U61 Error with Panasonic DVD Recorders-Fixable?
| Streaming Media Players and Standalone Players/Recorders Discuss, U61 Error with Panasonic DVD Recorders-Fixable? at Home Entertainment forum; My Panasonic DVD Recorder DMR-ES15 is two months beyond the one year warranty period. I've had no problems until yesterday when this began : Every time the unit is turned on I see "Hello" on the display screen, shortly followed by "U61". The operating instructions say "U61: There was a |
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Posted:
12-04-2008
- # 1
My Panasonic DVD Recorder DMR-ES15 is two months beyond the one year warranty period.
I've had no problems until yesterday when this began :
Every time the unit is turned on I see "Hello" on the display screen, shortly followed by "U61".
The operating instructions say "U61: There was a power failure or the AC plug was disconnected while the unit was on. The unit is carrying out its recovery process. This process restores the unit to normal operation. The unit is not broken. Wait until the message disappears."
But in my case, after a brief period of "sound blips" I get this message on the TV screen :
"Self check failed. Press ENTER, then the unit will open the tray and power off automatically. If this message appears frequently, please refer to the Product Service section in the operating instructions."
I've tried unplugging the recorder and after several minutes replugging - doesn't help.
The Panasonic web site says that to get approved Panasonic service I would need to go 177 miles to Chicago (I live in Indianapolis).
Has anyone owning this or similar model had this trouble? Is it fixable?
One year and two months is a very short lifetime for a DVD recorder that has been only lightly used, and never abused.
- Today (MyCE Staff)
- Posts: 15,596
- Posted:
13-04-2008
- # 2
I have two DMR-ES35V combo recorder models that were purchased as parts machines. After initially powering on one of these with the remote or the front panel power button the machine displays the U61 error and will no longer respond to the remote or any front panel buttons. (The front panel circuit board contacts and left and right chassis motherboard contacts are correctly aligned.) This machine will briefly continue in the U61 state and then power itself off after which it will remain unresponsive until disconnected from the power for a time and then reconnected. The U61 will reappear following powering on. The DVD drive has been swapped with another known good DVD drive from the other DMR-ES35V parts machine. The DVD drive controller circuit board has also been swapped with that from the other parts machine. (The other parts machine had a defective tuner but did not report the U61 error.) Note: many parts may be interchanged between several models from the same model year, but not between models from different model years. (All the models mentioned in this post are from the 2006 model year.) This DVD drive controller circuit board carries the machine's main CPU, the RAM, and other major chips. The U61 error persists on this machine. There is some evidence of leakage from the largest electrolytic capacitor (C11108) in the power supply section.
I have three other functional DMR-ES35V models that also evidence leakage from this same power supply capacitor. I have temporarily removed these three machines from service pending replacement of these capacitors. (These three functional machines average more than 3,000 recording hours per machine.) I expect to replace these leaking capacitors in all four machines at the same time, a procedure that requires disassembly to the extent of removal of the right chassis motherboard from the machine. Due to the extensive disassembly required the procedure takes somewhat longer than one hour per machine.
I have another functional DMR-ES35V that does not exhibit leakage from this electrolytic capacitor. That machine continues in daily service. I also have four DMR-ES15 models, where, in three of these I replaced the similar largest power supply section electrolytic capacitor (C1143). Two of those three are in current daily service.
I have previously posted detailed instructions for replacement of the power supply electrolytic capacitor on a hard drive model here:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...0#post13269680
Those detailed instructions are generally the same for Panasonic DVD recorders and combo recorders. Combo recorders have left and right chassis motherboards with conductive bridges/connectors between the motherboards. On a combo recorder be sure to hold the VHS door open when fitting the front panel back to the case. This will assure the correct alignment of the VHS door lifting mechanism.
Replacement of leaking electrolytic capacitors may or may not correct the U61 error. If not, then I suspect the most likely cause is some failure of a component on the DVD drive controller circuit board.
The corporate Panasonic Service Center is located in Elk Grove Village IL. They offer the $130 flat-rate repair that includes shipping both ways. Usually Panasonic factory refurbished DMR-ES15 models, with a 90 day Panasonic warranty, are offered by Panasonic Authorized Resellers on eBay or other online locations under $70, plus shipping.
