The main imaging sensor returns an all black image, no data. The guide camera and the filter wheel work normally. I have tried different HDMI cables, USB cables (no hubs used), and I am using the OEM power brick so it shouldn't be a voltage issue. I even disconnected the filter wheel and plugged in just the camera and I still get this all black image. Any ideas as to the problem and is it fixable? Does Bill Lynch still repair these older cameras? Thanks. Mark
I'm afraid Bill retired a few years ago. The all black image indicates you're not getting image data from the sensor. One simple thing to try is to recharge the desiccant; it's possible that there's a lot of water in the chamber causing sensor pins to short out. If it's not the cause, then the odds of being able to fix it are not great. We don't have any STT circuit boards left.
Thanks for that Doug. Happy for Bill, sad for us with older cameras. Bill is a legend. Anyhow, I need to confirm that on the STT-8300 according to my manual has a desiccant pack inside the sensor compartment that needs to be replaced? I've always removed that big knob on the outside and removed the o ring and baked that thing. Was this wrong? Not hoping for miracles here but I probably need to just face facts that this camera has finally come to an end. If it is truly dead, do you really still make a kaf-8300 camera? I thought those chips were long gone but I do see it listed on your website. You may be getting a camera order here soon if this is true. I almost hate bringing this up, but, if I do decide to order a new camera may I assume that I will need to pay the tariff on top of your listed price when shipping into the US? And if so, what is the current tariff coming in from Canada? It seems to change weekly.
Yes you were doing the right thing with your desiccant module, so water in the chamber is probably not the cause. I would have to assume some kind of component failure. Officially we don't service STT cameras anymore because we have no more replacement boards left. We still might be able to repair it, if one of our technicians can track down the failed component(s) and replacements are still available for them. It's not impossible but neither am I advising you to take that chance. We do in fact still make Aluma CCD8300 cameras. We ended up with a pretty good supply of unused KAF-8300 sensors and circuit boards due to an OEM customer who did not fulfill their contract. We'll probably run out in a year or so, but in the meantime we're still making them. Our goods are fully CUSMA / USMCA compliant, so they are not supposed to get any tariffs at the border. Occasionally US border services will apply the tariff anyway, and then the importer (you) has to dispute it and get a refund.
