This is topic SDDS 2k reader kaputz in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.
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Posted by Jonathan Haglund (Member # 807) on 07-23-2001, 07:55 PM:
I have an SDDS 2000 system that wont work (surprise). The processor boots and checks out OK, but the reader will not function (no LED light). It was not working awhile ago and I tried unplugging and re-plugging the reader while power was on and later was told this was a "bad" idea. Is there anything I can do to undo my folly or is this one of those tech related replacement repairs?
Posted by Aaron Sisemore (Member # 145) on 07-23-2001, 08:30 PM:
uh-oh... You damaged an SDDS...If any of the main boards are damaged on it, its gonna be *VERY* expensive to fix if the boards require replacement.
According to the quotes I got from Sony, it will cost more than a used DA20 or DTS6 to replace the boards. Figures.
Aaron
Posted by Stefan Scholz (Member # 147) on 07-24-2001, 07:07 AM:
Never unplug or plug the system*s camera cable while power is on. It may kill the input / output chips. Always turn off.Off course the boards itself are more valuable in parts than a CP 500, but if they are sent in for repair it*s a nominal charge as with any other maker.
Just ask the cuteous Sony service, phone and contact is on the web site.
Posted by John Luttrelle (Member # 942) on 08-15-2001, 09:27 AM:
HI Jonathan,
I recently noticed your posting RE: DFPR2000 "no LED light"
Given the information I am not sure what the problem is now, theres a few factors that may apply in your case.
Led's should flash once when system is powered on. This would be a good indication reader may be undamaged and general maintenance items may apply. In any case repair is possible.
Please contact our Customer Support Line and we would be pleased to assist you.
Thank you,
John Luttrelle
Sony Cinema Products
Customer Support Group
10950 W. Washington Blvd
Culver City, Ca. 90232
866.766.9272 press "1" then "8" then "2"
john_luttrelle@scpc.sony.com866.SONYBPC toll free
techsupport@sdds.sony.com - email technical support <A HREF="http://www.sdds.com" TARGET=_blank>www.sdds.com</A> - sdds website for information on sdds, products, films, and software
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 08-15-2001, 03:55 PM:
This is nothing new. Just use it for a door stop and get yourself a DTS or DA-20/Cat 700. In fact I got in a bunch of 2 drawer DTS players here.
MArk @ GTS
BTW: The DTS time code reader is fuse protected on the 2 drawer units. The fuse may blow but the reader will not. "Sony, No Baloney???!" Yea right.
Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 08-16-2001, 03:01 AM:
Easy there Mark. John's post above was clearly helpful, and hopefully Jonathan and John can do some troubleshooting directly on this thread so that others who experience this same problem in the future can use this in the archives to assist in future troubleshooting/repairs of the DFP-2000. The whole purpose of posts like Jonathan's is to seek help and (hopefully) obtain it on various equipment in the industry. John is taking time out of his day to represent Sony with field questions on their equipment publicly, which in the end will most probably end up helping not just Jonathan, but many others who are silently reading these posts with similar situations. It's a win/win situation for Sony and the users of their products in the field having John here answering questions, and that's a good thing. 
Posted by Jonathan Haglund (Member # 807) on 08-16-2001, 05:16 AM:
I can't even begin to speculate and/or troubleshoot this anymore. The unit was removed to undergo repair. If/When the system returns I will post what the problem was, but my impression was since there is no protection againts a surge when plugging the reader in with power on, that a board in the processor went kaputz (per the title).
Live and learn and pay dearly for the privellige.
Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 08-16-2001, 07:33 AM:
I also value and appreciate the participation of other equipment suppliers like Sony, Dolby, DTS, Strong, Cinemeccanica, QSC, etc. in helping solve problems. Working together, we can solve problems and learn where improvements are needed.BTW, it's ALWAYS a good idea to power down equipment before switching components.
------------------
John P. Pytlak, Senior Technical Specialist
Worldwide Technical Services, Entertainment Imaging
Eastman Kodak Company
Research Labs, Building 69, Room 7419
Rochester, New York, 14650-1922 USA
Tel: 716-477-5325 Cell: 716-781-4036 Fax: 716-722-7243
E-Mail: john.pytlak@kodak.com
Web site: http://www.kodak.com/go/motion
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 08-16-2001, 09:50 AM:
Brad,
My post made a good point that I think you missed. The fact that DTS does include protection in case you plug or unplug the reader with the power on. With so many rollaround carts in use today the extra safety factor is important. Dolby also has no safety margin built in either as far as I am aware of. This is something that both Dolby and Sony SHOULD have considered when they designed their units. I have replaced many fuses(but nothing more) in DTS processors due to iddiots plugging and unplugging the readers with the power on.As far as repairing the 2000 goes, it is probably NOT worth it unless it is something really simple. All you have to do is go back and read all the trouble people have had with them in past threads, even when the units are working properly. So is it worth it? Most likely not.
Unfortunately it can easily cost more to repair one than to buy a DTS. I have had several customers complain to me about this and there have been a number of posts regarding same AFFORDABLE as both Dolby and DTS do with their products. Their customers spent a lot of money to purchase those units and the lack of reasonable priced support to repair them only strengthens everyones sentiments even more and the fact that Sony does as it pleases and is not willing to at least be the equal of the other two Digital Processor Companies.
I am not digging in at John for offering support for the problem and thank him for doing so but this support is usually too expensive.
Mark @ GTS
Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 08-17-2001, 04:22 AM:
Mark,Yes I got your point and it is a very good one that perhaps Dolby and Sony will integrate into their systems. However I was just jumping in on a moderator level with my comment above.
Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 08-17-2001, 10:20 AM:
Actually for years dolbys cards were hot plugable and also non destrucxtive if they got swapped
Those were the days
Posted by Robb Johnston (Member # 239) on 08-23-2001, 02:48 PM:
This sounds like a problem that I had on 2 of my units over the last 2 years.On pages 28-30 of the DFP reader head manual found on this site there are exploded views and parts lists for the reader. directly behind the sprocket is part 115, which looks like an old wagon wheel. directly to the left of this item is part 107 which is printed circuit board PC-74. This board has an emitter/sensor component. Basically the "Wagon wheel" spins with the sprocket and breaks the light beam in part 107 which times the blinking of the LED's to read the SDDS information. I have had the emmitter/sensor that is on the PC-74 board fail on two units shortly after I got to my current location. We attributed them to a lack of blowing the dust out of the readers on a recular basis.
IF the LED's blink once when you turn on the system but not when you spin the sprocket, I would be willing to bet that this is your problem fixed for less than 60 bucks.
Have fun trying to order the part though. the PN listed will get you the blank PC-74 card, not the component or the plug. I would call SONY and have them find the part number for the assembly and post it here as a reference.
Robb Johnston