Panasonic AJ-Series issues

[djski]

Originally Posted by ARC Tech-109

I have a 755 that has this oscillating issue with the tension on the supply reel, it's a lmost like it's trying to overcompensate before it begins to jerk and throw an E64 error. I'm not familiar enough with the Panasonic and keep striking out on a service manual.
I also have a AJ-HD150 with a dead power supply. It pulses like it's trying to start up so I replaced several shorted caps but despite my efforts its still a no-go.
I also aquired a pair of the D230 decks with what I assume are worn heads. If I select DVCAM format run a DVCAM tape it plays well but a native DV format tape will go blocky from the errors before going E-01 low RF. I recall the DV track width was 1/2 that of the Sony DVCAM format so this is where I drew my conclusion. Are these heads replaced as a unit with the motor or as just the upper cylinder?

I'm not very fond of the modern Panasonic "pro" equipment but I do have a need for them so thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

(retired) Arc-Tech 109

Over my career, I have come across few electrolytics that actually shorted. They usually open from age and heat.. A surge may have shorted some caps on your HD150. Might want to look for an open electrolytic capacitor on the primary side of the transformer. They are usually small in value, around 1uf with a voltage rating around 160v.
How many drum running hours have accrued on your 230's? If several thousand hours have accrued, the heads likely are worn out. They usually can go 1500 hours with minimal care. I have done head replacements on the D230 long ago.. The upper and lower drum come as an assembly. You can't get just the upper drum. Before comdeming the drum assy. make sure your tape path is properly aligned. With narrower tracks, the DV material will be far less forgiving and artifact much easier.
Another possibility(WHICH IS MY GUESS) is faulty surface mount capacitors in the head amp circuit. I have changed many hundreds of these caps on D230'S and they can fail on any board. That's why Panasonic offered board specific cap kits which were available long ago and you replaced them all on the affected board. I have been out of the industry a while now and do not know if any parts are still available anymore as Panasonic usually discontinued parts after seven years..