REPAIR / FIX DIGITAL CAMERA WICH NOT POWERS ON

For that camera that died, here are some non-intrusive simple fixes that you should try before throwing in the towel. Copied this first post from somewhere. It was a fix for a Canon A520, but am not sure if it would work for other cameras with the same problem? For those of you with a camera that will not power up or turn on, especially if this occurred after a power interruption with your lens extended, please give it a try. If you do, please leave a comment on specifics like your camera make/model, and whether it worked for you or not.

"DEAD CAMERA, LENS OPEN-If the batteries run down completely while the camera is still open, it may not start up again when new batteries are installed. But if you remove the memory card, then install the new batteries, when you turn it on it should come back to life. Error E30 means you don't have a memory card installed, so turn it off, slip in the SD card and turn it on one last time."

OK, so the above didn't work. Next thing to look at are the batteries themselves. Are you using alkaline batteries, or worse yet those "Super Heavy Duty" batteries? If so, betcha we've just discovered your problem. Alkaline and regular "super heavy duty" batteries just don't have the power for more than a few pics in a digital camera. Some may even have problems just powering startup of the camera. It doesn't matter if they're new, and right out of the package. Digital cameras for the most part should only be used with rechargeable NiMH batteries (if you still have your instruction manual, open it to the "batteries" section. Pretty sure you'll see a statement similar to what I've just said). Most retailers sell NiMH batteries for around $7 for a package of four (about $15-19 for the batteries with charger). Keep in mind they'll save you big bucks in the long run over alkalines, AND they'll last for at least 100 pictures per charge (and probably many many more). You'll be very pleased with their performance, and may slap yourself for not buying them sooner. When at the store, look on the package for a power rating of at least 2500 mah.

OK, so maybe those newfangled batteries didn't fix your camera, don't give up just yet. The next thing to check is that your batteries are actually making contact with the battery posts, and that these posts are clean. If not, bend the posts up/down a little, and maybe clean them with a little rubbing alcohol on a Q-tip.

The next thing to try is examine both the battery and flash card door. There's usually a little switch on both doors (note some SD card doors do not have this switch) that activates when the doors are closed. If they don't, the camera won't start to prevent damage to the flash card or camera startup sequence. For most cameras its usually a little piece of plastic on the door that pushes in on a pin switch when the door is closed. Closely examine both doors to try to identify these switches. A lot of times that little plastic nib wears down or breaks off, but can easily be jury rigged with a small glued-on replacement.

Examples of Nibs and Pin Switches

If you've tried all of the above and still no luck, the problem is then likely to be internal to the camera. Am planning on posting sometime in the future some likely things to check, hopefully with a pictoral guide. One example would be that if your camera uses Compact Flash, check to make sure all pins are present and aligned in the card slot (if bent, simply unbend/straighten them with a skinny "jewelers" screwdriver, then insert the flash card for final realignment).

FIXING A LENS ERROR ON A DIGITAL CAMERA

This has to be THE most common failure mode for a digital camera. Some common error messages that might show up on the LCD's of cameras with this problem include “E18 lens error” (older Canons), "ACCESS" error (Sony), "Zoom Error" (Fuji), "Lens Obstructed" (Kodak), “lens error, restart camera” or just "lens error" (nearly all camera makers lately use this variation). Some cameras might show nothing at all, but merely make a beeping noise as the lens goes out, then in, then the camera shuts off. Sometimes the lens won't even move.

The problem is actually quite common throughout all camera brands. Usually it's sand or grit interfering with the lens extension mechanism. Or the camera's been dropped with the lens extended. Or the camera has been powered on, but the lens had been blocked preventing its extension. Or the battery ran down with the lens extended. Believe it or not, one BIG contributor to lens errors is using a camera case. Sand, gunk, case fibers, etc... accumulate at the bottom of the case. These materials love to cling to the camera by electrostatic build-up from the camera rubbing against the side of the case (especially those cases with soft fibrous intreriors). Once these materials work their way into the lens mechanism, that's all she wrote. I have many Canon's, and NEVER use a case for this very reason.

A camera owner that suffers this problem may have no recourse for having the camera repaired. Many camera makers will not honor repairing this problem under warranty as they claim it is due to impact damage to the camera, or sand or debris getting into the lens gearing mechanism (neither of which is covered under warranty). The quoted repair cost is usually close to or more than what the camera is actually worth.

Fortunately, about half the cameras that suffer this failure can easily be fixed by one of the following methods. None of these methods involve opening the camera, although some have potential to cause other damage to the camera if excessively done. If the camera is still under warranty, before trying any of these, please please first contact your camera's maker to see if they'll cover the repair, or to determine how much they'll charge for the repair. Who knows, you might get lucky. But if they quote you a number that's higher than the value of your camera, you may want to consider the following methods.

