Cleaning a Hi-8 Video camcorder

[radiogareth]

Its about 10 years since I last used my Hi8 camcorder. I thought I'd better copy various tapes to digital before the camcorder dies. It still works, but the playback picture looks like its dropping syncs (picture rolls and flicks).
Recommended process to clean the heads? A 'cleaning tape' or such like.....
Any advice much appreciated.
Thanks
Gareth

[G8HKN]

Hi Gareth
Just play a tape and it will clear gradually
If stubborn fast forward and fast rewind search as well
Roger G8HKN.

[M0SKM]

As a field engineer with a large TV/VCR rental company we used suede covered wooden tools, these were soaked in Isopropyl Alcohol.

Take a look at this video which shows just that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KCz59TCy8E

73 Steve

[radiogareth]

Thanks both, One is now working, the other is going into play as of now.....
Gareth

[radiogareth]

Interesting, both are now working in as much as I have reasonable colour video in the viewfinder but the capture dongle via the S Video lead lacks sound and colour. And of course I can't find the original 4 way 3.5mm jack to try good old composite/L/R Audio. A new lead on the way from eBay, £1.99 so top quality assured
Gareth

[g4eml]

SVideo is video only and doesn’t include sound. You will need to run a separate cable for that.

If you are only getting a black and white picture make sure both the camera and the dongle are set for PAL. If one is set to NTSC you won’t get any colour.

Colin G4EML.

[radiogareth]

Thanks Colin. Every day (well some!) are still schooldays (or reminder days).
Waiting on a suitable lead now as my searches and sorting have yielded zip.
Gareth