Topic: PCM-M10 Achilles heels

[earmonger]

I got my PCM-M10 in December 2009 and I  have been using it 3-4 times a week for shows ever since. I'm lucky that way

This week I have started having trouble with the on-off switch. It takes 4 or 5 tries to get it to turn on or turn off (of course it can be turned off by removing the batteries).

The other thing that suffered from wear and tear was the remote, which I had to replace a few months ago. That does get a lot of action, because it goes in and out of a flap on a camera case and sometimes dangles and swings, even gets tugged,  if I don't tuck it in well enough.

Anyway, I have procured a replacement and bear the older one no grudge. That one is still good to go, though I don't know when the switch is going to completely stop functioning.  And with three years of very steady use, that's about $75 a year. Compare that to your smartphone bill...

[cashandkerouac]

so far no problem with my M10, which is now 2 years old.  i've got back-up provisions in case something goes bad, but the M10 has been a real workhorse. 

[F.O.Bean]

I would suggest to NOT USE THE REMOTE. Even tho the m10 is LOCKED, the stop button still works on the remote. That could really make someone sour after the check their m10 and find out that it accidentally got "stopped"

But to each his own! I personally wouldnt risk it

[anr]

I've recently noticed the same general problem.  The nature of the sliding on/off switch means the slightest bit of dust or gunge can make it sticky.  I've just squirted some switch cleaner in it and it's back to 100%. 

[bluewingolive]

I never use the on/off switch.....It just goes to sleep after 10min....

[tgos3]

When I use my remote along with pre-roll, there is an audible click at the beginning of the recording.  The click is not present using preroll without the remote.  I assume this is an inherent problem, since I have had no other probs with my unit.
I hardly ever turn mine off, since the batteries last so long.  I just put in a new set of Eneloops once in a while.  I turn it off to remove the flashcard for modification of the file structure and to add or delete files using a card reader, or when hooking up USB access.   It's probably a good idea to turn it off before plugging in or unplugging an externally powered mike or a powered up external preamp.

TG

[earmonger]

I've just squirted some switch cleaner in it and it's back to 100%.

Dunno if it's sticky so much as unresponsive, but this sounds like it's worth a try. There are a lot of  contact cleaners out there, though, and I'm reluctant to just squirt something unknown on the PCM-M10. Is there a brand (or active ingredient) that you recommend?

[F.O.Bean]

When I use my remote along with pre-roll, there is an audible click at the beginning of the recording.  The click is not present using preroll without the remote.  I assume this is an inherent problem, since I have had no other probs with my unit.
I hardly ever turn mine off, since the batteries last so long.  I just put in a new set of Eneloops once in a while.  I turn it off to remove the flashcard for modification of the file structure and to add or delete files using a card reader, or when hooking up USB access.   It's probably a good idea to turn it off before plugging in or unplugging an externally powered mike or a powered up external preamp.

TG

I would recommend formatting your microsdhc card rather than just deleting it. Also, its a good idea to format the card on the m10, not the PC, UNLESS youre formatting a 64gb card

[anr]

I've just squirted some switch cleaner in it and it's back to 100%.

Dunno if it's sticky so much as unresponsive, but this sounds like it's worth a try. There are a lot of  contact cleaners out there, though, and I'm reluctant to just squirt something unknown on the PCM-M10. Is there a brand (or active ingredient) that you recommend?

Extremely sorry, but the brand I use is intended for aircraft avionics and is not commercially available.  But it is made by Electrolube Ltd, so I think that would be a good place to start as they probably sell a commercial variant.   (We simply call it "Electrolube" - the real name is meaningless letters and numbers).    You should NOT use an organic substance as it will clog. 

[earmonger]

  But it is made by Electrolube Ltd, so I think that would be a good place to start as they probably sell a commercial variant.

Does this look right?

http://www.electrolube.com/docs/lubricantmain.asp?id=71

And actually, that seems to be UK-only...$51 on ebay here! I looked at the spec sheet, maybe I can find similar ingredients in something here in the USA.

[anr]

That's it.   Price is VERY steep, and that can would last a lifetime.  I've had my can for about 30 years!  They used to do a small bottle similar to eye-droppers.  It had a very narrow gauge pull-out tube to access tight spots.     Yes, I'm in the UK. 

[gmarinov]

This week I have started having trouble with the on-off switch. It takes 4 or 5 tries to get it to turn on or turn off (of course it can be turned off by removing the batteries).

Since this thing has phenomenal battery life and you're using it frequently, I would suggest simply moving the on/off switch to Lock position instead of shutting the unit down. It's a workaround but for equipment this tiny you may find a spec of dust in the wrong place would give you more grief than you expect..

[dyneq]

Dunno if it's sticky so much as unresponsive, but this sounds like it's worth a try. There are a lot of  contact cleaners out there, though, and I'm reluctant to just squirt something unknown on the PCM-M10. Is there a brand (or active ingredient) that you recommend?

I've had great luck with the Caig DeoxIT stuff which is made in the USA. Here's a product sheet describing all their products. I bought a bottle of the stuff like 10 years ago and I still have 80% of it left even though I use it frequently on jacks, plugs, pots, etc.

For a switch, it might be safest to open the case up and apply the solution from the back of the switch before working the switch up and down.

[earmonger]

Which specific product are you using?

[dyneq]

I have the DeoxIT D100L Connector & Contact Treatment, which 'cleans, deoxidizes, seals & protects electrical connections'. It says, 'Use on: switches, relays, plugs, sockets, connectors, batteries, IC pins & sockets, terminals, probes, etc. Here's their product selection guide:

http://store.caig.com/s.nl/it.I/id.66/.f