Product Description
Repair your own VCR--right at home. Correct the most common VCR breakdowns right at home, without special test equipment...and avoid spending $100 on a $10 job! Thanks to its more than 450 detailed photographs, Home VCR Repair Illustrated, Second Edition, guides you step by step--from getting inside typical machines to fixing the remote control. Brimming with trade secrets only an experienced technician like Richard C. Wilkins can reveal (he's been repairing VCRs for as long as they've been making them), this plain-English guide makes it a snap to: Clean the video heads plus pinpoint and correct head problems; remove and service cassette carriages; Remove and service cassette carriages; Align the video tape path, audio heads, and gears; Replace fuses, audio heads, and video heads; Solve problems with take-up spindles, capstan shafts, and jammed cassettes; Check and replace DC motors; Diagnose common malfunctions--from video jitter to distorted audio to freeze ups; Repair damage from water or spilled beverages; Bring a dropped VCR back to life; Much more! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Imperfect but Indispensible
This book often makes VCR's seem easier than they are. Don't expect an easy go of it; there's scads of detail here, and the pictures are plentiful and well done (digital edition). I needed a good VCR to transfer my old tapes to DVD. If you've seen the junk available in 2005, even at prices often exceeding $500, you'll do what I did -- find used high-end VCR's from the 1990's in decent shape, and learn to maintain them yourself. In that regard, this 2000 book covers those very units. Its directed almost entirely at VCR mechanics, though some elements of electronic troubleshooting and basic component replacement are here as well, including video heads and head amps. Frankly, I wouldn't know a brake shoe arm or head amp from a hairbrush, but this book was exceptionally useful in leading me through uncharted territory. It won't be your only source; many Websites will also be consulted, and you'll eventually need a service manual for your specific VCR (around $20 on the 'Net). It's ironic that when transferring VHS to DVD, a VCR with superior playback is more important than ever, yet good new VCR's don't exist unless you can sink 5 grand in a pro broadcast unit -- and even then, you'll see more plastic than you'd expect. I'm still plowing my way thru this useful book after a month, but it has helped beyond my expectations. If you want to find and keep a good VCR, start here.

Home VCR Repair Illustrated
I was pleased with this book, because of all the repair information it had. Prior to this I had bought similar books that I didn't check out completely and found them to be extensive owner's manuals. I know how touse and hook up my VCR, what I wanted to know is how to repair one.Ifound this book to be loaded with helpful instructions, on cleaning andrepairing your VCR. I have many dog earred pages and post-its sticking outof it.One problem area for me was trying to identify the different partson MY new VCR, even though there were many useful photos throughout thebook and the book isn't that old.I also have an untrained eye, that couldbe some of the problem. Even with my "handicap," though, I got alot out of it and am looking forward to my next purchase of volume II. With electronic equipment it pays to have the lastest information.Nevertheless, there are many parts in Volume I that make it well worth thepurchase. To me it's a continuing set. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

an older manual for beginners
The author does a good job of starting from the beginning and explaining the basics of appliance repair. ... Read more

Product Description
The labor costs of even a minor VCR repair are very high, and warranties typically only cover the first 90 days of ownership. The first four chapters of this practical guide allow do-it-yourselfers to take charge of maintaining and repairing their own VCRs for optimum performance. Basic VCR and recording principles are explained so you can gain a better understanding of how your machine operates.

Advanced troubleshooting techniques covered in the later chapters allow technicians and advanced hobbyists to make more complex repairs and adjustments. Basic troubleshooting guidelines and flow charts aid in diagnosis, including chassis and mechanical failures.

VCR Troubleshooting & Repair, focuses on preventative maintenance. Basic electronics principles are presented as they relate to VCR performance.

THE AUTHORS
Gregory R. Capelo is the owner of a VCR and VTR repair facility in El Cajon, California.He has serviced broadcast, consumer, and industrial video equipment for more than 14 years.He has taught numerous technical courses to private, government, and industrial technicians on the theory and maintenance of video and television equipment. Currently a trainer for Panasonic, he has been an expert witness in VCR patent infringement cases.
Robert C. Brenner is an engineer and lecturer with extensive experience in microcomputers and system repair. He has written several successful books, including earlier editions of VCR Troubleshooting and Repair.


Revised with technical input from major VCR manufacturers
Step-by-step details to maximize performance
How to avoid breakdowns ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

very good like new
I have already made a review on this product!Don't see any value in doing it again. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Appliance Repair (Oco 3)
The book "Appliance Repair (Oco 3)" by Jack Rudman, is terrible.It is advertised as having "valuable information".The only "valuable information" it contains is a basic electricity theory section that could be found in any electricity book in any library.The test sections answer key gives one word answers without explaination.It has a chapter on how to build a home made volt meter that looks like it came from a grade school level science fair project book!And ... is a ...I just sent it back to Amazon.com.There are better books on the subject. ... Read more

Product Description
An essential reference for every homeowner's workbench shelf, this manual covers all popular engines in the 13-20 horsepower range. Includes repair, maintenance, diagnosis, off-season storage, and safety information for riding lawn mowers, snow blowers, garden tillers, and small tractors. ... Read more