The methods are listed in the order of risk of damaging your camera. Thus make sure you try them in the listed order. And remember, these fixes (especially #6 and 7) should only be considered for a camera that's out of warranty, who's cost of repair would be excessive, and would otherwise be considered for disposal if unrepaired:

Fix #1: Remove the batteries from the camera, wait a few minutes. Put a fresh set of batteries back in (preferably rechargeable NiMH 2500mah or better) and turn the camera on. If using rechargeables, and they're more than a year old, consider purchasing new rechargeable batteries as they may not be providing sufficient power to startup the camera.

Fix #1a: If new batteries didn't work, try pressing and holding the Menu, Function, Function Set, or OK button while turning the camera on. This along with Fix #1c and #2 sometimes work for lens errors that occur from batteries wearing down while the lens was extended.

Fix #1c: For those of you who can still access your camera's menus with this error, try finding and selecting the "factory reset" option to set your camera back to its original factory condition. On some Canon cameras, this requires holding the menu button down with the camera powered on for up to 10 seconds. However note that a lens error might sometimes override the reset option, and thus the option might not appear.

Fix #2: If the camera's batteries ran down completely while its lens was still open, the camera may show a lens error or not start properly when new batteries are installed. Remove the memory card and keep it removed, then install the new batteries. When you turn the camera on with the card removed it may come back to life, as this triggers a reset in some cameras. Error E30 (for older Canon's) means that you don't have a memory card installed, so turn it off, slip in the SD card and turn it on one last time

Fix #3: Insert the cameras Audio/Video (AV) cable, and turn the camera on. Inserting this cable ensures that the camera's LCD screen remains off during the start process. Thus extra battery power is available to the camera's lens motor during startup. This extra power can be useful in overcoming grit or sand particals that may be jamming the lens. If the AV cable doesn't fix the lens error by itself, consider keeping this cable installed while trying fixes 4, 5, and 7 as a means to provide extra power to help to these fixes. But note that I DON'T recommend keeping the cable installed during Fix 6 as you may damage the AV port while tapping the camera. Reinsert the cable only AFTER tapping the camera.

Fix #4: Place the camera flat on its back on a table, pointed at the ceiling. Press and hold the shutter button down, and at the same time press the power-on button. The idea is that the camera will try to autofocus while the lens is extending, hopefully seating the lens barrel guide pins back into their slots.

Fix #5: Blow compressed air in the gaps around the lens barrels with the idea of blowing out any sand or grit that may be in there jamming the lens. Other variations include blowing with a hair dryer in “no heat” setting, or sucking the gaps with a vacuum (careful with this one). Some people also have actually used a "Shop Vac" with this fix to help extend a retracted lens.

Now we're entering into the realm of potentially damaging your camera in conducting the fix. There is definitely some risk here, so take care when conducting the following fixes:

Fix #5a: If you actually do notice sand particles stuck in the gaps around the lens barrel, and blowing air does not help to dislodge them, consider using a thin piece of paper or a sewing needle to help dislodge them. Pay particular care not to scratch your lens barrel with the needle. Also, I do not recommend probing too deeply around the lens barrel with the paper (don't go more than a 1 cm or 1/2 in) . Particularly I do not recommend probing deeply around the most outer (largest) lens barrel gap, as you may dislodge the lens barrel dust gasket that's located just inside of that gap.

Dislodging Particles from Lens Barrel Gaps (Fix #5a)

Fix #6: Repeatedly tap the padded/rubber usb cover on a hard surface with the intent of dislodging any particles that may be jamming the lens. Other variations include hitting a side of the camera against the palm of your hand. A lot of people have reported success with this method. HOWEVER, there is also some obvious potential for damaging or dislodging internal components with this method, such as unseating ribbon cables, or cracking LCD screens.

Fix #6a: This is a variation of Fix #6, and should be tried if the lens barrels appears straight (not crooked). In other words, try this if there's no obvious mechanical damage to the lens barrels that's causing the problem. With the lens pointed down, try "gently" tapping around the lens barrels with a small item such as a pen or pencil. The idea is to try to dislodge any sand particles that may be jamming the lens barrel stuck. Simultaneously try turning the camera on and off as you're doing this.

Dislodging Particles by Tapping (Fix #6a)

Fix #7a: Note that this particular fix is intended only for cameras with lens barrels that try to extend, but then stop partway, and then return to their stored position. Try grabbing and holding the smallest inner lens barrel at its furthest extended position, preventing it from returning to the camera. Examine and clean around the lens barrel any noticed dust or dirt. Turn off and restart the camera again. If the lens extends even further, grab it again at its furthest extension, preventing it from returning. Clean again. Keep repeating until the lens is fully extended. Turn off the camera and restart it to see if the lens error has gone away.

