Electronics experts!

[serryjw]

I bought a used(pretty new) 19"TV/VCR from someone whom was moving back to Europe. I have no idea how they programmed the damn thing. I have a tape stuck in the vcr and it won't come out. The TV does NOT recognize that its in there.I can't get the tape to play or rewind. The TV automatically shuts off every 5 seconds so I can't go into the programming to change any items already in there. Right now I can't use the TV or the VRC..any ideas?

[OldLeftieLawyer]

1. Bet you got a really good price on it, huh?

Now you know why.

[BlueJazz]

2. Well...you can simply take it apart and figure out what's......

...hanging up ...Or... do what I did once with a customer's unit (it was impossible to get into it..)

Man..you other techs are gonna flame me but:

I leaned the unit on a table (on the edge) so that the vcr door part was hanging off of the table. I got a pair of big cutter pliers and crushed the tape box...a little bit at first and then more as the pieces fell out of the vrc holder. Eventually I was able to pull the large pieces and tape out...Oh..and I was CAREFUL...VERY CAREFUL! :)

[Tinoire]

3. I used to have that problem... Here was my fix...

Unplug everything. Grab two flat knives and gently insert on both sides- try to pull... If that doesn't work, you'll have to open it up and basically do the same thing with two screwdrivers. When you open it up, you'll be able to see the locking mechanics more clearly.

[serryjw]

5. After I posted I called a TV guy

He said the same thing. if it doesn't work he will charge $45 to come out. If I lose the VCR I don't care I have a DVD player also and can at least watch the TV..now I have neither.

[Tinoire]

6. Lol.. Try it. If you end up taking it apart

be very careful to not lose any screws and do it slowly, removing as few screws as possible. It's a piece of cake ;)

On edit... Just remembered one more thing... Depending on what was going on when it got "stuck", the magnetic tape could be hooked on some spindles (not an electronics person so forgive the non-tech talk); if you don't want to risk losing the tape, open it...

Good luck.

[Salviati]

7. If you do end up taking it apart...

let it sit for a few days unplugged first, let the capacitors bleed off first, those things can deliver quite a punch...

[serryjw]

9. Screwing in a light bulb......

is a major accomplishemnet...would never try it....that's what $45 experts are for...thanks.....

BTW Did try it and unplugging didn't change anything. Either the mechanism that ejects the tape is broken.or maybe the eject button??

[Trajan]

4. Stuck VHS tape ...

Could be a broken belt or defective motor ... or a bad sensor ...

IF you are handy: and you are electrical SAFE ...

You know ? .. changed my mind: bring it to a reputable shop, and Im sure they will look it over and pull out the tape for you ... charge you a flat fee of 20-25$ for that alone ...

You can go to this site : http://repairfaq.ece.drexel.edu/sam/vcrrx.htm , which is part of this website : http://repairfaq.ece.drexel.edu/sam/index.html , which is a GREAT site for techs of all stripes ...

I would just bring it to a shop though: if it's newer, and a TV/VCR combo, it is worth the 25 $...

[Tinoire]

8. Cool site.... Thanks from this gadgets geek. n/t