Product Description
There are dozens of repair manuals and books that explain how to repair almost anything on an appliance. This book is not one of them. You won't learn how to repair timers or switches or anything else in this book. You will learn the principle that makes a dryer dry, what makes it take too long to dry, and what to do about it. the same holds true with a refrigerator that doesn't get cold enough, and what to look for, and how to correct the problem. All appliances are covered in the book. If you save just one service call to your home, the book will have paid for itself. You will also learn how to purchase an appliance, what to look for in add ons (gadgets) that you don't need, where to buy. You are also going to learn how to get qualified technician when you need one, and what to do once he or she arrives at your house. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Almost nothing to learn from this
I guess I should have read the publisher's blurb more carefully.There wasn't anything in this that I didn't already know or couldn't find in the handbook that comes with the related appliances. ... Read more

Product Description
Tired of paying ridiculous prices for service to find out there was a simple solution to your problem? Save money by reading this book before you call for in-home service on major household appliances or heating/air conditioning systems. This book can save you hundreds of dollars in unnecessary repairs.Dishes still dirty after running the dishwasher? Clothes take forever to get dry in your dryer?Washer not spinning all the water out of your clothes? Microwave making funny noises? Range isn't cooking correctly?Look up the type of appliance; find the complaint that matches your problem, read and follow the solution. These and many more problems can be solved by following some simple steps and without ever touching a tool. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Appliance Handbook for Women: Simple Enough Even Men Can Understand
This has to be the worst purchase I have ever made. Outside of the author's recommendation not to use to much soap, there's little else of any value in the remaining 53 pages. Save your $10. Based on informational value I would estimate the book to be worth about one dollar at best.

Excellent practical advice for men-- at least this man
Over the years, my wife and I have shared household duties and used different appliances, some very well, some not so well. Recently, I've taken on almost all of those duties, and I've been reviewing our experiences with how to make the best use of things like washing machines, dishwashers, ovens and the like.

"Consumer's Report" is a great starting place; our file of user manuals is up to date and often referred to, but this excellent guide is almost essential -- we have the great good luck to have an appliance repairman who seems as knowledgeable as Vernon Schmidt, the self publisher and author of this excellent guide.

"The New York Times" recently featured his advice on the number misuse of dishwashers and washing machines -- too much soap. Let me start with soap. The No. 1 sin, according to repair people and appliance experts, seems to be adding too much soap to washing machines or dishwashers. The author writes:

"'Nobody thinks they use too much soap,' said Vernon Schmidt .... But apparently most of us are in denial. 'Most people use 10 to 15 times the amount of soap they need, and they're pouring money down the drain,' Mr. Schmidt said."

Schmidt has a neat test of whether you are using too much soap: wash one clean bathtowel for five minutes without adding and detergent -- if you see suds, the soap had to come from the towel, after it was "clean". Cut back as much as Schmidt suggests, and you may be pleasantly surprised.

Here are a few other ideas from Schmidt, buttressed by my own past experiences. On the soap front, I called our service guy to come by and see what was wrong with our dishwasher -- dishes were sticky and spotted. He said I was using much too much detergent (echoing Schmidt) and told me to use a tenth as much. If that didn't solve the problem, he would come by, but he reminded me of his $75 service call minimum. I'm sparing on the detergent, the dishes sparkle, and he hasn't received a cent in two years from me.

He did get $125 for "fixing" our refrigerator -- the seal was leaking air. He pointed out that there was a plugged drain hole in the back, got out my instruction manual, and told me to read page 14. Ten minutes of reading and regular cleaning would have saved that money.

Schmidt agrees -- the manual is a very important part of any appliance -- there are so many new features that you simply can't keep up with the needs of your more recent acquisitions. For example, we found that our self cleaning oven doesn't really clean very well. Schmidt points out that there is a special coating that makes them "self cleaning"; a common mistake is to use oven cleaner, which removes dirt but also removes the coating. [Newer manuals warn about this problem, but the one that came with our oven didn't do so.]

Be sure to always have some liquid in your microwave, according to Schmidt. Agreed. I used to warm dinner plates in the microwave until one day ours burst into flames. The rays bounced off the shiny surfaces, heating the oven itself until to started itself on fire. A container of water will absorb the reflected waves, and the plates are heated very nicely.

Schmidt has dozens of other vary practical suggestions. My own experience shows you can save the price of this excellent book many times over. A great buy for anyone who keeps house.

Robert C. Ross 2010

Great Gift
This book helped me save money! I was so impress I bought one for my best friend.The tips will help you determine when you need to call the repairman and help save money, and saving money is the best gift to give someone.

Handy Guide To Have Around The House !
This 70 page book is useful for everyone, not just women !!It covers virtually every major household appliance and offers quick and easy ways to handle your appliance problems by yourself, before you have to call the repairman.Actually, some of the appliance problems are quite easy to correct, as she points out.A little knowledge can be helpful. You don't have to be an an "expert." Worthwhile to have on hand.

Honest advice for common appliance issues
I consulted this book because I had a white film on my dishes after the wash cycle was complete. I appreciated the diagnosis techniques and solutions the author provided. After taking the author's advice, I'm glad to say I don't have to wipe off my dishes after the dishwasher cycle is complete! This was a readable quick-reference guide that made me more knowledgeable about my appliances and saved me money by not having to make a service call.

I was surprised (and happy) to read the last chapter which included an honest treatment of how to protect yourself from the no-so-honest service industry. It's nice to know a seasoned professional is on your side and can give an "insider" perspective. This book will pay for itself MANY times over during the lifetime of your appliances. ... Read more

Product Description
Discusses careers in household appliance repair and describes how one can learn to service and repair appliances. ... Read more