DV Firewire Problem?

W

WildBender

New member
I got a 100A about a week ago and have been testing it out working with a Mac G4/OS Panther/ iMovie. I was able to
import DV no problem for a couple of days. But now
iMovie tells me that the camera is disconnected. I've reinstalled iMovie, bought a new firewire 4 to 8 pin cable,
reset the camera, and set the camera back to factory settings. Does anybody have any suggestions or insight
on this matter?

Thank you.

Bender
 
Re: DV Firewire Problem?

I've had problems with the firewire port on my 100a as well. It was working fine for several weeks, and then one day, it started to drop frames on capture. I thought the connector was screwed and I replaced that, but it didn't fix the problem. I think something went south with the firewire circuitry. Need to replace the VTR board probably.
 
Re: DV Firewire Problem?

First try to find another equipment (DV camcorder/VCR/PC) in yr area, and verify if yr cam still connects through the firewire port.
 
Re: DV Firewire Problem?

I am suddenly going through the same thing. Computer does not reconize it. And no that you mention it, it has been dropping frames lately as well. I just thought that was a tape issue. It is all making sense.
 
Re: DV Firewire Problem?

Well guys, let me fill you in.

Mine quit being recognized after I captured about 6 minutes of footage. Then nothing would recognized it anymore. No matter what cable or pc, mac I plugged it into, nothing would recognize the DVX. So, off to the repair shop it went.

Now it has been over 2 months and the shop has had it longer than I have. I called today to get a status on it and the parts (2 different pieces) had been on backorder. One part is now in and the other part supposedly has a confirmed arrival date of the 29th. They said I should get it back before Christmas. Which by that time it will have been gone for 3 months. I only had about 4 hours on time on the cam. They offered to send me a re-furbished unit but said it probably would have more hours on the tape drive that mine had. So I told them I wanted mine back.

So, we'll see if I get it back by Christmas. Hope you guys have better luck than I have had. And now that I have Barry's DVX dvd and book I wish more than ever I had my DVX back. Good luck.
 
Re: DV Firewire Problem?

Yeah, it's really a crappy situation to have to send the camera to the shop. That's why I haven't sent mine. I'm still able to work because I capture with a cheap GS9 which hasn't let me down yet.

BTW, can you let me know which parts the shop had to order to fix your firewire port problem? I want to check at the Panasonic online parts ordering site to see how much they are. Thanks.
 
Re: DV Firewire Problem?

I'm sorry, they didn't tell me what the parts were, only that there were two and that one was in and the other was not. I can understand why you would be reluctant to send it off. Boy, if I was needing mine to help make a living I would be in trouble. I have since ordered an Firestore FS-4 and hopefully won't have firewire problems in the future by using it. Best of luck.
 
Re: DV Firewire Problem?

Hey Eqwalker
Could you find out what parts were needed. The thought of my camera being gone a week is a horid thought, any longer just will not do. It has become a major part of my living lately, and I just can not lose for a day longer than needed. Thanks so much.
 
Re: DV Firewire Problem?

THe same thing happened to mine.

But then it started working again a few weeks later.

This is what I figured out. If you use batteries, you'll have no problem. But if you plug it in, then for some reason this happens. Try using the battery and the firewire should work.

THIS SITE SHOULD PROBABLY BE FLAGGED BECAUSE IT IS VERY IMPORTANT!!!

So, try this everyone before sending it to the shop.

Eqwalker, also, did you mark your camera serial number and all? I would be so flippin mad if they took that long.

And also, using your dvx as a deck regularly to record/capture onto computer/editing deck, it will wear the heads.

You should probably get another camera and just use that one. It's worth it. So anyone have any good suggestions on which cameras would be good for this that's cheap?
 
Re: DV Firewire Problem?

I capture firewire via a Canopus AVDC-1394 using the Vegas Vidcap with the Camera plugged in rather than on battery.  At first Vegas doesn't see the camera but if I turn off the DVX and than turn it back on, Vegas then sees it.  I'll try the battery thing next time though.
 
Re: DV Firewire Problem?

enterdcable

I always transfer from the cam throuhg dv out while the camera is directly plugged in via its ssupplied power adapter. Never had any problems. In fact (touch wood) very luckily I have hardly had any problem whatsoever with my cam during the last 9 months. none with the dv port either, which I use of and on.

donp326

I think that is the standard drill, as far as the computer capture cards are concerned...at least I always connect the cam first, with the computer already on, and then switch on the cam.

Generally there has been some discussion in the forum earlier over the problems concerning the dv port...but this problem (computer not recognising the camera connected throught he dv port) is being reproted for the first time if I remember correctly.

My own hunch is that the dv ports in the dvx ...in general...should not wear out so easily...given the overll satisfactory make up of the cam... If camera dv ports stop functioning after few hours use, this must be an issue with that particular cam.    
 
Re: DV Firewire Problem?

Prairieboy, my local service rep says they don't know what the parts and the place they sent my cam to won't tell them. My guess is they don't want you to know what the parts are.
 
Re: DV Firewire Problem?

Yeah sorry about that all.

I realize I did buy an unwarranted overseas model... cheaper....

But still makes beautiful pictures right ;D
 
Re: DV Firewire Problem?

Last time I tried capturing through the DV port on my 100a was with battery power, and it still had problems. And mine is a fully warrantied camera bought at EVS.

Some of these so called authorized panasonic service providers are just like any other shop. I've never taken my camera to one, but having talked to a local shop here, it feels like taking your car into a garage where you're not too sure if they are gonna rip you off. If it's an honest place, I don't see why they would not tell you what parts need to be replaced. Would you ever have a mechanic replace parts on your car and not have them tell you what parts were replaced?

It's crap.

These places need to be accountable for what they do.
 
Re: DV Firewire Problem?

Well, my DVX finally made it back. All is well. Everything seems to be working fine. Firewire port is working properly now. Only wish it hadn't taken so long.

Let the fun begin.
 
Re: DV Firewire Problem?

Hey eq
Is there a part lists on the invoice so I can inform a local repair shop here.
Thanks
 
Re: DV Firewire Problem?

Afraid not. I only received a receipt that it was repaired. They would not tell me what parts they had to use to repair it. They are saying that they cannot find out from the repair facility. Sounds like a guarded secret.
 
Re: DV Firewire Problem?

For less than $300, you can buy a miniDV cam that you can use as a deck -- then you don't have to wear out your DVX capturing your tapes.

I know it's scary when anything goes wrong with the camera, but in this case, a small investment would help your camera live a longer, healthier life.
 
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