Panasonic AG1980

[RWS]

I bought a used Panasonic AG1980P SVHS VCR but the first time I used it I
find I am unable to turn it off. The power button does nothing. Neither
does the remote. I have to unplug it. The display panel reads "d U 10" and
the "d" is flashing. The manual says a "d" means "dew" but it appears in
the wrong location on the display (it is supposed to appear where the "0" is
located.) So I don't know if this means a dew problem or if there is some
other malfunction. I left the unit on for a few hours and then pulled the
plug overnight. When I reconnected the power the unit came on by itself
with the same flashing "d". And I'm back to where I started.

Any suggestions?

 

[gothika]

I bought a used Panasonic AG1980P SVHS VCR but the first time I used it I
find I am unable to turn it off. The power button does nothing. Neither
does the remote. I have to unplug it. The display panel reads "d U 10" and
the "d" is flashing. The manual says a "d" means "dew" but it appears in
the wrong location on the display (it is supposed to appear where the "0" is
located.) So I don't know if this means a dew problem or if there is some
other malfunction. I left the unit on for a few hours and then pulled the
plug overnight. When I reconnected the power the unit came on by itself
with the same flashing "d". And I'm back to where I started.

Any suggestions?

As I recall from when I had one of these units the power switch is a
"bubble switch".(bubble membrane)
It's possible that that might be the problem.
Might be the logic chipset also.(Or a faulty dew sensor.)
Take it to a shop that'll give you a printout of what the problem is.
Then you can take steps to fix it yourself if their price is too much.

 

[RWS]

As I recall from when I had one of these units the power switch is a
"bubble switch".(bubble membrane)
It's possible that that might be the problem.
Might be the logic chipset also.(Or a faulty dew sensor.)
Take it to a shop that'll give you a printout of what the problem is.
Then you can take steps to fix it yourself if their price is too much.

Thanks. After further research I also believe it is the dew sensor,
although the switch or a bad ground have also been cited as possible causes.
The problem seems to come and go, for no apparent reason. I'm thinking
about removing the sensor (replacing it with a resistor) unless I can find
one for a good price. That is, if I can locate it!

The previous owner confirmed that this was an occasional problem on both of
the Panasonic AG1980's that he owned.

Thx
Bob>

 

[gothika]

Thanks. After further research I also believe it is the dew sensor,
although the switch or a bad ground have also been cited as possible causes.
The problem seems to come and go, for no apparent reason. I'm thinking
about removing the sensor (replacing it with a resistor) unless I can find
one for a good price. That is, if I can locate it!

The previous owner confirmed that this was an occasional problem on both of
the Panasonic AG1980's that he owned.

Thx
Bob>

No problem, hope you get it solved.
I do remember now that many of my Panasonic industrial/broadcast field
recorders had very sensitive dew sensors as well.( especially the old
nv-8420's)
Used to have to saran wrap them on damp days.
Here's a though. Next time the problem occurs try blowing some warm
air in through the loading hatch using a hair dryer.(set on low
heat/fan.)
Just a few seconds then see if the problem goes away.
If so remove the dew sensor and clean it.(I've seen some with alot of
dust/grime accumilation. This causes moisture to build up under the
dirt and stay.)
Denatured alchohol or perhaps contact wash followed by a blast of air
should do the trick.

 

[RWS]

Wow. Thanks for the great advice. I now cannot wait until the next failure
to try out these ideas. Thanks.

From what I can ascertain, the dew sensor is located next to one of the
rotors near the head. Is that correct? I'm assuming that when I open the
case that I look for a small ("dime-sized) rectangular chip with a pattern
on it. Is that how you remember it?

Thanks again.
Bob