Good job, I have a TRV350 that has a sloppy take up reel post and will give me C31:23 codes. It also has a damaged FireWire port, but I was lucky to find a replacement. Not sure if I can tighten up the take up reel post as I would have to disassemble the mechanism. I was able to get another 350 untested for cheap and it’s been working great. I’m using it to put my 50 Hi8 tapes onto a Raid system. I really enjoy your videos as they are extremely helpful.
I also have the exact same camera - bought it in 2001. I've nearly transfered all my Digital 8 tapes via firewire to my harddisks to be on the safe side. Until now it still works peferctly. I also used it to transfer my VHS tapes only using the analog video input and the firewire output. I think its a very nice camcorder.
For the tape change out problem, what I did was make an extension of a threaded rod, a jam nut and a coupling nut. This elevates the camera for carrier clearance. Works like a charm!!!
Thanks for posting this. I have two units like this one that also play the older analogue 8mm. Fixed a few cameras due to your awesome knowledge 👍 In regards to the aquarium video yes please do share it. Also as it was filmed on the VX1000 be sure to tag it as such as that will guarantee thousands of views because they are very popular with the skaters and such as I’m sure you’re aware. Thanks again for the great content 👍
I admire anyone who can do this kind of work such a nice thing and a talent! . Thank you for sharing, I have tons of 8 mm video tape they are just rotting away because my camera is broken, actually I don’t even have the camera anymore. too bad they don’t make a converter
That's the problem. No tape based equipment is made anymore. You have 2 options. Find a working camera or player to copy your tapes or send them out to a transfer service. I archive dozens of tapes a month for people in your situation because working 8mm / hi8 decks are few and far between and if you find one that has been restored it will be very expensive. Of course if you don't care about the memories on those tapes then you can do nothing.
I have a DCR-TRV270 D8 camcorder since 2005, that series was the last line of D8 format, this one I think just a few years earlier. Since then I've bought some Hi8 models from the same series for Hi8 playback (I don't know their model numbers off the top of my head), and one of them had similar power switch issue to this one, that was due to liquid damage. I could not save the switch, I had to transplant an other one from a parts machine, because the tracks and contacts on the flex PCB are not gold plated copper like in this one, it's just carbon paint, and it was peeling off. What a 'great' idea! So this older one is better than the last generation in that regard, less penny pinching in it. And of course the 270 cannot play any analog tapes unfortunately. There was a higher model that could do it for more than twice the price, and an even higher model that had AV and FireWire inputs as well, not just outputs, it cost more than 3x the price of mine, maybe it was even 4x, but IIRC that was a 3CCD model with Zeiss lens on it. Mine was the cheapest D8 model, that was the only one I could afford, and even that only because I won $500 on a scratch card (in 2005 money), the camera was $350, with it I also bought a small Minolta camera case, a Soligor tele/wide adapter, a Hama polarizing filter, a few cassettes, and the $500 was pretty much gone, less than $50 remained. Last time I used it for recording was about in 2012-2014. It still works fine, though the battery is almost completely dead now (what a surprise after 16 years...). I only ever had one battery for it, the smallest one, it was a nightmare. I never could use the LCD screen for extended periods during recording because of the small battery, but I didn't mind it at all as I can hold it much more firmly with the viewfinder laying on my eye. When I went in Italy for vacation in 2007, I borrowed a second battery from... I don't remember who. I guess from the studio of my school.
Forgive me for asking but the problems you've had with your memory card couldn't be a case of bad contacts between the card and the camera? Taking the card out and putting back in could have cleaned the contacts sufficiently and now the problem has apparently gone away.
@@davidpinfold852 The memory card is removed and placed in the reader every video and then back into the camera. The contacts are perfectly clean. It's a SanDisk, that's the problem.
Smashing repair dave, quite a struggle. Hmm overlapping layered case panels look like a pain in the ass :-( They should be called a Cram corder :) That power switch looks very crappy. Beautiful cat in the intro, loverly eyes and coat.
How the hell you managed to put all of those screws in first time is beyond me. I would have to record myself and then watch it back, just to be sure. Otherwise i would do my childhood trick and end up with spare screws. well that's what i told my gran when i put her electric bedside clock back together, back in 1968 (when i was 8). Funny but it never ever worked again. She was not amused, as it was fine before i decided to take it apart to see what made it tick(pun intended). #StaySafe
So still wish I can get hold of a head drum for my 340. Using it for capturing via the DV from AV in from other machines without DV. Best converter ever. Still 100% working except for the head drum.
