Dvd Recorder question

GMAN wrote:
> In article <geiag8$otu$1@registered.motzarella.org>, RickMerrill <Rick0.merrill@gmail.NOSPAM.com> wrote:
>> kaboom wrote:
>>> On Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:46:56 -0700 (PDT), Carl <cscarlson@cox.net>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> I own a Panasonic DVD Recorder E-85. It has worked well for 2 years
>>>> and then suddenly it won't turn on at all. The cord is working fine. I
>>>> took off the cover and checked the fuse and checked to be sure there
>>>> was 120 volts after the fuse and there is. I tried to check the switch
>>>> but I'm not sure how to check it as it is not something I'm familiar
>>>> with. I'm good with a multi-meter, but not an experienced tech person
>>>> with electronic equipment. Of course it is out of warranty and it
>>>> costs $130 plus shipping just to have Panasonic look at it. Does
>>>> anyone have a suggestion of what I can check to see what the problem
>>>> is short of spending a couple of hundred dollars. I appreciate any
>>>> suggestions. Thanks.
>>> **Hi Carl. Mine crapped out also and I'm going to have it fixed. Just
>>> try finding a name-brand DVD recorder with a hard drive! This site
>>> describes to a 'T' what is wrong with mine and how to fix it.
>>>
>>> http://vassfamily.net/projects/DMRE85H/dmre85h.html
>>>
>>> Try avsforum.com for help also, just search the e-85 on the forums.
>>>
>>> I hope this helps somewhat,
>>>
>>> kaboomie
>>>
>> That URL is great! They even show how to cope with matching-but-not
>> thesame caps!
>>
>> And just cutting off the old ones (not trying to unsolder) is excellent
>> advice!
>>
> Its lazy advice. If you want it done right do it right. Quit taking the advice
> of someone who cuts corners and use a solder sucker and do it the right way.
> .

I understand your point of view, but some of these gadgets use
multi-layer board, components on both sides (yuck!), and microsolder
techniques, so there is a time for both approaches.

In article <gel1rm$f14$1@registered.motzarella.org>, RickMerrill <Rick0.merrill@gmail.NOSPAM.com> wrote:
>GMAN wrote:
>> In article <geiag8$otu$1@registered.motzarella.org>, RickMerrill
> <Rick0.merrill@gmail.NOSPAM.com> wrote:
>>> kaboom wrote:
>>>> On Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:46:56 -0700 (PDT), Carl <cscarlson@cox.net>
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> I own a Panasonic DVD Recorder E-85. It has worked well for 2 years
>>>>> and then suddenly it won't turn on at all. The cord is working fine. I
>>>>> took off the cover and checked the fuse and checked to be sure there
>>>>> was 120 volts after the fuse and there is. I tried to check the switch
>>>>> but I'm not sure how to check it as it is not something I'm familiar
>>>>> with. I'm good with a multi-meter, but not an experienced tech person
>>>>> with electronic equipment. Of course it is out of warranty and it
>>>>> costs $130 plus shipping just to have Panasonic look at it. Does
>>>>> anyone have a suggestion of what I can check to see what the problem
>>>>> is short of spending a couple of hundred dollars. I appreciate any
>>>>> suggestions. Thanks.
>>>> **Hi Carl. Mine crapped out also and I'm going to have it fixed. Just
>>>> try finding a name-brand DVD recorder with a hard drive! This site
>>>> describes to a 'T' what is wrong with mine and how to fix it.
>>>>
>>>> http://vassfamily.net/projects/DMRE85H/dmre85h.html
>>>>
>>>> Try avsforum.com for help also, just search the e-85 on the forums.
>>>>
>>>> I hope this helps somewhat,
>>>>
>>>> kaboomie
>>>>
>>> That URL is great! They even show how to cope with matching-but-not
>>> thesame caps!
>>>
>>> And just cutting off the old ones (not trying to unsolder) is excellent
>>> advice!
>>>
>> Its lazy advice. If you want it done right do it right. Quit taking the
> advice
>> of someone who cuts corners and use a solder sucker and do it the right way.
>> .
>
>I understand your point of view, but some of these gadgets use
>multi-layer board, components on both sides (yuck!), and microsolder
>techniques, so there is a time for both approaches.
But at the very least he should have got the proper capacitor for the job. And
whats with the medical tape used to protect the one leg of the axial
capacitor. he should have used a radial type.

