What stops a tape from loading - Panasonic DMR-ES30VS DVD Recorder/VCR

usually this is because the tape is binding. there is a lot of mechanisms that must move when loading. if one hangs up, it stops and unloads the tape. it also could be a worn or broken belt. another thing that is monitored by the electronics is the current. if something is binding, the current goes up and it will shut down. i would remove the top cover and watch how it loads. maybe you can see the problem.

Please give the model and the make

Hi

I am probably a little bit late but as I own 3 of this model I could probably be of some help.

The main weakness is hardened grease in the loading mechanism, either the tape loading mechanism (the tray that loads the cassette into the deck) or the tape loading mechanism (2 extending arms that load the tape around the heads drum).

An other issue is the switch that detect the presence of the cassette. It is located on the lower right side of the mecha.

Last issue is a rotary switch that gives positioning information to the cpu during the tape loading sequence. Its gear often breaks.

If you are still interested in repairing this unit, one of the finest dat deck ever built, the first thing to do would be to remove the cover and see where the loading sequence stops.

Cheers

That is exactly what a typical M-Load mechanism is supposed to do. Once the VHS tape cassette is inserted, cassette housing cover will be flipped up and two arms will pull tape out of cassette housing to wrap tape around cylindrical spinning head housing that contains video heads and, if VHS HI-FI, audio heads as well. When stop or eject button is pressed, arms will retract and tape will wind back into cassette housing. What type of problem are you experiencing with unit? It may have nothing to do with M-load engaging tape around head cylinder.

are the drive wheels free on the tape drive, also the pinch roller on (black rubber wheel) that "pinches the tape to the drive spindle, if that is very dirty it will stop the tape from working.

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

I have a sony cam myself. If the cam is empty, you open the outer door(swings out), and the load/unload mechanism rises up and pops open allowing tape insertion. When a cassette is placed into the mechanism, you press where it says "push" and then the drive pulls the tape down and into the unit. Then the outer door is closed and you're ready to tape. IF YOU PUSH DOWN ON THE TAPE WHILE IT'S BEING PULLED INTO THE UNIT IT WILL STRIP GEARS INSIDE. The gears are made of nylon to prevent serious damage to motors and other circuitry. This transport setup cannot be forced at all. If any type of mis-alignment occurs, the mechanism is supposed to stop and back up--allowing the problem to be corrected. If it is damaged, the cam must be repaired. There is critical timing involved in replacing the tape carriage.---Rick

my guess is that there is a problem with the tape. Does it work with other tapes? Or haven't you tried?

Is it only the Head cleaning cassette which keeps getting ejected, or is it happening with every tape you insert? Was the Head Cleaning Tape a little tight in the Cassette compartment? Did you have to put some pressure to push it in or did it come out with difficulty? From your symptoms, it looks like there is a gear timing problem with the cassette loading compartment gears. It could also be due to some obstruction inside. try shaking the VCR, and if you are hearing some noise, Open cover and check for foreign objects.

the end-of-tape optical sensor is at fault. either it is very dirty, has failed or something else is detecting end of tape. many VCR's now will auto-eject the tape upon end of tape detect