Last edited by DigaDo; 13-04-2008 at 03:24. Reason: fixing link - Posted:
14-04-2008
- # 4
I have read a few comments elsewhere where the U61 error may be overcome by removing the case lid, the four small philips screws securing the DVD drive lid, and sliding the lens assembly to its rearmost position, and reassembling the machine. I have tried this on my DMR-ES35V with the U61 error, but that did not correct the problem.
Should you open your DMR-ES15 to try this it might be good to clean the hub/spindle area as described in this thread:
http://club.cdfreaks.com/f106/fixing...t-help-210507/
I have found a high incidence of leakage in electrolytic capacitors in 2006 model year Panasonic DVD recorders and combo recorders. Of my ten 2006 Panasonic machines (eight functional and two parts machines) eight have evidenced leakage from the largest electrolytic capacitor in the power supply. (I have examined the power supply section of two of my three 2005 model Panasonic combo recorders. There is no evidence of capacitor leakage. One of these models, a DMR-ES30V, has more than 4,200 recording hours.)
I would assume that capacitor longevity is related to usage demands; operational or environmental temperature; perhaps a capacitor specification design flaw; use of capacitors that do not meet design specification; or a combination of these or other factors.
There are some blogs/postings in other forums that mention sub-standard electrolite used in some brands of capacitors causing failure in computer motherboards, but I haven't read similar comments concerning the quality of capacitors used in Panasonic DVD recorders and combo recorders.
Should you go with a Panasonic refurbished DMR-ES15 be sure to keep your present model for future spare parts.
I have two DMR-EZ17 models from 2007. These models are bug-laden and have some of the same design flaws that were found in the DMR-ES40V from 2005. The 2006 models, including the DMR-ES15 models, have given outstanding performance in my service.
Last edited by DigaDo; 14-04-2008 at 17:38. Reason: correcting typo - Posted:
14-04-2008
- # 6
The DMR-ES15 is a 2006 model. The DMR-ES20 is a 2005 model.
The DMR-ES25 is the step-up 2006 model. I believe that the ES25 had the internal fan whereas the ES15 did not have an internal fan. Keep the ES15 out in the open with good air circulation. The ES15 must not be shut up inside a cabinet.
I own two DMR-EZ17 models that are in current daily use. While I appreciate the analog and digital tuners this is a product that I do not recommend due to the bugs and design flaws.
I own thirteen functional Panasonic DVD recorders and combo recorders from the 2005, 2006 and 2007 model years. My most recent purchase has been a Philips DVDR3575H/37B, a DVD/HDD recorder from the 2007 model year.
Last edited by DigaDo; 14-04-2008 at 18:35. - Posted:
14-04-2008
- # 7
I agree with Digado. I own both a ES-15 and ES-25 as well as a EZ-28. I had 5 EZ-17's and they all died a ugly U99 death within months to days of use. I cannot suggest the EZ-x7 line. So far I have had much better luck with my EZ-28 although less than a month old. I have noticed fewer quirks with this EZ-28 machine than I had with either my EZ-17's or one EZ-27.
As Digado said the ES-20 is a '05 model which was replaced by the ES-15 which was replaced in '07 by the buggy EZ-17 which was replaced by the upgraded EZ-28.
In your case if you don't need the digital tuner I'd suggest a referb ES-15 or if you don't need the tuner at all you could look into a EA-18 which is a tunerless EZ-28 and includes upconversion w/HDMI. It runs ~$180 new. The EZ-28 adds $50 for the tuner.
Or if you want to get away from the Panny's you could get the '08 Philips 3576 (replaced Digado's '07 3575). It just became available at Sams Club for $248 and includes a HDD as well as the digital tuner and upconverting HDMI.
The 3575 has been a favorite of many and word is the 3576 is almost identical. - Posted:
26-04-2008
- # 8
Hi,
I have the same problem with my 19 months old DMR-ES15EG. The unit stopped recording suddenly. After restart - "hello' followed by "U61" message appears. In the past my two other units (other brands) was damaged as a consequence of capacitor leakage in the power supply section.