GMAN wrote:
> In article <gel1rm$f14$1@registered.motzarella.org>, RickMerrill <Rick0.merrill@gmail.NOSPAM.com> wrote:
>> GMAN wrote:
>>> In article <geiag8$otu$1@registered.motzarella.org>, RickMerrill
>> <Rick0.merrill@gmail.NOSPAM.com> wrote:
>>>> kaboom wrote:
>>>>> On Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:46:56 -0700 (PDT), Carl <cscarlson@cox.net>
>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> I own a Panasonic DVD Recorder E-85. It has worked well for 2 years
>>>>>> and then suddenly it won't turn on at all. The cord is working fine. I
>>>>>> took off the cover and checked the fuse and checked to be sure there
>>>>>> was 120 volts after the fuse and there is. I tried to check the switch
>>>>>> but I'm not sure how to check it as it is not something I'm familiar
>>>>>> with. I'm good with a multi-meter, but not an experienced tech person
>>>>>> with electronic equipment. Of course it is out of warranty and it
>>>>>> costs $130 plus shipping just to have Panasonic look at it. Does
>>>>>> anyone have a suggestion of what I can check to see what the problem
>>>>>> is short of spending a couple of hundred dollars. I appreciate any
>>>>>> suggestions. Thanks.
>>>>> **Hi Carl. Mine crapped out also and I'm going to have it fixed. Just
>>>>> try finding a name-brand DVD recorder with a hard drive! This site
>>>>> describes to a 'T' what is wrong with mine and how to fix it.
>>>>>
>>>>> http://vassfamily.net/projects/DMRE85H/dmre85h.html
>>>>>
>>>>> Try avsforum.com for help also, just search the e-85 on the forums.
>>>>>
>>>>> I hope this helps somewhat,
>>>>>
>>>>> kaboomie
>>>>>
>>>> That URL is great! They even show how to cope with matching-but-not
>>>> thesame caps!
>>>>
>>>> And just cutting off the old ones (not trying to unsolder) is excellent
>>>> advice!
>>>>
>>> Its lazy advice. If you want it done right do it right. Quit taking the
>> advice
>>> of someone who cuts corners and use a solder sucker and do it the right way.
>>> .
>> I understand your point of view, but some of these gadgets use
>> multi-layer board, components on both sides (yuck!), and microsolder
>> techniques, so there is a time for both approaches.
> But at the very least he should have got the proper capacitor for the job. And
> whats with the medical tape used to protect the one leg of the axial
> capacitor. he should have used a radial type.

medical tape ;-) This was a one-off AND it would appear that the
Original Capacitor was in fact NOT the correct one for the job - they
failed!

"GMAN" <glenzabr@nospam.xmission.com> wrote in message
news:gel3br$adb$1@news.xmission.com...
> In article <gel1rm$f14$1@registered.motzarella.org>, RickMerrill
> <Rick0.merrill@gmail.NOSPAM.com> wrote:
>>GMAN wrote:
>>> In article <geiag8$otu$1@registered.motzarella.org>, RickMerrill
>> <Rick0.merrill@gmail.NOSPAM.com> wrote:
>>>> kaboom wrote:
>>>>> On Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:46:56 -0700 (PDT), Carl <cscarlson@cox.net>
>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> I own a Panasonic DVD Recorder E-85. It has worked well for 2 years
>>>>>> and then suddenly it won't turn on at all. The cord is working fine.
>>>>>> I
>>>>>> took off the cover and checked the fuse and checked to be sure there
>>>>>> was 120 volts after the fuse and there is. I tried to check the
>>>>>> switch
>>>>>> but I'm not sure how to check it as it is not something I'm familiar
>>>>>> with. I'm good with a multi-meter, but not an experienced tech person
>>>>>> with electronic equipment. Of course it is out of warranty and it
>>>>>> costs $130 plus shipping just to have Panasonic look at it. Does
>>>>>> anyone have a suggestion of what I can check to see what the problem
>>>>>> is short of spending a couple of hundred dollars. I appreciate any
>>>>>> suggestions. Thanks.
>>>>> **Hi Carl. Mine crapped out also and I'm going to have it fixed. Just
>>>>> try finding a name-brand DVD recorder with a hard drive! This site
>>>>> describes to a 'T' what is wrong with mine and how to fix it.
>>>>>
>>>>> http://vassfamily.net/projects/DMRE85H/dmre85h.html
>>>>>
>>>>> Try avsforum.com for help also, just search the e-85 on the forums.
>>>>>
>>>>> I hope this helps somewhat,
>>>>>
>>>>> kaboomie
>>>>>
>>>> That URL is great! They even show how to cope with matching-but-not
>>>> thesame caps!
>>>>
>>>> And just cutting off the old ones (not trying to unsolder) is excellent
>>>> advice!
>>>>
>>> Its lazy advice. If you want it done right do it right. Quit taking the
>> advice
>>> of someone who cuts corners and use a solder sucker and do it the right
>>> way.
>>> .
>>
>>I understand your point of view, but some of these gadgets use
>>multi-layer board, components on both sides (yuck!), and microsolder
>>techniques, so there is a time for both approaches.
> But at the very least he should have got the proper capacitor for the job.
> And
> whats with the medical tape used to protect the one leg of the axial
> capacitor. he should have used a radial type.

