16-830.fm Page 1 Wednesday, July 21, 1999 9:32 AM
Cat. No. 16-830
OWNER’S MANUAL
Please read before using this equipment.
MODEL 130 MOVIECORDER‰
Camcorder
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Safety Check
Do not operate the AC adapter/charger with a dam-
— Upon completion of service or repairs to this
5.
6.
aged power-supply cord or plug.
product, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to
determine that the product is in proper operating condition.
Have a qualified ser-
vice technician replace them immediately.
Do not use an extension cord unless absolutely nec-
Wall or Ceiling Mount
wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer.
— The product should be mounted to a
essary.
Use of an improper extension cord could result in
a risk of fire and electric shock. If you use an extension
cord, make sure that:
Heat
— The product should be situated away from heat sources
such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other products (in-
cluding amplifiers) that produce heat.
A. The pins on the extension cord’s plug are the same
number, size, and shape as those of the power-sup-
ply plug on the AC adapter/charger.
Outdoor Antenna Grounding
— If an outside antenna or cable
system is connected to the video product, be sure the antenna
or cable system is grounded so as to provide some protection
against voltage surges and built-up static charges. Section 810
B. The extension cord is properly wired and in good
electrical condition.
ANSI/NFPA 70
of the National Electrical Code,
, provides infor-
C. You use an extension cord with the following wire
sizes:
mation with respect to proper grounding of the mast and sup-
porting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna
discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of anten-
nas-discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and re-
quirements for the grounding electrode. See the example below.
MINIMUM SIZE
(AWG GAUGE)
LENGTH OF EXTENSION CORD
(FEET)
18
16
Equal to or less than 100
Equal to or less than 150
Do not operate the AC adapter/charger if it has
received a sharp blow, been dropped, or otherwise
7.
damaged in any way.
Take it to a qualified service techni-
cian.
Do not disassemble the AC adapter/charger.
8.
Take it to
a qualified service technician when service or repair is
required. Incorrect reassembly may result in a risk of elec-
tric shock or fire.
Power Lines
— An outside antenna system should not be locat-
unplug the AC adapter/
9. To reduce risk of electric shock,
ed in the vicinity of overhead power lines or other electric light or
power circuits or where it can fall into such power lines or cir-
cuits. When installing an outside antenna system, extreme care
should be taken to keep from touching or approaching such
power lines or circuits as contact with them might be fatal. In-
stalling an outdoor antenna can be hazardous and should be left
to a professional antenna installer.
charger from the wall outlet before attempting any
maintenance or cleaning.
AC ADAPTER/CHARGER
Save these instructions
1.
— This page contains important
safety and operating instructions for the video product’s
supplied AC adapter/charger.
Before using the video product’s AC adapter/charger
— read all instructions and cautionary markings on the AC
adapter/charger, battery pack, and the video product
using the battery pack.
2.
To reduce risk of injury
3.
4.
— use the AC adapter/charger
to charge only the supplied battery pack or a replacement
battery pack VM-BP64/BP65/BP66/BP67. Other types of
batteries may burst causing personal injury and damage.
To reduce risk of damage to the power-supply cord or
plug
— do not pull the power-supply cord to disconnect
the AC adapter/charger from the wall outlet. Pull the
power-supply plug.
