Re: Help, how do I dry out wet camcorder?

Morse wrote:
<klat2_98@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:1163737643.480212.276800@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Recently I took a JVC Hard Disk Camcorder model GZ-MG37U out near
the beach on a very stormy day. A huge ocean wave came up and threw
water all over us while the camcorder was recording. I wiped it
immediately. But later when I tried to tape something it said
"Recording Failure". When I put it in play mode only a few of the
indexes showed up. It won't play any "HDD Error! keeps showing up.
I was able to make it "Protect All" the files. It did it because I can
see the 'key' symbol in each index box. Most of each index boxes are
black. But they do show the date, time and quality setting when
trying to play them.

In record mode it shows what the lens is pointing at but then turns
itself off then on over and over. I was able to change the quality but
not get it to record.

I've performed the "Clean Up" operation on it. But it doesn't seem to
help. But will it help if I do it over and over?

BTW, the "Still Image Mode" is working perfectly. It plays and
records.

I know very little about hard drive Camcorder. What should I do to get
it working again?

Ben


Salt water is death to electronics, it's corrosive and conductive. Unless this is a very expensive camcorder then it may not be a viable repair. Dunking it in water as some have suggested is not a good idea, don't even consider it for a second as your problems will get much worse. Water will contaminate the lenses/optics and cause serious problems. Also, this is a hard drive based camcorder, water will enter the drive via the breather holes and destroy it.

The only realistic hope of salvage is for a tech to dismantle it and wash the electronics in distilled water or PCB cleaner solvent etc, thoroughly dry out, reassemble and see if it works. One thing is certain, if it's left as it is it will be ruined as the saltwater does its evil work over time!

The fact that the camera still has some functionality is promising however- it may be a tiny amount of contamination causing leakage current between adjacent PCB tracks or IC pins with no permanent damage. It will need to be looked at very very soon though if you want to save it.


Indeed,Corrosion is building by the minute!
IMHO,It's probably hosed.
Insurance? Warranty?


Morse


.

Relevant Pages

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  • Re: Help, how do I dry out wet camcorder?
    ... water all over us while the camcorder was recording. ... It won't play any "HDD Error! ... I know very little about hard drive Camcorder. ... Salt water is death to electronics, ...
    (sci.electronics.repair)