It doesn't make any difference whether he used radial or axial capacitors.
If the value and voltage are the same and he can make them fit more power to
him.

On Oct 31, 7:05*pm, kaboomi...@NOSPAMyahoo.com (kaboom) wrote:
> On Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:46:56 -0700 (PDT), Carl <cscarl...@cox.net>
> wrote:
>
> >I own a Panasonic DVD Recorder E-85. It has worked well for 2 years
> >and then suddenly it won't turn on at all. The cord is working fine. I
> >took off the cover and checked the fuse and checked to be sure there
> >was 120 volts after the fuse and there is. I tried to check the switch
> >but I'm not sure how to check it as it is not something I'm familiar
> >with. I'm good with a multi-meter, but not an experienced tech person
> >with electronic equipment. Of course it is out of warranty and it
> >costs $130 plus shipping just to have Panasonic look at it. Does
> >anyone have a suggestion of what I can check to see what the problem
> >is short of spending a couple of hundred dollars. I appreciate any
> >suggestions. Thanks.
>
> **Hi Carl. Mine crapped out also and I'm going to have it fixed. Just
> try finding a name-brand DVD recorder with a hard drive! This site
> describes to a 'T' what is wrong with mine and how to fix it.
>
> http://vassfamily.net/projects/DMRE85H/dmre85h.html
>
> Try avsforum.com for help also, just search the e-85 on the forums.
>
> I hope this helps somewhat,
>
> kaboomie

I want to thank all who repsonded to my request for help with the
E-85 problem. I studied the references and took apart my DVD Recorder
and found the faulty capacitors and replaced them. Now it works great
and cost me about $6.00!
Carl

Carl <cscarlson@cox.net> wrote:
>
> I want to thank all who repsonded to my request for help with the
> E-85 problem. I studied the references and took apart my DVD Recorder
> and found the faulty capacitors and replaced them. Now it works great
> and cost me about $6.00!
> Carl

So far so good. Comes the next problem for E85 in February. If you
are recording over-the-air your tuner will shut down after the
switch-over to digital channels. If you are recording from cable,
you will rely on the *generosity* of the cable company to supply
analog channels.

The newest Panasonic DVDRs with digital tuners are not anywhere
as reliable as the E85. No recorder offers the scheduling capability
either.

root wrote:
> Carl <cscarlson@cox.net> wrote:
>> I want to thank all who repsonded to my request for help with the
>> E-85 problem. I studied the references and took apart my DVD Recorder
>> and found the faulty capacitors and replaced them. Now it works great
>> and cost me about $6.00!
>> Carl
>
> So far so good. Comes the next problem for E85 in February. If you
> are recording over-the-air your tuner will shut down after the
> switch-over to digital channels.

"shut down"? I think not. Some LP channels (low power) will continue
to broadcast. Add a "converter box) and your e85 can carry on indefinately.



> If you are recording from cable,
> you will rely on the *generosity* of the cable company to supply
> analog channels.

Actually, they are required by the FCC in the USA to continue
cablecast of analog until 2012. After that, sayonara!

>
> The newest Panasonic DVDRs with digital tuners are not anywhere
> as reliable as the E85....

Can you quantify that? (mbtf?)

