Optimus Model 59 4 Head VCR
(160-0629)                 Troubleshooting            Faxback Doc. # 18140


If you follow the instructions in this manual and still have trouble
operating your VCR, refer to the following troubleshooting chart.

PROBLEM                    POSSIBLE REASON/SUGGESTION

No power.                  The power cord is not connected.  Plug the
                           power cord into an AC outlet.

Timer recording is not     * The program timer is not set or is set
possible.                    incorrectly.  Set the program timer correctly.
                           * The power is on.  Turn off the power.

Cannot record.               The erase-protection tab is missing.  Place a
                             piece of strong tape over the tab hole.

Picture is poor on play-   * The TV is not set to the proper channel. Set
back.                        the TV to channel 3 or 4.
                           * The TV's fine tuning is not set correctly.
                             Fine tune your TV.
                           * audio/video connections are incorrect.
                             Recheck all connections.
                           * The video tape might be faulty.  Try another
                             tape.

The playback picture is    * The video heads are dirty.  See "Cleaning the
distorted.                   Video Heads" on Faxback Doc. # 31876.
                           * The tracking is not properly adjusted. Adjust
                             the tracking.
                           * The video tape might be faulty.  Try another
                             tape.

No picture on playback.    * The TV is not set to the proper channel.  Set
                             it to channel 3 or 4.
                           * Audio/video connections are incorrect.
                             Recheck all connections.
                           * If you have a TV/monitor, set it to its video
                             mode.

VCR/remote control buttons * The cassette might be jammed.  Press EJECT
do not work when the power   several times on the VCR to release cassette.
is on and a cassette is    * The remote control's batteries might be weak.
inserted.                    Replace the batteries with fresh ones.

No operation when you      * MODE LOCK is on.  Turn off MODE LOCK.
press any button, and
(key symbol) flashes on
VCR's display.

Cannot see broadcast TV    * TV/CATV and/or TV/VCR is not set correctly.
programs using the VCR's     Set TV/CATV correctly in the SETUP menu, and
tuner.                       press TV/VCR so the display shows VCR.
                           * audio/video connections are incorrect.
                             Recheck all connections.
                           * INPUT is not set correctly.  Press INPUT
                             until a channel number appears.

No stereo sound for a      * You have not connected the VCR's AUDIO OUT
stereo recording (Model      jacks to a stereo system or stereo TV.
59 only)                     Connect the jacks to a stereo output.
                           * The AUDIO OUTPUT setting is not correctly
                             set.
                             Set it so both stereo output channels are
                             selected.
                           * The tracking is not properly adjusted. Adjust
                             the tracking.

Cannot record from the     * Connections are incorrect. Use shielded 
front/rear input jacks.      audio/video cables with phono-type connectors
                             to connect the source device to the VCR's
                             front/rear input jacks.
                           * INPUT is not set correctly. Press INPUT on
                             the remote control to correctly select AV1
                             (rear input jacks) or AV2 (front input
                             jacks).

Picture or sound is not    * Keep your VCR away from electrical and
stable during playback.      magnetic appliances.  Be sure to position
                             your VCR at least 8 inches away from your TV
                             or video monitor.

VCR failing compatibility  * VCR needs to be programmed into dss remote
test with new RCA DSS.       first and then it will be fine

(IR/ir-07/22/96)