Fix #7b: The most extreme of the fixes. Only consider this fix as an absolute last resort before tossing the camera, as there's some obvious potential for further damaging your camera by using this method. You especially might consider this if the lens barrel appears obviously damaged, bent, or crooked such as from a fall. In that case, try thinking of the lens as a dislocated shoulder. Try forcing the lens to straighten it and put it back in its place. In such cases, the lens barrel guide pins have become unseated from their guide slots (see the below illustration). Your objective would be to try to reseat them by straightening the lens. Listen for a "click" to hint that they've been reseated, and immediately stop forcing the lens at this point. More people have reported success with this method than with any of the other methods (see the polls in the right column).

Variations to Fix #7b include gently pulling, rotating, and/or twisting the lens barrel while hitting the power button. Examine the lens barrels closely for any hint of tilt or unevenness. Again, the goal is to attempt to straighten or align the barrel if it's crooked or twisted. Another variation includes looking for uneven gaps around the lens barrel, and then pushing on the side of the lens barrel that has the largest gap (note pushing the lens barrel all the way in is NOT recommended as it may become stuck there). 

 Again, while doing any of the above, listen for a click that indicates that the lens barrel guide pins may have reseated in their guide slots. If you hear this click, immediately stop and try the camera. The following photo illustrates unseated guide pins that would cause a lens error.

How to disassemble Olympus Stylus 1030 camera

Olympus Stylus 1030 SW Camera Disassembly procedure.

Remove the exterior casing as explained below to expose the camera's interior

components, and then follow the further removal instructions.

Camera Casing.

Carefully pry off the lens frame using a plastic opening tool.emove front panel's top three screws (type T6) using a 1.5 mm screwdriver. Remove the top sided three screws, using a #00 Philips Head Screwdriver.Either using tweezers or gently holding the front panel by the right side, carefully remove it by pivoting it outwards.The location of the pivoting point is above the lens and is shown by the circle markup within the rectangle of the last image.

Remove loose washer plate from T6 screw hole using tweezers.
Slowly peel off the seal from beneath the front plate.
See photo for the locations of the tape strips beneath this seal.

Using a #00 Philips Head
Screwdriver, remove two screws located on a left side of the camera.

Using a #00 Philips Head Screwdriver, remove two black color speaker screws.
Lift out the speaker plate as it comes off after you unscrew the holding screws from previous step.
Open up the multi connector cover.
The Multi connector compartment is used to connect the AV cable and play pictures on a TV and it has a waterproof cover.
The multi connector/speaker side panel can be detached by sliding it off the panel itself.

Using a #00 Philips Head Screwdriver, remove the screw located below the multi connector cover.
Using a #00 Philips Head Screwdriver, remove two screws located at the bottom of the camera.
Using a #00 Philips Head Screwdriver, remove the screw inside the Battery/card compartment cover.
To expose the screw located inside the battery/card compartment, you will first have to open the compartment cover.

Remove two screws (PH00) from the interior front cover
Carefully detach the interior front plate by rotating it outwards until it is freed from the back panel
Lift out the shutter and power buttons and their retaining plate.

Open the A/V port door
Unscrew four corner screws that hold the front and back halves of the casing together using the #00 Philips Head Screwdriver
Use a plastic spudger or fingernail to release the top holding clip
Slowly unfold the front and back halves of the camera to expose the electrical ribbons.

Using plastic opening tool and tweezers gently pivot the black plastic strip up locking the ribbon in place.
Once the black strip releases the ribbon gently unattach the wide copper ribbon off the computer chip by using your thumb or tweezers.
Once all 3 ribbons are disconnected, the front and back halves can be separated.

PANASONIC DMC-FZ30 PANASONIC LUMIX DIGITAL CAMERA – HOW TO INITIALIZE - SERVICE MODE – HOW TO CONFIRM THE VERSION

Panasonic Lumix digital camera – Panasonic DMC-FZ30 – How to initialize - Service mode – How to confirm the version

Panasonic DMC-FZ30: Initializing setting 
CAUTION: NEVER select “NONE(JAPAN)” if the unit is other than “JAPAN” model.

Otherwise, it can not be reset to the other.
When you replace the Main PCB be sure to perform the initial settings after achieving the Adjustment, by ordering the following procedure in accordance with model suffix.
Step 1. The temporary cancellation of factory setting:
Set the mode dial to “[ P ]”.
While keep pressing [ Optical Image Stabilizer ] and “[ UP ] of Cross key” simultaneously, turn the Power on.
Step 2. The cancellation of factory setting:
Set the mode dial to “[ Playback ]”.
While keep pressing [ Optical Image Stabilizer ] and “[ UP ] of Cross key” simultaneously, turn the Power on.
Step 3. Turn the Power on:
Set the mode dial to “[ P ]”, and then turn the Power on.
Step 4. Display the INITIAL SETTING:
While keep pressing [ MENU ] and “[ RIGHT ] of Cross key” simultaneously, turn the Power off.