Did you fix the power button issue just by spraying and moving the button around? 😄 Mine started acting weird. Only turns on with the right amount of pressure.
I have a Handycam DCR-TRV340 that as soon as I open the cassette compartment it starts spinning the take-up reel (the right one) like crazy, when it stops the mechanism starts to close (even with the lid open). When trying to load a tape, the error 31:20 or 32:20 appears. I removed the mechanism from the camera and the compartment opens without problems (I tested it with a battery holder); The problem is that the take-up reel goes crazy (I've noticed that the winch rotates the same, same belt). I don't know if it is the defective motor or some sensor.
Thank you so much for this video, I have this exact camera, it is showing the early signs of this same bad power switch issue only in VCR mode, i'm too scared to pull it all apart in fear of breaking the camera, as i use it on a daily basis for my work. One day when the power switch degrades and i cant use the cam otherwise i'll come back to this video to help me get in and repair it. Do you know anything i can do in the meantime to damage control the bad switch without deconstructing such a delicate piece of tech?
In one of your videos, you used small USB rechargeable, powered screwdriver... I have tried, unsuccessfully so far, to locate it.. Could you give a clue as to where you found yours? Thanks..
I got the same camera, but it's the viewfinder that's not showing anything and when inserting a memory card it shows up with "No memory stick" i've tried multiple anyway to get behind this?
this is the same camera i use daily for my retro type home videos fairly relyable camera it pases a few error codes but it if bang it on my risk it gets rid of them an yeah haveing the tape compartment on the bottom sucks its not fun when you run ot of tape an you have to take the tripod mount off
I’m stuck removing the left cover (view finder) side back corner by media card locations. There’s something not releasing like a tab or screw. Can’t find what is holding it from releasing that cover. Any advice?
@@12voltvids have you ever seen these were the search button pannel needds replacing the shop told me it was a strange issue. Ive since gotten a digital 8 and hi8 vcr. And my footage was trasnferd to dvd or my hard disc along time ago. I still use hdv tape for my work but it doesnt stay there long i have a reliable servicd place to keep it up for me.
The analog output is stereo. You just need the original Sony output cable. It is wired differently than all the aftermarket cords. It is stereo which could be heard on the tape i played. good luck finding the Sony cord now. You would have to make your own now. I showed the difference between the cables on a video last week.
Hi everyone i have dcr trv 820 and LCD screen footage is blueish but not in viewfinder and when i plug it to TV everything is fine. Problem is only with LCD screen. Do you guys know what is the problem and how can i fix it?
@@12voltvids so could I mail you my camera, sir? Because I’m about to cry and now going to see if I have better luck with TWO garage opener belts that both dry rotted around three months apart.
Ahaha that is amazing. I have this exact camera! And yes, it is a fucking bitch to take apart. You have to navigate through 40 different microscopic screws and avoid tearing paper-thin ribbon cables that already have problems. Never liked how the tape mechanism can be very loudly heard while recording tapes.
So many parts packed into that camera case, so much to go wrong. Glad you were able to complete the repair!
Good job, I have a TRV350 that has a sloppy take up reel post and will give me C31:23 codes. It also has a damaged FireWire port, but I was lucky to find a replacement.
Not sure if I can tighten up the take up reel post as I would have to disassemble the mechanism.
I was able to get another 350 untested for cheap and it’s been working great.
I’m using it to put my 50 Hi8 tapes onto a Raid system.
I really enjoy your videos as they are extremely helpful.
I also have the exact same camera - bought it in 2001. I've nearly transfered all my Digital 8 tapes via firewire to my harddisks to be on the safe side. Until now it still works peferctly. I also used it to transfer my VHS tapes only using the analog video input and the firewire output. I think its a very nice camcorder.
These are good ones. No capacitor issues either.
For the tape change out problem, what I did was make an extension of a threaded rod, a jam nut and a coupling nut. This elevates the camera for carrier clearance. Works like a charm!!!
