Hi

I've been having problems with dropouts and banding on my 1999 Xl1. It's probably time to have the drum replaced, but I want to ask a few questions before I give in.

After I clean the heads, it works fine for about 40 minutes on a tape and then the dropouts begin again. Clean the head, fine again for 40 min. So, I have also tried cleaning with chamois tipped swabs and that works good too, but the dropouts come back. Anything here?

Next thing, under the drum is a black or gray foam pad. What is that thing for and is it causing problems with the drum?

thanks,

tup

If your machine is a '99 and not had a complete overhaul, it's well past due.

Not just the heads (they could be perfect) but pinch rollers, belts, hell, just about the whole box of dice probably needs a good going over.

If you're happy with what it O/P's and are thinking of hanging on to it for a few more years - go for it.

Think of it this way - is your '99 VCR still doing good service without the benefit of a complete overhaul? Everything I've read says get them (tape based recorder/ players) done every 2 - 3 years at least.

Hope this helps.

CS

Contact Canon service, ask them about it. Have you sent it in for a tune-up lately? Canon will clean it, set alignment to factory spec, and advise you if there are any issues. If you do sent it in, be sure to mention the problem you are having.

BTW: What kind of tape are you using? Has the XL1 been in any severe environments, such as at the beach, or in the desert?

Thanks for the replys, in October '06, I sent my XL1 to a local guy who used to do good work. First he told me my drum was bad and that would cost $600, I said no, just clean it and I'll get a harddrive recorder. Then he told me there was a cracked board and he could fix it for $300 and that should solve my problem. I had him do it but it didn't fix anything, I don't think this guy even opened up my camcorder as there was still dust inside when I looked. I also asked him to resolder the headphone jack because I could only hear out of one side. He didn't do that either. I'm not taking it back to him.

I'll give Canon service a try, but I really don't want to invest another $400 in the drum. Especiallly when I could be halfway to a firestore or cititdisck recorder that I could use on my other cameras.

No one knows what that foam pad is under the drum...Service manual?

thanks,

tup

Wonder if it is an anti-static pad? Used to drain static electricity charge from th drum that might accumulate as a result of the spinning contact with the tape?

I wish I knew what the pad is, because I clean my drum and it works fine for about 40 minutes and then starts in with the dropouts again. I am wondering if this pad is flaking off on the drum or if it has tape gunk on it and it rubs onto the drum. Anyone have a service manual with parts diagram?