Step 5. Set the INITIAL SETTING:

Select the area with pressing “[ UP ] / [ DOWN ] of Cross key”, and then press the “[ RIGHT ] of Cross key”.

The only set area is displayed, and then press the “[ RIGHT ] of Cross key” after confirmation.
(The unit is powered off automatically.)
Confirm the display of “PLEASE SET THE CLOCK” in English when the unit is turned on again.
Step 6. CONFIRMATION:
The display shows “PLEASE SET THE CLOCK” when turn the Power on again.
Connect the unit to PC with USB cable and is detected as removable media.
(For China and Taiwan marker, the display shows “PLEASE SET THE CLOCK” in Chinese.)

Service Mode
Error Code Memory Function
1. General description
This unit is equipped with history of error code memory function, and can be memorized 32 error codes in sequence from the latest. When the error is occurred more than 32, oldest error is overwritten in sequence.
The error code is not memorized when the power supply is shut down forcibly (when the unit is powered on by the battery, the battery is pulled out) because the error code is memorized to FLASH ROM when the unit is powered off.
2. How to display
The error code can be displayed by the following procedure:
Before perform the error code memory function, connect the AC adaptor or insert the battery, and insert the SD card.
# 1. The temporary cancellation of factory setting:
Set the mode dial to “[ P ]”.
While pressing [ Optical Image Stabilizer Button ] and “[ UP ] of Cross key” simultaneously and hold them, turn the Power on.
# 2. The display of error code:
Press [ Optical Image Stabilizer Button ], [ MENU ] and “[ LEFT ] of Cross key” simultaneously with the step 1 condition.
The display is changed as shown below when the above buttons is pressed simultaneously.
Normal display > Error code display > Operation history display > Normal display > .....

3. The change of display:
The error code can be memorized 32 error codes in sequence, however it is displayed 5 errors on the LCD.
Display can be changed by the following procedure:
“[ UP ] or [ DOWN ] of Cross key” : It can be scroll up or down one.
“[ LEFT ] or [ RIGHT ] of Cross key” : It can be display last 5 error or another 5 error.

How to returned to Normal Display:
Turn the power off and on, to exit from Error code display mode.

Confirmation of Firmware Version
The Firmware version can be confirmed by ordering the following steps:.
Step 1. The temporary cancellation of factory setting:
Set the mode dial to “[ P ]”.
While keep pressing [ Optical Image Stabilizer ] and “[ UP ] of Cross key” simultaneously. turn the power on with inserting the SD
memory card which has a few photo data.
Step 2. Confirm the version:
Set the mode dial to “[ Playback ]” and then press [ DISPLAY ] to switch to LCD with indication.
Press [ Optical Image Stabilizer ] and “[ DOWN ] of Cross key” simultaneously. (No need to keep pressing.)
(The version information is displayed on the LCD with light blue colour letters.)

How to Discharge the Capacitor on Flash PCB
CAUTION:
1. Be sure to discharge the capacitor on FLASH PCB.
2. Be careful of the high voltage circuit on FLASH PCB when servicing.
Discharging Procedure
1. Refer to the disassemble procedure and Remove the necessary parts/unit.
2. Put the insulation tube onto the lead part of Resistor (ERG5SJ102:1kOhm /5W). (an equivalent type of resistor may be used.)
3. Put the resistor between both terminals of capacitor on FLASH PCB for approx. 5 seconds.
4. After discharging confirm that the capacitor voltage is lower than 10V using a voltmeter.

XIAOMI MI 4 – DISASSEMBLING PROCEDURE – HOW TO REMOVE THE BATTERY – HOW TO REMOVE CAMERA XIAOMI MI 4

Xiaomi Mi 4 – Disassembling procedure – How to remove the battery – How to remove camera Xiaomi Mi 4

DISASSEMBLING PROCEDURE 

Check to make sure that the device is powered off.
Use a pin or paper clip to insert in the hole on the side of the phone next to the micro SIM cardholder to remove the tray.
Remove the SIM card tray from the Xiaomi Mi 4 and store somewhere safe.

Using the flat metal spudger and curved metal spudger, make a wedge between the plastic back cover and the inner frame.
Using the second spudger, slowly work your way around the perimeter of the device
Check for clicking sounds as you are prying the back cover away from the frame
As the back cover is almost completely removed, use the suction-cup tool to remove the plastic cover without damaging the back

Place the screws on the magnetic mat to avoid losing them.

