No Power after thunderstorm

[Terje1968]

I forgot to unplug my DVD recorder during a thunderstorm, after a while I checked the recorder and there was no light in the display, I tried everything, unplug the recorder, holding the power button for several seconds, but the recorder is completely dead, I have also opened the case to check the fuse but it seemed to be ok (fusewire was intact)

Is there anything I can do here or is my precious recorder destroyed? , the recorder is a Panasonic DMR-EH67.

Thanks for all help

[Bjs]

Use a multimeter to track where power is failing to be delivered around the circuit ... fairly safe so long as you leave the power cord end alone ... then check if a component along the track being traced is dead or not and replace if needed ... check capacitors for short circuit first

The fuse in many devices these days blows if there's an issue with power internally ... it's not there to protect the device from power surges, ect, from mains power fault or lightning strikes.

Use a power board with built in surge filter to protect electronic equipment.

[DB83]

This comment may appear stupid (that comes with age ) but have you checked the fuse in the power plug ?

[jman98]

While there is some use in Bjs' reply as it would truly be useful to some people, I have to say that most people probably could not check and replace components like capacitors and I don't know that we really do anybody any favors by suggesting things that are beyond the abilities of an average person. Most people who own cars have no idea at all how to do an oil change and that's significantly easier than expecting people to identify and replace capacitors and other parts.

Anyway, I do have one more last chance suggestion for you. This is not common, but if your player has an electrical power cord that can easily be removed and replaced from the outside, replace it with a brand new one. I know little about electricity so I cannot explain this, but I have seen some home electronics that stopped working after a power loss but replacing the power cord (if it could be easily pulled out and replaced from the outside of the unit) worked some kind of magic and got them working again.

[lordsmurf]

Usually bad caps that blew. Easy fix.

Find somebody that knows electronics -- maybe you can do it already.
It's high-school level stuff.

Good luck.

[Terje1968]

Thanks for the advice Bjs!, I really appreciate your suggestion,but even if I located the defect components I have never replaced components inside electronic equipments before, I could perform simple tasks as replacing a fuse but not capacitors.

I should have used a power board with built in surge filter to protect the equipment and I regret that I left the power plug in the wall, I have a surge protector but I use it on my stereo and plasma tv.

[Terje1968]

This comment may appear stupid (that comes with age ) but have you checked the fuse in the power plug ?

I have seen that it is common in the UK but we don`t use a fuse in power plugs in Norway

[Terje1968]

Good luck.

Thanks!

[jman98]

Usually bad caps that blew. Easy fix.

Find somebody that knows electronics -- maybe you can do it already.
It's high-school level stuff.

Good luck.

Maybe 50 years ago it was. The OP admits it's beyond his skill level. It's beyond mine too. Just another example of the old "I can do it, therefore it's easy and EVERYBODY else in the world can do it too" fallacy.

Anyway, Terje1968 - Try unplugging the player for 24 hours and then try it again.

[Terje1968]

Thanks jman98 I will do that, I tried to replace the cord but without success...

[fzabkar]

Here's a service manual:
http://elektrotanya.com/panasonic_dmr-eh67ec.pdf/download.html

There is a power supply diagram on page 54.

The part number of the Power Supply PCB appears to be VEP71118A. It looks like you can substitute it with a VEP71118C.

There's no guarantee that the abovementioned PCB is the culprit, but it may be worth a punt (~$30). The exploded views in the manual should help you with disassembly.

[DB83]

Here's a service manual:
http://elektrotanya.com/panasonic_dmr-eh67ec.pdf/download.html

For FFS. The OP has already stated that the equivalent of reading service manual is akin to selling ice to an Eskimo or selling Playboy magazine without the articles

You might get a stiffy by reading one but the majority on here would not know it's arse from it's elbow.

Terje. Put the unit in the hands of someone who understands electonics. More damage can be caused by 'amateur' repairs.

[fzabkar]

FFS What is so hard about replacing a board? I'm not expecting the OP to REPAIR anything.

Now p*ss off and go play with yourself.

PS. I just removed the PSU PCB (p/n VEP71110) from a DMR-EH55.

(1) Remove 6 screws and lift off the cover (the OP has already done this)

(2) Locate the PSU PCB (the OP has already done this)

(3) Disconnect two connectors (fan and DC power)

(4) Remove 3 screws from PCB and 1 screw from rear panel

(5) Lift out PSU PCB

Do you think a board jockey could do that?

[loster]

Board swapping is easy but I would at least check for voltage output from the power supply first.

[fzabkar]

Board swapping is easy but I would at least check for voltage output from the power supply first.

Agreed. A quick check with a multimeter would be very easy to do and would only take a few minutes.

If the OP is willing to invest in a $5 digital multimeter, I would be happy to show him what to do.

[Terje1968]

Thanks fzabkar for instructions and help!, I have a digital multimeter somewhere...

Not easy to find this board, I did a search for VEP71118A/VEP71118C on e-bay but didn`t find one, I found one from a dealer in UK but it was discontinued:
http://sparedparts.com/parts/details/panasonic-power-board-vep71118a-vep71118c

[redwudz]

Since you opened the case, I'll assume you made a through visual examination of the circuit board? You want to look for bulged capacitors as mentioned, also any scent of burned plastic or discolored or burned parts. That's about all you can check without test instruments.

I would assume this recorder was connected either to a cable system or an antenna during the incident. If so, check those input areas carefully for burns. Unplugging it from the mains may not of helped if the surge came through the antenna inputs.

If other line level inputs were in use instead, same situation.

Anyway, you may be able to take the unit to a technician and they may be able to tell you if it's worth repairing. Unfortunately, storm produced electrical surges can do a lot of damage with the type of microprocessors used in modern electronics.

Surge protectors aren't perfect, but work well enough most of the time. Most inexpensive ones use a self-destructive device called a MOV that works more with voltage than fuses that work with amperage. MOVs are also much faster than fuses. Even with a surge protector, I would disconnect or ground out any cable/antenna connectors during a electrical storm.

[Megahurts]

You didn't mention if the main fuse (F1101) was blown. If so, remove VA1110 which is a MOV (metal oxide varistor). It's purpose is to blow the fuse if there is a power surge. The set will work without it. Replace fuse and see if it works.