VCR trouble - Mitsubishi HS-HD2000U

Shane Jensen wrote on 3/9/2006, 10:31 PM
I have a Mitsubishi HS-HD2000U VCR that I use for converting my old VHS tapes into the computer for DVD authoring. I bought this VCR brand new in July of 2004 and only used it a few times since then. I just recently moved all my equipment into another room and since the move this VCR is now giving me trouble. It doesn't stay on for any more than a second. I'll hit the power button and it will power up, then a second later it shuts off again. I tried unplugging it and pressing all the buttons to make sure all capacitors are discharged and that does not do the trick. I opened up the VCR and cannot see anything out of the ordinary. Does anyone have any ideas as to what it could be and what I could do to solve the problem? I really hope it's simple enough where I don't have to take it to a repair shop, they charge too much and I already just spent a lot of the unit a year and a half ago.

Comments

johnmeyer wrote on 3/9/2006, 11:14 PM
I used to repair VCRs for fun. There are lots of nasty things that can cause this. However, a simple thing is that if the VCR is set up to record, it may refuse to turn on.

For more complex troubleshooting, here is one of several sites I often use:

VCR Repair

You'll find a link right in the middle of this page that has possible answers to your question.

Also, here's the "ultimate" VCR troubleshooting guide:

Notes on the Troubleshooting and Repair of Video Cassette Recorders

craftech wrote on 3/10/2006, 6:11 AM
2004 Mitsubishi television models with the HD integrated tuner have had many problems with the units shutting down. They have resolved the problem by replacing the DM module. However, some of the replacement modules had to be replaced more than once because the replacement modules were also defective.
It was on the Home Theater forums two years ago.

Since this started when you moved it to another room why don't you try connecting it to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) if you have one, and see what happens. If you don't have one maybe you could try something like this. What was it plugged into in the other room?


John
Shane Jensen wrote on 3/10/2006, 7:20 AM
Craftech, it was plugged into the same Tripp-Lite surge protector that it was plugged into in the other room. I do, however, remember the first time I plugged it in the new room, in the plug socket it kind of made a little popping sound like electrical arcing that sometimes occurs when you plug things in. That's the only thing I can think of that made this happen. The VCR does in fact have power, though, when it's not on. The clock is still displayed, but when I hit the power button turning everything else on it shuts itself off right away, but still leaving the clock displayed.

If the problem is what you said it is then it's beyond my repair and I'm probably going to have to take it to a Mitsubishi authorized repair dealer which will probably cost an arm and a leg. I might as well get a newer and better VCR for what I'm using it for and put this one aside for repair later.
craftech wrote on 3/10/2006, 7:52 AM
You may be right about buying a new one, but why not try another surge protector first. Borrow one just for the heck of it. A UPS would be ideal if you could borrow that. If the problem is inside the VCR Mitsubishi tech will charge plenty. Sorry to hear about your problem. Unfortunately, VCR quality is worse today than it was in 2004 due to reduced demand.

John