Use a 3.0 Phillip’s head screwdriver to remove the 10 1.2mm Phillip’s head screws in the plastic frame that held the motherboard and battery.
Use a 3.0 Phillip’s head screwdriver to remove the 3 0.5mm Phillip’s head screws in the plastic frame that held the motherboard and battery.
Use the small plastic opening tool and place it in the slot on the bottom right corner of the inner frame and carefully pry it off.

Look keenly for the connections that run across the battery and are connected to the motherboard.

Use tweezers to gently disconnect the two connectors that are stated in the previous step.
Proceed to gently remove the tape like connector from the battery until it is completely off.
Use tweezers to disconnect battery’s wire from the motherboard.

Use the plastic opening tool to gently pry the battery out of its casing for removal.

With the battery removed locate the left-hand cable connected to the motherboard. With the tweezers, firmly grasp the wires of the connector and gently disconnect the cable from the motherboard.

Find the other cable connecting the motherboard to the device at the top right-hand side of the phone, and carefully use the tweezers to remove that as well.

Wedge the plastic opening tool, between the motherboard and the inner region of the phone in the slot atop the motherboard.

With the motherboard removed from the device, turn the motherboard over to face the obverse side.

Locate the connector for the rear camera.

Grasp the cable with the tweezers and gently pull up and away from the motherboard to disconnect it.

PANASONIC DMC-FZ28 – INITIALIZING SETTING – HOW TO DISCHARGE THE FLASH CAPACITOR – HOW TO REPLACE THE LITHIUM BATTERY

Panasonic DMC-FZ28 – Initializing setting – How to discharge the flash capacitor – How to replace the lithium battery

Panasonic DMC-FZ28: INITIAL SETTINGS PROCEDURES:

 Preparation. Proceed the picture back up from the unit .

 Step 1. The temporary cancellation of initial setting:
Set the REC/PLAY switch to “[ Recording ]”.
Set the mode dial to “[ P ]”.
While keep pressing [ AF macro/Focus button ] and “[ UP ] of Cursor button” simultaneously, turn the Power on.
Step 2. The cancellation of initial setting:
Set the REC/PLAY switch to “[ Playback ]”.
Press [ AF macro/Focus switch ] and “[ UP ] of Cursor button” simultaneously, turn the Power off.
Step 3. Turn the Power on:
Set the REC/PLAY switch to “[Recording]”, turn the Power on.

Step 4. Display the INITIAL SETTING:
While keep pressing [ MENU ] and “[ RIGHT ] of Cursor button” simultaneously, turn the Power off.
When Main PCB/Flash ROM is replaced, all of the model suffix is displayed as follows.
There are two kinds of “INITIAL SETTINGS” menu format.

Step 5. Set the INITIAL SETTING:
The model suffix can be chosen JUST ONE TIME.
Once one of the model suffix have been chosen, the model suffix lists will not be displayed, thus, it can not be changed. Select the area carefully.
Select the area with pressing “[ UP ]/[ DOWN ] of Cursor button”, and then press the “[ RIGHT ] of Cursor button”

The only set area is displayed, and then press the “[ RIGHT ] of Cursor button” after confirmation.
(The unit is powered off automatically.)
Confirm the display of “PLEASE SET THE CLOCK” in English when the unit is turned on again.
Step 6. CONFIRMATION:
The display shows “PLEASE SET THE CLOCK” when turn the Power on again.
When the unit is connected to PC with USB cable, it is detected as removable media.

Error Code Memory Function

How to display
The error code can be displayed by the following procedure:
Before perform the error code memory function, connect the AC adaptor or insert the battery.
(Since this unit has built-in memory, this error code memory function can be performed without inserting SD memory card.)
1. The temporary cancellation of initial setting:
Set the REC/PLAY switch to “[Recording]”.
Set the mode dial to “[ P ]”.
While keep pressing [ AF macro/Focus switch ] and “[ UP ] of Cursor button” simultaneously, turn the Power on.
2. The display of error code:
Press [ AF macro/Focus switch ], [MENU] and “[ LEFT ] of Cursor button” simultaneously with the step 1 condition.
The display is changed as shown below when the above buttons is pressed simultaneously.
Normal display > Error code display > Operation history display > Normal display > .....

3. The change of display:

The error code can be memorized 16 error codes in sequence, however it is displayed 5 errors on the LCD.
Display can be changed by the following procedure:
“[ UP ] or [ DOWN ] of Cursor button” : It can be scroll up or down one.
“[ LEFT ] or [ RIGHT ] of Cursor button” : It can be display last 5 error or another 5 error.
4. How to read the error date:
The error date code is displayed from the left in order at the year, month, day, time.
Error date information is acquired from “Clock setting” information when the error occurs.
When the clock in not setting, it is displayed as “00000000”.

