GL2 Remove Cassette Error Fix

Randall Brown · February 14th, 2006, 07:41 PM

I got the remove cassette error as well, I could still record, but rewinding was a no go, and it would munch tapes. So I sent it off to Canon, and they also fixed it for a courtesy rate of $62, since it was out of warranty. They know they have an issue here, and at least they are not being pricks and charging hundreds like some people have said, but I agree the camera should be more reliable.

My camera has low hours on the heads, but I did leave a tape inserted in it when going from Hawaii to chicago, and thats when the issues began.

Graham Bernard · February 15th, 2006, 02:09 AM

I've told my experience before, but I think it is worth repeating again, following your experience of the level of Canon awareness to this matter.

I took my XM2 into the Canon Garage with literally days left on a 1 year's warranty. Reason? It had a dead CCD Pixel. I was told that I had more than one too! However, in the "report" I got back was that not ONLY had they replace the BLOCK they also replaced the TRANSPORT mechanism too! Of course as per the warranty this was done for free, so no complaints from me, but it did make me aware that they ARE "aware" of such mechanical problems. Oh yes, at THAT point I had no issue with the mechanism. Camera had never displayed this or any other error.

I guess we aint gonna get a "hands-up" statement - but then again, actions speak louder than words. And maybe, just maybe me writing this here kinda vindicates Canon's approach in customer service - see? There are many MANY ways to skin this particular feline. What I will say is that I think I hold the record in Canon turn-around: How about 72 hours? Nope! 48 hours? Wrong too! If I had got my own arrangements together in time, I could have got it back within 24 hours of me dropping it off at the Garage! 24hours! Now this DID impress me!

Grazie

Monte Comeau · February 17th, 2006, 04:53 PM

If this is such a prevalent problem why not just use an inexpensive ($20) external tape rewinder? Seems logical if this is always going to be a potential problem for this camera.

Nathaniel McInnes · February 18th, 2006, 03:39 AM

Like i posted way back i could not rewind. i then took it into my bedroom where it was warm and waited ten minutes and it rewinded 5 tapes fine. the full lenth of them. if you get this error just check is the room cooled or warm. i get this error all the time if it is my study where it is quite cold. this error means that condensation has been deteced. i checked my other camcorder and it said condensation has been deteced so at that point i stopped worring.

Dave Morgan · February 21st, 2006, 02:01 AM

ive got the same problem its been doing it for like 6 months, my gl2 is like 2 years old. i doubt it will be cheap

Leo Pepingco · February 21st, 2006, 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nathaniel McInnes

Like i posted way back i could not rewind. i then took it into my bedroom where it was warm and waited ten minutes and it rewinded 5 tapes fine. the full lenth of them. if you get this error just check is the room cooled or warm. i get this error all the time if it is my study where it is quite cold. this error means that condensation has been deteced. i checked my other camcorder and it said condensation has been deteced so at that point i stopped worring.

I really dont think we sould be sharing how we can mover around this problem and get Canon to actually fix it.

But in the interests of the now rather than the later, I have an old Mini Dv cam and I use that to ALL the rewinding, ALL the playback and importing. Its also a canon with 3 years warranty, (In its final year) and its built like a brick, as should all prehistoric camcorders should be. My family uses it for hols, and I use it to keep my XM2 in pristine shape.

I'm sorry to heara bout this problem, I never heard of it until I read aobut it. I will think twice when I do early morning shoots.

Jim Herman · February 23rd, 2006, 12:55 AM

Sometimes the remove cassette error message is a result of condensation, but for people like me, the message comes up so often that you can't even insert a tape...even when there is no condensation. I have two GL2s that I have been using for about 2.5 years and between the two of them, this is the third time I have to send a GL2 in to get fixed. It's not under warranty anymore so I've been putting it off, but it ate a tape recently so its time to get it fixed again. The first time it was under warranty but the second time they charged me 280 dollars to clean the head or whatever they do. It also took over a month...I think it was more like 2 months for them to get it back to me.

Leo Pepingco · February 23rd, 2006, 01:59 AM

G'day Jim,

You should have bashed Canon over the head the second time...