In article <ce0fb51c-5571-465c-8459-95e5fedc5e06@a3g2000prm.googlegroups.com>, Carl <cscarlson@cox.net> wrote:
>On Oct 31, 7:05=A0pm, kaboomi...@NOSPAMyahoo.com (kaboom) wrote:
>> On Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:46:56 -0700 (PDT), Carl <cscarl...@cox.net>
>> wrote:
>>
>> >I own a Panasonic DVD Recorder E-85. It has worked well for 2 years
>> >and then suddenly it won't turn on at all. The cord is working fine. I
>> >took off the cover and checked the fuse and checked to be sure there
>> >was 120 volts after the fuse and there is. I tried to check the switch
>> >but I'm not sure how to check it as it is not something I'm familiar
>> >with. I'm good with a multi-meter, but not an experienced tech person
>> >with electronic equipment. Of course it is out of warranty and it
>> >costs $130 plus shipping just to have Panasonic look at it. Does
>> >anyone have a suggestion of what I can check to see what the problem
>> >is short of spending a couple of hundred dollars. I appreciate any
>> >suggestions. Thanks.
>>
>> **Hi Carl. Mine crapped out also and I'm going to have it fixed. Just
>> try finding a name-brand DVD recorder with a hard drive! This site
>> describes to a 'T' what is wrong with mine and how to fix it.
>>
>> http://vassfamily.net/projects/DMRE85H/dmre85h.html
>>
>> Try avsforum.com for help also, just search the e-85 on the forums.
>>
>> I hope this helps somewhat,
>>
>> kaboomie
>
>I want to thank all who repsonded to my request for help with the
>E-85 problem. I studied the references and took apart my DVD Recorder
>and found the faulty capacitors and replaced them. Now it works great
>and cost me about $6.00!
>Carl
Great Job

In article <geng3a$faj$5@registered.motzarella.org>, RickMerrill <Rick0.merrill@gmail.NOSPAM.com> wrote:
>root wrote:
>> Carl <cscarlson@cox.net> wrote:
>>> I want to thank all who repsonded to my request for help with the
>>> E-85 problem. I studied the references and took apart my DVD Recorder
>>> and found the faulty capacitors and replaced them. Now it works great
>>> and cost me about $6.00!
>>> Carl
>>
>> So far so good. Comes the next problem for E85 in February. If you
>> are recording over-the-air your tuner will shut down after the
>> switch-over to digital channels.
>
>"shut down"? I think not. Some LP channels (low power) will continue
>to broadcast. Add a "converter box) and your e85 can carry on indefinately.
>
>
>
>> If you are recording from cable,
>> you will rely on the *generosity* of the cable company to supply
>> analog channels.
>
>Actually, they are required by the FCC in the USA to continue
>cablecast of analog until 2012. After that, sayonara!
>
>>

By that time at least he will get his moneys worth out of the E85

>> The newest Panasonic DVDRs with digital tuners are not anywhere
>> as reliable as the E85....
>
>Can you quantify that? (mbtf?)

On 11/02/2008, Carl posted this:
> On Oct 31, 7:05*pm, kaboomi...@NOSPAMyahoo.com (kaboom) wrote:
>> On Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:46:56 -0700 (PDT), Carl <cscarl...@cox.net>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> I own a Panasonic DVD Recorder E-85. It has worked well for 2 years
>>> and then suddenly it won't turn on at all. The cord is working fine. I
>>> took off the cover and checked the fuse and checked to be sure there
>>> was 120 volts after the fuse and there is. I tried to check the switch
>>> but I'm not sure how to check it as it is not something I'm familiar
>>> with. I'm good with a multi-meter, but not an experienced tech person
>>> with electronic equipment. Of course it is out of warranty and it
>>> costs $130 plus shipping just to have Panasonic look at it. Does
>>> anyone have a suggestion of what I can check to see what the problem
>>> is short of spending a couple of hundred dollars. I appreciate any
>>> suggestions. Thanks.
>>
>> **Hi Carl. Mine crapped out also and I'm going to have it fixed. Just
>> try finding a name-brand DVD recorder with a hard drive! This site
>> describes to a 'T' what is wrong with mine and how to fix it.
>>
>> http://vassfamily.net/projects/DMRE85H/dmre85h.html
>>
>> Try avsforum.com for help also, just search the e-85 on the forums.
>>
>> I hope this helps somewhat,
>>
>> kaboomie

> I want to thank all who repsonded to my request for help with the
> E-85 problem. I studied the references and took apart my DVD Recorder
> and found the faulty capacitors and replaced them. Now it works great
> and cost me about $6.00!
> Carl

****, I *so* wanted you to spend that $130 that I mentioned or up to
$300 that I didn't mention. Our economy needs the boost.

Also thanks to you, kaboom. Besides helping Carl, you've taught me a
valuable lesson.

--
Gene E. Bloch (Gino) letters617blochg3251
(replace the numbers by "at" and "dotcom")