Sony 9800A Hi-8 Deck Question

[AVTechMan]

I recently acquired this deck of the 'Bay as I have a good collection of 8mm and Hi-8 tapes and wanted to know if anyone knows about these units.

In testing this deck it works great, only minor thing is that the unit plays Video 8 tapes just fine but with Hi-8 tapes I have video noise and snow, but can still see a picture. Not sure if its a head issue or not.

I don't mind getting the deck serviced if that's what it needs but I need to try to find a service location in the Houston area as it can be costly to have it shipped and risking damage.

Thanks for any help!

[Electronic M]

I've got an EVO-9800 deck. Got it at a surplus store for 12$. It is missing it's top, but was amazingly complete in comparison to the other tape decks there. I was able to record and play back a HI8 tape, the source I recorded from was an old betamax tape so I can't say if the mild-moderate video noise was the HI8 or the betamax, but it did seem to work quite nicely compared to good quality SVHS if one ignores the noise.

[mpatoray]

Have you tried recording Hi-8 on the deck? When playing back does the Hi-8 indicator turn on?
I don't remover if there was a switch that forced the unit to 8mm playback/record, I would check and make sure it is in Hi-8 mode.