3
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CONTENTS
Before You Begin ........................................................................................................................... 8
Supplied Accessories ................................................................................................................ 8
Optional Accessories ................................................................................................................ 8
Moisture Condensation ............................................................................................................. 9
Quick Start ................................................................................................................................... 10
Viewfinder Playback ................................................................................................................ 11
Selecting a Power Source .......................................................................................................... 12
Using the Battery Pack ........................................................................................................... 12
Charging the Battery Pack ............................................................................................... 12
Attaching the Battery Pack To The Camcorder ................................................................ 13
Removing the Battery Pack From The Camcorder ........................................................... 13
Battery Status Indicators .................................................................................................. 13
Replacing the Battery Pack While Recording ................................................................... 13
Battery Usage Hints ......................................................................................................... 14
Using the AC Adapter/Charger ............................................................................................... 14
Using an Optional DC Adapter ................................................................................................ 15
Preparing the Camcorder for Use .............................................................................................. 16
Inserting/Removing a Video Cassette ..................................................................................... 16
Setting the Power Switch ........................................................................................................ 16
Preparing/Adjusting the Viewfinder ......................................................................................... 16
Setup ................................................................................................................................ 17
Adjustment ....................................................................................................................... 17
Setting/Changing the Date and Time ...................................................................................... 18
Attaching the Shoulder Strap .................................................................................................. 19
Special Video Recording Features ............................................................................................ 20
Auto Focusing ......................................................................................................................... 20
Variable Speed Power Zoom .................................................................................................. 20
Macro Focusing ...................................................................................................................... 20
Digital Zoom ............................................................................................................................ 21
Fade In and Fade Out ............................................................................................................. 21
Review .................................................................................................................................... 22
Camera Search ....................................................................................................................... 22
Auto Exposure ........................................................................................................................ 22
Automatic Index ...................................................................................................................... 22
Recording the Date and Time on a Tape ................................................................................ 23
Digital Counter ........................................................................................................................ 23
Counter Memory ..................................................................................................................... 23
Tape Remaining ...................................................................................................................... 24
Titler ........................................................................................................................................ 24
Creating Titles .................................................................................................................. 24
Editing Titles ..................................................................................................................... 25
Adding Titles While Recording ......................................................................................... 25
Hints for Making Better Video Tapes ......................................................................................... 26
Lighting ................................................................................................................................... 26
Typical Brightness of Common Situations ........................................................................ 26
Camcorder Movement ............................................................................................................ 27
Zoom In and Zoom Out ........................................................................................................... 27
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Special VCR Features ................................................................................................................. 28
Visual Search .......................................................................................................................... 28
Fast Forward and Rewind ....................................................................................................... 28
Freeze Frame ......................................................................................................................... 28
Auto Tracking .......................................................................................................................... 28
Dubbing (Copying) a Tape ...................................................................................................... 29
Dubbing to the Camcorder ............................................................................................... 29
Dubbing from the Camcorder ........................................................................................... 30
Adding Titles onto an Existing Recording ......................................................................... 31
Audio Editing ........................................................................................................................... 31
Audio/Video Editing ................................................................................................................. 32
Connecting the Camcorder to a TV ........................................................................................... 34
Using a TV for Playback ........................................................................................................ 34
TV With Audio/Video (A/V) Jacks ..................................................................................... 34
Standard TV ..................................................................................................................... 35
Playback ....................................................................................................................................... 36
Additional Information ................................................................................................................ 37
Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................................... 37
Care and Maintenance ................................................................................................................ 40
Handling .................................................................................................................................. 41
Servicing Your Camcorder ...................................................................................................... 41
Cleaning the Video Heads ...................................................................................................... 42
Erase Protection ..................................................................................................................... 42
Storing Your Video Cassettes ................................................................................................. 42
The FCC Wants You to Know ................................................................................................. 43
Specifications .............................................................................................................................. 44
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BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Please read this owner’s manual carefully. It has
been prepared to help you with initial setup pro-
cedures and in the everyday operation of your
camcorder.
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
DC Adapter (CMC No. T16-CC70A) — sup-
plies power to the camcorder from your vehicle’s
battery. Use it only in vehicles that have a 12-
volt negative-ground electrical system.
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES
Your camcorder includes the following accesso-
ries. Be sure to remove these items before you
store the packing material.
Battery Pack — supplies power for recording
and playback during portable operation.
RF Adapter Kit (CMC No. T16-RF71A) — lets
you play back a tape from the camcorder
through a TV that does not have separate audio/
video input jacks. The RF adapter kit includes:
• One RF converter
• One 300- to 75-ohm matching transformer
• One 75-ohm antenna cable
AC Adapter/Charger — charges the battery or,
when used with the auxiliary power cord, sup-
plies power to the camcorder from an AC outlet.
Spare Battery Pack (CMC No. T16-BP67)
Auxiliary Power Cord — lets you connect the
camcorder to the AC adapter/charger to operate
the camcorder from AC power.
Telephoto/Wide Angle Lens (CMC No. 16-
2339)
Filter Kit (CMC No. (please add))
Shoulder Strap — provides a convenient way
to carry the camcorder.
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MOISTURE CONDENSATION
Condensation inside the camcorder can cause
tape jams or video head damage. If the cam-
corder senses moisture, TAPE flashes in the
viewfinder.
If TAPEflashes in the viewfinder, or when you
first use your camcorder after moving it from a
cold area to a warm one, follow these steps.
1. Eject the cassette if one is installed.
POWER
OFF
2. If necessary, slide
to
.
3. Let the camcorder sit for about 1 hour
before you begin operation.
Caution: Avoid using the camcorder in exces-
sively humid areas.
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QUICK START
To eliminate complicated adjustments in most
situations, this camcorder has fully automatic
features for focus, white balance, and shutter
speed. All you need to do is press REC/PAUSE.
