Philips LDL 8740 videotape 1"

[Chip Chester]

Nice clean machine.
So to be clear, the issues are:
1. Apparent head drum speed
2. Does flashing red record light mean anything?
3. Video in E-E (straight thru electronics-to-electronics) shows signal, but it's bad, like no sync or wrong standard.
4. Doesn't play back. (?)

So, starting with 4 first: are you playing back a known-good recording that works on that deck, and with the video system of the deck and monitor? (Don't just rely on a tape label for this info.)

The reason I ask is that the tape sounds like it's been bulk-erased, with the woop-woop sound in FF/RW. I suppose those could be full-frequency audio sweep tests, too. So, what's on that tape?

Next, #1. I know that on an Ampex/Nagra portable 1" machine, it was sensitive to the head cleaner used. Since it had no on-board air compressor, the head cleaner had a (silicone?) lubricant mixed with it. Without that special head cleaner/lube, it would be off-speed for recording and playback.

2. Flashing record light. Have you tried to make a recording? Does it operate by just pushing the record button, or do you do play+record? Again, video system of deck and source signal come into play.

And... although I've not done much research, I've never heard of a monochrome 1" machine. Monochrome 1/2", sure. But not 1". If it is looking for a "pre-color" input or reference signal, those may be hard to come by. Maybe start with a BW video camera...

And also, there may be multiple video inputs on this thing. One via BNC (for instance) and another via camera multi-core cable. Same with reference signals. Any switches/connectors for that? Still would be interesting to see a photo of the connector panel...

3. Video input monitor. When you plug your test signal directly into the monitor, using the same cable as you use with the VTR, do you get an expected image? Does the monitor tell you the video system type when displayed? Using the same cable, plug into the deck while playing your tape. Same image as E-E image?

Chip