AELFCHECK Problem with Panasonic DVD Recorder

Mar 14, 2008

- Hi Ram
Regrettably, an all too familiar response by people who unfortunately either don't know how, or just can't be bothered to help. These machines are excellent but they have this flaw in the power supply that has never been addressed by Panasonic. I have repaired dozens of them for exactly this problem and usually add an extra heatsink that will prolong the life of the replacement part. I am sure that scores of these will have ended up at the local tip that could have been repaired for a few pounds very easily.

Thanks for your Fixya and good luck with that machine.
Regards
Helen

Mar 14, 2008

- Hi Ram

I totally agree. It is inexcusable for any manufacturer to continue to design equipment with such an obviously blatant and time sensitive flaw.

The fact is, Panasonic players and recorders are built to very high standards and the designs are fundamentally excellent. However, the power board regulator is overworked and during normal operation it exceeds the component manufacturer's heat tolerance recommendation. This means it is bound to fail sooner or later, and usually just out of guarantee. If it was bolted to a more substantial metal heatsink or even designed so that it was bolted to the cabinet itself, the problem would be immediately resolved. Worse still, is the ludicrous prices charged by some service centres that put most people off so the equipment is thrown out instead of repaired. Quotes for new laser drives, digital board and complete relacemet units are not uncommon and all that is needed is a new regulator for a few pounds and the ability to replace it. I charge no more than £25 to repair and fully test them, because I hate to see people being ripped off and good equipment wasted.

Well, that's my rant for the day Ram, I'll go and have a cup of tea to calm myself down now.

Regards
Helen

Jun 10, 2008

- Hi Ram

I am soooo pleased that you managed to repair your E95, Well done you! It is a little trickier than the E55 because you have to remove the hard drive to gain access to the power board. So you can give yourself a big pat on the back and enjoy the film even more now! The power board is basically the same design on all those machines with a few minor differences like connectors and so on. Every E55, E85/95 etc will eventually breakdown because of one component.

I do slightly disagree on one point. The big manufacturers don't necessarily use cheap components. Many domestic components are now manufactured to military specification and if they are used correctly and in the right place they will go on forever.However, manufacturers do so often use the wrong components in the wrong places with inadequate protection and that's why they get hot and fail. Just look at most laptop power units, you can fry an egg on them because they are totaly inadequately rated for the job. I sandwich my laptop power unit between two thick pieces of aluminium and it runs nice and cool. An easy fix.

I see that Chris has a problem with his E95, perhaps you can give him a few pointers to help him get it going.

Take care now, and well done again.
Regards
Helen