Thanks for posting this. I have two units like this one that also play the older analogue 8mm. Fixed a few cameras due to your awesome knowledge 👍 In regards to the aquarium video yes please do share it. Also as it was filmed on the VX1000 be sure to tag it as such as that will guarantee thousands of views because they are very popular with the skaters and such as I’m sure you’re aware. Thanks again for the great content 👍
instaBlaster.
I admire anyone who can do this kind of work such a nice thing and a talent! . Thank you for sharing, I have tons of 8 mm video tape they are just rotting away because my camera is broken, actually I don’t even have the camera anymore. too bad they don’t make a converter
That's the problem. No tape based equipment is made anymore. You have 2 options. Find a working camera or player to copy your tapes or send them out to a transfer service. I archive dozens of tapes a month for people in your situation because working 8mm / hi8 decks are few and far between and if you find one that has been restored it will be very expensive. Of course if you don't care about the memories on those tapes then you can do nothing.
I have a DCR-TRV270 D8 camcorder since 2005, that series was the last line of D8 format, this one I think just a few years earlier. Since then I've bought some Hi8 models from the same series for Hi8 playback (I don't know their model numbers off the top of my head), and one of them had similar power switch issue to this one, that was due to liquid damage. I could not save the switch, I had to transplant an other one from a parts machine, because the tracks and contacts on the flex PCB are not gold plated copper like in this one, it's just carbon paint, and it was peeling off. What a 'great' idea! So this older one is better than the last generation in that regard, less penny pinching in it. And of course the 270 cannot play any analog tapes unfortunately. There was a higher model that could do it for more than twice the price, and an even higher model that had AV and FireWire inputs as well, not just outputs, it cost more than 3x the price of mine, maybe it was even 4x, but IIRC that was a 3CCD model with Zeiss lens on it.
Mine was the cheapest D8 model, that was the only one I could afford, and even that only because I won $500 on a scratch card (in 2005 money), the camera was $350, with it I also bought a small Minolta camera case, a Soligor tele/wide adapter, a Hama polarizing filter, a few cassettes, and the $500 was pretty much gone, less than $50 remained. Last time I used it for recording was about in 2012-2014. It still works fine, though the battery is almost completely dead now (what a surprise after 16 years...). I only ever had one battery for it, the smallest one, it was a nightmare. I never could use the LCD screen for extended periods during recording because of the small battery, but I didn't mind it at all as I can hold it much more firmly with the viewfinder laying on my eye. When I went in Italy for vacation in 2007, I borrowed a second battery from... I don't remember who. I guess from the studio of my school.
Forgive me for asking but the problems you've had with your memory card couldn't be a case of bad contacts between the card and the camera? Taking the card out and putting back in could have cleaned the contacts sufficiently and now the problem has apparently gone away.
@@davidpinfold852
The memory card is removed and placed in the reader every video and then back into the camera. The contacts are perfectly clean. It's a SanDisk, that's the problem.
Nice repair on this one Dave, however the design is a struggle to put it back. These camcorder are heavier than the new models.
Smashing repair dave, quite a struggle.
Hmm overlapping layered case panels look like a pain in the ass :-(
They should be called a Cram corder :)
That power switch looks very crappy.
Beautiful cat in the intro, loverly eyes and coat.
How the hell you managed to put all of those screws in first time is beyond me. I would have to record myself and then watch it back, just to be sure. Otherwise i would do my childhood trick and end up with spare screws. well that's what i told my gran when i put her electric bedside clock back together, back in 1968 (when i was 8). Funny but it never ever worked again. She was not amused, as it was fine before i decided to take it apart to see what made it tick(pun intended). #StaySafe
So still wish I can get hold of a head drum for my 340. Using it for capturing via the DV from AV in from other machines without DV. Best converter ever. Still 100% working except for the head drum.
Is that one the tape loads from the top of from the bottom. I have a drum for a bottom feeder digital 8
Did you fix the power button issue just by spraying and moving the button around? 😄
Mine started acting weird. Only turns on with the right amount of pressure.
I have a Handycam DCR-TRV340 that as soon as I open the cassette compartment it starts spinning the take-up reel (the right one) like crazy, when it stops the mechanism starts to close (even with the lid open). When trying to load a tape, the error 31:20 or 32:20 appears. I removed the mechanism from the camera and the compartment opens without problems (I tested it with a battery holder); The problem is that the take-up reel goes crazy (I've noticed that the winch rotates the same, same belt). I don't know if it is the defective motor or some sensor.