Does Panasonic apply lead free soldering? - Posted:
26-04-2008
- # 9
That's a good questionQuote:Originally Posted by AlKwas
Does Panasonic apply lead free soldering?
since we all know Chinas insistence on using lead in other products. I know all new roll solder I've seen is lead free but not sure about "wave soldering" like is used for board manufacturing. I'm not even sure about wave soldering here in the US if that's lead free.
Maybe someone in manufacturing would know... - Posted:
26-04-2008
- # 10
The perplexing thing about the U61 error code is the statement "The unit is not broken" found on page 39 of the DMR-ES15 Operating Instructions. (This statement is also found on page 59 of the DMR-ES35V Operating Instructions and page 63 of the DMR-EZ17 Operating Instructions.)
Might someone on this Forum be able to shed more light on how this U61 "error" might be overcome? - Posted:
16-05-2008
- # 13
Hi,
another fix reported in the net:
"Ultimately, the solution was to carefully slide the laser head to the back of the drive. The laser was originally forward (toward the tray door). Once I slid the laser all the way back, I put everything back together and everything worked properly again."
What do You think about?
AlKwas - Posted:
16-05-2008
- # 15
Yes, my omission. Do You know how to exclude the power supply defect? You notice strange sounds after power on?Quote:Originally Posted by DigaDo In an earlier post (#4 above) I reported that I slid the lens assembly to its rearmost position but that didn't correct the U61 error situation with my machine.
Panasonic service specified two possibilities - drive or digital circuit board deffect.
Regards,
AlKwas - Posted:
17-05-2008
- # 17
In the US we don't have the EH-x7 line so I really can't comment on it. I had many EZ-17/27 machines and all exhibited flakey and unreliable behavior. My new EZ-28(the US replacement for EZ-27) does have a few of the quirks of the EZ-x7 line but has proven to be more reliable. It has locked up twice in 2 1/2 months but neither of the lockups resulted in u99 machine failure, like on my x7's. Both of the lockups were easily reset by holding in the power button for 10 seconds. Kind of a soft reboot for Panny DVDR's.
The reason I put up with the EZ line at all is because I can get such great PQ recordings off of HD digital broadcasts, otherwise I'd be still using my many ES machines which are less flakey and I believe more reliable. - Posted:
23-05-2008
- # 18
My Panasonic support (?) experience has been rather strange.
First they said to send them my ES-15 at their expense and they would see what the problem might be, Although two months over warranty, my impression was that they would repair the unit if the problem was one of the inherent faults that many Panasonic DVD recorders apparently have (as attested to by quite a few owner reviews on the Internet).
After they received the recorder, they sent me a letter asking me to approve their attempting a repair with the cost estimated at $130, but not necessarily limited to $130. They said they would inform me if the repair began to exceed $130 so I could stop at that point if I so desired. And, in any case, it would cost me $40 minimum just for their diagnosis of the problem.
I originally paid $130 for the recorder, brand new, including tax.
I have never owned an electronic device before that became worthless before even 14 months had gone by. I didn't even get the chance to try out all of the recorder's features.
Panasonic had an opportunity, at minimum cost on their part, to create a lifelong Panasonic customer. But they failed miserably.
Let the buyer beware.
P.S. With nothing to lose, I will open up the returned unit and see if anything looks fried or whatever. - Posted:
23-05-2008
- # 19
IMO ES-15's aren't worth sending out to fix. If you can't fix it yourself toss it. I only paid $99 each for my last 2 new ES-15s, and while I like the units if they have a problem that I'm not able to fix they'll be trashed, or saved for parts for my other ES machines. - Posted:
23-05-2008
- # 20
Formergi,
You can buy a Panasonic Factory Refurbished DMR-ES15 with a Panasonic warranty from a online Panasonic Authorized Reseller for less than $70.
I have never heard that the corporate Panasonic Service Center in Elk Grove Village IL charges for estimates or repairs going above $130 unless they have just changed their policy. Where did you send your Panasonic?
This is the advice that several on this Forum have given:
The corporate Panasonic Service Center in Elk Grove Village IL handles warranty and out of warranty repairs in a prompt and efficient manner.
For Panasonic warranty service, call 1-800-211-7262 to obtain a RMA.
