Technical
 Fast wind controls |
Fast windThis VCR had something which is unique among the Sony Betamax VCR's and that is the ability to unlace the tape and wind with the tape inside the cassette shell. This was the so called fast wind feature. To avoid the risk of tape damage it did not operate near the beginning or end of a tape. This is signalled by the orange LED on the front panel. Fast wind is now something that is common among VHS VCR's these days, also found on Sanyo models. |
 Rear of the SLO-1700 |
REC remote jacksThese are the two phono connectors on the rear of the machine. By shorting either one of them the recorder can be switched from stop to record mode. By opening the circuit a cassette tape will be ejected when the VCR stops.For REC remote operation an internal wiring change is required:
|
 Record current control |
Video head record current adjustmentThe SLO-1700 has a user adjustment to vary the head record current. This is located under the flap on the top cover. The recommended practise is to adjust so that the replayed hi-fi sound level, as measured on the test point on the front of the VCR, is 300mV peak to peak in amplitude. In principle this adjustment should be made periodically or when changing the brand of tape used for recording. |
 Upper drum |
Fault and repair guideIrregular tape transport during rewind/review.This is cause by the tape which sticks to the upper drum when it is worn. It can be fixed by replacing the upper drum. Click to see full replacement instructions. |
 Threading gear
|
Grating noise during tape threading/unthreading.This is caused by a split threading gear. Sony now supply an improved type which does not contain the inside metal bush. In the original design this would expand and cause the plastic to crack. It is also advisable to replace the threading belt at the same time. |
 Hall effect sensor attached with glue
|
No head drum rotationYou may find that the head drum fails to rotate. This is due to a problem with the Hall effect device on the head drum motor which is secured by a blob of glue. Full details on how to fix this can be found on the head motor page. |
 SLO-1700 VU meters |
No illumination in the VU metersThis happens when the 12V tungsten lamp fails. Replacement involves dismantling the meters. |
 Tracking control |
Incorrect trackingIf the tracking control appears to do nothing then check the front PCB which could be cracked. This often happens when the tracking control is knocked severely. Repair with care! |
Quick fault guide
Please click on the button if you are able to contribute a solution to this list or would like to add to, or update PALsite's information on this model. Please note, questions will be removed.If you have a question about this model, please raise it on the chatpage.
| Fault | Solution |
|---|---|
| Erractic lacing with no motor drive | If the tape won't lace automatically when a tape is inserted, or partially/intermittently laces and the motor isn't turning this may help. There's a microswitch at the back left of the mechanism (as viewed from above) which might be intermittently depressed when it should be fully depressed during lacing. The metal mount on which the switch is fixed can get pushed a little too far back over time and is easily bent back to restore function. If the motor is turning but similar issues occur, check the lacing belt. |