The following steps outline the basic procedures
for making a recording. In many of the steps,
you are directed to a specific section of this
manual that contains more detailed information.
When operating the camcorder for the first time,
read all the steps and the suggested detailed in-
formation before you actually begin.
6. Remove the lens cap and hang it on the
hand strap clip.
1. Choose and connect a power source. See
“Selecting a Power Source” on Page 10.
2. Press STOP/EJECT to open the cassette
compartment. Insert a standard VHS cas-
sette, and close the compartment. See
“Inserting/Removing a Video Cassette” on
Page 16.
3. Slide POWER to CAMERA. The POWER
indicator lights. See “Setting the Power
Switch on Page 17.
7. Point the camcorder at the desired subject,
then press W or T on the power zoom con-
trol until you see the desired picture in the
viewfinder. See “Variable Speed Power
Zoom” on Page 21.
Note: If there is no cassette in the cam-
corder, NO TAPE appears in the view-
finder. If the cassette has its erase-
protection tab broken off, TAPEappears in
the viewfinder. See “Erase Protection” on
Page 39.
8. To begin recording, press REC/PAUSE with
your right middle finger. During recording,
RECappears in the viewfinder with arrows
above it to show the direction of tape travel.
4. Adjust the viewfinder’s position until you
can look into it comfortably when the back
of the camcorder rests on your right shoul-
der. Then adjust the focus control on the
eyepiece for the sharpest picture in the
viewfinder. See “Preparing/Adjusting the
Viewfinder” on Page 14.
Note: When about 5 minutes or less
remain on the tape, TAPE ENDflashes in
the viewfinder.
9. To pause the tape, press REC/PAUSE
again. The tape pauses, the arrows disap-
5. Place your right hand between the hand
strap and the camcorder. Then adjust the
hand strap so it fits tightly over your hand.
pear, and
appears in the viewfinder.
To continue recording, press REC/PAUSE
again.
Note: If the strap is too loose, the cam-
corder is difficult to handle.
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POWER
tor lights.
VCR
Notes:
1. Slide
2. Press
to
. The POWER indica-
• To protect the tape and conserve battery
power, the camcorder turns itself off if you
pause the tape for more than 5 minutes. To
turn the camcorder back on, press
PAUSE
REWIND
to return the tape to the
beginning or to the place where you want to
begin playback. See “Digital Counter” on
Page 21.
REC/
.
PLAY
3. Press
and watch the picture in the
• For more information about recording with
your camcorder, be sure to read all the sec-
tions under “Special Video Recording Fea-
tures” on Page 18.
viewfinder. See “Special VCR Features” on
Page 26.
Note: You cannot hear the tape’s audio
recording during viewfinder playback. To
hear sound, play the tape through a TV/
monitor or on a VCR. See “Connecting the
Camcorder to a TV” on Page 32.
VIEWFINDER PLAYBACK
After you make a recording, you can play it back
through the viewfinder. (Of course, you can also
STOP/EJECT
4. Press
to end playback.
STOP/EJECT
5. To remove the cassette, press
again.
STOP/EJECT
press
in any VHS VCR).
, remove the tape, and play it
Note: Except when you are recording, you
can eject a cassette any time power is con-
nected to the camcorder, whether or not the
POWER indicator is lighted.
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SELECTING A POWER SOURCE
You can power the camcorder from any of three
sources — the supplied battery pack, the sup-
plied AC adapter/charger, or your vehicle’s bat-
tery (with an optional DC adapter, not supplied).
1. Make sure the auxiliary power cord is not
connected to the AC adapter/charger.
Note: The battery pack will not charge if the
auxiliary power cord is connected to the AC
adapter/charger.
Note: Your camcorder has a built-in recharge-
able battery in addition to the battery pack. This
battery protects the camcorder’s date and time
and any titles you created (see “Titler” on Page
22.). You should recharge this battery about ev-
ery 2 months. To recharge the battery, slide
POWER to OFF and leave a power source con-
nected to the camcorder for about 24 hours.
2. Align the marks on both sides of the battery
pack with the marks on both sides of the
AC adapter/charger.
3. Gently press the battery pack against the
AC adapter/charger, then slide the battery
pack toward you until it locks into place.
Caution: The battery pack fits only one
way onto the AC adapter/charger. Do not
force it.
USING THE BATTERY PACK
4. Plug the AC adapter/charger’s power cord
into a standard AC outlet. The POWER and
CHARGE indicators on the AC adapter/
charger light, and charging begins. When
the battery pack is fully charged, the
CHARGE indicator turns off.
