sony vcr eeprom reset

[Jim Walsh]

Anyone here good with electronics? I have the world's most unreliable VCR and will either have to fix it myself or bin it now that it is out of warranty. I can't recall the model number (but will check and post if required), but the machine is about 2 years old. The problem is as follows: any time the power is cut off and then restored, the eeprom values go haywire. Playback becomes impossible to watch and the display language changes and cannot be put back through the menu options. The vid went back for repair 4 times during the warranty period and each time the eeprom values were reset. However, nothing was done to cure the apparent extreme sensitivity of the machine to power surges. I am wondering whether resetting the eeprom values is a simple process (e.g. can be accomplished using the remote control and on screen display) or whether it requires specialist equipment. Anyone give me an idea?

Thanks, Jim

[John Cartmell]

Ask for a new machine. It clearly wasn't fit for use - and that's what you paid for. Your decision about whether it's worth the hassle but - EU law gives you 2 years and UK (pre-existing law) gave you 6 years. The 1 year warranty is a red herring.

[andrew]

Do you know it's actually an eeprom, as opposed to a battery backed RAM? The syptoms are typical of the battery having died in a battery backed RAM implementation. I would be tempted to open it up and look for a small PCB mount (most likely) Ni-Cd -- might be small tubular or button type.

I've had to replace them in a few TV's, but normally not until they are something like 10 years old. I also had a further problem with my grandmother's TV -- she would only plug the TV in when watching something, and I think it actually got used rather little. Certainly not enough to keep the rechargable battery topped up. I had to increase the charging current by a factor of 10 to stop it continually going flat.

[steve]

Hello Jim

This is not an uncommon problem and is likely to need the microprocessor replacing with an upgraded part (not a DIY job) to ensure long term reliability, and possibly other components. Your first port of call is your supplier but it is likely they won't want to know. If you have documented service history I would suggest contacting Sony directly they may be able to help.

It does not have a backup battery as such the corruption is caused by mains spikes.