SYMPTOM	ACTION
No picture or picture is unstable and tears	Examine ACE assembly* and make sure no dirt or debris is stuck to the lower recording head. If the head is cupped or worn away picture may not be able to be restored. If the ACE assembly is worn replacement and repair will be necessary. For pictures of the ACE assembly see these links: ACE refurbish page and Detecting tape damage. *Opens the CLEANING ACE ASSY. section in this window.
Snow or specks in picture	Try cleaning the video heads* again. If the picture will not clear using the Misterßetamax cleaning tape (available separately) might Help. If you can't get the video to improve the heads might be worn to the point where replacement is necessary. In this case cleaning will not improve the picture and repair is necessary. For a examination of visual determination of video head performance click these links: Video head evaluation and Detecting tape damage. *Opens the CLEANING VIDEO HEADS section in this window.
Poor audio	If monaural sound is poor check the upper record head in ACE assembly* and clean it again if it is dirty. Watch the tape movement in play to see if it travels across the ACE heads smoothly and doesn't wander. If it is unstable then repair might be needed. If the hi-fi audio drops in and out look for dirt in the drum rail or on the guides. While the machine is in play watch the tape in the path and insure that it is traveling smoothly in all the right places. If everything appears to be performing as it should then electronic or mechanical repair might be needed. For information on determining tape path performance click these links: Entrance side adjust, Exit side preliminary check, Preliminary checks and Detecting tape damage. *Opens the CLEANING ACE ASSY. section in this window.