How to Discharge the Capacitor on Main PCB
This unit equipped with two pieces of capacitors as flash charging capacitors.
“Either one of the capacitor discharging operation” makes discharging for others as well.
CAUTION:
1. Be sure to discharge the capacitor on MAIN PCB.
2. Be careful of the high voltage circuit on MAIN PCB when servicing.
Discharging Procedure
1. Refer to the disassemble procedure and remove the necessary parts/unit.
2. Put the insulation tube onto the lead part of Resistor (ERG5SJ102:1kΩ /5W).
(An equivalent type of resistor may be used.)
3. Put the resistor between both terminals of capacitor on MAIN PCB for approx. 5 seconds.
4. After discharging confirm that the capacitor voltage is lower than 10V using a voltmeter.

How to Replace the Lithium Battery

Replacement Procedure
1. Remove the Main PCB.
2. Remove the Lithium battery (Ref. No. at component side of Main PCB) and then replace it into new one.

Note:

The lithium battery is a critical component.
(Type No.: ML-614S/ZT )
It must never be subjected to excessive heat or discharge.
It must therefore only be fitted in equipment designed specifically for its use.
Replacement batteries must be of the same type and manufacture.
They must be fitted in the same manner and location as the original battery, with the correct polarity contacts observed.
Do not attempt to re-charge the old battery or re-use it for any other purpose.
It should be disposed of in waste products destined for burial rather than incineration.

SONY CYBER-SHOT - DSC-H7 – SELF DIAGNOSTICS – ERROR CODES CAUSE AND SOLUTIONS

Sony Cyber-shot - DSC-H7 – Self diagnostics – Error codes cause and solutions

Sony Cyber-shot - DSC-H7 – Self diagnostics – Error codes cause and solutions – How to format the internal memory – How to fix flash error – How to copy and erase data

SELF-DIAGNOSIS FUNCTION
Self-diagnosis Function
When problems occur while the unit is operating, the self-diagnosis function starts working, and displays on the LCD screen what to do.

Self-diagnosis Display

When problems occur while the unit is operating, the LCD screen shows a 4-digit display consisting of an alphabet and numbers, which blinks at 3.2 Hz. This 5-character display indicates the “repaired by:”, “block” in which the problem occurred, and “detailed code” of the problem.

Self-diagnosis Code

C 1 3 0 1

Causes

The internal memory has experienced a format error.
“Memory Stick Duo” is unformatted.
“Memory Stick Duo” is broken.
“Memory Stick Duo” type error
The camera cannot read or write data on the “Memory Stick Duo”.

Solution

Format the internal memory.
Format the “Memory Stick Duo”.
Insert a new “Memory Stick Duo”.
Insert a supported “Memory Stick Duo”.
Turn the power off and on again, or taking out and inserting the “Memory Stick Duo” several times.

C 3 2 0 1

Causes

Trouble with hardware

Solution

Turn the power off and on again.
E 6 1 0 1

Causes
Difficult to adjust focus (Cannot initialize focus)

Solution

Retry turn the power on by the power switch. If it does not recover, check the focus reset sensor of lens block (pin 27 of CN401 on the SY-177 board). If it is OK, check the focus motor drive IC (IC401 on the SY-177 board).

E 6 1 0 2

Causes

Zoom operations fault (Cannot initialize zoom lens.)
Solution

Retry turn the power on by the power switch. Check the zoom reset sensor of lens block (pin 17 of CN401 on the SY-177 board), if zooming is performed when the zoom button is operated. If it is OK, check the zoom motor drive IC (IC401 on the SY-177 board).

E 6 2 0 2

Causes

Abnormality of IC for steadyshot.

Solution

Check or replacement of the IC for steadyshot (IC503 on the SY- 177 board).

E 6 2 1 0

Causes

Lens initializing failure.

Solution
Check or replacement of the IC for steadyshot (IC503 on the SY 177 board).

E 6 2 1 1

Causes

Lens overheating (PITCH).

Solution
Check the HALL element (PITCH) of optical image stabilizer (pin 35, 37 of CN401 on the SY-177 board). If it is OK, check PITCH angular velocity sensor (SE501 on the SY-177 board) peripheral circuits.

E 6 2 1 2

Causes

Lens overheating (YAW).

Solution
Check the HALL element (YAW) of optical image stabilizer (pin 30,32 of CN401 on the SY-177 board). If it is OK, check YAW angular velocity sensor (SE502 on the SY-177 board) peripheral circuits.

E 6 2 2 0

Solution
Abnormality of thermistor.