Panasonic offers out of warranty flat-rate repairs for $130.00, including shipping both ways. Call 1-888-439-2676 for the flat-rate out of warranty service at the corporate Panasonic Service Center:
Panasonic Service Center
1590 Touhy Ave
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
1-888-439-2676
For a Panasonic the best service is never local "Panasonic Authorized Service" as these locations service many brands, specializing in none. They many not have a service manual or parts for your product. They may charge whatever they please to service or repair out of warranty products. If parts are needed prepare to wait for an extended period.
Last edited by DigaDo; 23-05-2008 at 22:19. - Posted:
07-06-2008
- # 23
I have been hoping to set aside some time to replace the power supply electrolytic capacitors on four DMR-ES35V combo recorders. Three of these are functional machines that were set aside for this purpose in March, plus the one parts machine that I purchased as-is with the U61 error.Quote:Originally Posted by AlKwas Hi,
How to recognize the cause of the U61 error (if it's not a capacitor leakage) e.g. drive or digital circuit board defect? Any suggestion?
Regards,
AlKwas
Once the electrolytic capacitor replacements have been made I shall report my findings concerning the U61 machine.
As to the digital circuit board, this is part number VEP79132 (on the 2006 US/Canadian models) located on a platform next to the DVD drive on a DMR-ES15 (and on the sub-platform under the DVD drive on a DMR-ES35V). This circuit board has the heat-sinked CPU and several other chips including the RAM. This circuit board is connected to the DVD drive by ribbon cables; and to the chassis motherboard with a fixed 30+ pin connector.
The U61 error on my DMR-ES35V does not allow the DVD drive tray to open and there is none of the usual DVD drive "spin-up" (that locates and reads a DVD in the tray) following power on; so my thought is that the U61 error on this machine is prompted by the failure of the electrolytic capacitor in the power supply resulting in a general operational failure of the machine. Such was the reasoning of an earlier poster with a hard drive Panasonic. That poster reported that the hard drive didn't "spin-up." That poster reported that replacing the leaking capacitors in the power supply section corrected the problem.
Last edited by DigaDo; 07-06-2008 at 22:57. Reason: clarifying that part number VEP79132 is for US/Canadian models - Posted:
07-06-2008
- # 24
If you find that the largest electrolytic capacitor in the power supply section is leaking perhaps you may consider replacing it yourself. Be sure to obtain the correct specification capacitor and observe its polarity. The specifications and heat range are found on the side of the capacitor and the stripe indicates polarity. A replacement capacitor needs to be short enough to fit in the low-profile case (certainly no taller than 30mm).Quote:Originally Posted by formergi I guess I need to say again that all my contacts regarding my ES-15 problem have been with the corporate Panasonic Service Center in Elk Grove Village IL
My unit has been returned and I will go looking inside it soon.
This post has detailed instructions for a hard drive model but many of the details also apply to a DMR-ES15:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...0#post13269680
This job requires disassembly to the point of removal of many parts and the chassis motherboard from the machine. - Posted:
08-06-2008
- # 25
Never had a U61 before today. I disassemble one of my ES-15's to clean the spindle. The inside was so dirty that I took my air compressor and blew it out. I must have blown a plastic piece with a nylon roller out of place. I didn't notice this and installed the cover back on the drive. I put the machine back together and turned on. All was fine until I pushed eject, the drive made a grinding noise followed by a u61. I unplugged machine and took the lid of the drive. After a little studying I figured out which piece had come out of place. I reinstalled the piece and put the cover back on the drive. With the cover off of the machine I powered it back up and still u61 after a few seconds.
I disconnected power and took the cover off the drive and power the machine back up. I saw the laser head go up and down and was able to hold the tray down while pushing eject. It did eject and no u61. I pushed eject again and it sucked the tray back in. Then I reinstalled the cover and pushed eject again. It came out fine. It went back in fine. I put the units cover back on and everything is fine.
Not sure what the u61 is about, the capacitors all looked fine. This is the only time I've got U61 and I hope I never have it again. The machine works great after cleaning the spindle. No more grinding other than the usual noisy operation of the ES-15 drive. My ES-30 drives are so much quieter it's amazing. The disassemble procedure was very similar(also cleaned one of my ES-30s) This time I was able to take the cover off my ES-30 drive without having to remove the plastic front of the unit. Sure made it easier to not have to worry about aligning the VHS door like I had done prior when I removed the front of the unit.
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