Check those edge connectors. They cause huge problems on those cameras.
I have this camera!!! It just to have the same problem! Nice video
Thank you so much for this video, I have this exact camera, it is showing the early signs of this same bad power switch issue only in VCR mode, i'm too scared to pull it all apart in fear of breaking the camera, as i use it on a daily basis for my work.
One day when the power switch degrades and i cant use the cam otherwise i'll come back to this video to help me get in and repair it. Do you know anything i can do in the meantime to damage control the bad switch without deconstructing such a delicate piece of tech?
My Sony TRV110 still going strong into it's 21st year :)
In one of your videos, you used small USB rechargeable, powered screwdriver... I have tried, unsuccessfully so far, to locate it.. Could you give a clue as to where you found yours?
Thanks..
I got the same camera, but it's the viewfinder that's not showing anything and when inserting a memory card it shows up with "No memory stick" i've tried multiple anyway to get behind this?
this is the same camera i use daily for my retro type home videos fairly relyable camera it pases a few error codes but it if bang it on my risk it gets rid of them an yeah haveing the tape compartment on the bottom sucks its not fun when you run ot of tape an you have to take the tripod mount off
I’m stuck removing the left cover (view finder) side back corner by media card locations. There’s something not releasing like a tab or screw. Can’t find what is holding it from releasing that cover. Any advice?
There is a screw that holds the right side on. You have to remove the left side first and the battery bracket to see it.
This one is similar looking to my DCR TRV19. I’m getting a similar code 31:23.
Your camera and memory card have now got to know each other so it won't play up anymore :P
I have a sony str-dn1080 that recived an impact on front shell nothing aperantly broken or burnt.... It has no power at all ... What could it be?
I have this same problem but how did you get the lens part off so easy mines impossible feels like I'll have to break it to get it off
Got it! Thx for the tips! Works like new!
I have a sony trv 130 and mine needed a new button control pannel i got it repaired in 2005 stil works well i have so much shot in digital 8
Best to get that footage transferred while you can. It might work today and tomorrow it won't and no guarantee it will b repairable.
@@12voltvids have you ever seen these were the search button pannel needds replacing the shop told me it was a strange issue. Ive since gotten a digital 8 and hi8 vcr. And my footage was trasnferd to dvd or my hard disc along time ago. I still use hdv tape for my work but it doesnt stay there long i have a reliable servicd place to keep it up for me.
@@12voltvids I even found a cassette deck that goes in a pc drive bay in. a 5.25 slot and i can do unatended tape transfers for my self and others
the analog possibly bad plug on mine av input/output the audio is mono but it still records stereo so to get stereo out of it is via usb-firewire
The analog output is stereo. You just need the original Sony output cable. It is wired differently than all the aftermarket cords. It is stereo which could be heard on the tape i played. good luck finding the Sony cord now. You would have to make your own now. I showed the difference between the cables on a video last week.
Hi everyone i have dcr trv 820 and LCD screen footage is blueish but not in viewfinder and when i plug it to TV everything is fine. Problem is only with LCD screen. Do you guys know what is the problem and how can i fix it?
Bad lcd.
yeah i've seen the KFC "secret" ingredients too online, just didn't say the amounts of each they use
So do you have a business/repair shop? I have a Sony video 8 player Id like to send for repair?
I do this part time at home. I left the business in 2003
@@12voltvids so could I mail you my camera, sir? Because I’m about to cry and now going to see if I have better luck with TWO garage opener belts that both dry rotted around three months apart.
Great vid!
I have this same camcorder but am having problems play but can see when paused and FF
Ahaha that is amazing. I have this exact camera! And yes, it is a fucking bitch to take apart. You have to navigate through 40 different microscopic screws and avoid tearing paper-thin ribbon cables that already have problems. Never liked how the tape mechanism can be very loudly heard while recording tapes.
Oh and the MPEG videos were atrocious lmfao.
Yup the drum spinning at 4500 rpm 2cm from the microphone. Even the Mini DV weren't as loud despite the head drum spinning at 9000 rpm.
Please upload the tape :)
What tape?