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Posted on Nov 17, 2008
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DVD recorder/HVS combi - failure to complete self-check

Machine is just over 1 year old. No problems until recently. DVD recorder flashes 'hello' then error message U61, then 'hello' again. on TV screen I get message re failure to complete self-check.On pressing 'Enter' machine goes off. This has happened a few times - sometimes if I leave it off at the mains for a few hours it seems to self correct, but it is happening more frequently, and now very irritating as I obviously cannot record or play anything when it happens. Sometimes I just get 'Please wait' flashing for hours - unresponsive to anything until I switch off at mains. Any help would be much appreciated.

  • 2 more comments 
  • ab74 Nov 17, 2008

    Sorry - I thought I had - it is a Panasonic DMR EX95VEBS

  • ab74 Nov 17, 2008

    I've checked the wiring and tried changing to different electrical socket - same problem with DMR EX95VEBS occurs. This time after the 'Hello' and U61, when I press Enter I get DVD1 and then back to 'hello'. The only way to get rid of the on screen message re failure to complete self check was to press the DVD open/close button.

  • ab74 Nov 17, 2008

    The problem at the moment is that the machine won't let me do anything - including opening the disk tray - so I can't use a cleaner.

  • ab74 Nov 18, 2008

    Any more bright ideas welcomed - machine now flashes DVD1 when any button is pressed, then returns to either 'Hello' or 'Bye' and goes off again. I just want to know if it is worth trying to get it repaired, or junk it and start again. As it is only a year old and expensive, I'm reluctant to do the latter.

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  • Master 685 Answers
  • Posted on Nov 18, 2008
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Try unplugging it for a while and then plugging it back in

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  • Master 624 Answers
  • Posted on Nov 17, 2008
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Since the problems are intermittent that indicates that the soldering on one or more of the boards will need to be reflowed. I have repaired a few of these models and on more than one occasion with this error the microprocessor needed the solder reflowed. This is not a job for anybody without the very best soldering skills. The micro is a surface mounted flat pack IC with pins on all four sides, a total of 80 pins if I remember correctly. If the reflowing of the solder is not done perfectly the unit will become dead.

Ever since the manufacturers started using the "lead free" solder, we have been seeing many more cases of problems that are caused by bad solder connections. It seems that this new "lead free" solder just doesn't hold up to the heating and cooling stress nearly as well as the solder with lead in it.

Unless you have extensive soldering experience and a good familiarity with electronics, you really should just take it in for service, there will be nothing that you can do to fix it on a permanent basis, only short term fixes by unplugging it for a day, then it may work for a day or two, but the problem will still come back again.

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  • Master 734 Answers
  • Posted on Nov 17, 2008
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Here is what you have to do unscrew the cover 4 large screws 2 on each side 3 smaller screws on the back cover lift cover off you should see disc reader with 4 very small screws take them off now you should be able to see inside where the disc is read.it could be that the reader is forward push it back it may be the open and close tray is stuck force it to open gently all the time hitting the reset button just play with it .it should free it up but remember gently

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  • Anonymous Nov 17, 2008

    procedure 2:::
    cleaning the black spool that retains and spins the disc. Using denatured alcohol on a lint free cloth, I carefully cleaned the hub but did not saturate the material. This immediately cleared the no read and unable to record errors. Of course, I had to remove the outside covers to access the inter-workings of the read-writer.

  • Anonymous Nov 17, 2008

    procedure 1: please try them first----
    For U61 errors:Turn unit off
    flip down front a/v input panel
    simultaneously press the channel up and stop buttons for at least 10 seconds.


  • Anonymous Nov 17, 2008

    finaly if you dont find the solution then go to ---- there is all about Err u61 ---
    http://jacobshome.blogspot.com/2008/02/p...

    THANKS

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It usually shows that there is a problem with one of the internal voltage rails.. It might be the capacitor. I tried to look for instructions on how you can replace your capacitor but this is too risky. You may need to send the DMR for servicing.

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  • Posted on Nov 17, 2008
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Hello ab74,

I have seen this problem in the past with this model of machine. It seems to be a power supply issue, mainly the electrolytic capacitor. You can unplug the power cord and wait for a few minutes and this should clear the error. However, I beleive you will get the error back after awhile as the power supply is experiencing what is know as leakage. Hope this helps.

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  • Posted on Nov 17, 2008
Lee Hodgson
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Have a look in the user manual to see what the error code means, if its not in the manual, phone customer support help line to see if they can instruct you on what to do, there maybe a factory reset code that has to be inputted by the remote control, check to see if there is a firmware update for DVD because it is most likely this.
Another thing (providing its out of warranty) is to open it up and clean the inside free of dust.
If it is still in warranty send it back! Or turn it off from the mains and leave it off for at least 24 hours

hope this helps

regards

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  • Posted on Nov 17, 2008
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Hi,

For more specific diagnosis, brand and model would be required. Initially though, normal suspects for similar products would be dirty/weak laser/lens and could be cleaned with a CD cleaning disc. Another common problem is the spindle motor or the guide rail for the lens carriage which could lead to mechanical problem.

Just a start, do postback how things turned up or should you need additional information. Good luck and Thank you for using FixYa.

  • Anonymous Nov 18, 2008

    Appreciate the additional information.

    It would seem that the error is mechanical in nature, traverse problem. Simply stated, the carriage of the laser eye could not move to its designated park position. This is part of the self-check on startup. After cleaning, a general purpose light lubricant should be used. Solution proposed would be cleaning the mechanical components with special attention to the guide rail. In some remote instances, it could also be the motor that drives the carriage back and forth along the railing. Pls reference this post for added insights on spindle/small motor repair. image below maybe used as reference.

    Cheers.


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  • Master 3,614 Answers
  • Posted on Nov 17, 2008
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First kindly provide the exact model / maker of your TV.

-
try checking all possible loose or wrong connection on the device. unplug and plug the tv set into different electrical outlet.

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I repair these, but I have not seen this particular fault before.

However, you mention that you used to be able to leave it for an hour and it would then work. This means the unit was having difficulty in initialising.

There is a very common fault with this model where a power board regulator overheats and fails. This causes the machine to go into a self checking cycle. It will say "Self Check" on the display and if you leave it, the machine will often eventually work.

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It should be an easy fix, so it would be a pity to write it off for such a fault.

Best wishes...
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