Sony HDR-FX1 firewire port repair

UPDATE: This part # is A-1073-874-A FP-964 BOARD, COMPLETE and can be bought online for about $40. Thanks to Highlight0427 for finding it.

My camera became difficult to connect to my PC, you could wiggle the cable sometimes, it got errors, and then stopped altogether. The connector would scratch and click when you plugged in the cord. RULE 1, use a cord that isn't tight or difficult to insert, and don't put pressure on the cable while inserted, I learned this the hard way. I was able to determine the port was the problem, but was apprehensive about attempting a repair on such an investment. My mind was changed when I looked and Sony's repair cost started at $500+.

This camera is about 2 years old, with maybe 20 hours of use and maybe 2 dozen connections with the pc. I am really disturbed at how cheap the firewire port is on a camera that cost several thousand dollars. Plus I wanted to connect a hard drive for direct recording, can't imagine doing that now.

I searched for a replacement part. www.partstore.com has 663 parts for this camera, and prices look reasonable, but there are no photos or clear descriptions. If you know this part(number), please comment and I will place it on here for others (as well as buy one). I purchased a new firewire port from www.mouser.com for under $3. You have to love a company that will let you buy 3 or 3,000. The part number is 154-AVR20-E, it is slightly larger and requires some modification, but the pin outs match perfectly. You have to have soldering skills to replace it, the work area is very small. This video is primarily to show how to get to the connector, not the repair of it. I also show how you can reinforce it so it will be stronger. This camera is an HDR-FX1, but I'm sure others with the same camera body are the same.

I am usually lazy when it comes to an ESD strap. Here I didn't want to take any chances, so if you don't have one, I demonstrate how to make one. For it to work your home electrical must be properly grounded. If you don't know what ESD is then stop here and DON'T TAKE YOUR CAMERA APART!

I am not a professional repairman, attempting what is shown on this video will void your warranty and could destroy your expensive camera, doing so is at your own risk.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• sony
• hdv
• hdrfx1
• video
• camera
• camcorder
• broken
• fire
• wire
• plug
• connector
• ieee
• 1394
• diy
• howto
• fix
• replace
• pc
• sync
• recognize
• detect
• problem
• esd
• strap

[pramodmeee]

My FX1 firewire port doesn't work either. But, the port doesn't seems to be loose or shaky. Should I try changing the firewire port? Do you think the problem is much more serious?

I greatly appreciate some advice.

Thank you!

[reconrick1]

Sounds like it may not be the port itself. I would try some other things before taking the camera apart. You didn't say if it quit working or never worked. I had a problem with HDV mode and the software I was using. I would try another cable, another computer, update drivers, etc., do some troubleshooting first.

[Highlight0427]

Just got the part today. The part is actually just the Firewire port, which installed very easily except for a couple of screws that game me a little trouble on the handle (be careful not to force them or they'll strip). Everything working perfectly now - thanks for the video reconrick1! Awesome job!

[reconrick1]

Did come with the attached board and ribbon cable, no soldering required?

[fantomredmask]

Wonderful video !

Just a question. My camera has a similar problem but not a loose connection nor scratching clicking sound. Only fails to connect to PC. The DV HDV leds are working. In this case I doubt if there is a burned board or anything else before trying to fix. I tested with 2 cables on Avid Liquid 7.1 on Win XP SP2, also Win7,Vista showed nothing.

Anyone had their problem still unsolved after trying this method ? Anyone who had a repaired DV out board repaired by Sony Service ? Cost ?

[reconrick1]

I had a problem with the camera in HDV mode with either XP or the software I was using, sorry don't remember now. I doubt your problem is the DV board itself if it's not the connector. On mine, before it failed altogether, you could jiggle the connector and the computer would "recognize" it. There are alot of variables in your case, did it ever work? tried another computer? updated drivers? etc. I would search online before I took mine apart. I've heard Sony repair starts at $500! ouch.

[penandnotebook]

@nickwaite do you have a link to the part? I can't find it on the CVP website.

[nickwaite]

@photonstudios

Thanks so much for the link. I managed to open the PDF on my iPad once , but it won't allow me to download it to my computer? Really appreciate you sending the link, not sure why it's stopeed wrking?

Thanks,

Nick

[photonstudios]

@nickwaite I emailed you at your youtube inbox.

[nickwaite]

I've just followed these instructions to make the same repair on my HVR-Z1E. I'm importing footage as I type! Thanks so much. The part number is identical in the Z1 too. The replacement spare is so cheap I'm ordering one up incase it happens again. If you're in the UK the part can be delivered for under £16 including VAT from CVP.

[nickwaite]

@photonstudios Hi, I have a HVR-Z1 that has just developed this problem. I'm hoping the Z1 and FX1 are pretty much the same. I'd love that service manual link if you still have it. Thanks, Nick

[Islandboy1960]

I replaced the firewire connector and it still not working. The computer is not recognizing the camera. What could it the problem now?

[photonstudios]

I found the actual pdf service manual for the pro version of this FX1 camera (the Sony HVR-Z1U, Z1J, Z1P, Z1N, Z1E, or Z1C). YouTube doesnt seem to let me put links here so respond here if you want it and I can give you the link.

[johnmeyer77]

Many thanks for this video. I have the FX1 and cringe every time I connect the 1394/Firewire cable for fear of damaging the port. I have an older, less expensive Sony DV camcorder (TRV-11) and that Firewire connector has failed twice. I traced the problem to a "bad" cable that apparently grabs the little connectors and breaks them. So, use the highest quality cable you can find.

Now I need to find a similar video for how to repair my TRV-11, and hope I don't have to fix my FX1.

[corug7]

Thank you a thousand times for posting this video. I followed your detailed instructions and my camera now works perfectly.

[videosagb]

very good, great job.. im repairman and you did it good... well.. i must to say that.. i like you keyboard..is microsoft? thanks...