Misty II Head Repair

Overview

These instructions describe how to fix Misty II's head shake by reseating two internal connectors. The issue is typically caused by a loose motor/encoder connector on the backside of the head and/or a loose front connector hidden behind the pan mount holder. It may take a couple of tries to resolve.

Tools Required

  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Flat head screwdriver

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Remove the Camera Pan Mount Screws

Locate the two screws on each side of the camera pan mount, right above Misty's face. Remove both screws using the Phillips screwdriver.

Two screws on the camera pan mount highlighted in red circle

Step 2: Remove the Top Head Screws

After removing the camera pan mount, you will be able to access two additional screws on top of Misty's head. Remove these two screws using the Phillips screwdriver.

Two screws on top of Misty's head highlighted with circles

Step 3: Open Up the Head

With all four screws removed, carefully open up the head of Misty to access the internal connectors.

Inside of Misty's opened head showing the motor/encoder connector circled in red

Step 4: Reseat the Motor/Encoder Connector (Backside)

On the backside of the head, locate the motor/encoder connector (shown circled in red in the photo above). Unplug it and plug it back in firmly.

Step 5: Locate the Front Connector

The front connector is likely the one causing the head shake problem, but it is in a tricky spot. On the front side of Misty, behind the pan mount holder, you will find this connector hidden behind some cables.

Front connector hidden behind cables near the pan mount holder
Closer look at the front connector location

Step 6: Partially Unplug the Front Connector

Using the flat head screwdriver, very slightly unplug the front connector — do not remove it completely, as it is difficult to get back in. Use the photo below as a reference for how much to loosen it.

Reference image showing how much to loosen the front connector

Step 7: Press the Front Connector Back In

Press the connector back in firmly by applying downward force from above using the flat head screwdriver.

Pressing the front connector back in with the flat head screwdriver

Step 8: Reassemble and Test

Replace the two top head screws and then reattach the camera pan mount and replace its two screws. Power on Misty and test whether the head shake issue is resolved. It may take a couple of tries of reseating the connectors before the problem is fully fixed.