Wanted: Processor Board VP-301E for TBC-1000

[ehbowen]

I have a TBC-1000 which has been giving me fits since I obtained it. At first it wasn't working at all; then it started working when warmed up, then it started...well, see attachments.

I had an earlier problem with a JVC VCR which was doing the "LOADING" bit. When self-repair of that problem proved to be beyond my capabilities I took it to Bammel TV, one of the few remaining shops in town which works on equipment of that vintage, and they fixed it right up (for $225...ouch!).

So I thought I'd have them take a look at the TBC. Frankly, they weren't familiar with it, but after begging and pleading with DataVideo I finally persuaded them to release enough info for Bammel to troubleshoot it. They determined that a processor IC on my VP-301E board is bad; that's good. Unfortunately, according to them, the board was assembled by machine in such a way that the IC can't be unsoldered and removed without destroying the board. That's very bad.

So, long story short, I want to see if any of you have a parts-only TBC-1000 laying around which might have a salvageable VP-301E board in it. I'm going to try to wheedle DataVideo again, but I'm not expecting much help; they say these units are well past end of life and they don't work on them any more...although they might have a couple of TBC-5000s around that I could buy...(I know, I know, Lordsmurf has emphasized that the -5000 is not suitable for legacy VHS video work. Sigh.).

The price I'm willing to pay varies with the provenance of the board. If you have one which you are sure is good and you're willing to take it back if it doesn't work I could go as high as $150. If it's a junk unit which has been on your bench for five years sold as-is, maybe $35-50. PM me if you have a possible candidate.

-- merged --

Just adding: I understand that these processor boards were also used in the TBC-3000 and TBC-4000 as well. So if you have one of those units which has been relegated to parts donor status, you might be able to help me out.

[lordsmurf]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ehbowen

Just adding: I understand that these processor boards were also used in the TBC-3000 and TBC-4000 as well. So if you have one of those units which has been relegated to parts donor status, you might be able to help me out.

The VP-301F board is simply the name of a TBC-100 board. Sometimes the board is 100% unmodified TBC-100, sometimes power-modified, sometimes power-modified and sans input/output connections. But it's the same board.

The VP-301 board in the TBC-3000 (2x stacked in TBC-4000) is completely different. Obviously "the same" at the core, but still very different. For example, the TBC-100 auto-switched PAL/NTSC, while the 3000/4000 requires manual jumper or DIP switch.

The TBC-1000 is simply the TBC-100 (aka VP-301F) married to the VP-299. I have a VP-299, and it looks identical to the TBC-1000, until you open it open. It's mostly empty inside. I actually think the case was designed for the TBC-1000, and the VP-299 simply re-used the cases, as it could have been a small box.

I've never seen a bad DataVideo, unless power zapped it good, both under- and over-voltage.

I'm not truly convinced it's the IC, nor (if truly the IC) that it would be destroyed trying to repair it.

That all said, looking at the samples now, I still say it's a power issue. It's been a while since I saw anything like this, but it was resolved with a better PSU, especially the 12V 2A that came with Fantom hard drives.

[ehbowen]

Well, I'm certainly willing to try a new power supply. The one I have now was ordered from TGrant Photo. Oh, but also, channel B (only) on the TBC-4000 is giving me the exact same issue...capture goes white, and then back to normal. Channel D has a different issue...after it warms up, the chroma drops out on S-Video (although it appears straight composite is OK). If you have any suggestions for remedying these issues, I'm all ears. Should we take this to a different subsection?

[lordsmurf]

Whoa, that's really odd to have two DataVideo's exhibit issues like that.

[ehbowen]

As far as power goes, they're on separate circuits and are both connected to a very good-quality UPS (TBC-4000 to a TrippLite; TBC-1000 to an APC). Both units have the recommended power supplies as sold by TGrant Photo.

Editing To Add: Just ordered another new TBC-1000 power supply from TGrant Photo.