Sony TRV-240 D8 Camera Problem
 

I have a Sony trv-240 digital8 camera and I'm having trouble with it. Whenever I try to put a tape in, the tape mechanism simply doesn't close. It will close if there's no tape in. I don't know what to do. When the camera is on and I'm trying to put a tape in I get an error code (at least I'm assuming it's an error code) that looks like this C:31:40. Can anyone help me or do I have to send it to sony to get it fixed?

The User Guide for your Sony camcorder explains what to do with that error code.

Assuming that these codes are standardized across the Sony line, the "C" series of codes mean that you can service the camera yourself. C:31:XX means "A malfunction other than the above that you can service has occurred." They suggest the following:

1. Remove the cassette and insert it again, then operate your camcorder

2. Disconnect the power cord of the AC power adaptor or remove the battery pack. After reconnecting the power supply, operate your camcorder.

I suspect you may have already tried these however...

According to this Sony Knowledge Base article on camcorder error codes (http://www.iq.sony.com/SRVS/CGI-BIN/...ARSET_TOP=TRUE), the power/battery should be disconnected for 60 seconds. If that doesn't work, service may be required.

Also: your camera probably has a reset button somewhere (see manual if you can't find it). Try pressing that.

I found my manual and I saw what Boyd saw. I tried disconnecting the power and reconnecting it. I also tried removing the cassette, but the tape mechanism still didn't close. I'll try unplugging it and removing the battery for a minute, but I'm not too optimistic.

I just tried to leave the power off for a minute and I also tried pushing the reset button. No luck. I guess I'll have to take it to my camera shop. Thanks for all your help.

It may be just a simple mechanical problem. When you close the cassette hatch, place your index finger on the far left, upper corner of the lid and your thumb on the far right corner. Press in firmly but gently on both corners and the latches may click and hold. Many people try to close these hatches by just pressing in the middle, but the catches are in the upper corners. This doesn't work with all models, such as the VX2100, which has a single, specific
feature on the hatch, that you press to close it.

If this doesn't work, check to make sure you haven't bent the thin metal carriage that holds the cassette. If you've pushed the hatch too hard in the wrong places, this carriage may be holding the cassette out of position and interfering with closing. This can also cause the cassette shell to rub against the head drum, which at 4,500 rpm, can make a loud whine. Why do you suppose they designed these things with only about 3/32" clearance in this spot?