I'm having a huge problem with my recorder. I turn it on, then it automatically goes to self-check. So far, nothing weird. But after the device is on for some time (never more than 2 minutes) the display prints "BYE" and then the clock. The device looks like it turned itself off, but in fact it just locked up! If i´m capturing something, the image will keep showing on the screen. If I'm playing something, the video will keep on playing till the end. I have to press the power button for some 15 seconds to turn it off for real. and then, when i turn it on again, that self-check is back on. The only pattern i could notice (since the lockups happen in different times) is that the cooler in the back goes on after some time the device is turned on. 5 or 6 seconds later, the fan goes off and the recordes locks. I have no idea what to do, but from what i've heard, i have a better luck searching for help in forums then with Panasonic itself. Any help would be VERY appreciated.
These things are very heat sensitive and they are not raised enough to provide adequate ventillation. I set mine atop four vienna sausage cans and put four more above it to separate the VCR that sits on it. This fixed all of my thermal problems. If you have it in a cabinet, raise it at least two inches off the deck and then provide air flow though the cabinet with a cabinet fan. Also, next time you reset it, unplug it for about a minute. This will not cause any data loss, but does wonders for clearing "glitches." bob
