Red X of death.

Rick Meyer

Rick Meyer

Veteran
Today, I was shooting, I received an error message on my LCD screen. It was a red circle with a red x in the center. The odd thing is, after I popped the tape out, looked around, shut the power off, turned it back on and re-inserted the tape, it went away and did not come back. My fear is that this message is like an engine light in the car intermittently coming on. Meaning, the car still works but there is a sign of a future problem.

Now I KNOW I've read about this in one of these threads MONTHS ago. Someone even posted a screen grab of the error icon. However, I've done searches and just can't locate the thread. So, if you know what this could be or could point me in the direction of that thread, I'd be much obliged.

Thank you.
Rick

If I remember correctly, the icon is related to the heads. If that is the case, I find that odd. I only have 60 hours on the heads, have only used the suggested Panasonic MQ tapes (okay 20 head-hours ago, my ass butt of an acquaintance used a different tape) and I baby the **** out of her. I keep her away from the elements. She stays in perfect climate. Always in the case. And sometimes, I pull her out just to turn her on and dust off the lens. So, if anyone knows whats up, please let me know. I'd like to get her maintained before the X of death comes back! Thanks.
 
My camera has 10 hours on the heads, and I'm getting the X of death too! I haven't used it outside or in dusty places at all.
 
I've gotten the X a couple of time, too. It's just a dirty head, and it will go away after a cleaning. Don't use a cleaning tape if you don't have to, because it can be abrasive on the head. Follow the cleaning instructions in the sticky in this section.

Having said that, I always carry a cleaning tape in case of problems in the field.
 
Got it today, too. And it went away in a sec or two.
The video seemed to be okay.

I've been using the same Sony tapes. And filming a lot in the worst possible conditions =)
 
I KNEW it was a dirty head. Right now, I want my ass butt aquaintance (who defied my request to use a tape that I was giving her for FREE) who used her OWN random tape, to taste her own blood. I will look up Barrys S's sticky and "git her done".
 
I have two DVX-100 cameras, and have been constantly having this problem with the first one I purchased, and a time or two with the newer one. Initially I did use two high grade Sony tapes until I received a supply of MQ tapes, but nothing but the Panasonic MQ since. The problem has been persistant, starting with just a few hours on the heads, and continuing up to now, with just over 30 hours on the heads.

Like others of you, I come from the old school, when you could get at the heads, and cleaned them with a chamois and head cleaning fluid. I never used a so called head cleaning (abrading) tape. I also used to use a head cleaning liquid spray.

In desperation, when the DVX quit, with the red X, and would not record or play, I used the liquid spray, carefully rotating the head drum (not near the actual heads) using the plastic spray tip in between spray shots. I followed it up with a few blasts of air from a canned air electronic equipment duster, to dry things out a little faster. That seems to have done the job, at least for now.

The question is: Does anyone have experience with, and/or comments on, using liquid spray cleaners on the DVX heads? I hate the thought of having to use head cleaning (abrading) tapes. Your input will be very much appreciated.

P.S. Where/how do I find the "sticky" mentioned that contains cleaning instructions?

Mike V.
 
Okay, I'm a chickensh*t. There is just too much conflicting info on the head cleaning thread for me to feel comfortable doing it myself. And yes, I have warranty time left on my cameras so technically, I could send them in. But that is a pain in the ass.

I am planning on getting a few head cleaning tapes unless someone here STOPS me. If you've got some grand advice as to why I shouldn't let me know. Otherwise, this is the route I am going to take. Are those tapes reusable or do you discard after 10 seconds?

Thanks.
Rick
PS What happened to the spell check button???
 
It's always nice to have a cleaning tape handy, especially if you're out in the field and you get the red X of death. However, the cleaning tapes are abrasive on the heads, so you should avoid using them if possible. In fact, they come with the following warning on the label:

CAUTION - Do not use cleaning tape more often than necessary. Frequent use may cause head damage... DO NOT USE MORE THAN 3 CONSECUTIVE TIMES.

I have the Panasonic brand, and you're supposed to play them for only 10 seconds at a time. I think the whole tape is probably a minute or two long. I haven't gotten to the end yet. Also, you can use the tape twice from beginning to end.

I was a little apprehensive about cleaning the heads myself, but then I thought that I would probably be more gentle with my camera than some unknown technician. So I got the materials recommended and gave it a try. Getting the swab to the record head was a little tight, but after a while I got the hang of it.
 
Well, Sumfun, I just ordered 3 cleaning tapes. They were cheap. $10 bucks. I figured that ought to last me a while. But perhaps you are right. I should probably stop being such a nancy-boy and try to clean the danged heads myself. I mean, talk about crap luck. My camera gave me the RED X OF DEATH last Friday. I purchased a second used camera (that I trust was expertly cared for). I pulled it out Saturday, and within 5 minutes, THAT camera gave me the RED X OF DEATH. I mean, come the frig on! So, I want to handle this ASAP.
 
Head cleaning should be done regularly, I think about every 50 hours. (That sounds strange, I think I'll mention it to my girlfriend :evil: ). It only takes about 5 minutes, so why not do it yourself, especially since you have 2 cameras.
 
all right. keeping in line with the head cleaning jokes, I will stand in front of MY girlfriend with the DVX, ejected tape door and my member exposed and tell her i need a head cleaning. maybe she'll get the joke.

Sumfun, I bought 3 cleaning tapes. I figured that would last me. But then, I bit the bullet and bought the 3 ingredients listed on Barry S's thread detailing how to best clean the heads. So, chances are I will do it myself. If I have troubles, I will run the tape. Id just hate to wreck stuff. These cameras are all I got...
 
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