Zenith Video Recorder VR 1830

[Tripredacus]

I mentioned this VCR in another thread but I figured I would make a new one for it, since I have put it on my list for repair. This is the Zenith VR 1830 and it is one of those VCRs where the tapes go in sideways.


Note that there is not any marking as to which way to put the tape in. I had already opened the unit up prior to even attempting it, so I know where the head is located, and that the machine doesn't do anything goofy like changing orientation or anything like that.


Some basic things. This is the front. The clock is present but is very dim when on or off. In contrast, the channel number is very bright. I do not think that this is due to an issue with the display. All of the channel numbers have the same brightness with exception to Channel 3, which will flash. I am not sure if this relates to the RF Switch on the back or not.


The front panel folds down and there are some buttons. On the left is the tracking knob. Then there is Clock Adjust switch, Timer and Select buttons. Additional Channel up/down buttons, Cancel/Skip and Repeat/Add buttons. Then switches (left to right, top to bottom): Band (TV/CATV), AFC (Norm/SPCL), Source Select (TV/AUX), CH Set (Off/On), Counter Memory (Off/On) and SP/EP.


Here is the back info plate:


This is the connectors.
V.Lock is a hole (I do not know what this is)
Remote Pause (another hole)
Ch 3/ Ch 4 switch
Video In/Out (composite)
Audio In/Out (composite)
VHF/UHF/CATV ANT In/ ANT Out (coax/RF)