You can power the camcorder using the sup-
plied battery pack. However, you must charge
the battery pack before you use it.
Charging the Battery Pack
Caution: If the battery pack is hot, wait until
it cools before connecting it to the AC
adapter/charger. Otherwise, the CHARGE
indicator might not light.
Caution: Use only the supplied AC adapter/
charger to charge the battery pack. Use of any
other adapter/charger could damage the battery
pack. Also, do not use the AC adapter/charger
to charge any battery pack other than the type
supplied.
Notes:
• If the POWER and CHARGE indicators
on the AC adapter/charger flash, remove
the battery pack from the AC adapter/
charger, then re-attach it. If both indica-
tors continue to flash, you need a new
battery pack.
Follow these steps to charge the battery pack
with the supplied AC adapter/charger.
• It takes about 2 hours to fully charge the
battery pack, but the exact charging time
depends on the ambient temperature
and the condition of the battery pack.
To AC Outlet
5. When the battery pack is fully charged,
remove it from the AC adapter/charger by
sliding it away from you. Then disconnect
the AC adapter/charger from the AC outlet.
Alignment Marks
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tery pack. You might damage the tape if
you remove the battery pack during record-
ing or playback.
Attaching the Battery Pack to the
Camcorder
Alignment Marks
Battery Status Indicators
0012
4350
9850
When the battery pack is fully charged,
appears in the viewfinder when you slide POW-
ER to CAMERA.
As the battery’s power is used,
appears in
▲
the viewfinder. When the battery is low,
blinks in the viewfinder. Then, after a few sec-
onds, the camcorder turns itself off. Recharge
the battery pack or power the camcorder from
the supplied AC adapter/charger or an optional
DC adapter.
1. Align the marks on both sides of the battery
pack with the marks on the sides of the
camcorder.
2. Gently press the battery pack against the
camcorder, then slide the battery pack
down until it clicks and locks in place.
Note: You can order additional battery packs
from your local Radio Shack store so you can
use one battery while you charge another.
Caution: The battery pack fits only one
way onto the camcorder. Do not force it.
Removing the Battery Pack
from the Camcorder
Replacing the Battery Pack
While Recording
BATTERY
You can replace the battery pack with a fresh
one while recording.
▲
1. If
flashes in the viewfinder during
▲
recording, press REC/PAUSE to stop
recording.
2. If the camcorder is still on, slide POWER to
OFF. The POWER indicator turns off.
Caution: Be sure the POWER indicator is
off before you remove the battery pack.
3. Remove the old battery pack and attach a
fresh one.
1. Slide POWER to OFF to turn off the cam-
corder.
4. Slide POWER to CAMERA. The POWER
2. While pressing and holding down BATTERY,
indicator turns on.
slide the battery pack up to remove it.
5. Press REC/PAUSE to continue recording
Caution: Always stop the tape and turn off
the camcorder before you remove the bat-
from the same place as before.
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Battery Usage Hints
USING THE AC ADAPTER/
CHARGER
• Recording with many starts and stops, fre-
quent zooming, and recording in low tem-
peratures might shorten battery life. Be
sure to slide POWER on the camcorder to
OFF when not recording.
• Do not use the camcorder with a low or dis-
charged battery pack attached. This might
cause the camcorder to automatically stop
during recording or playback, possibly
damaging the tape, battery pack, and cam-
corder.
1. Connect one end of the supplied auxiliary
power cord to the AC adapter/charger’s DC
OUTPUT jack.
2. Connect the other end of the auxiliary
power cord to the DC IN jack on the back of
the camcorder.
• The camcorder consumes a small amount
of battery power even when POWER is set
to OFF. If you are not going to use the cam-
corder for a long time, remove the battery
pack from the camcorder.
3. Plug the AC adapter/charger’s power cord
into an AC outlet.
• Recharge the battery pack immediately
after you record. Leaving the battery dis-
charged can damage it, preventing further
recharging and use.
Caution: The supplied AC adapter/charger is
specially designed for use with your camcorder.
Never use it to power any other device
• If you recharged the battery pack then
stored it for a long period of time, recharge
it again before you connect it to the cam-
corder. Batteries stored for an extended
time lose some power, resulting in
decreased battery life and recording time.
• Recharge the battery pack at least once
every 6 months, even when it is not used.
• Store the battery pack in a dry, cool place.
