Hi, I have since two years this Recorder and it worked without any problems. When I start the recorder, it only makes self check and nothing you can do. It doesn`t open, it doesn`t work. Can anyone help me?
Ok guys, you asked for a fix for the DMR E55 Self Checking cycle. Here goes.
In 99% of cases this is caused by a faulty regulator on the main power board. The power board is located on the right hand side of the unit. The regulator is IC001 which is mounted on a thin metal strip which acts as a totally inadequate heatsink. This means that this component constantly works at temperatures beyond its tolerance. Because of this it usually lasts a couple of years and then starts causing problems. The Self Checking syndrome is typical. If the regulator burns out completely, it can take other components with it, blow fuses and scorch the circuit board.
If you are competent in using a soldering iron with care, order an STRG 6353 regulator. These can be obtained online from a number of suppliers. Disconnect your DMR E55 from the power source and remove the lid.
Next, remove the fixing screws from the circuit board on the right where the regulator is located. Carefully remove the multi connector on the left side of the board. Remove the screw above the power connector on the rear of the unit. The power board can now be removed from the cabinet. Using a small pair of wire cutters, clip all five pins from the old regulator as close the the top of the board as possible. Undo the screw securing it to the heatsink and remove the old regulator which can now be thrown away.
Next, using your soldering iron, remove what's left of the pins from the printed board and with a solder sucker or desoldering braid, clear the holes ready to accept your new regulator. Be careful because if you over heat the print it can lift away from the board.
Use a little heatsink compound on the back of your new regulator, poke the pins through the circuit board and then secure it to the heatsink. I usually fit an extra heatsink on these units which helps to reduce heat and prolong the life of the new component.
Next, resolder the 5 pins on the print side of the board. Use a magnifying glass and make sure you haven't missed anything or bridged connections in error and caused short circuits.
Now put the board back. This can be a little trick but it's easy enough if you take care. Replace all the screws and carefully reconnect the multi connector.
If you have followed this correctly, switch the unit back on, pop in a DVD and give it a try. Unless you are very unlucky, You DMR E55 will no longer repeatedly self check and will operate correctly. Whilst it saddens me to hear that some of you guys would toss your DMR E55s into the trash can for such an easily repairable problem, please do not attempt this unless you are confident in your own ability.
Finally, do check that the fan operates but remember it is temperature controlled and will not activate until it is needed. Do not assume it is faulty because you do not see it working straight away. I have repaired lots of DMR E55s and I have never found a single fan or fan control circuit to be faulty. That's not to say it can't fail. good luck...
Replace the STRG 6353 IC. £4.50 + P&P from Charles Hyde & son or CHS (on the web) be careful when lifting the old unit off the board as the tracks are not of a very good quality. Don't use to hot a soldering iron. the unit comes apart easy 10 screws and a ribbon connector and the board is off (RH board top view).
Look underneath the unit. Should be a hole in the region of the disc drawer, normally covered / filled with foam. Put hole in foam and small cog visible, move cog carefully to one side and disc tray opens. Unplug first!
SORRY TO SAY THIS, BUT YOU HAVE TO USE IT ONLY TO PLAY COMMERCIAL DVDS LIKE BLOCKBUSTER OR HOPE AND PRAY IT WILL PLAY DVD IT HAS RECORDED ON IT'S OWN, IF YOUR LUCKY. I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. MY UNIT IS GOING TO THE GARBAGE CAN.
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I have exactly same problem - how do I get it to power off apart from taking out the plug!
just self checks.Big let down these days.Makes a gentle thudder inside like a clock ticking.
Unit switches on, self-checks, displays 'No Disc'. Open tray, insert disc, close tray all OK, then the trouble starts. Unit goes into 'Self Check' mode and cycles through self-check repeatedly. Will not open tray, will not play, will not switch off. Makes a gentle thumping noise inside as it restarts its self-check routine.
Sometimes it's impossible to make it work. Sometimes it will work after about 15 minutes of leaning on the Open button.It is totally unreliable!
Unit is about three years old.
Exactly the same problem. Unit will power down after holding power button for 10+ seconds. There is a guy on eBay who says he will repair for £30 + delivery but I will probably junk and buy a new Samsung for £150 with HDD 1 yes warranty etc. Unless anyone else can help?
My recorder suffers the same problem. I have had it 3 years without problem then a couple of months ago it started playing up with the same problems described here - namely continually cycling through the self-checking mode when I put a recordable disk in (it plays pre-recorded disks fine). Consequently it can now no longer be used for recording, only playing. The only way to get the disk out is to pull the power cable (pressing the standby button does not work) and after a few seconds plugging it back in and then immediately pressing the "open" button and the tray will then open.
Will not start after being off stand-by or set for timer record. Longer it's idle the longer it tries Self-check. Sometimes as long as 15 minutes before it comes on-line or not at all. If latter it needs diconnecting for few seconds before trying again. Seems to vary with discs - seems to prefer commercial prerecorded!
YES Exactly same symptoms as described - seems to be a very common problem - usually after 2-3 years use! Has anyone got a real repair suggestion?
Further to my earlier posting, I have now had my machine examined by engineers who say that a new drive is required (whatever that is). The cost: £155 inc parts, labour and VAT. It only cost £169 to buy new 3 years ago!
Having looked around at new machines I can get more or less the equivalent machine new for about £80 but with HDMI upscaling so I think a new machine it is!
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