I'm not an expert with schematics, so I wasn't sure if the voltage I saw on it was the bulb, or the supply voltage, and saw there were resistors in the circuit as well. I wish I can remember where I got the bulb for my older RCA VDT-350, but I think digikey might have what I'm looking for. Or, maybe the train store a few miles from me is still in business.

I'm about to post a new thread on my RCA unit. I've got three units under repair at the moment. Fun never ends.

Hi to all,
Hi TinCanAlley,

Your VCR & TV probably don't cope well with MacroVision encoded "TV viewing destruction (anti-copy)" signals.

See here on Wikipedia how it works :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Analog_Protection_System

Do you have some tapes recorded by yourself from TV/Cable/Satellite?
if these run OK, you have the answer.

How to defeat it ? : a MacroVision removal device.
read here, post #276 & later, some circuits & products suggested :
https://antiqueradios.com/forums/vie...5399&start=260

Can be found second-hand on E-Bay & other places, search for "Macrovision stripper", "Sync cleaner", "Video Stabilizer", etc. Many devices did not dare to use the name MacroVision in their product description for fear of legal action.

Many consumer electronics magazines of the late 70s & 80s published DIY circuits.

for instance, see the Nov 1988 issue of Elektor Magazine :
https://ia801702.us.archive.org/19/i...88-11_text.pdf

Best Regards
jhalphen
Paris/France

Thanks for the info. I read it and found if of interest, but it doesn't seem to be my problem. I have recorded video that does the same, so it seems to be a synch issue between the VCR and the pre-VCR television (1974).

I found this, but I'm not sure if it's too bright. Says it is 4 watts...

MP12W 100pcs Clear 4mm 12V 50mA Miniature Grain of Wheat Bulbs Warm White for Model Train Layout or Miniature Photography