HVR-A1 for John Rofrano

[Scott Francis]

Try to reset it, there should be a small reset button somewhere on it, sometimes I have seen them under a small panel that may need to be removed. I did this with out a battery in it and see if then you are able to start up the camera. Good luck!! Also, there is a repair show in CA that I used, they were REALLY good, and lower than Sony, it was for my FX1, I am not sure of the name, it was several years ago…good luck!!

Scott Francis
Mind’s Eye Audio/Video Productions

[John Rofrano]

Yea I do have an HVR-A1U but I’ve never heard of a problem like that. Are you using Sony batteries? I know sometimes cameras will shutdown when they sense bad batteries. The reluctance to reject the tape may have been a by-product of the camera shutting down since that’s what it did right after that.

Here is a link to the HVR-A1U Operators Manual:

HVRA1U_OM.pdf

On Page 83 under troubleshooting is says to remove the battery, wait a minute, then press the reset button with a sharp pointed object as Scott suggested. The reset button is on the inside body when you open the LCD, just below the Display Battery Info button.

Good Luck,

~jr

http://www.johnrofrano.com
http://www.vasst.com

[Danny Hays]

Thanks for your responses guys. I did try the reset button, even after removing power for a few minutes, still no luck. I did a search and this forums top post describes the same problem exactly.
https://www.dvinfo.net/forum/sony-hvr-a1-hdr-hc-series/138639-a1u-suddenly-semi-dead.html
I contacted Sony and I guess I gotta send it in. This is the second tape based camcorder that has had a problem with tapes. My Canon GL1 and this HVR-A1. Both cameras hardly ever had tapes in them as I mostly capture direct to my hard drive so it can’t be worn tape handling mechanics. I believe I am done with tape based cameras. When I get this one back from repair, it’s component in thru my Intensity Shuttle from now on.

[Danny Hays]

Thanks for your responses guys. I did try the reset button, even after removing power for a few minutes and still no luck. I found someone with the exact problem on another forum and they had to have Sony replace a fuse. When I get this back from Sony, it’s component out to my Intensity Shuttle from now on. I won’t be buying any tape based cameras anymore as my GL1 had a similar problem accepting tapes. Both cameras hardly ever had tapes in them either. I usualy record straight to my hard drive.
I also tried posting a link to the forum showing the same problem and it was rejected by this forum. Come on Creativecow, We’re just looking for help here. Not trying to get people to switch forums.
For the first time I have to say “Boo” instead of moo to the Cow.
:-(((

[Nigel O’neill]

Danny have you tried powering up the camera without the battery using the mains adapter?

Intel i7 920, 12GB RAM, ASUS P6T, Vegas Pro 10 (x32/x64), Windows 7 x64 Ultimate, Vegas Production Assistant 1.0, VASST Ultimate S Pro 4.1, Neat Video Pro 2.6

[Danny Hays]

Yes. other than the white flash on the screen, it’s like there’s no power. I even measured the power adapter. I think the bad tape got jammed while being pulled into the camer and blew the fuse. Bummer huh?

[Scott Francis]

I always look for service manuals online as well…I have been able to repair my FX1 and an FX7 in the past with a service manual…that is if you feel comfortable with electronics.

Scott Francis
Mind’s Eye Audio/Video Productions