datavideo tbc 1000 is my unit dying?

[mazinz]

Since a TBC can be very helpful in any sort of restoration I figure I would post this question here:


I bought my datavideo tbc 1000 off ebay some time ago. The seller claimed it had a low hour use (roughly 15-30 hours) and I have been using it (about 15-20 hours so far) with no issues over these past few months.

However, the other night I noticed in the picture what looked like faint lines sometimes occurring. To try and describe it better, the type of mild interference that you might say “I think I need to replace the video wire” OR “hmm I might need a new power cord” that kind of line noise. It would go away, but at one point it became really bad so I jiggled the power cord wire and it went away again. Shortly thereafter it came back, but messing with the power cord wire did nothing, however I tapped the svhs cable (output) that is close to the powercord and the noise/lines went away. The problem happened one more time and this is where I have my concern – the picture went as if someone turned down the brightness on it (the audio which was also run through the unit stayed fine). Nothing fixed this. I had to shut the unit off and turn it back on; once I did this the problem went away.

I did open the unit and noticed that it was very clean on the inside with no dust. I also used the TBC for something two night ago (*about 3 hours) and the problem did not occur, though I thought (eyes possibly playing tricks on me) one point the faint lines that I saw originally, made a brief appearance.

Is this a sign that my tbc is dying, or could it quite possibly be that I need a new power cord (the cord itself is kind of twisted)

The TBC is on a flat surface. Could over heating in the unit since it seems to really have
no vents cause this issue?

[robjv1]

Are you sure you have the original/proper power supply for this unit?

[PuzZLeR]

Sounds like your TBC is sensitive to what you're feeding it, and that is likely "dirty power". There are many such units that correct this at most electronics/computer chain stores. They are inexpensive and have a money back guarantee if it doesn't solve your problem. I would try this first.

[lordsmurf]

Radio Shack, new power cord. Easy.
DC 9V 1A, according to the official spec sheet that I pulled from my file cabinet.

[mazinz]

Are you sure you have the original/proper power supply for this unit?

I was told so, this is the power plug mine came with:

Sounds like your TBC is sensitive to what you're feeding it, and that is likely "dirty power". There are many such units that correct this at most electronics/computer chain stores. They are inexpensive and have a money back guarantee if it doesn't solve your problem. I would try this first.

I have it plugged into an rca (I would say mid range) surge protector that was made for tv/pc material. It is supposed to clean the power running into it from such things.

Radio Shack, new power cord. Easy.
DC 9V 1A, according to the official spec sheet that I pulled from my file cabinet.

Hey LS, the back of my TBC has 12v 1.2a printed on it (the cord matches this). Is it possible they changed the insides at one point boosting up the voltage level to 12v?

I will look into a new power cord as well as checking into possible dirty voltage leaking through the surge protector. I feel better knowing it might be one of these two simpler issues than the expensive unit itself dying out

[mazinz]

I wanted to update that I first bought a new plug at radio shack. The problem still sort of seemed like it was there but very faint (I can tell by looking at the blue screen from my vcr that is run through it- for record's sake-yes I do "shut" the blue screen option before recording). However today I went to Home Depot (the one by me carries nothng really for dirty power) and picked up the Belkin home theater surge protector (4000 Joules). I also believe it is stronger (with Joule setting) than my previous one. I plugged it in and sure enough I saw a clean blue screen from the vcr! I do not want to toot my own horn yet, but so far the surge protector seems to have fixed my issue

[PuzZLeR]

Hoping it solves your problem, as well as with others searching this thread - good luck.

[mazinz]

OK sadly the problem made another appearance when using the unit tonight to record an old vhs. A quick tap to the top of the
unit by me fixed the problem. At least this time I can provide a video clip of what the unit is doing (link below, safe for work). SO by viewing the clip can anyone let me know what is possibly going wrong with this unit? thanks again---

[lordsmurf]

The inputs or outputs are possibly bad. I'd guess on the outputs.
Soldering wearing out?

Bypass the distribution amp.
Read this: http://www.digitalFAQ.com/forum/video-restore/1995-avt-8710-vs-2.html
It has photos and more technical details on how to do it.

[mazinz]

Hey LS,
thanks for the info, though the actual Mod pics (pics listed are the machine as is without the cover on) and exact how to are not up on the link you sent, I made a reply to it.