Cleaning VCR heads vs MiniDV camcorder heads... same? at DVinfo.net

Dylan Tucker · July 30th, 2005, 03:16 PM

Im just wondering if the same process is used to clean the heads on a minidv camcorder as for a VCR. One of my camcorders(old cheap one) needs a head cleaning, and Im hoping to do it myself. I have cleaned the heads on a vcr and was just wondering if the same process is used, or is this a bad idea?

thanks

Boyd Ostroff · July 30th, 2005, 03:23 PM

Look in your owners manual. I think you'll find that the only process recommended is to run a cleaning tape, carefully following the instructions. It makes sense to use a cleaning tape of the same brand as the DV tapes you've been using.

Basically it's a no-brainer. Insert cleaning tape. Press play. Wait 10 seconds. Press stop. Done.

Dylan Tucker · July 30th, 2005, 09:40 PM

Ive already ran a head cleaner 4 times(that was the max it said to run it at one time) and it still gets the dirty head error. Im positive it needs the heads to be manually cleaned, thats what Im talking about, not the head cleaning tape.

Richard Alvarez · July 30th, 2005, 09:47 PM

Dylan,
The heads and pitch of a MiniDV drum are MICROSCOPIC compared to a VHS or Beta head. The tiniest snag with a cleaning wand will toss the pitch. If you are desperate to try it, and don't mind trashing the camera, give it a go. Otherwise, run the head cleaner tape, or take it in.

Boyd Ostroff · July 31st, 2005, 09:02 AM

It's also possible that your problem is mis-aligned heads instead of dirty ones...

Chris Hurd · July 31st, 2005, 10:18 AM

Dylan, if you really want to save it, you should send it in to factory service for a professional cleaning. Otherwise why not replace the older cheap camcorder with a newer cheap camcorder. If you try to "clean it yourself," you might wind up having to buy a new one anyway.

Dylan Tucker · July 31st, 2005, 05:21 PM

well i say old... but its only like 2 years old, so I would rather just get it fixed, Ill probly end up sending it to JVC, depending on the cost

July 30th, 2005, 03:16 PM	#1
Dylan Tucker Regular Crew Join Date: May 2005 Location: Delhi/Albany, NY Posts: 55	Cleaning VCR heads vs MiniDV camcorder heads... same? Im just wondering if the same process is used to clean the heads on a minidv camcorder as for a VCR. One of my camcorders(old cheap one) needs a head cleaning, and Im hoping to do it myself. I have cleaned the heads on a vcr and was just wondering if the same process is used, or is this a bad idea? thanks

July 31st, 2005, 10:18 AM	#6
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,366 Images: 513	Dylan, if you really want to save it, you should send it in to factory service for a professional cleaning. Otherwise why not replace the older cheap camcorder with a newer cheap camcorder. If you try to "clean it yourself," you might wind up having to buy a new one anyway. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

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July 30th, 2005, 03:23 PM	#2
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,787	Look in your owners manual. I think you'll find that the only process recommended is to run a cleaning tape, carefully following the instructions. It makes sense to use a cleaning tape of the same brand as the DV tapes you've been using. Basically it's a no-brainer. Insert cleaning tape. Press play. Wait 10 seconds. Press stop. Done.

July 30th, 2005, 09:40 PM	#3
Dylan Tucker Regular Crew Join Date: May 2005 Location: Delhi/Albany, NY Posts: 55	Ive already ran a head cleaner 4 times(that was the max it said to run it at one time) and it still gets the dirty head error. Im positive it needs the heads to be manually cleaned, thats what Im talking about, not the head cleaning tape.

July 30th, 2005, 09:47 PM	#4
Richard Alvarez Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: San Mateo, CA Posts: 3,840	Dylan, The heads and pitch of a MiniDV drum are MICROSCOPIC compared to a VHS or Beta head. The tiniest snag with a cleaning wand will toss the pitch. If you are desperate to try it, and don't mind trashing the camera, give it a go. Otherwise, run the head cleaner tape, or take it in.

July 31st, 2005, 09:02 AM	#5
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,787	It's also possible that your problem is mis-aligned heads instead of dirty ones...

July 31st, 2005, 05:21 PM	#7
Dylan Tucker Regular Crew Join Date: May 2005 Location: Delhi/Albany, NY Posts: 55	well i say old... but its only like 2 years old, so I would rather just get it fixed, Ill probly end up sending it to JVC, depending on the cost