Welcome to AMT Electronics.

Camcorder and digital still camera repair service by post.
Have you been unable to find anyone locally prepared to repair your camcorder?.

The equipment required can be expensive and many dealers find it difficult to obtain spares, making it uneconomical for them to invest in the training, equipment and stock unless they're prepared to specialise in camera repairs.
With 24 years of experience in VCR repair we can provide you with a free estimate of the cost and the probable time it will take.

In some cases we may be able to provide a quote by email though for most you will have to post the camera to us.
A token charge of Ł15 is made which includes registered return postage and must be included with the camera.
Please email us first with the make and model number or name of your camcorder and a description of the problem, we can then decide if it's worth sending to us for a more detailed examination.

How much does it cost?.

A quote by email is free, though as often many different faults can cause similar symptoms, it might not be very reliable.
If you can bring the camera / camcorder to us it's free.
For an estimate by post it's Ł15 which covers return postage and packing.
For an estimate with written report suitable for an insurance claim it's Ł25 which includes postage as above.

What will I need to send to you?.

If you are sure the problem is with the camera itself then to reduce postage costs you don't need to send us the batteries, charger or connecting leads. If you're not sure where the problem is it might be a good idea to send the charger/ power supply, ONE battery and any leads or adapters you think might be faulty. We don't need any tapes especially irreplaceable holiday videos though if there's a tape stuck in the camera please DON'T try removing it, tape carriages are very easily damaged.
Please package it well, using the original packing material if available. If not, use a cardboard box somewhat larger than the camera and wrap it well in bubblewrap and fill any voids with polystyrene and don't forget to include your name and address. For a fast and easy postal service we would recommend using Royal Mail 'Special delivery' to send it to the address at the bottom of this page. Make sure the cover you have selected is sufficient for the value of your camera, if in doubt ask when posting it. Once posted, email us with the tracking number, we will then let you know as soon as it arrives. If you're local and can call in with it there is no charge but please let us know when you'll be calling.

How long will it take?.

If you send it by Special delivery it will arrive the next working day and we can usually provide an estimate by the same evening or the next day if very busy. If you don't wish to accept the estimate then it will be returned by special delivery either the same day we hear from you or the next working day at the latest. Repairs will be completed as quickly as possible and you'll be given an estimate of the time it'll take, most should be completed within 5 working days but will depend on the complexity of the repair and the availability of some spare parts.
Once we've given you a price for the repair we will not increase it without notice. If during the repair we do find extra components or work is required we will contact you first. If you don't want to proceed with the repair there will be no charge other than the Ł15 postage fee. This way you'll know exactly how much it'll cost and won't end up with an unexpected bill. In almost all cases however our original estimate will be all you pay.

What do I do next?.

Parcel it up carefully as decribed above with your payment of Ł15 and your name, address and description of the problem. Take it to your local post office and ask them to send it Special delivery and ask for it to be covered for the value you consider it to be worth. Keep the silver receipt safe and when you get home send us an email with the number from this receipt. Next day we'll contact you by email to confirm it's arrived. You can check progress of delivery on the Royal mail website.

Insurance estimates:

We can provide a written report for your insurance claim, to cover administrative costs the charge is Ł25.

Broken LCD panels:

We can replace cracked LCD display panels on camcorders and digital still cameras but please email us for a price first as some can be expensive.

Sand damage:

If you've been unlucky and have found you have sand in your camcorder most repairers would probably recommend scrapping it. We are prepared to give an estimate on sand damage but success can vary greatly. Please email us for advice.

Early failure of capacitors:

Some camcorders more than a few years old are suffering from failure of electrolytic capacitors, mostly Sony but also Sanyo, Canon and some others. While the faulty component may cost only a few pence it may have leaked corrosive electrolyte onto the PCB causing further damage. If we discover leaking capacitors we will recommend replacing all of them as it's only a matter of time before more start to fail. Dpepnding on the camera, we may have to replace between 30 and 70+ components and it's only worthwhile on 'higher-end' machines. Please email us for advice.

Copyright Š AMT 2003. AMT, The old Farmhouse, Yetholm Mains, Kelso TD5 8DB. Tel. 01573 228550, Fax 01573 228032. Listed in the Yellow pages under 'Computer maintenance'. Callers by appointment only please. Any information supplied by you in the course of any transaction is strictly confidential and will not be used for any other purpose.