Retuning VCR for Channel 5

[RKB]

Hi all,
For some reason, when I connect my tele to the VCR, I cannot receive Channel 5. The tele upstairs works, so it's not a problem of coverage. I seen to remember that people came round to retune all the VCRs before Channel 5 went live, and for some reason, I don't think mine was done.
Can anybody advise how to do this?
Thanks
R

 

[Diyisfun]

If your VCR is modern, just do an auto search & see if it finds CH5.

 

[big-all]

youll need the book to tune it in how old is it

if its quite new it may have auto tune so you could unplug it
for long enough for the memmory to be wiped out
then plug in for auto tune

on auto tune it prompts you into the next step for tuning

the only trouble with this is the channels will be out of
sequence with the channel number
so unless you can swop them over
your video plus wont work if you have it

another thought if your telly upstairs is not on your
main arial you might need to adjust or renew your
main arial to get channel 5

big all

 

[RKB]

Thanks guys.
I'll have a go this evening.

 

[TexMex]

The usual problem is that the VCR uhf output is on the same (or near) frequency as channel 5. To sort this problem you need to change the output frequency of the VCR. Some have a small screw at the rear to adjust this, others can be changed via the on screen menu. See the manual.

Unfortunately once you have changed it, you will have to tune your tv back into the VCR.

 

[RKB]

Tex, that's what I remember about this!
Tried standard retuning as per previous suggestions - no different.
Next step is to move the UHF output as you describe.
Brilliant.

Thanks

 

[ZenStalinist]

Put your postcode into the following site to find out the frequency for Five in your area.

http://www.wolfbane.com/cgi-bin/tva.exe?

Note the bearings for the different transmitters, and see whether your aerial for your main TV is pointing to a Five transmitter, it might be a case of your upstairs telly has its aerial pointing to a suitable transmitter, but your downstairs one doesn't.

Also try setting it to 'Distant' so you know which channels NOT to have your VCR output to (a signal that can't give a picture can still give interference.

Edit: Maybe I replied too late?

 

[RKB]

Thanks for the help so far, but no further progress
I've tried letting the thing retune itself - no change
Telly upstairs on same aerial, so signal should be OK.
Following TexMex's suggestion, the UHF channel displayed on setup is 36. By looking at the channel number for Channel 5 it appears to be 35.
So I think that's the problem. I can't see any way of changing the UHF output channel (no screwdriver adjustment - no menu option)
Begiining to think VCR too old? - Sony SLV-E700UX, I think purchased in 1995. Is that likely?
Thanks

 

[big-all]

now i could come unstuck suggesting this

have they both got scart leads

could you not split the ariel cable into video and tv
and use the scart connection only between vidio and telly
and if your lucky you could stiil watch and record C5

big all

 

[TexMex]

Most of the old VHS Recorders had a trim pot located behind a hole in the back. Looking at the back of the unit (where the uhf out socket is) within a couple of inches (could be as close as 1/4") you may see a hole. This will probably be no bigger than about 1/4". You may (or may not) see a feint decal saying "ch or chan", they are not always marked.

If you insert a trimming tool into this and turn, it adjusts the UHF output frequency.

Your trimming tool should, ideally be a plastic jobby. If not, I find that biting the handle end of a saftey match (to form a flat), generally works for a one off. As an absolute last resort, a jewelers screw driver will fit, but remove it before tuning your TV into the new frequency.

Beware, it is only a small Variable resistor you are adjusting and these generally only have about 270 degrees of movement. Use a very light touch as they are easily busted.

Have your TV turned on and tuned into the video before you adjust. Once you see that the TV has completely lost the signal, retune the telly.

 

[RKB]

Success!!!!
Thanks everybody for your suggestions - you were right !

The problem was that the UHF to the TV was running on channel 36, too close to Ch5. I took the VCR to bits, but couldn't find and switches or pots to change this frequency. Reassembled it all and decided to investigate the remote control. Set the RF channel going, and playing with the remote, I could move the Ch26 up and down at will .
So quck retune of VCR and TV and now I can watch Ch5!!
I hope it's bloody worth it..!
Thanks again
Roger