Pioneed VP-1000 Laser Disc players

[ChrisW6ATV]

Hi all-

Since I was there for the early days of Laser Discs, and my first player was a Pioneer VP-1000 (their first model), I could not pass up two of them in nice physical condition for $5 each at the local radio club's flea market. Unfortunately, neither one works, though they both do power on and the basic controls do function (eject, audio select, and play, which then fails). I already had one of these in unknown working condition, powered it up, and it has the same symptoms. At least two of the three do these functions: When a disc is in place and Play is pressed, the laser lens pops up a couple of times to attempt focus, but the disc does not spin and the cover clicks open (which is what the Eject button normally does as well). If I hit Play one more time with the cover open and the disc in or out, the same actions happen, then it just ignores that button if it is pressed again. When I turn the power on or off, the motor (and disc) will briefly spin, and the laser "sled" might move a bit. The third player, I did not check for the laser-focus or motor-spin actions. (None of the three have their shipping screws in place.)

I do have the original service manual for these machines, and I remember replacing the laser-tube power transformer in my player in 1985 before selling it later that year to buy a brand-new player. One day I will have to try fixing one or more of these machines-they are from a very cool era in home-video history. If any of you have experience with them or suggestions, let me know. Thanks.

[rca2000]

Can you tell is the laser is actually working--and producing proper beam output?

If it is NOT doing so--the disc might not be able to be seen--and then may not spin up.

I had a couple of LD_660 Pioneers that did work ok--the last time I played wiht one of them anyway. One was a "private label", maybe magnavox--but I am sure it was a pioneer design.

I think one of them was stolen in the garage robbery over 2 years ago...

[ChrisW6ATV]

Thank you for the quick reply, rca2000. I do not know if the laser tube in any of the players is working. And, I have learned that the tube (and its power supply) are on whenever this player model's power is on, so they may all be bad even-I will have to try some of the laser tests to find that out, thanks for the tip.

I did pick up a model PR-8210 player a year ago or so, and it works fine. It is similar to the fancier version of your LD-660s, and none of those models kept their lasers on full time, either. I am sorry to hear that you had a theft.

[Eric H]

I had one of these years ago, it made a great picture but was getting kind of temperamental in it's old age.

If I recall the laser bounced off a mirror onto the disc so if the mirror is dirty it could cause problems.

When I finally junked mine I took the laser out, it and the power supply were hooked together so all you had to do was plug it in and it was on, it would shoot the beam onto a wall at least 100 feet away so it's not something you want to point near your eyes.

I still have a remote for one if you need it.

[centralradio]

I have one of these units somewhere along with the other Pioneer tube laser player.When the first time I popped the lid on the tube.It reminds me of a Sci Fi movie.Its very cool looking.Just note the safety warnings of the high voltages and eye safety.

Its so long I cant remember if mine worked.Now they probably need a recap.

[slatton86]

I have had a lot of experience with later model players, but none of these old 80's Pioneers yet. I have been told that the tube if full of helium which leaks out over the years and can be restored (at least partially) by spending a few days inside of a helium balloon. I have wanted to try this, but have not been able to find one for myself yet. I have seen these old players in use and they look great, so I wish you luck.

I personally use a CLD-980 (1990/91) that has a pretty impressive picture as well, and has never been opened!

[ChrisW6ATV]

That is an interesting story about using a helium balloon! I am very skeptical that it would do much, though.

I will probably not get back into these players for some time, but I will post here when I do.