If you wrote a letter of complaint outlining the problems experienced, they would take it seriously. If you still get no reasonable response, raise the bar and send the letter again to the head of canon of your country and claim never to shop canon again.

This had worked here in OZ when a Sony Model DVD player had contious faults. Our tabloid News program did a show suggesting that over 20 letters (20 diff people) were sent, none recived a response, then the same 20 letters of complaint reached the eyes of the Australian CEO of Sony and something big was done.

The power of people and polite, civilised complaints.

The only reason Canon has done nothing is because we havent done anything to bring this up with Canon. However, I've never had any problems with my XM2....

Jerry Norman · February 26th, 2006, 07:57 AM

I own a GL2 and haven't yet had this problem. But I am very disappointed in how Canon is handling this problem. I also own a Nikon DSLR and I have been favorably impressed with how Nikon steps up to the plate to correct any problems that show up in their product line. If this is representative of how Canon handles design flaws I will be very hesitant to buy another Canon camera.

Cosmin Rotaru · February 28th, 2006, 07:42 AM

I don't think this is a problem specifically for the xm2/gl2.
I've seen the same problem on a VX2100 (instead of "remove..." the sony displays a "error xxxxx" message).

Have you read this: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...t=42822&page=3 ? (I mean my post...)

Cosmin Rotaru · February 28th, 2006, 09:05 AM

just thought to give you all an update: my XM2 is still ok. No error so far! :)

Gary Greenwald · March 1st, 2006, 11:53 PM

yes i have the gl2 and noticed right about at the 2 year mark id get the remove error, got an estimate but never got it fixed because i was upset it did this without any form of weat/tear, this thing is kept always in this same room and only records/reads a tape every month..it disturbed me and remains this way for over a year now

Nathaniel McInnes · March 5th, 2006, 06:43 AM

ive been reading and i also poped into my local jessops store and they sometimes they have people comeing in saying they have this problem with xm2. what i found is that it comes up with people who use JVC tapes. is this what people find?

Prech Marton · March 27th, 2006, 02:23 PM

Today evening i filmed my 3 weeks old daughter.
Meanwhile i had this topic message two times.

I always use tdk cassette, and it was in normal condition.
Also in the room was warm enough, so no condensation.
8-10 months ago i have sometimes the "use cleaning cassette" messages, but i use several times this cleaning cassette and since then i dont see the message again.
My question is: do i need to take my XM2 to the service?
Shortly begins the wedding season, i make 8 wedding sure.

thx

Jeff Wootton · March 30th, 2006, 09:37 AM

As others more informed have stated, this "remove the cassette" error message is a general error which points to a fault detected by the tape transport mechanism. This can be caused by condensation or the tape pack being wound too tightly within the cassette shell. It can also be caused by a broken reel table brake release claw, broken drive gear, bad capstan motor, or an electrical failure of the reel table tach sensor.

Most often, though, it is caused by worn out FELT! To reduce the cost of the drive mechanism, felt has been used for years to apply a balancing torque opposite to the driven tape direction. This is common in audio cassette mechanisms as well as DAT drives. Only very expensive tape transports employ servo driven reel tables to maintain constant tape tension! When the felt disk wears down, the hold-back tape tension is reduced, which results in reduced reel torque. Eventually, the reel tables cannot effectively overcome the drag inherent in the cassette shell, which causes tape slack. This is detected by the electronic sensor mounted underneath the reel table (often a hall-effect transistor) as a failure of the reel table to complete the correct number of rotations within a certain period of time. To prevent damage to the tape and/or mechanism, further operation of the transport is prevented, and the operator receives the dreaded "remove the cassette" message.

There are several felt-torque assemblies used in these transports, including the 2 reel tables, and the so-called "goosneck" gear which is used to switch the reel table rotational direction. Contamination of any of these assemblies through dirt, wear, oil, or other liquids will effectively destroy them.

Of course, any other mechanical fault which causes the loading mechanism to not complete the operation within a certain time will also give the same result.

This is a general fault common to many other makes and models...

