After tape is loaded plays a few secs then powers off

This could be due to the VHS tape sticking on the tape reel, that triggers the overload and the shutdown. Try fast forwarding if possible.

Try different tape. The one you play might be stuck or little hard to spin.


Mai Lor

You may need to do a hard reset. Hold the power button for 30 secs and then wait a few secs and turn the system on. Hope it helps.

This can be due to many faults and need a full check up but I can fill up with few tips.
1. If the cassette loads and the take up spool does not turn then the machine will shut and rewind.
2. If the take up spool rotates but then it shuts down then the reel sensor at the bottom of the forward wheel can be faulty- there are opto devices or proximity sensors/magnetic type.
3. If the drum does not rotate it will shut down as well a fault in the SERVO section.
4. Defective HALL IC can shut the switching and so the servo will shut down the processor.
5. Fault in the power section to deliver the correct voltage to the circuits/loading servo to take up.
6. Finally if the loading is not to the MODE switch point or failure of mode can make the loading to trip as it will not complete the load to the desired point.

First guess is the camera has dirty heads. Suggestion is to run a head cleaner in your video camera. Regardless of the instructions on the head cleaner, I usually run the head-cleaner tape on "Play" for about 10 to 15 seconds, and then on "Record" another 10 to 15 seconds. Wait for 10 minutes before loading your playback tape. Try playing your tape again.

Also, check to be sure the tape is loaded properly and that the hatch closes securely and properly. A hastily loaded tape or an ill-fitting closure could cause the play function to stop.

If this does not solve the issue, it may be something in the play switch or in the playback mechanism that requires repair services. If the problem continues, I would recommend calling the Panasonic Company and speak with Tech support or Video Camera Repair. They may be able to tell you and estimate of what it would cost for the repair.

Way to go. Usually if you use anisotropic Alcohol with a few Q-tips works well I've found.
Try cleaning the other tap path items like the capstan that the pinch roller get's pushed up to also with this Alcohol. The cleaner the better the tape goes through. Much better picture.
Blessings,
A/V Media Guy

This is the problem your camera is wet(spray)
Try to dry the camera

the tape is very tight
get a pen and try to loosen up the tape
100 % is the tape not the radio

i'm having the same problem. please let me know if you've found a solution.

this sounds like the sensor that when you put a tape in then it places it over the sensor saying tape in then takes tape in ready for play and band maybe streached if machine is over 1 year old open case and load tape in and see whats going on if the tape is getting through the guide loading to drumhead and look to see if drum is turning if it is and guides come out to drum then it ejects tape have a look to see if any object is jaming the pinch wheel if pinch wheel is clear then when tape is removed from loading bay use a cotton bud to clean the pinch wheel from dirt as this is the take up side and spindle then try tape again if same resaults clean the sensor where tape sits if same again screw lid down and take for repair but if in 1 yrs warranty take straight for repair. good luck