Causes

Check the OIS temp sensor of optical image stabilizer (pin 34 of CN401 on the SY-177 board).

E 9 1 0 1

Solution
Abnormality when flash is being charged.

Causes

Checking of flash unit or replacement of flash unit. (Note)

FIXING FLASH ERROR
When “FLASH error” (Self-diagnosis Code E : 91 : 01) occurs, to prevent any abnormal situation caused by high voltage, setting of the flash is changed automatically to disabling charge and flash setting.
After fixing, this setting needs to be deactivated. Flash error code can be initialized by the operations on the HOME screen.

Initializes the setting to the default setting. Even if you execute this function, the images stored in the internal memory are retained.
1. Select [Initialize] with UP/DOWN/LEFT/RIGHT, then press ENTER.
The message “Initialize all settings” appears.
2. Select [OK] with UP, then press ENTER.
The settings are reset to the default setting.
To cancel the resetting
Select [Cancel] in step 2, then press ENTER.
Make sure that the power is not disconnected during resetting.

COPYING OR ERASING THE DATA IN INTERNAL MEMORY
The data can be copied/erased by the operations on the HOME screen. (When erasing the data, execute formatting the internal memory.)
Note: When replacing the SY-177 board, erase the data in internal memory of the board before replacement.

Copies all images in the internal memory to a “Memory Stick Duo”.
1. Insert a “Memory Stick Duo” having 32 MB or larger capacity.
2. Select [Copy] with UP/DOWN/LEFT/RIGHT on the control button, then press ENTER.

The message “All data in internal memory will be copied” appears.
3. Select [OK] with UP, then press ENTER.
Copying starts.
To cancel the copying
Select [Cancel] in step 3, then press ENTER.
# Use a fully charged battery pack. If you attempt to copy image files using a battery pack with little remaining charge, the battery pack may run out, causing copying to fail or possibly corrupting the data.
# You cannot copy individual images.
# The original images in the internal memory are retained even after copying. To delete the contents of the internal memory, remove the “Memory Stick Duo” after copying, then execute the [Format] command in
[ Internal Memory Tool].
# When you copy the data in the internal memory to the “Memory Stick Duo”, all the data will be copied. You cannot choose a specific folder on the “Memory Stick Duo” as the destination for the data to be copied.

Formatting the Internal Memory

This item does not appear when a “Memory Stick Duo” is inserted in the camera.

Formats the internal memory.
Note that formatting irrevocably erases all data in the internal memory, including even protected images.
1 Select [Format] with UP/DOWN/LEFT/RIGHT on the control button, then press ENTER.
The message “All data in internal memory will be erased” appears.
2 Select [OK] with UP, then press ENTER.
The format is completed.
To cancel the formatting
Select [Cancel] in step 2, then press ENTER.

WRITE DATA TO INTERNAL MEMORY
Usually, the camera has been set so as to disable the data writing from the PC to the internal memory of the camera.
This setting must be changed temporarily when the data is to be written to the internal memory such as a case after the board replacement.
To change the setting, use the write enable tool “WriteEnableTool”.
Data writing method
1) Connect the PC to the camera (USB mode: Mass Storage), and switch the driver to the “Sony Seus USB Driver”.
2) Start the Write Enable Tool and the SeusEX.
3) Click the button of the Write Enable Tool.

4) Upon completion of the setting change, message will be displayed.

5) Return the driver to the original one, and connect the PC to the camera (USB mode: Mass Storage).
6) Write the data read out into the PC to the internal memory of the camera.
7) Disconnect the PC from the camera, and turn off the camera.
Note: By turning off the camera, the write enable setting is reset.

PANASONIC DMC-G1 PANASONIC DIGITAL CAMERA - – HOW TO ENTER TO SERVICE MODE – HOW TO DISCHARGE THE FLASH – HOW TO REPLACE THE RTC BATTERY – INITIALIZING SETTINGS

Panasonic Digital Camera - Panasonic DMC-G1 – How to enter to service mode – How to discharge the flash – How to replace the RTC battery – Initializing settings

Panasonic DMC-G1

INITIAL SETTINGS
When you replace the MAIN PCB, be sure to perform the initial settings after achieving the adjustment by ordering the following procedure in accordance with model suffix of the unit.
1. IMPORTANT NOTICE
Before proceeding Initial settings, be sure to read the following CAUTIONS.