February 14th, 2006, 07:41 PM	#151
Randall Brown Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 40	Me too! I got the remove cassette error as well, I could still record, but rewinding was a no go, and it would munch tapes. So I sent it off to Canon, and they also fixed it for a courtesy rate of $62, since it was out of warranty. They know they have an issue here, and at least they are not being pricks and charging hundreds like some people have said, but I agree the camera should be more reliable. My camera has low hours on the heads, but I did leave a tape inserted in it when going from Hawaii to chicago, and thats when the issues began. __________________ Panasonic HVX200, JVC HD-100U, Canon GL-2, Dual 2.7 G5, MBP 2.2, FCP Studio 2

February 21st, 2006, 02:01 AM	#155
Dave Morgan Major Player Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 293	same ive got the same problem its been doing it for like 6 months, my gl2 is like 2 years old. i doubt it will be cheap

February 23rd, 2006, 12:55 AM	#157
Jim Herman Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Boyertown, PA Posts: 28	3 times Sometimes the remove cassette error message is a result of condensation, but for people like me, the message comes up so often that you can't even insert a tape...even when there is no condensation. I have two GL2s that I have been using for about 2.5 years and between the two of them, this is the third time I have to send a GL2 in to get fixed. It's not under warranty anymore so I've been putting it off, but it ate a tape recently so its time to get it fixed again. The first time it was under warranty but the second time they charged me 280 dollars to clean the head or whatever they do. It also took over a month...I think it was more like 2 months for them to get it back to me.

February 26th, 2006, 07:57 AM	#159
Jerry Norman Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: raleigh nc Posts: 40	I own a GL2 and haven't yet had this problem. But I am very disappointed in how Canon is handling this problem. I also own a Nikon DSLR and I have been favorably impressed with how Nikon steps up to the plate to correct any problems that show up in their product line. If this is representative of how Canon handles design flaws I will be very hesitant to buy another Canon camera. __________________ Jerry: Photography • Video www.takeonesolutions.com

February 28th, 2006, 07:42 AM	#160
Cosmin Rotaru Major Player Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Romania, Timisoara Posts: 453	remove tape err... I don't think this is a problem specifically for the xm2/gl2. I've seen the same problem on a VX2100 (instead of "remove..." the sony displays a "error xxxxx" message). Have you read this: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...t=42822&page=3 ? (I mean my post...) __________________ Cosmin Rotaru

February 15th, 2006, 02:09 AM	#152
Graham Bernard Old Boot Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: London UK Posts: 3,633	I've told my experience before, but I think it is worth repeating again, following your experience of the level of Canon awareness to this matter. I took my XM2 into the Canon Garage with literally days left on a 1 year's warranty. Reason? It had a dead CCD Pixel. I was told that I had more than one too! However, in the "report" I got back was that not ONLY had they replace the BLOCK they also replaced the TRANSPORT mechanism too! Of course as per the warranty this was done for free, so no complaints from me, but it did make me aware that they ARE "aware" of such mechanical problems. Oh yes, at THAT point I had no issue with the mechanism. Camera had never displayed this or any other error. I guess we aint gonna get a "hands-up" statement - but then again, actions speak louder than words. And maybe, just maybe me writing this here kinda vindicates Canon's approach in customer service - see? There are many MANY ways to skin this particular feline. What I will say is that I think I hold the record in Canon turn-around: How about 72 hours? Nope! 48 hours? Wrong too! If I had got my own arrangements together in time, I could have got it back within 24 hours of me dropping it off at the Garage! 24hours! Now this DID impress me! Grazie

February 17th, 2006, 04:53 PM	#153
Monte Comeau Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 71	If this is such a prevalent problem why not just use an inexpensive ($20) external tape rewinder? Seems logical if this is always going to be a potential problem for this camera.

February 18th, 2006, 03:39 AM	#154
Nathaniel McInnes Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Taffs well, Wales Posts: 190	Like i posted way back i could not rewind. i then took it into my bedroom where it was warm and waited ten minutes and it rewinded 5 tapes fine. the full lenth of them. if you get this error just check is the room cooled or warm. i get this error all the time if it is my study where it is quite cold. this error means that condensation has been deteced. i checked my other camcorder and it said condensation has been deteced so at that point i stopped worring.

