8mm Forum: GS 1200 RECORDING TROUBLE

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Posted by Robert Aragon (Member # 181) on July 23, 2005, 05:27 PM:

i just picked up a GS1200 from a fellow collector, turns out he NEVER recorded on it, simply watched his films. it was purchased in the 80's. When i recieved it, i recorded a couple of features...AMAZING SOUND! But, i noticed LOTS of static coming from speakers, WHEN shutting OFF or even when i rewind...i "demagnetized" the heads...but static still there. NOW, after only recording 4 features..turns out after i record and play back, turns out, IT DIDNT RECORD AT ALL...original track still there, DOESNT happen all the time...if I re-record over and over again, it'll eventually take. But, frankly, i dont want to simply record,only to hope it's the one time THAT worked. ANY IDEAS what to do? the trouble is on BOTH tracks, not one or the other. Is it the recording capacitor Trouble? One other thing, perhaps a clue to the problem,A couple times, I start a new reel, and NO TRACK, just the hiss of the speaker, I STOP the running of the film, and start again, then ..THERE IS THE SOUNDtrack.....any help, thanks, Plus anyone know of anyone who repairs these in the Los Angeles area? I am befuddled,confused but, i feel like selling my super 8 stuff and purchasing a digital system...I LOVE film, BUT, problem after problem,I have lost my patience..what to do? what to do? rob

Posted by Kevin Faulkner (Member # 6) on July 23, 2005, 05:52 PM:

This could be the cap problem but its more likely to be dirty switches due to the more intermittant nature of your problem. You may find that putting the machine in forward projection and then put the rec switches in and out of the record position with the help of the slide safety switch on the rear panel. A dozen times or so should be all thats needed. The rec switches are normally self cleaning but without use the contacts tend to tarnish. The above will hopefully sort the problem for you. Whenever I use my GS I put the machine in and out of the record position just to help keep the switches clean.

Kev.

Posted by Robert Aragon (Member # 181) on July 23, 2005, 08:22 PM:

THANKS KEVIN, I WILL TRY ASAP!!!!!! yrs, rob

Posted by Mike Peckham (Member # 16) on July 24, 2005, 03:01 AM:

I reckon Kevs fix will probably do the job as a while ago he advised me to do the same and Hey Presto! [Smile]

But, just a thought - I'm wondering if the film is threading properly? I have sometimes had a mysterious thing go on similar to what you describe and it has been caused by the film, for some reason not sitting square against the sound heads. consequently you hear no sound or just poor sound on one track.

This has only ever happened on my GS, it seems to be an Elmo thing.

Mike [Cool]

Posted by Kevin Faulkner (Member # 6) on July 25, 2005, 05:08 PM:

Thats a new one on me Mike but I'll take your word for it. The only reason that would happen would be if the solenoid for the head presser (as Elmo like to call it) was not working properly or intermitantly.

Kev.

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