SONY DCR-TRV520 Camcorder wacko :(

[JR North]

I'm sure no joy on this one.
Camcorder worked fine, put it away for a month, and upon startup in any
mode:
The LCD display is flipped upside down, and doesn't respond to flipping
the LCD around.
The volume bar is displayed in LCD constantly, and pressing the vol-up,
volume increases then drops to 0 when the button is released.
The menu displays, but no select with the SELECT wheel.
There is a small 'smiley face' icon displayed, which is not in the manual.
Moving the LCD panel does not create the faults, or modify them while
moving it. I don't see where there could be a fault with the LCD panel
contacts at the hinge line, since nothing changes while moving it.
The LCD does not always turn off when closing, and the VF does not
always turn on when the LCD is closed.
Occasionally, while fooling with the camera, all functions will revert
to normal, then wig out at some later time.
I removed the lithium and main battery, and let the camera power down
for 24HRS, no change.
All other camera functions ok.
Thoughts?
JR

 

[Dave D]

I'm sure no joy on this one.
Camcorder worked fine, put it away for a month, and upon startup in any
mode:
The LCD display is flipped upside down, and doesn't respond to flipping
the LCD around.
The volume bar is displayed in LCD constantly, and pressing the vol-up,
volume increases then drops to 0 when the button is released.
The menu displays, but no select with the SELECT wheel.
There is a small 'smiley face' icon displayed, which is not in the manual.
Moving the LCD panel does not create the faults, or modify them while
moving it. I don't see where there could be a fault with the LCD panel
contacts at the hinge line, since nothing changes while moving it.
The LCD does not always turn off when closing, and the VF does not always
turn on when the LCD is closed.
Occasionally, while fooling with the camera, all functions will revert to
normal, then wig out at some later time.
I removed the lithium and main battery, and let the camera power down for
24HRS, no change.
All other camera functions ok.
Thoughts?
JR

The fact that it worked OK then failed after a month in storage points to
two possible things IMO- capacitors or moisture ingress.

Failed electrolytic capacitors is a common failure on camcorders, and the
bad news is that an entire re-cap is usually the only cure, and it isn't
cheap. It usually becomes evident when equipment is rarely used or has been
unused for a period of time.

You can try warming the camcorder up in a 'very' warm room and/or keeping it
powered up to see if the caps 'recover', or to dry out any moisture ingress.
It may not work, and even if it does it likely will be a short term 'fix'.

Dave