2. PROCEDURES:
Preparation
Insert the SD memory card which has a few photo data.
Step 1. The temporary cancellation of initial setting:
Set the Drive mode lever to [ SINGLE ].
While keep pressing [ DISPLAY ] and [ FILM MODE ] buttons simultaneously, turn the Power on.
Step 2. The cancellation of initial setting:
Press the [PLAYBACK] button, then playback the picture.
Press [ FILM MODE ] and “[ UP ] of Cursor buttons” simultaneously, then turn the Power off.
Step 3. Turn the Power on:
Set the mode dial to [ P ], and then turn the Power on.
Step 4. Display the INITIAL SETTING:
While keep pressing [ MENU/SET ] and “[ RIGHT ] of Cursor buttons” simultaneously, turn the Power off.
When MAIN P.C.B. is replaced, all of the model suffix is displayed as follows.
There are two kinds of “INITIAL SETTINGS” menu format.
[1. After replacing MAIN P.C.B.]

[2. Other than “After replacing MAIN P.C.B.”]

Step 5. Set the INITIAL SETTING:
Caution: After replacing MAIN P.C.B.
The model suffix can been chosen, JUST ONE TIME.
Once one of the model suffix have been chosen, the model suffix lists will not be displayed, thus, it can be changed.

Select the area carefully.
Select the area with pressing “[ UP ] / [ DOWN ] of Cursor buttons”, and then press the “[ RIGHT ] of Cursor buttons”.

The only set area is displayed, and then press the “[ RIGHT ] of Cursor buttons” after confirmation.
(The unit is powered off automatically.)
Confirm the display of “PLEASE SET THE CLOCK” in English when the unit is turned on again.
Step 6. CONFIRMATION:
The display shows “PLEASE SET THE CLOCK” when turn the Power on again.
When the unit is connected to PC with USB cable, it is detected as removable media.

Service Mode
Error Code Memory Function
1. General description
This unit is equipped with history of error code memory function, and can be memorized 16 error codes in sequence from the latest. When the error is occurred more than 16, the oldest error is overwritten in sequence. The error code is not memorized when the power supply is shut down forcibly (when the unit is powered on by the battery, the battery is pulled out) because the error code is memorized to FLASH ROM when the unit is powered off.
2. How to display
The error code can be displayed by the following procedure:
Before perform the error code memory function, connect the AC adaptor or insert the battery and insert the SD memory card.
1. The temporary cancellation of initial setting:
Set the Drive mode lever to [ SINGLE ].
While keep pressing [ DISPLAY ] and [ FILM MODE ] buttons simultaneously, turn the Power on.
2. The display of error code:
Press [ FILM MODE ], [ MENU/SET ] and “[ LEFT ] of Cursor buttons” simultaneously with the step 1 condition.
The display is changed as shown below when the above buttons is pressed simultaneously.
Normal display > Error code display > Operation history display > Normal display > .

3. The change of display:
The error code can be memorized 16 error codes in sequence, however it is displayed 5 errors on the LCD.
Display can be changed by the following procedure:
“[ UP ] or [ DOWN ] of Cursor buttons” : It can be scroll up or down one.
“[ LEFT ] or [ RIGHT ] of Cursor buttons” : It can be scroll up or down every 5 error, when the same button is pressed in twice.
(When it is pressed at once, skip two data line. When it is pressed in twice, skip three data line.)
4. How to read the error date:
The error date code is displayed from the left in order at the year, month, day, time.
Error date information is acquired from "Clock setting" information when the error occurs. When the clock is not setting, it is displayed as “00000000”.

How to Discharge the Capacitor on Flash Sub PCB
CAUTION:
1. Be sure to discharge the capacitor on FLASH SUB PCB.
2. Be careful of the high voltage circuit on FLASH SUB PCB when servicing.
Discharging Procedure
1. Put the insulation tube onto the lead part of Resistor (ERG5SJ102:1kΩ /5W).
(An equivalent type of resistor may be used.)
2. Put the resistor between both terminals of capacitor on FLASH SUB PCB for approx. 5 seconds.
3. After discharging confirm that the capacitor voltage is lower than 10V using a voltmeter.

How to Replace the Lithium Battery
Replacement Procedure
1. Remove the REMOTE PCB.
2. Remove the Lithium battery (Ref. No. “B7351” at component side of REMOTE PCB) and then replace it into new one.

NOTE:
This Lithium battery is a critical component.
(Type No.: ML421S/ZT )
It must never be subjected to excessive heat or discharge.
It must therefore only be fitted in requirement designed specifically for its use.
Replacement batteries must be of same type and manufacture.
They must be fitted in the same manner and location as the original battery, with the correct polarity contacts observed.
Do not attempt to re-charge the old battery or re-use it for any other purpose.
It should be disposed of in waste products destined for burial rather than incineration.

DSC S700 - SONY CYBER-SHOT DIGITAL STILL CAMERA - HOW TO DISASSEMBLE

DSC S700 - SONY Cyber-shot DIGITAL STILL CAMERA - How to Disassemble

DISSEMBLE (Click on the pictures to Magnify)