|
The SLO-1800, like most Beta VCRs, has the responsibilities for different operations arranged in sections. This makes location of problems and subsequent repairs much easier. But this VCR is a cassette duplicator. It is used for the multiple production of titles for public and private consumption. It cannot stand to inoperable for any length of time. It is a production tool and its repeated operation is paramount. So to make service even easier it takes this component access and easy section removal to the extreme. This is done with swing out boards and compartments designed for fast removal and simple replacement. This allows the SLO-1800 to be returned to service as quickly as possible. Something that is very important when time is money. Duplicating a video master recording has to be done in real time. There is no quick method for stamping out copies like there is with DVDs, vinyl or CDs. So machine failures can be a real problem. In the picture above you can see what Sony has did to make this a very desirable workhorse. Almost every major element has its own removable circuit board or module. Looking at the illustration above you can see some of this. Top left is the cassette loader. It is a wonder to behold and unique to the SLO-1800. Sony made the trackways out of a slippery tough plastic that are molded into a tough steel frame. The loading tray uses these tracks to slide the cassette inward and down. The cassette loader is made as an assembly. If anything goes wrong it easily comes out as a unit taking only two screws. The video head amplifier and power supply shown at the top are removed as units too and also held in by a few screws. There is room enough to remove these without major discomfort. The system control and remote control boards are located below these and are hinged so that they can be folded outward from the bottom. This is for access to their circuits or replacement. This fold out system is also used for the Betahi-fi, normal audio and video process boards. The way these fold out is illustrated in the service manual like the two graphics lower left and right. With the SLO-1800 every need has been addressed; departmentalized and designed to do one thing. Make the inside accessible, so it can keep working and cranking out videos. It is pretty smart too. |