LabGuy's World: Other (non Sony) Half Inch Pre-EIAJ VTR's
New Addition! 03.11.18
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196?: Shibaden SV-800UC pre-EIAJ VTR with Built-In TV Receiver/Monitor
        This helical scan VTR features a full field, slant track, two head frequency modulated recording system, and can operate with 1/2" tape at 7-1/2 IPs for maximum 60 minute running time on a 7" reel. The audio re-record capability makes it  possible to re-record the sound track without disturbing the video portion. Audio connectors are the professional XLR type for superior hum rejection. The unit also has manual audio and video level controls, a built in TV receiver/monitor, and freeze frame. The TV receiver is capable of recieving VHF & UHF U.S. Channels as of the 70s. She has rotted belts and will need an overhaul. Stay tuned!
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WANTED: Service and or operators' manuals for this machine.
New Addition! 03.08.04
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196?: Craig 6402 pre-EIAJ VTR
        This helical scan video tape recorder features a full field, slant track, two head frequency modulated recording system, an all electronic rotary transformer head assembly, and can operate with 1/2" tape at 9-1/2 IPs for maximum 50 or 60 minute recording or playback time on either 7" or 8-1/4" reels. The audio re-record capability makes it  possible to re-record the sound track without disturbing the video portion. The unit also has automatic audio and video level controls, a  built in 2:1 sync generator, plus slow motion and stop motion capabilities. The recorder measures 18-1/2" wide x 10-1/4" high x 17-1/2" deep and weighs 59 pounds.
        8-1/4" reels? That explains why the deck is so large! Notice that there is plenty of room around my 7" reels in the photos. 
        Craig brand VTRs were actually manufactured by JVC. 
WANTED: Service and or operators' manuals for this machine.
New Addition! 03.05.05
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1968: General Electric (model unknown) pre-EIAJ VTR
        This model is very very rare. This machine runs at 7. 5 IPS giving a 60 minute recording time per 7 inch reel with 2400 feet of tape. Records and plays black and white video with mono sound. This VTR is actually a repackaged and slightly modified Sony CV-2000. The five pin DIN jack, for camera input, has been replaced with the remarkably modern BNC type. 
The back panel contains the connectors, you would expect. Video in, 		  monitor 8 pin, utility AC jacks and the mic, audio line inputs and outputs. The jack panel is cleverly protected, during transport, by a pair of sliding covers that are held shut with a primitive hook and pin arrangement! Machine is yet untested as there is an issue with motor failure in these. More info will be posted as it becomes available.

WANTED: Service and or operators' manuals for this machine.
Update 03.07.19
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Inside the General Electric VTR and Matching 300 Camera Outfit
        For those of you who are curious about such things, here is a look at the GE VTR with the covers removed. Comparatively simple by today's standards, these machine were some of the most complex consumer products of their time! Visible along the top back are the rubber power transmission wheels that go bad and lose traction over time. Note also, the complex linkages that required various fine adjustments. Mechanical complexity and immature design led to low reliability in these old beasts.
        The camera kit is labeled "300". Does anyone know the model number for the VTR? Was this a "series" or individually numbered models?		         The latest addition to this exhibit is the GE-300 matching vidicon camera ensemble. The kit includes a modified surveillance camera, a tripod, a microphone, various cables, cords and a spiffy matching carrying case. Both the VTR and the camera case are covered in fine green naugahyde and lined with lovely red flocking!
        This camera kit, though it matches the style of the VTR exactly, does not match it functionally. The camera has the CV-2000 style DIN jack for sync input and video output. The VTR shown does not have the mate to this connector. Anyone know the story behind this?
        WANTED: Service and or operators' manuals for this camera outfit.
New Addition! 04.11.16
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1968: Panasonic NV-8020-P48 pre-EIAJ Time Lapse VTR!
        This model is also very very rare. This machine runs at 12 IPS giving a 40 minute recording time per 7 inch reel with 2400 feet of tape. It has a push button video head cleaner, visible at the top of the head drum. When pressed, a small bristle brush just barely touches the faces of the video head tips. Probably compatible with the rest of the 8000 and 8100 series.          But, throw the secret switch and the NV-8020 becomes a time lapse recorder that will run continuously for 48 hours on one reel of tape. Playback at normal speed to log 48 hours of surveillence in only 40 minutes. Star Trek stuff in the 60's! I know. I was there.
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WANTED: Service and or operators' manuals for this machine.
New Addition! 01.05.30
New Photos! 01.07.26
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1967?: Panasonic NV-8000 pre-EIAJ VTR
        This model is also very very rare. This machine runs at 12 IPS giving a 40 minute recording time per 7 inch reel with 2400 feet of tape. It has a push button video head cleaner, visible at the top of the head drum. When pressed, a small bristle brush just barely touches the faces of the video head tips. Probably compatible with the  rest of the 8000 and 8100 series. Sadly, this poor fella needs a new set of belts. Anyone know of a source for something like that?
WANTED: Service and or operators' manuals for this machine.
New Addition! 01.03.30
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1968: Panasonic NV-8100 pre-EIAJ VTR
        This model is also very rare. That this machine runs at 12 IPS giving a 40 minute recording time per 7 inch reel with 2400 feet of tape. It has a push button video head cleaner, visible at the top of the head drum. When pressed, a small bristle brush just barely touches the faces of the video head tips. Very clever, those Japanese. . .
        Americans are clever too. If you look carefully, in the left side of the second picture, you can just barely see the red and black covers on the alligator clips of my home made universal "man killer" cheater cord. It is essentially a lamp cord with a plug at one end and rubber  covered clips at the other. It can be used with any of the old VTR's. If you copy this cord, realize how unsafe it is. Keep it away from children especially and always make sure it is secure and never looped where it can be accidentally pulled off.  I suppose installing at least 		 one, and better yet two, in line fuse holders would be a good idea also. If anyone knows of a source of obsolete AC cords, please pass this information on to me and I will include it here.
        This particular machine is in excellent condition and is operational. It needs all of the regular tuning up, with belts and capacitors replaced as necessary. There are no obvious obstacles to a full and gratifying restoration here. Stay tuned!
WANTED: Any technical articles about this format. Including detailed magazine articles, training manuals or any other highly detailed reference to the format. Details like; video track width, track spacing and scan angle, carrier frequency, etc.
NEEDED: Service manuals and or operators' manuals for this machine.
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1968: Panasonic NV-8100D pre-EIAJ VTR and a matching 19" Monitor
        This next model is also very rare. I got this one with a matching monitor and a pile of tapes. This machine runs at 12 IPS giving a 40 minute recording time per 7 inch reel with 2400 feet of tape. It also has a push button video head cleaner. I believe that what makes this one different from the plain vanilla NV-8100 (shown above) is the addition of the big red "edit" button just above the white record key. This implies that Panasonic installed a modification to the head drum servo or even added a capstan servo. I'm in favor of the former.         The monitor is all vacuum tubes, no solid state components at all! Does that give you an idea of how primitive these pieces are? The 1968 catalog lists a model called the "Newberry", which is the TV only version of this monitor.

