M
Matthew David Hills
- Jan 1, 1970
- 0
I've got a question for those of you with experience working on camcorder
tape mechanisms (or, more specifically, Sony mini-DV mechs).
When the camcorder starts up or tries to load a tape, the motor spins for
a bit and then ultimately gives up with an error code:
"FG fault when starting capstan"
Since I hear the motor spinning, I assume that the capstan is running, but
that there is a failure with either the sensor or the electronics that
complete the feedback loop.
My question is: is that a reasonable assumption? (or are there known other
causes for this?)
More tidbits:
The camera is a Sony TRV11, the error code is "C:31:30" (I've seen
several other notes on various message boards from other users with
this problem.) For me, I started getting it after a couple of years
of light duty. The problem is intermittent--it will have problems for
a couple of days, then it will be fine for a while, then problems again.
People who returned the camera to Sony for repair have reported that it
worked for several months, then the problem returned.
I had one shop take a look at my camera. They said that this is a pretty
common problem with sony camcorders, and indicated that something comes
loose within the mechanism. They disassembled the unit and then put it back
together and I got a couple of months out of it. (It wasn't clear to me
whether the problem they were referring to was this specific failure, or
Sony camcorder reliability in general; and it wasn't clear whether they felt
it was a screw or a connection that came loose; I got the impression that it
was a screw)
Any suggestions on likely culprits?
(The diagnostics in the service manual rely pretty heavily upon their
service ROMs and command modules to put the machine through its paces;
Sending to Sony for service in unappealing due to the high (flat-rate) cost
and the short warranty on repairs. If I can't fix it, I'll likely just buy
a new camera and get an extended warranty, but I figure that I can at least
learn a bit first ;-)
Thanks,
Matt
tape mechanisms (or, more specifically, Sony mini-DV mechs).
When the camcorder starts up or tries to load a tape, the motor spins for
a bit and then ultimately gives up with an error code:
"FG fault when starting capstan"
Since I hear the motor spinning, I assume that the capstan is running, but
that there is a failure with either the sensor or the electronics that
complete the feedback loop.
My question is: is that a reasonable assumption? (or are there known other
causes for this?)
More tidbits:
The camera is a Sony TRV11, the error code is "C:31:30" (I've seen
several other notes on various message boards from other users with
this problem.) For me, I started getting it after a couple of years
of light duty. The problem is intermittent--it will have problems for
a couple of days, then it will be fine for a while, then problems again.
People who returned the camera to Sony for repair have reported that it
worked for several months, then the problem returned.
I had one shop take a look at my camera. They said that this is a pretty
common problem with sony camcorders, and indicated that something comes
loose within the mechanism. They disassembled the unit and then put it back
together and I got a couple of months out of it. (It wasn't clear to me
whether the problem they were referring to was this specific failure, or
Sony camcorder reliability in general; and it wasn't clear whether they felt
it was a screw or a connection that came loose; I got the impression that it
was a screw)
Any suggestions on likely culprits?
(The diagnostics in the service manual rely pretty heavily upon their
service ROMs and command modules to put the machine through its paces;
Sending to Sony for service in unappealing due to the high (flat-rate) cost
and the short warranty on repairs. If I can't fix it, I'll likely just buy
a new camera and get an extended warranty, but I figure that I can at least
learn a bit first ;-)
Thanks,
Matt
