Sony HVR-M25N Deck Problem

[Litaiff]

Hello there.

I recently bought this device. I have 200 HDV tapes to convert, but it's having this problem: when I turn it on, it makes a noise and then shuts down (Attached video File). I haven't taken it to anyone to fix yet; I'd like advice from the technicians here first. If the solution is too complex I'll put it up for sale.


[Attachment 92381 - Click to enlarge]

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[aramkolt]

I've worked on those before, but can't say I've heard that noise. Sounds like one of the motors is running, possibly trying to move the transport in one way or another and slipping when doing so.

Looks like unknown condition units go for $200-$250 shipped on ebay, assume it'd be less on known non-working units.

I see you're located in Brazil, so probably wouldn't make sense to ship it internationally for a repair attempt by me anyway.

[Litaiff]

I've worked on those before, but can't say I've heard that noise. Sounds like one of the motors is running, possibly trying to move the transport in one way or another and slipping when doing so.

Looks like unknown condition units go for $200-$250 shipped on ebay, assume it'd be less on known non-working units.

I see you're located in Brazil, so probably wouldn't make sense to ship it internationally for a repair attempt by me anyway.

Thanks for the reply... But I think I managed to fix it.

I opened the top and bottom covers, the inside of the device looked brand new, without rust, dirt, etc., but then why was it shutting down?

What did I do? I took a hairdryer, blew hot air on several parts, especially the circuit boards. I turned it on again and put in a DVCAM tape before it shut down, and to my surprise it didn't shut down! Then, I did several tests, everything is working now, I tested HDV, MiniDV, and DVCAM tapes, left it on for about 2 hours testing the tapes and then I turned it off. Later, after about 5 hours, I turned it on again and everything was still normal.

Judging by the pic, it's clear that it's been used quite a bit, hasn't it?

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[Litaiff]

Oh my!
I had Google's AI analyze the state of the video heads on this device.

Based on the image from the HOURS METER menu of your Sony HVR-M25N, here is the current usage analysis and estimated lifespan:
Current Unit Reading
The values shown are multiplied by 10 (indicated by the suffix ×10H):
• Operation: 38,460 hours (Total time the unit has been switched on).
• Drum Run: 5,520 hours (Time the drumhead has rotated).

• Tape Run: 4,890 hours (Tape feed time in playback/recording).

• Threading: 14,250 times (Number of times the tape has been loaded into the mechanism).
_____________
Drum Run Lifespan
For professional video equipment in the Sony HDV/DVCAM line, technical parameters generally suggest:
1. Preventive Maintenance (Drum Head Replacement): Sony recommends inspecting or replacing the drum every 1,000 to 2,000 hours of use.
2. Condition of your device: With 5,520 hours of Drum Run, this device has significantly exceeded the recommended standard maintenance cycles. [1]

Conclusion:
Technically, the video heads on this device are beyond the end of their expected lifespan. If it is still functioning without "dropped frames" (image glitches) or reading errors, it is a sign that it has been very well cared for or the heads have been replaced previously without resetting the counter (which is rare and complex to do). [1]
For critical or professional use, this equipment would present a high risk of imminent failure or degradation in image quality. If it's just for digitizing old tapes and the image is clean, you can continue using it until the first signs of wear (blocks in the image or choppy audio) appear.

[Litaiff]

I was amazed. More than 14,000 tapes have been placed in this device, and inside it looks brand new.

I tested several tapes for about 3 hours with the device on, HDV tapes, MiniDVs, DVcam tapes and the image was always clean without any errors.

Could it be that, according to the AI's conclusion in this case, the heads were replaced? If so, is there any way to know?

[themaster1]

One way to know would be to inspect under a microscope i guess. A sign of wear and tear is the head protusion. When it's new the protusion (tip of the head) is clearly outside the drum's edge (we're talking a few microns) , with W&T the protusion tend to align with the edge. Cause: friction multiplied by 38K hours...
i think this is true for many tape formats
edit :microns rather than millimeters

[aramkolt]

Hard to say if the hair dryer loosened up some lubricant vs (temporarily?) changed some of the characteristics of the capacitors. Heat and cold can sometimes reveal bad capacitors, but if that's what got it going, odds are the issue will pop up again eventually without replacement.