Recently my mini dv tape snapped. is there a way to repair this manually? or should i bring it somewhere to get it fixed.
Mini DV Repair
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Scotch tape would probably work in a pinch, but for a more "pro" repair, I would suggest a "splicer" kit, similar to what is used for reel to reel/cassette, etc.
You make the splice on an angle cut, which has more overlap to reduce data loss, plus you also want to spllce on the "back" or non-recorded sideComment
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I wouldnt use scotch tape as it may ooze out when the tape passes the pinch roller. Best to chuck the tape and use a new one.You raise the blade,
You make the change,
You rearange me till I'm sane.
You lock the door, throw away
the key,
There's someone in my head
and it's not me.Comment
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Make sure you wash your hands very well to remove any skin oil, dirt, grime etc etc. Getting any of this onto the tape, either side of it can degrade the signals on the tape as well as clog up the video heads.
Be certian that the splice cut is a clean cut, not jagged, and carefull to not strech the tape during the cut.
Since the tape moves from the left to the right across the spinning video drum, cut the splice angle like this -> \ <-
Put the two ends together so that there is absolutely no gap between them or overlaps.
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OK, here's a quick review on Video One Repair... hope people can get something out of it.
I called them for some issues I was having with my Sony VX2000. I was getting audio dropouts on recordings, tape lock-ups while in playback mode and the jog dial was sticking (yeah, it really sucked!). I was really not wanting to go to any repair shop in my home town because I don't hear good things about any of them at all and they charge $65+ just to look at the camera.
Anyway, I found Video one on google and called them and they seemed really knowledgeable. They ONLY work on Sony and Canon prosumer cameras, so they really know their stuff (sorry if you've got a Panasonic cam... they don't work on those). They were really nice over the phone too.. I even talked to the owner, Sherman a couple times and he gladly took the time to address my concerns with the camera.
Turnaround was quick too... sent the camera in on Wednesday and they had it back to me the following Friday... so that's 9 days total including 2 days shipping both ways, me thinking about whether I wanted to fix it or not for a day and a half ($580 to rebuild the entire tape drive and fix the jog dial.. not bad), and a weekend in there too. So their part basically took a day! Camera came back clean and in perfect working order for all issues.
Oh, and the best part is they have a 6 month guarantee on ANY ISSUES you have with your camcorder! EVEN IF IT'S NOT THE ISSUE THEY FIXED! Of course they said not for water damage or physical damage etc... but WOW! I've NEVER heard of a company doing that!
So bottom line, if you have a Sony or Canon prosumer camera, I recommend you check them out. It's free for them to look at the camera and free shipping back to you, so you just have to ship it to them (was about $18 for me). Their website is videoonerepair.com
Oh, and I also did a video review that you can check out here (yeah, you could say I'm impressed!): youtube.com/watch?v=oC64Ox4IqEk&feature=player_embeddedLast edited by ericsreview1; 1 Sep 2010, 10:18 AM.Comment
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Do not use scotch tape...use splicing tape if they still make it..the glue from the scotch tape may gum up the little pinch roller and heads on the inside of the camcorder. I would take it to a pro and let them fix it for you and I think it will be well worth the money..heck, they may do it for free.You raise the blade,
You make the change,
You rearange me till I'm sane.
You lock the door, throw away
the key,
There's someone in my head
and it's not me.Comment
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