Serious Weird Problem. Help!

[TheMacB]

When I turn on the camera it automatically starts recording. And the record button isn't working so I can't make it stop recording. If I turn it on with no card in there, obviously it doesn't start recording. But once it's on, whether it's recording or not, the on/off switch doesn't work and I can't turn it off. Also I can't switch to VCR mode and the menu button doesn't work. But everything else seems to be fine.

What is doing this? Anyone had anything like this happen? Any ideas? Help!

[MARIOSCICLUNA]

Seems that there's something wrong with the back controls of your camera. It is very likely that it both troubled switches (rec, power & cam/vtr) form part of a group of controls that are connected through one ribbon cable internally. It might be nothing serious.
By any chance...was your camera exposed to extreme humidity or water splashes? because this might be causing the rec button to short its contacts.
But it's better to see a good service centre because one cannot be sure about what's wrong until the camera is diagnosed internally.

[pal58]

Did your problem get fixed. THe same exact thing just happened to my camera in the middle of a shoot. Were you able to get it repaired, how much did it cost. Where did you take it? So frustrated right now, any help would be greatly appreciated...

[AwakenedFilms]

I had a similar problem with the two different HVXes. Both needed service. You can always try the hidden 'reset' button inside the LCD near the shutter button.


Jason

[DJDecay]

This is the KeyScan error. There are about 10 pins on Cables reading the KeyScan from the TOP-OP board in the HVX200.

The Record, Back buttons like MCR/VCR and MENU get stuck.

Steps to troubleshoot.

0. Try from the IR Remote
1. Check to see if your record button is stuck either on on/off sw. or the handle.
2. Any other joint dysfunction (MENU BTN) could be related to either the stuck button or to overheated unseated ribbon cables.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3421/3796298459_854f927640_b.jpg

This photo shows the open HVX200 with the Blue/White ribbon cables leading to the REC/ON-OFF Switch. as you can see those go to the TOP Circuit Board with the MENU buttons etc...
Then they go through another multi-pin cable deeper into the camera.
In that state the second REC button on the handle is obviously disconnected.

Signal path for the REC button is.

REC/POWER Switch (Called POWER_SW) Connector P105 6 PIN. GRIP_SS there is also HANDLE_SS

GRIP_SS, HANDLE_SS leave the TOP PCB via the same 70 PIN (35A/35B) connector that the MCR/Menu buttons do, to the P2 Card Board right below it. From the P2 Card PCB those pins go via another 70 pin Connector to the CODEC board

This one (There are two, the one on the RIGHT):
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3420/3712396350_536952c3a1.jpg

Here is where it is in the camera.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2568/3711581443_86cfefa2c5_b.jpg (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2568/3711581443_86cfefa2c5_b.jpg)

It seems that any stuck-non working button issue on the HVX200PJ models could be the dysfunction of this exact cable. It could also be just a stuck button.

I've just fixed my camera by reseating that cable and reseating the P2 Card Board and the TOP OP PCB for a similar issue. I'm waiting for it to come back so I can isolate whether its that cable or not from my side.

I am guessing as a precautionary measure, a repair service shop will replace all ribbon/FPC cables, check if your REC button is stuck on either the zoom handle or the power sw module, and reseat the P2 Board on the TOP-OP Board.

* If your problems turn out to be repairs/replace in FLEX/FPC cable than the problem with the HVX200PJu models is more exacerbated than I've expected. *

If you did not do anything adverse to your cameras, like expose them to humidity, drop them, or expose them to extreme g-forces like planes or roller coaster rides, then chances are, that the CODEC board hunk of aluminum you see in the last shot,
overheated. It does this at the highest level when you transfer footage from the camera via Firewire (don't ask me why). The heat from this heat-sink, is the most likely culprit behind those cables going bad (this is a hypothesis).

You cannot get to the GRIP_SS nor the HANDLE_SS switches or those FPC/Flex cables without unbuilding at least 1/3 of your camera. So I suggest you go to a shop and have them check it.
Prior to going, you may want to try the reset button as the other posters suggested.

Bulk replacement of the FPC cables will run about 70.00 in parts, 300 labour USD, they'll want to keep the camera to find out if this issue would come back. (As it does, if the problem is more widespread, like between the P2 and TOP-OP PCB connector).

[pedroiban]

same problem for me .
camera is at the shop
i'll keep info posted

[mcginley]

same problem for me .
camera is at the shop
i'll keep info posted
Hey, how did your camera turn out. What was the problem and how much did it cost to fix?

Thanks in advance.

Mark

[foxjump]

If you did not do anything adverse to your cameras, like expose them to humidity, drop them, or expose them to extreme g-forces like planes or roller coaster rides, then chances are, that the CODEC board hunk of aluminum you see in the last shot, overheated. It does this at the highest level when you transfer footage from the camera via Firewire (don't ask me why). The heat from this heat-sink, is the most likely culprit behind those cables going bad (this is a hypothesis).


If Firewire transfer causes this problem, is it possible that use of a Firestore drive (FS-100) could also cause this?

I'm looking at an HVX200P right now and it is exhibiting a few problems. Also, for the most part it's been used with a Firestore drive.

One issue is pressing the ON/OFF REC button starts recording but the camera becomes locked in REC and the only way to stop it is to shut off the camera. However the REC button on the handle works fine as long as you don't touch the ON/OFF REC button.

The second issue is the zoom likes to creep slowly out to a wide shot when SERVO is engaged.

Is it worth getting this camera (HVX200P, FS-100 and 3 batteries for $3000 CDN) and fixing it up? or should I look at investing in a new HPX170/HVX200A?

Cheers,
Brad