Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Question

Sony TRV900E DV tape camcorder

Jan 8, 2014 5:33AM PST

Have a Sony TRV900E camcorder that plays back any of my old tapes without problems but every time I put in a new tape TDK, Sony, Panasonic it records the video without any problem but the audio keeps cutting out .

This seems to happen at the start of the tape and is worst at the start for about the first 3-5 minutes?
Yes have cleaned the heads and capstan properly and checked the guide pin to the head has a B stamp on the plastic plate and not a 1 or 2 stamp on it as they were known to crack and put the guide roller out of alignment before the tape wraps around the heads. Any ideas on what the problem is with this TRV900E that is in very god condition and not hammered in any way.

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Answer
Pretty common for old units.
Jan 8, 2014 5:45AM PST
- Collapse -
IDEAS
Jan 8, 2014 5:48AM PST
- Collapse -
Answer
Sony TRV900E DV tape camcorder
Jan 8, 2014 6:45PM PST

Hi R Proffitt

Did want to try and get away from the tape system to prove the mechanics but the TRV900E only has a slot for single jpeg photos that has a floppy disk adapter or the memory stick that plugs in. You cannot record audio and video on this model?
As it is in great condition and have many important DV tapes recorded on this camcorder did not want to ditch it.
I am a service engineer who used to repair broadcast systems but not these tiny mechanical pressed out steel parts.

Need a Sony service man to throw some light onto the problem. I am guessing it might be the friction brake on the reel which may not be keeping the tension high enough wrapping around the drum for recording. Just a guess.
Cannot get my head around the fact that any tape going back some 13 years plays perfectly and no problem with audio. Had changed the known faulty mics inside a few years ago and used an external mic to prove that the fault still exists on recording only.

Also emailed Sony UK for some parts but they never replied to my request. Big surprise.

Anybody out there who services tape camcorders?

- Collapse -
I added the link
Jan 9, 2014 2:40AM PST

So you could see what I see. It alludes that recording might be to the memory card. If I has this I would definitely check that out.

Good luck on finding a service tech. I don't have to remind you how rare they are. Even I won't go near these today because of the millions that would want my help. While I do have a background in electronics design and more, the one big issue is no sure source of spare parts but there's no money in it. I know that sounds terrible but the shop has to pay its way.
Bob

- Collapse -
Answer
Sony TRV900E DV tape camcorder
Jan 9, 2014 6:43PM PST

Hi Bob

Coming from the old order of make do and mend I had a very close look at the C Mechanism and played around with the back tension on the supply table with a slight increase in tension with a small needle to the guide.
As I had thought suddenly the audio came back again on record mode right at the start. So very carefully bent the metal bracket spring that puts the back tension onto the brake pad by a few degrees under a microscope.

Over the years the back tension was slowly dropping off and started causing the tape not to fully run around the heads when recording the audio track. Every time a new tape is now put in it records audio and video perfectly.
This might help other users with a C type mechanism in their old DV tape camcorders. Needs surgeon type hands to play with these mechanical wonders, not for the heavy handed out there. Prefer to repair my old BMW motorbikes with spanners and no microscope needed. Now where's my rubber mallet.

Chris