I made an aborted attempt to replace the power jack on my STF 8300, which is having chronic issues with the power connection. In the end, as suggested before, I spread the pins in the connector, which may have again (probably temporarily) helped things out. Technically if I could get to the circuit board I could have put on a new jack, but I did not get that far. May be just as well....I was unable to remove the cooling unit to free the circuit board, and put everything together again. The camera took a photo on testing. I did unscrew the black plug with the O ring and replaced it. Would that affect the cooling ability? At some point I might need to send it in for a new power jack. Peter Bresler
Peter, this does not sound good. These cameras are complex, precisely made, have special seals, and the electronics etc not user-serviceable. If you don't know what the dessicant plug is for, you shouldn't be attempting this. I suggest you arrange to send the camera to Bill for repair. Contact Bill (at) SBIG (dot) com The desiccant plug is designed to dry out the chamber and eliminate humidity/frost/ice. There is a procedure in the manual for how to recharge the desiccant.
I am quite sure the camera was reassembled as before, as as I said imaging was functional, power was on. Does the dessicant plug need to be serviced because it was removed for a short period of time, although it may be due for it.
If it's been over a year since the last time you baked the desiccant plug, I'd suggest you do so. It's best to tape over the hole or insert a dummy plug or spare to keep dust out. Then remove the o-ring carefully before baking.
