Tape loading mechanism initialisation error [NV-GS11eg]

The fault seems to be in the sensor and the mode switch of the loading system which is connected with the main controller processor and loading driver.
This can be a failure of the tape end detector which is a IR - infra red- emitter which is placed in the center of the tape tray and MUST feed continuous signal to the END IR detectors placed at either ends.
Also the tape seems to load with a false detection of the cassette within when the tray is closed for this reason of the failure along with a possible misplaced mode switch settings. This triggers to make the loading move without a reason and so can be due to failure of the the mode switch or unbalanced settings.You will need some experience to remove the tray unit, then check on the IR sensors and also check the settings of the loading drive and mode switch.

If your camcorder experiences an error, you may be presented with a ?Remove the Cassette? message. There are several reasons that this message may appear, but it is essentially a safety warning that is designed to protect the camcorder and/or tape from damage. The camcorder?s tape drive mechanism is made up of many precision components that, once damaged, may cause further problems if the mechanism continues to operate. When a problem is detected the safety mechanism is activated. The ?Remove the Cassette? warning and the camcorder?s safety mode may be activated by a variety of conditions such as: 1. Condensation is detected ? If condensation is detected by the camcorder, the ?Remove the Cassette? warning may occur. 2. Component failure ? If an electrical or mechanical component in the camcorder fails, the safety mode may activate to prevent any further damage to the camcorder. 3. Sand or grit damage ? The camcorder?s tape drive mechanism consists of many tiny gears. Sand or grit can cause a gear to jam and stop turning. This will cause the camcorder's safety mode to activate. 4. Impact damage ? If a camcorder is accidentally dropped or bumped against a hard surface, it is possible that a misalignment of the tape drive mechanism may occur. 5. Liquid damage ? If either the camcorder or the tape is exposed to water or any other liquid, a variety of malfunctions may result. Please avoid this situation. 6. Improper videotape insertion ? If a tape is forced into the cassette compartment, or if the cassette compartment is pressed down while the tape is loading, damage may occur to the tape drive mechanism. Please refer to the User's Manual. 7. Damaged or defective tape ? If a tape becomes damaged, please discontinue its use. Operational Recovery Steps Depending on the conditions that caused this message to appear, it is possible that the camcorder operation may recover. Please follow these steps: 1. Eject the videotape Insert a new or known good videotape. If the message does not persist, it is possible that the tape was damaged. If the camcorder still displays the message with a new tape, please proceed to step 2. 2. If condensation had been detected causing the Remove the Cassette warning, remove the cassette, and allow at least one hour for the moisture to dry. If the "Remove the Cassette" message continues, the camcorder may require service. Please contact Canon USA's Tech Support Center at 1 (800) 828-4040. Technical support hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 12:00 midnight; and Saturday 10:00am - 8:00pm (all times EST). Alternatively, if electronic support is preferred, please send your email to [email protected]

Hi, My Sony DCR-HC32 handycam's tape mechanism is giving me some problem. It ejects and the tape deck opens up properly but after putting a tape and closing it, the tape deck does not go in. I tried with or without tape but it doesn't go in. It is still open.
Can you please suggest how it could be fixed?
Thanks,
Pramod

well there are certain cassettes made for that camcorder. i suggest you search for what the are called and then you can buy them

I had a similar issue where the tape bay would not lock in and engage the motor mechanism to load the tape. I removed the battery from the unit and let it stand for approximately a minute then reinserted the battery. The tape drawer closed first without a tape then reopened with no issue. I then inserted a new tape with no issue. I guess it needed a hard reboot.

It sounds like the tape door is out of alignment, causing stress on the tape and the inside mechanical system.  Requires a visit to the service shop.

Just had this problem myself... called Sony. Here is what I did to fix this:

1. Turn off power
2. Open the LCD Display
3. Press "Reset" with paperclip/pen
4. Unplug ANY wires connected to the camcorder
5. Eject battery
6. Plug in DC charger
7. Power on
8. Attempt to eject tape
9. At this point, the metal tape holder comes out but refuses to open... slightly "close" the portion of the camcorder that has the button to eject the tape, and then open it fully again (you'll hear a click, this signals the device that the 'hatch' is open and to eject).
10. The metal door *should* pop out and allow you to withdraw the tape.

I've tried 4 different cassettes and about 2 seconds after hitting play, I get the error every time... my solution: Not going to try to play my tapes on the camcorder anymore... will find another player to play Hi8 MP cassettes. Unknown if able to record to tape as of yet.

I had the same problem. First, depress the reset button, located on the camera body (where the LCD screen closes over it). It is hard to see at first. It is important that the camera be set to the OFF position. When the camera is whirring after the reset, then hit the EJECT button so the tape comes out. Take the tape out and insert it back. That's it. My camcorder worked fine and let me record or plaback once I followed those steps.

Vic

The tape might be wrapped around the head or the capstan. The mechanism is delicate so you risk more damage by trying yourself - check with some of the repair shops on the Fixya home page for prices to remove the tape.

Was having a similar problem but the tape would not even partially load. Spent several hours, over the course of several days trying to figure how to fix this and found the following solution to a similar problem on this site. I tried it as a last resort...it worked! Now I just need to figure out what to tell my wife when she asks me "how" I fixed the camera???? Here is what I did...I allowed the mechanism to close without a tape inserted (the only way it WOULD close), gave it a solid - but gentle - whack on the tape side of the camcorder with the palm of my hand...sort of like burping a baby. I said a little prayer to the saint of hopeless causes (St. Jude Thaddeus)...slid the open/eject button, opened the door, slid a tape in, gently pushed it down (where it says "push") and ...the mechanism closed!!! Not sure if the "fix" will last but we'll see and report back if the problem crops up again.