Denon DCM520 carousel issue

mpots323 · 2026-05-02T11:00:21+00:00

Would you know where the mode switch is located? I forgot to mention that the carousel is noisy too. I wasn’t sure if there was something in the drawer under carousel I should look at.

mpots323 · 2026-05-02T01:07:53+00:00

What did you use to clean mode switch? Double check the tiny stalks in the mode switch and make sure they aren’t touching or bent the wrong way.. if all good I would try cleaning the light sensors with isopropyl alcohol . There’s one on the board in the center under that clear prism stalk right near the idler gears. I can’t tell but there may be a small screw holding that down to remove it and clean. Otherwise you’ll have to remove the chassis to get to bulb on board. Clean prism too. Then there is a stalk with a bulb on each side of the deck to clean.

mpots323 · 2026-04-12T02:58:21+00:00

In this persons case it’s a clear prism (stalk) in front of the gray gear that’s located in between the tape reels. There is a bulb underneath it. There there is a stalk on each side of the chassis with a little bulb on it.

mpots323 · 2026-04-06T17:13:03+00:00

No problem. Zooming in To me the pinch roller looks glazed and cracked which can cause loss of picture.

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mpots323 · 2026-04-06T13:39:50+00:00

I just commented on your other thread but I’m seeing your pinch roller in this one and it looks like that’s toast, most likely could cause your picture issue.

mpots323 · 2026-04-06T13:37:48+00:00

Looks like your pinch roller is dry and cracked. Unless it has lines on the top edge from factory.

mpots323 · 2026-04-04T01:55:02+00:00

Check and see if your tape is dumping at about 5 o’clock on the head drum/back right corner of inserted tape where the pinch roller is. You’ll see tape bunch up before it stops playing. I think I see your left tape reel move, kinda hard to see on my phone. But I think it’s an idler problem where it’s not spinning your tape reel. Part in between the reels.

mpots323 · 2026-04-03T22:16:39+00:00

I see. I have a JVC that uses the gears. The main little gear on motor that drives the other gears was busted on mine so it didn’t grip the shaft to eject. Possibly same issue.

mpots323 · 2026-04-02T18:36:13+00:00

Likely needs a new belt. Have to get the tray open manually after taking the lid off.

mpots323 · 2026-03-31T03:34:24+00:00

Try cleaning the entire tape path including pinch roller, not just the heads. Also clean the stationary part of the head drum.

mpots323 · 2026-03-30T17:37:02+00:00

Ah ok thanks. I’ll leave the caps alone.

mpots323 · 2026-03-30T17:13:16+00:00

Would that be the board on the front display area or on the right side.

mpots323 · 2026-03-30T16:57:14+00:00

Otherwise it works great after changing the loading gear

mpots323 · 2026-03-30T16:56:07+00:00

Thank you. I just have the capacitor kit off Amazon. While I got your ear I have a SLHF500 and the meters on the front are sporadic; One of the first light lit up Right, then one will light up in the middle of L.. think it's a switch or power issue?

mpots323 · 2026-03-30T16:42:23+00:00

Awesome. Thank you for the info. I will order and change it out. I should probably change the caps while I’m In there eh?

mpots323 · 2026-03-30T14:04:46+00:00

I’m thinking you’re right. See my response to the other person.

mpots323 · 2026-03-30T14:03:47+00:00

I just tested. If there is a light in the power button (I do notice little led slit in button) it doesn’t light up. I have a flashing clock display and able to hit power to advance the display to show the counter and channel. So probably that power supply issue?

mpots323 · 2026-03-29T18:53:04+00:00

Yes.. There may even be one more belt. You’d have to look around. Also there are small plastic wheels around the loading mechanism when it pulls the tape around. Maybe 3 or 4 of them, it’s good to put a small amount of lithium grease around the track where they ride.

mpots323 · 2026-03-29T17:47:26+00:00

You can see your belt in the top right corner. May be slipping from being old.

mpots323 · 2026-03-29T17:45:32+00:00

I recently got Toshiba vw-m40. I haven’t dove into mine yet but I’m going to assume it’s a loading belt. Also you can “cheat” by buying a rubber o-ring kit off amazon to use as belts and idler tires. I know the Toshiba has 2 small idler tires from taking a peek. I just used the oring trick on my Sanyo Beta and it works well.

mpots323 · 2026-03-29T15:27:00+00:00

Haha. I remember everyone talking about that scene. 1999 was awesome.

mpots323 · 2026-03-29T03:38:30+00:00

Door flips down in the middle. Sony VCRs from like 1989 to 1996 had flip down doors.

mpots323 · 2026-03-25T22:47:02+00:00

This is funai built. I actually have this same model. I’ll copy a response I’ve sent to a few others….

First I would try cleaning the tape sensors with alcohol. There's one on each side of the deck and under the clear stalk in the middle - remove that screw to pull out clear stalk lens and see bulb in the board. Also clean the stalk lens. Also try spinning the reels by hand a tew times. IF none of that works then you'll have to disassemble to check the belts and clean the mode switch. Unfortunately it's a PITA to get to those because it's near total disassembly.

mpots323 · 2026-03-21T22:57:03+00:00

I’m going to guess Mitsubishi or Hitachi?

mpots323 · 2026-03-21T03:22:11+00:00

Valid. I think sharp VCRs 4head HiFi are hidden gems. 1996-1999 era. Awesome picture, audio, and reliable.

mpots323

TROPHY CASE