Extract tape without power?
 

Guys, I just can't seem to take a trick at the moment!

Yesterday one of our XLH1's died near the end of a shoot. By died I mean powered down suddenly, and can't be powered back on. No response, regardless of battery or AC power.

I have two questions:

1) Does the XLH1 have a fuse/breaker/hard reset procedure I could try before sending it away?

2) Is there a way I can extract the tape from the camera without damaging either? The tape has a half-days shooting on it that I'll need to start working on soon.

Unfortunately we have only one Canon repair office in the country, so sending the camera away usually means you're without it for a few weeks, but I really need that tape!

cheers

Matthew P

Re: Extract tape without power?
 

No - the tape mechanism will have to be dismantled,and this has to be done by a technician.

Probably your main fuse has blown. Were you using any accessories (plugging them in or out while the camera was on) during the shoot?

Re: Extract tape without power?
 

thanks Simon, the only non-standard thing we have on the camera is an IDX v-lock batt adapter, and we had no accessories plugged in.

Is the main fuse in a place accessible by a careful cameraman with a screwdriver? Obviously the camera is well out of warranty.

Matthew P

Re: Extract tape without power?
 

It might be possible to energize the tape mechanism motor by applying 4vdc to its connections, which are accessible with the door open. Better if the door is removed. I operated my deck a few times and noted that this little motor operates when the mechanism is extending or retracting. The voltmeter I'm using isn't the best, (the power to the motor cuts off before the meter settles on a reading). Max reading was 3.88vdc. The attached photo shows the motor in the lower right corner. The power comes in on the two solder connections on the back of the motor. I'll take the voltage readings again tomorrow when I have my good meter. I'll also be able to verify the polarity for extending the mechanism. 'Course, I'll be sober by then, and probably feeling less adventurous about this.

**All standard disclaimers apply**


Mark

Re: Extract tape without power?
 

No - I believe it is soldered directly to the main board (!). The camera has to be dismantled to get at it. Nightmare.

I live in fear of this when I'm working out in Uganda where I usually live, because the nearest technician is in another continent....

Re: Extract tape without power?
 

Using a Fluke 289 meter, the voltage going to the motor was found to be 5vdc.
When ejecting the tape, the connection on the right ("B" in the photo) is positive, and "A" is negative. To retract the mechanism, reverse the connections.

Mark

Re: Extract tape without power?
 

Mark I really appreciate your effort on this. I'll have another look tomorrow and see how difficult it would be to get 5 volts down there with a couple of probes. It would certainly be a load off my mind not having to let the tape out of my sight.

Will report.

Matthew P

Re: Extract tape without power?
 

It's no trouble. I have the XL-H1A camera, so hopefully your XL-H1 tape transport mechanism is identical to mine. When I read your initial post, I grabbed my camera and naturally started looking for the little hole to put a paperclip into. Nothing found and nothing mentioned in the manual about this. I know I wouldn't want to turn in a camera for servicing with a tape installed. If I were in your shoes, I wouldn't hesitate to give this a try. We'll both be relieved if this method works.