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.