Checking for Initialization

INITIALIZATION

Initialization is the process that occurs when power is first applied to a VCR. Right after plugging it in but before the power button is pressed, the CPU performs serveral functions. For openers, it's concerned if there is a cassette in the unit, so it asks the following questions about the cassette carriage:

is the carriage up?
is the carriage down?
is the carriage somewhere in between?

By checking the sensers, it's questions are answered. If the carriage is up, this part of the initialization process is over. If the carriage is somewhere in between, the EJECT command is executed automatcally to put it in the up position. If the carriage is down, it asks the following additional questions:

is the tape unloaded?
is the tape loaded?
is the tape somewhere in between?

If the tape is unloaded, this part of the initialization process is over. If the tape is loaded or somewhere in between, the STOP command is executed automatically to unload the tape.

As far as the CPU is concerned, it doesn't know if there was an actual power failure or you just unplugged it for some reason. If there was a power failure while a tape was playing, there is nothing the CPU can do with the loaded tape until the power comes back on again. That's the primary reason VCRs were designed with the automatic initialization process.

In addition to the above, the initialization process runs further checks on the system to confirm functionality. At this point it varies widely as to what happens from one make and model to another. Some may partially load and unload the roller guides. Others may FF and REWIND a little. Still yet, others may appear to do absolutely nothing at all, but silently are performing a number of electronic checks.

Testing for Initialization

Initialization can be an excellent trouble shooting clue when a VCR fails. The trouble shooting process can be easier if we know the initialization process is taking place or not.

To find out, refer to the Database Page for your VCR to locate the motors operate the Cassette Carriage and the Moving Mechanism. Remove the power plug and hand cycle these motors to load the Roller Guides and Cassette Carriage half way. In the case of the Cassette Carriage you will either have to put a cassette in it or release the safety latch so it can move. Now plug it back in and see if it unloads by itself. If nothing happens, that means no initialization is taking place. If it unloads automatically, initialization is OK. That tells us that most of the power supply, CPU, load motors and load motor control circuits are working.

If your VCR is not initializing, the best you can hope for is a defect in the power supply. It usually does not take much skill to repair power supplies. Anything else and you have a major problem on your hands.