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March 17th, 2006, 02:04 PM | #1 |
New Boot
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: San Diego area, CA
Posts: 17
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Gl-2 tape error, What's Really Happening?
This is my first posting and I have seen many questions about Canons tape error message.
The tape mech on the GL-2 is the same unit used in the Xl-1 and ZR-40 though ZR 50. The problem doesn't neccessarily come from tape brands although there are probably minor differences in tape quality(I'm talking about the mechanical aspects of the tape). All units should be able to use any tape when working properly. Although many factors can be attributed to the tape error, barring inpacts, dust/sand or abussed equipment, the problem comes form tape movement, or the lack of it. The culprit is the clutch unit on the main deck. This cluch is magnetic, a permanent magnet is resting againt a steal plate, this causes friction yet slipping when needed. Unfortunently the clutch gets contaminated with oil and to much slipping usually causes tape error. Under the reals are real sensor which pick up movement, if movement is'nt detected the camera will stop tape movement. A complete cleaning of the deck unit, including rollers, manual cleaning of heads, guide post and of course the clutch itself, should put the camera into good working order. Jim Last edited by James Holman; March 17th, 2006 at 02:13 PM. Reason: Clearification of subject |
March 30th, 2006, 10:31 AM | #2 |
Tourist
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Akron Ohio
Posts: 4
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Interesting comment about this magnetic clutch...I am aware of several FELT ones. Where is this clutch located?
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March 30th, 2006, 11:29 AM | #3 |
Regular Crew
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Taffs well, Wales
Posts: 190
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Thinking about it i think it is something to do with the tape macenism. because if you play something recorded on the XM2 and play it on a JVC or Sony VTR/DDR the picture is all funny.
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March 30th, 2006, 02:28 PM | #4 | |
Old Boot
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: London UK
Posts: 3,633
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Quote:
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March 30th, 2006, 05:53 PM | #5 |
Regular Crew
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Rohnert Park, Ca.
Posts: 99
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"A complete cleaning of the deck unit, including rollers, manual cleaning of heads, guide post and of course the clutch itself, should put the camera into good working order."
Jim Thanks for the post. I have believed this for some time now. I would much prefer to do a mechanical cleaning myself instead of using a “cleaning tape”. So my question is how does one go about a mechanical cleaning? Can you suggest something to read or ?…. Thanks Don |
March 31st, 2006, 06:26 AM | #6 |
Tourist
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Akron Ohio
Posts: 4
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Don, it sounds like the clutch reference is from a service manual or procedure, since I didn't find it in the user manual. Of course, a major deck cleaning is beyond the capabilities of the typical end-user anyway...but I am still interested in the magnetic clutch... Are there any further discriptions of it or where it is located in the assembly?
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March 31st, 2006, 06:54 AM | #7 |
Major Player
Join Date: May 2003
Location: York, England
Posts: 518
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Tom Hardwick used to have some tramnsport cleaning instructions on line, but the site no longer exists. The associated photographs are here:
http://www.fortvir.net/gallery/tom-s...eaning_Fig_4_6 |
March 31st, 2006, 08:19 AM | #8 |
Regular Crew
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Rohnert Park, Ca.
Posts: 99
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Alan
Thanks for the link, interesting pictures. I am using a GL-2 and it will be somewhat more complicated than that of the Sony. However I also looked at the rest of the pictures and found a couple of one’s that gave me some more ideas (oh no) as I am in the middle of building a bracket to hole some accessories. Don |
March 31st, 2006, 08:28 AM | #9 |
Tourist
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Akron Ohio
Posts: 4
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The text of Tom's article is still reachable:
http://web.archive.org/web/200312080.../cleaning.html A very detailed description of the procedure, and applies to all tape transports. Still, I haven't come across a magnetic clutch in mechanisms which I have dissassembled and worked on, so I am wanting to learn more. |
April 2nd, 2006, 03:15 PM | #10 |
New Boot
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: San Diego area, CA
Posts: 17
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For the curious,
I will try over the next week or so to post pictures of the offending clutch unit. If I can find a decent camera and figure out how to link the pictures for viewing. I must say I'm sort of a computer and internet dunce but I will see what I can do. Also I will post soon my opinion on why I think the clutch is failing even in low use cameras, these opinions are mine and not from hard scientific evidence so please take them as one mans opinion and not an indisputable fact. Any info on how to post pictures would be sincerely appreciated. jim |
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