Where can I get a Datavideo TBC-1000 serviced?

[Gibson's Squares]

Does anyone know anywhere in the UK that services the Datavideo TBC-1000?

The basic problem is (I think) with the S-Video input. I get no thru-picture if I use the 2 S-Video ports in my chain. Using the phono ports however works OK.

I tried wobbling the S-Video input and eventually found I could sometimes get an image to flicker on, so I'm hoping it's just a damaged connection.

Or is this something I can fix myself? (electronics experience virtually nil.)

[CobraPilot]

. . . and you've confirmed the problem is with the hardware by trying different S-Video cables? (I don't mean to insult your intelligence, but this question is firmly based on my own "school of hard knocks from overlooking the obvious" experiences!)

[Gibson's Squares]

Yup... cable checking was my first port of call.

[jagabo]

Or is this something I can fix myself? (electronics experience virtually nil.)

Probably, if you can use a soldering iron.

[sanlyn]

To fix it yourself, you need a replacement s-video input jack. Likely you can see from the rear panel how it's attached to the chassis. The replacement jack should be the same size and accommodate the same screws. You can re-use the screws or small bolts and/or insulating washers, if any, that are already present. But the wires going to it have to be carefully un-soldered (repeat, carefully--and not cut), then re-soldered to the new part in the same way they were originally attached. Many electronic component enclosures aren't that easy to open, but you can always try. You could be lucky: it's possible that one of the wires has simply come loose from its soldered joint, which can be resoldered.

Most electronic shops can replace such a small part without rebuilding the entire unit. If it were a major component or circuit board, you'd have to find a repair center that's likely listed on the maker's website -- which might be the first resource you can try.

[davideck]

There's a TBC-100 inside the TBC-1000, but I don't remember if the S-video In/Out connectors on the TBC-100 are removed for installation into a TBC-1000. If you don't need multiple outputs, then you might be able to connect directly to the TBC-100 (at least for isolating the problem).

[jagabo]

Looking at a picture of a TBC-1000, it looks likely the s-video connector is soldered directly to the internal PCB. If you just have a bad solder joint the fix may be as simple as flowing a little more solder into the joint. If a pad on the PCB is torn away you'll need a jumper wire. If the socket itself is bad you'll have to replace it.

[Gibson's Squares]

Rather annoyingly there's not enough clearance to pull the input-PCB out - as there's two capacitors in the way in the main board.

It'd mean taking the main board out (which I'm not that confident about doing) just to be able to inspect the solder on the S-Video socket.

Who builds these things!

[Gibson's Squares]

Ok, I managed to get to the video inputs after all. I didn't realise there were three screws on the underneath of the main casing holding the front plate on.

So I've looked at the solders on the board, and can see no obvious damage. As Sanlyn pointed out it might be the actual S-video socket, but it seems encased in a custom plastic moulding that has a screwhole in it to hold the board in place.

Any thoughts on how, given the above, it's still possible to replace that input?

Here's a picture of the solder joins, there's 7. Do they all have a function, or are some for physical stability (the solder seems to run between a couple of them).

[jagabo]

The four inner pins are the signal pins. The three outer pins are the cable shield and stability. Plug and unplug the connector with the 4 wires several times. Then try the device again. Also try running it with the case open and wiggle those wires with a live signal. If none of that helps you may indeed have a bad s-video socket. I don't know how easy finding a replacement is going to be. You may end up getting a generic female s-video socket, mounting it elsewhere on the case, and running wires to it.

Maybe this?
http://www.amazon.com/Gino-Mounting-Connector-Adapter-Sockets/dp/B007PQ0Z9I

Replacing the socket may be a bit of a stretch for someone with no soldering experience.