed you about. They can make things really perfect.

..................Kev

[dj_fivos_sak]

Someone must had been inside the unit before. The only thing I know is that the belts are replaced and it's loading fine and FF/REW functions are fast and smooth. Is this a better machine than the 5000? The mechanism is very complex and it keeps the tape loaded in stop mode, like the Sony's. Also, I noticed it says "7 DAYS/1 PROGRAM" while it appears to have the same timer as the 5000/5550 which says 8 DAYS! (lol)

Fivos

[Sanbeta]

Hi Fivos

I would say the 5000 is better down to it's simplicity and decent performance. The 5300/400 (5350) picture was different but not exactly worse.
The timer issue is Sanyo's way of saying 7 days 1event plus 'everyday' feature just in a different way
I also prefer the unlacing in the fast wind modes.A lot safer on the tape and heads.

......Kev

[dj_fivos_sak]

The 5350 also has the "everyday" feature. I was setting the timer yesterday and I noticed it and I was like "what the hell!". Maybe they changed the labeling to 8 days for marketing reasons.

Fivos