I have a used vx-2000 that on occasion when I switch to playback mode the camera just shuts down. At first I was suspicious of the actual switch, but now I am wondering if it is something much more simple than that. Maybe dirty heads? I am very new to this camera, so I really feel helpless.

Thanks!
ken

I have a similar problem with my VX-2000. My theory is that the switch no longer makes good contact when placed in the VCR position. My camera will shut itself down when placed in VCR mode, then sometimes comes back on, then off,... The problem occurs more often when the LCD display is on. I can wiggle the switch and make the problem worse or better, so this is very likely my problem. I suspect that there is also a shutdown mechanism that can occur if something prevents the tape from loading properly, but this doesn't seem to be the problem with mine. Let me know if you figure out what the problem is with yours.

YES, that is exactly what happens to me. If I am very careful about the way I move the switch it is no problem, but having "big ole sausage fingers" like I do, it seems like I can easily move it not so smoothly.
I looked at the page that shows how the camera is disassembled, and to take off that side and replace the switch "seems" easy enough. I guess getting the part would be difficult and expensive, and the risk of damaging the equipment is there too.

Maybe it is possible to have sony clean the contacts on the switch without replacement?

Still searching for answers...

Where is the page that shows how the camera is disassembled? It isn't clear to me which screws to take out and how the switch is mounted internally. I am very handy with electronics but I don't want to dig into the camera without knowing first what kinds of problems exist in getting to the switch.

I suspect cleaning would work for a little while, but my experience with dirty contacts is that once corroded they get intermittent again fairly quickly. If I take the time to open the camera to the point where I could clean the switch, I'd rather take the plunge and replace the switch completely. Of course, that means finding out how to get a switch, which isn't entirely clear to me how to do. I've searched the web but not found any parts lists for the VX.

You will have to obtain the Sony repair manual or just be brave. Sony does sell repair parts but I don't have the URL for the parts depot. Anyone have it?

You will have to obtain the Sony repair manual or just be brave. Sony does sell repair parts but I don't have the URL for the parts depot. Anyone have it?

The switch part is: switch block control, 147607521 -- $47.38 ea.
http://www.camcorderservice.nl/fotos/vx2000fotos/SONY_DCR-VX2000_08.JPG
You may place your order using the link below or call 1-800-488-7669.
Shipping charges and local taxes will be added to your order at checkout.

Sony Direct Accessories & Parts Center web site - http://www.sony.com/accessories

-----------------------
I agree that replacement of the switch is probably the best route.
Let me rephrase a previous statement, " I looked at the page that shows how the camera is disassembled,..."

I should have said...I looked at the page that shows the camera disassembled, and to take off that side and replace the switch "seems" easy enough.

It does seem pretty simple. I would bet there is a screw or two holding that switch secure, unplug it and slide it outward. This is only a guess though...tell you what, I will take pictures and fill you in when I get mine apart...if it comes to that.

Ken- We could do rock/scissors/paper for who goes first. I have looked at the side panel a number of times to figure out which screws take the side off. There are some on the side and some on the bottom that appear likely candidates.

It isn't clear to me how the switch connects to the rest of the electronics. If there is a flex cable (as I assume there must be), then it isn't shown in the picture. This is the element in the disassembly process that I am most wary of. I don't want to tweak the cable taking the cam apart or putting it back together. I suppose it can't be too tricky to deal with or the techs would not be able to get the cameras back together when they fixed them in the shop.

I probably won't deal with this immediately as my camera still works fine in camera mode. (I have 2 other cams that can be used for downloading) I'm hoping you will go ahead and do yours, and then post what you find out!

Good luck with your repair job and keep us all informed.

Alan

Ok Alan...I am almost there. I have looked into this repair quite a bit. My cam seems to still be ok, but it just bugs the hell out of me that this one switch is flakey.

So, the last bit of info I need before I attempt this repair (which I will document with pictures for you all, hopefully the last photo will not be me in tears wil a pile of misc. leftover parts in front of me as I scream like kirk at khan) I am looking for page 6-3 from the pd-150 service manual. That is Chapter 6, page 3. It shows the diagram of the left cabinet section, including the switch block control.

Taking the left side of the cabinet apart is a snap. A few screws and only one ribbon cable. Only part I am still not 100% sure about is how much of the switch gets replaced and its exact removal.

Well, that is the update. Any help getting this page from the "Service Manual" will be great help.

BTW: Here is an exploded view of the pd-150 in case anyone wants it.
http://ca.geocities.com/kenlandrum/pd-150_6-1.jpg

THANKS!
Ken

I have no idea of where to get the service manual. The only pictures that I am aware of are the ones that were posted on this site. Let me know how your repair goes. Did you have any problems getting the replacement switch?

Thanks, but I found the page. Looks really simple. I am still waiting on a call back for the switch. I never thought it would be much of a problem getting the part. I guess I will find out shortly.

I will add a link for this diagram as soon as I uploaded.

cheers!

You might find what you are looking for here:

http://serviceplus.us.sony.biz


matt rickman

<<<-- Originally posted by Matt Rickman : You might find what you are looking for here:

http://serviceplus.us.sony.biz
matt rickman -->>>

Thanks Matt! I ordered the part online and according to the UPS tracker it should b here today or tomorrow.

Switch block control, 147607521 -- $47.38 ea.
Shipping: $11.50
Tax: $3.87
Total: $62.75

I actually plan to swap out the parts right after St.Patty's Day due to some important shooting. At that point I will post an update with photos, schematics and comments. Maybe if it works out Alan C. will want to repair his own vx2k as well...c'mon man, everyones doin' it.
Thanks again guys for the help.
cheers!

http://www.kenlandrum.com/vx-2000_Repair/switch_repair_01.html

Here ya go Alan...or anyone else attempting such. The repair was quite easy once I found this one hidden screw under the handle. The above link documents the repair and gives you all the reference material you should need for the project. I have tested the camera numerous times since the repair and it works perfect now.

Thanks to everyone for their help.
Enjoy!

Wow! You are my hero... I'm now ready to take on the project myself. I think that I might have gotten frustrated by the hidden screw and given up partway through. Who would have thought that you needed to take the handle off given all the external screws that hold on the side. Perhaps there to frustrate do-it-yourself repair folks like us! Thanks again for being the guinea pig and then posting such a great write-up.

Glad you liked it. I will leave the page up for a few months so you grab all the info.....Good luck!

I will be taking the site/pix/ref,etc... offline at the end of this month (may 31st, 2005)

Hope it helped.

Ken