Power plug socket failure

[1022mm]

My Chronos 1.4 power plug socket (on the camera) appears to be failing (camera purchased new in March 2019).  I can't see any obvious defects in the socket, but it appears the internal contacts may be bent or just going bad.  Rotating or jiggling the plug sometimes gets it working again so I can limp through shoots.    Is this something I can replace or bypass myself, or is this a ship-back-for-repairs thing?

 

[hummingbirdography]

If you haven't already, I'd definitely start with inspecting the inside of the barrel closer for any signs of things like dirt or rust which you might be able to clean off relatively easily. Do the same with whatever power cable you're using as well. Does the issue persist with other cables? If so, and it's super clean looking, I wouldn't be surprised if it's an issue with the inner pin.

As you may have seen in your 1.4's teardown video, getting your hands on that component would require almost completely disassembling your camera:

https://youtu.be/Y_TFiA05tcc?si=FaktZb-LzhFXzr27&t=315

If you're brave & believe qualified for the task, you can probably replace the barrel jack yourself. Maybe even upgrade it to one with locking threads like the 4K12 has too. Otherwise I'd highly recommend contacting support and sending it in for service.

One other, less elegant option might be possible (but I don't know of anyone who's tried it with a Chronos yet)- is maybe you could find a dummy EN-EL4 battery that works with it.

 

[kroncezo]

If you haven't already, I'd definitely start with inspecting the inside of the barrel closer for any signs of things like dirt or rust which you might be able to clean off relatively easily. Do the same with whatever power cable you're using as well. Does the issue persist with other cables? If so, and it's super clean looking, I wouldn't be surprised if it's an issue with the inner pin.

As you may have seen in your 1.4's teardown video, getting your hands on that component would require almost completely disassembling your camera:

https://youtu.be/Y_TFiA05tcc?si=FaktZb-LzhFXzr27Tubidy&t=315

If you're brave & believe qualified for the task, you can probably replace the barrel jack yourself. Maybe even upgrade it to one with locking threads like the 4K12 has too. Otherwise I'd highly recommend contacting support and sending it in for service.

One other, less elegant option might be possible (but I don't know of anyone who's tried it with a Chronos yet)- is maybe you could find a dummy EN-EL4 battery that works with it.

Good tips! I hadn?t thought about trying a dummy EN-EL4 as a workaround, interesting idea. Definitely agree on checking for corrosion or wear in both the jack and cable first. Swapping in a locking barrel like the 4K12 has sounds tempting if you're handy with repairs.

 

[1022mm]

I did some workbench diagnostics today.  The plug and the socket don't show any obvious problems, though I don't really have a good reference on what they *should* look like.  I attached photos of the socket on my camera, is anything that stands out as unusual here?

When the power cord is plugged in, moving the cord while the plug itself is not moving causes the power to drop in and out.  I'm wondering if this is a break where the cord wires are soldered to the plug contacts.

I ordered a new power cord which should arrive tomorrow, hopefully that fixes it.

 

[hummingbirdography]

Nothing unusual stands out to me from those photos. Hopefully it was just the AC adapter. You got me curious, so please let me know if that fixes it!

 

[1022mm]

New adapter arrived today (after a $137.10 duty charge from DHL, more than the original item cost+shipping total -  apparently due to tariffs!).  No power dropouts at all with the new cord.  It appears the issue was with the old cord, likely at the connection with the plug contacts.  That's an unusual failure point that I didn't expect.  Will need to see how things go on an actual shoot, but for now it looks good!  Thanks all for the replies!

 

[hummingbirdography]

Glad to hear that was resolved! I'm willing to bet that the peace of mind, and extended lifespan of your Chronos will justify the price.