February 23rd, 2006, 01:59 AM	#158
Leo Pepingco Major Player Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 275	G'day Jim, You should have bashed Canon over the head the second time... If you wrote a letter of complaint outlining the problems experienced, they would take it seriously. If you still get no reasonable response, raise the bar and send the letter again to the head of canon of your country and claim never to shop canon again. This had worked here in OZ when a Sony Model DVD player had contious faults. Our tabloid News program did a show suggesting that over 20 letters (20 diff people) were sent, none recived a response, then the same 20 letters of complaint reached the eyes of the Australian CEO of Sony and something big was done. The power of people and polite, civilised complaints. The only reason Canon has done nothing is because we havent done anything to bring this up with Canon. However, I've never had any problems with my XM2....

February 28th, 2006, 09:05 AM	#161
Cosmin Rotaru Major Player Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Romania, Timisoara Posts: 453	no err so far just thought to give you all an update: my XM2 is still ok. No error so far! :) __________________ Cosmin Rotaru

March 1st, 2006, 11:53 PM	#162
Gary Greenwald New Boot Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: west palm beach, fl Posts: 13	mine as well yes i have the gl2 and noticed right about at the 2 year mark id get the remove error, got an estimate but never got it fixed because i was upset it did this without any form of weat/tear, this thing is kept always in this same room and only records/reads a tape every month..it disturbed me and remains this way for over a year now

March 5th, 2006, 06:43 AM	#163
Nathaniel McInnes Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Taffs well, Wales Posts: 190	ive been reading and i also poped into my local jessops store and they sometimes they have people comeing in saying they have this problem with xm2. what i found is that it comes up with people who use JVC tapes. is this what people find?

March 27th, 2006, 02:23 PM	#164
Prech Marton Major Player Join Date: May 2004 Location: hungary Posts: 462	Today evening i filmed my 3 weeks old daughter. Meanwhile i had this topic message two times. I always use tdk cassette, and it was in normal condition. Also in the room was warm enough, so no condensation. 8-10 months ago i have sometimes the "use cleaning cassette" messages, but i use several times this cleaning cassette and since then i dont see the message again. My question is: do i need to take my XM2 to the service? Shortly begins the wedding season, i make 8 wedding sure. thx __________________ Relaxing clips with waterfalls and music, 3D photos, 3D videos: www.3d-video.hu

March 30th, 2006, 09:37 AM	#165
Jeff Wootton Tourist Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Akron Ohio Posts: 4	As others more informed have stated, this "remove the cassette" error message is a general error which points to a fault detected by the tape transport mechanism. This can be caused by condensation or the tape pack being wound too tightly within the cassette shell. It can also be caused by a broken reel table brake release claw, broken drive gear, bad capstan motor, or an electrical failure of the reel table tach sensor. Most often, though, it is caused by worn out FELT! To reduce the cost of the drive mechanism, felt has been used for years to apply a balancing torque opposite to the driven tape direction. This is common in audio cassette mechanisms as well as DAT drives. Only very expensive tape transports employ servo driven reel tables to maintain constant tape tension! When the felt disk wears down, the hold-back tape tension is reduced, which results in reduced reel torque. Eventually, the reel tables cannot effectively overcome the drag inherent in the cassette shell, which causes tape slack. This is detected by the electronic sensor mounted underneath the reel table (often a hall-effect transistor) as a failure of the reel table to complete the correct number of rotations within a certain period of time. To prevent damage to the tape and/or mechanism, further operation of the transport is prevented, and the operator receives the dreaded "remove the cassette" message. There are several felt-torque assemblies used in these transports, including the 2 reel tables, and the so-called "goosneck" gear which is used to switch the reel table rotational direction. Contamination of any of these assemblies through dirt, wear, oil, or other liquids will effectively destroy them. Of course, any other mechanical fault which causes the loading mechanism to not complete the operation within a certain time will also give the same result. This is a general fault common to many other makes and models...