OT: Handicam Mayhem

Dan Sherman wrote on 12/11/2008, 10:49 AM

The little Sony handicam I use to dump SD video onto my hard drive is doing a funny thing.
When I load it, it beeps and flashes what looks like a time code, C:31:22 on the LCD screen, and a small yellow flashing arrow also appears.
Any idea what the issue could be?
Lookslike it's a code for service.
Unplugged power cord and plugged it back in.
OK now.
Thanks,
Peabody

Comments

farss wrote on 12/11/2008, 11:46 AM

Don't have access to the list of error codes but it's very likely to be the condensation alarm. Even when the problem is cleared you'll still get the warning until you remove power from the camera i.e. take the battery off or unplug the DC power from the camera.
I'd say nothing is wrong with the camera. Big changes in temperature and high humidity bring on the condition. Usually once the cameras been on for a few minutes it's own heat will dry it out.

Bob.

Tim L wrote on 12/11/2008, 3:11 PM

I opened up Google, put "C:31:22" in the search box, and found many, many pages... Mostly of people having the problem, but not much about solving the problem.

Here is one that describes the error as a fault with the take-up reel:
http://www.avrepair.com/camcorder/sony.htm

Could be something as simple as inserting a tape with a bit too much slack in it, or maybe problems with an aging roller or something

teaktart wrote on 12/12/2008, 9:58 AM

I've been stopped cold in my tracks with sudden error codes similar to what you had. It turned out my cam needed the heads cleaned before it would continue to work. I keep a tape cleaning cassette with me at all times just in case that happens again.