Cleaning Sony DSR-25 DSR-45 miniDV video head manually HOWTO

[@Jeremy-D-Mayhew]

Thanks very much. I've worked with these many years ago and messed them up eventually with the cleaning tapes. I'm bookmarking this for future reference! (just got a DSR-25 for digitizing old miniDV and DVCAM tapes)

[@BillOnib]

ERROR CODE C3140 & ERROR CODE C 3142.......How do you fix SONY DSR-25 Cassette loading error code C3140 (when cassette is inserted into the machine but is ejected by the machine due to the error); and error code C3142 (when the cassette tape is inserted but tape would not play, rewind or fast forwarded). How ca these two error codes be corrected so the tape can play again and function normally.

[@CINEBOXFILMES]

Hello, were you able to solve your problem? I have the same error, the tape comes in and gives the error. Thanks

[@fiveable]

Hi Nicholas, Thanks for making and posting this video! I'm hoping you are familiar with a problem I'm having? I have two DSR-11's (Little brother to the DSR-25). The tape transport system looks very similar to the DSR-25. Have you ever experienced noise during rewind or fast forward on either of your units? One of mine makes a sound like cheap audio cassette tapes used to make when the little rollers were too loose on the post and vibrates. I have tried the same tape in both of my DSR-11's and one makes the noise and the other does not. The problem seems to be with the player and not the tape as I have tried this same test with multiple tests. The unit that is making the noise has relatively low hours on it, only 100 (10 x10h) Tape Run hours. Tom

[@NicholasSerra]

Never noticed any extreme noise from either of mine. I've had a couple DSR11's and they just didn't feel as robust as these units. I'd remove the cover, play a test tape, and see if you can find the issue. Might just be a noisy motor.

[@fiveable]

@@NicholasSerra Thanks for the reply. I’ll open it up and see. Maybe I’ll keep an eye out for a low hours DSR-25.

[@IntercoMobile]

@@fiveable Hey. its common for the DSR 11, nothing to worry about that high pitched crazy noise!!

[@theripplewrestlinginvestor01]

Hey Nick, Awesome walk thur have you ever had any issues of when you put a tape in and the indicator light flashes and spits out the tape? (On mine there is no errors it just spits out the tape after the light flashes? There ant alot of places on the web anymore to find out why, I figured id ask you. Thanks again great video!

[@theripplewrestlinginvestor01]

also did you ever have a black screen when playing a tape when you know something is on it, does that mean they are really dirty?

[@NicholasSerra]

@@theripplewrestlinginvestor01 usually if the tape is spit out it shows an error code. Also make sure the tape is mechanically fine, aka hit the little tab on the side and make sure the top lifts open. I've seen the tape tops get stuck and the deck rejects them. Never seen a black screen. Is there a timecode showing?

[@theripplewrestlinginvestor01]

@@NicholasSerra it seems my issue is when playing mini dv tapes you know there is footage on the tape but it shows no time code when playing its just a black screen? I keep cleaning my dsr 11 head and after a proper cleaning I sometimes have a 50/50 shot of finally seeing the footage. But would you consider that a bad head possibly? If its just completely black all the time or just really dirty? Im transfering some maybe like 25% out of my transfers work but its all different brand tapes sometimes. I kinda figured just going and picking up another player or Dv camera for playback. In the 23 years of doing camera work with my sony cams I never had a issue until now (after so many years). It seems like I have to keep cleaning the head after ever run but sometimes it still doesn't show. I was told I have low hours even operation 62x10 drum run 42x10 tape run 41x10 and threading 13x10. I appreciate you taking the time out Nick! -TRWI

[@NicholasSerra]

@@theripplewrestlinginvestor01 I've never seen that issue before and I've probably transferred 1k miniDV in the last two years. Does sound like a gear issue and not a tape issue. Wonder if maybe these tapes were recorded out of alignment. In cases where tapes play weird I just try on as many decks as possible. I probably have 10 decks of different brands. The Sony DSR ones almost always work the best. I've seen low hours decks play weird if they've had too many runs of those cleaning tapes.

[@rupert6478]

I was looking at the manual of a Sony dsr-pd100, and it said playback is muted when playing it back on the camcorder. But when I imported via firewire, there’s still no sound

[@Raad1982]

What do I do if a tape is stuck in there?

[@NicholasSerra]

Do everything in this video then remove the tape vertically.

[@joseportillo2397]

Any knowledge cleaning the heads on a DSR-11 mind dv tapedeck?

[@goldenbaum-media]

Hello - top clip. Maybe you can tell me where i can find the Battery (for clock setting mem)? Thank you

[@NicholasSerra]

Sorry, not sure. Never changed or noticed one. I checked the service manual but didn't quickly see a section on it.

[@metingokbulut837]

🇹🇷🇹🇷🇹🇷🇹🇷💯💯💯💯👍👍👍👍

[@crijomeinzer1579]

Have you had any experience with the sony DSR-11? Slightly smaller model but maybe the internals are similar as well.

[@NicholasSerra]

I've had a couple of them. I would assume the internals are less complex.

[@crijomeinzer1579]

@@NicholasSerra nice thanks.

[@JoeySinko]

Whats the differance between the 25 and the 45?

[@NicholasSerra]

45 seems a little more "pro", has more input and outputs on back, has remote capability

[@JoeySinko]

Thanks for getting back. I actually just bought a used 45 yesterday. Quick question, if you don't mind. Is audio supposed to play back? With the mini DV tape? I am able to import with audio. I just can't her anything while reviewing the footage. Thanks.

[@NicholasSerra]

@@JoeySinko Yes the minidv tapes have audio and the deck should be outputting it. Correct transfer of a minidv tape is via firewire, as it's a digital file. Think of it like doing a file transfer on your computer. DV AVI file from firewire capture is 1:1 copy off tape.

[@JoeySinko]

NicholasSerra I see.. Thanks for getting back! Really appreciate it. 🤙🏼