Expert: Gary Mann - 4/19/2009

Question
I'm sorry, but this is a video camera - there is no one assigned to them, but I think this question may be sort of generic. It's about the PC connection to upload the miniDV to computer. It just stopped working' the PC doesn't see it. My PC expert got it to work once by jiggling the contact plug, but failed every time after that. I've tried both USB & Firewire. I had everything tested on a PC at a computer shop, and a fresh PC & new cables all failed. We all think it may be the camera connection. I would appreciate very much your ideas on this, as I'm desperate enough to try my own repair - Panasonic charges almost as much to repair it as a new one costs. No camera shop can repair it. Thank you.

Answer
I agree time for self repair. If possible get a schematic before you try. Search Google for that.
Make a clean space, try starting in the morning not an evening and good luck.
Sounds like a screw that holds one of the boards/parts in place in the power distribution has come loose.
Wish I could be there. Good Luck.
Gary Mann