NEEDED: Service manuals and or operators' manuals for this machine.
Newest Addition! 01.05.14
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1968: Concord VTR-620 pre-EIAJ VTR
        This model is very rare. Virtually identical to the Panasonic NV-8100D! This unit is in excellent condition due to being stored all these years in the original box.
NEEDED: Service and or Operator's Manuals for this unit.
Newest Addition! 01.10.09
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1967?: Concord VTR-600-1 pre-EIAJ VTR
        This model is also very rare. It, too, is virtually identical to the Panasonic NV-8100! This unit is now in medium condition due to being smashed up by the US Postal Service! This machine, as well as the previous  unit, are probably interchange compatible with the Panasonic NV-8xxx series pre-EIAJ decks.
NEEDED: Service and or Operator's Manuals for this unit.
New Photo: 01.09.01
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1968: Shibaden SV-700(U) half inch B/W VTR and TU-19UL Monitor / Receiver
        This model is the most common of all the Shibaden machines. All of the VTR's in this series were interchange compatible. The SV-700(U) is a two head helical full field  black and white system with mono sound. The (U) suffix, in the model number indicates this a U.S. (EIA / NTSC system) machine. The European (CCIR / PAL system) models had the (E) suffix.
        I picked this gem up with the matching monitor. I overhauled the mechanism and it pulls tape like a champ! The monitor has a broken vertical hold control which I have not repaired and tested yet.		         UPDATE: Some fellows, in the Boston area, have been checking out this machine to possibly use it to dub some old tapes that they have. Well, the prognosis is in. This poor machine is going blind in one eye. That is to say, it has a weak video head that may go out at any time. Now that I have a service manual, looking at the head replacement procedure, even if I had the parts, I would not undertake the task. Too complicated on this old dog ~ in fact virtually impossible without a factory fresh reference tape.
NEEDED: An operators' manual for this machine.
New! 02.06.21
New Info! 02.08.04
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1968?: Bell & Howell model 114999 (Shibaden SV-707) Record Only B/W Portapack
         This model is very rare. Doubly so, under the Bell & Howell name. Half inch, compatible with the Shibaden SV-700, shown previously. Fully portable, record only. The matching camera was the Shibaden FP-707. I do not know what the Bell & Howell part number is for the camera. I have very little information about this unit. I am going to guess 20 minute recording time, video with audio, on the 4-1/2 inch reel of tape shown. I do not think a five inch reel will fit this machine. A very well constructed product, it is a shining example of the quality of late 1960s Japanese technology! This machine is in excellent, barely used, condition considering its age. It would probably work with only minimal maintenance. Perhaps it can produce a reference tape for my SV-700?
         The first three photos are of LabGuy's Bell & Howell version of this portapack. The Fourth photo is of Bruno Merlier's Shibaden SV-707 for comparison. It is quite apparent that these machines are identical. The 		 final photo is from the 1969? Shibaden Catalog.
         Here is the description from the Shibaden Catalog: This new portable camera/tape recorder combination delivers the ultimate in quality and reliability. Weighing only 21 lbs., including its zoom lens and microphone, it may be operated on either a self contained rechargeable battery pack or regular house current, using the optional AC Adapter model number SV-707UAC, and can be taken anywhere. Used in combination with other Shibaden models in the SV-700UL or SV-800UL VTR series, it offers instant playback of recorded materials. [CLICK HERE] to read the features and specifications of the SV/FP-707U portable VTR & Camera. [CLICK HERE] to read the owner's manual.

NEEDED:  Service  and operators' manual for this machine and for the FP-707 portapack camera.
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        Last updated: November 16, 2004