Quote:
Originally Posted by Penthode
Most believe the N-1500 was the first "consumer" VCR and the Sony the first VCR. The criterion for consumer VCR would be to record and playback, include a tuner and include a timer (the Sony did not include the timer).
Alas my N-1500 has bad video heads. If anyone has a video drum to spare, I'd be most grateful.
http://www.rewindmuseum.com/umatic.htm |
IF you get the chance--the (In Europe) more popular N1700 VCR series head-drum will physically fit and work.
As opposed the N1500 'straight-head' 130uM the N1700 used 74uM slant-azimuth heads, but will work in the 1500--although will not play 1500 recordings--only its own recordings,--but better than nothing.
Worthwhile--If you get a good set of 1700 series heads, would be to halve the tape-speed, by machining the capstan motor-pulley to exactly half its original diameter, and adding an extra servo pick-up head to the capstan flywheel at right-angles to the original--wire 'em in series (Experience has shown its not really necessary to add another head here--The servo still locks at half-speed happily...)
At this point the machine --isnt quite N1700 standard, as the Capstan itself needs to be machined down somewhat--but a real precision grinding job needs to be done to it, as its Mega Hard steel--I know,--I tried to do one some years ago with a spare shaft, --and failed!....
Whatever you do fit to the machine--Strip and clean the reel-tables well, and re-lubricate with a light oil, Make absolutely certain that the bottom reel table is perfectly free, with no tight-spots etc The Back-Tension is governed by the weight of the bottom-reel and a felt backed disc on the underside of the bottom reel-table.
--Its incredible how fast a set of nice new heads can be trashed by cruddy oil/felt-disc on that reel-table!--Applies to all of the N1500/N1700 series machines.....