Important: This product contains a recharge-
able lead-acid battery. At the end of the battery’s
useful life, it must be recycled or disposed of
properly. Contact your local, county, or state
hazardous waste management authorities for
information on recycling or disposal programs in
your area. Some options that might be available
are: municipal curb-side collection, drop-off box-
es at retailers, recycling collection centers, and
mailback programs.
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Follow these steps to power the camcorder from
your vehicle’s battery:
USING AN OPTIONAL DC
ADAPTER
You can use a DC adapter (CMC No. T16-
CC70A, not supplied) to power your camcorder.
Cautions:
• Your vehicle must have a 12-volt, negative-
ground electrical system.
1. Connect the DC adapter’s barrel plug to the
DC IN
jack on the back of the camcorder.
• The recommended DC adapter is specially
designed for use with your camcorder.
Never use it to power any other device.
2. Plug the DC adapter into your vehicle’s cig-
arette-lighter socket.
Notes:
• Use only the recommended DC adapter to
power the camcorder from your vehicle.
Using a DC adapter other than the recom-
mended DC adapter could seriously dam-
age your camcorder and the DC adapter.
• Be sure to push the plug completely into
the cigarette-lighter socket.
• Be sure the socket is free from ashes
and other debris.
• Always connect the DC adapter to the cam-
corder before you plug it into your vehicle’s
cigarette-lighter socket, and unplug the DC
adapter from the cigarette-lighter socket
before you unplug it from the camcorder.
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PREPARING THE CAMCORDER FOR USE
INSERTING/REMOVING A
VIDEO CASSETTE
SETTING THE POWER SWITCH
While pressing and holding down the red button
in the center of POWER, slide it to CAMERA for
video recording or to VCR for playback. The
POWER indicator lights.
You can open the cassette compartment to in-
sert/remove a video cassette whenever a power
source is connected to the camcorder, whether
or not the camcorder is turned on.
CAM
OFF
VIDEO
POWER
1. Press STOP/EJECT to open the cassette
compartment.
2. Insert a VHS cassette into the cassette
compartment with the side label facing you
and the spine label facing up, then gently
press the cassette compartment door until
it closes.
Slide POWER to OFF to turn off the camcorder.
PREPARING/ADJUSTING THE
VIEWFINDER
The camcorder’s viewfinder is set to this posi-
tion at the factory.
Caution: Never insert anything except a
VHS video cassette into the cassette com-
partment.
To remove a cassette, press STOP/EJECT, wait
for the cassette compartment door to open, and
pull out the cassette.
Caution: Always remove the cassette before
storing the camcorder.
Before you carry the camcorder by its shoulder
strap or store it, return the viewfinder to this po-
sition (see “Setup” on Page 17).
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Setup
Adjustment
Before you can use the camcorder, you must set
up the viewfinder.
Once you set up the viewfinder, you can adjust
the position of the viewfinder support and angle
of the eyepiece, so you can see through the
eyepiece easily.
1. Rotate the viewfinder support until it stops,
as shown.
1. Slide POWER to CAMERA or VCR.
2. To adjust the viewfinder support, slide it to
the left or right until the eyepiece is directly
in front of your right eye.
Caution: The viewfinder support rotates
only 90°. Do not force it past this point.
2. Rotate the eyepiece about 180° until it
stops, as shown.
3. To adjust the eyepiece, rotate it up or down
until you can see through it.
4. Turn the focus control on the right side of
the eyepiece until the image is clear and
sharp.
Caution: The eyepiece rotates only about
225°. Do not force it past this point.
Focus Control
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4. When the viewfinder shows the correct
SETTING/CHANGING
THE DATE AND TIME
STOP/EJECT
. The day’s digit
month, press
flashes.
POWER
CAMERA
. The POWER
1. Slide
to
indicator lights.
2. If the currently set date does not appear in
DATE/TIME
the viewfinder, repeatedly press
until the date appears and the month’s digit
flashes.
12:00
AM
11 1 1995
5. Repeat Steps 3-4 to set the correct day,
year, hour, minute, and AM (if the hour is an
AM hour) or PM (if the hour is a PM hour).
12:00
AM
1
1 1995
6. When you have set the date and time,
DATE/TIME
repeatedly press
information you set.
to confirm the
7. To change the displayed date and time,
repeat Steps 2-6.
If the month’s digit does not flash, press
DATE/TIME
and hold down
STOP/EJECT
, then press
once.
FAST-F
REWIND
to
3. Repeatedly press
or
move forward or backward through the
months until the viewfinder shows the cor-
rect month. To quickly move forward or
backward through the months, press and
FAST-F
REWIND
.
hold down
or
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Cautions:
ATTACHING THE SHOULDER
STRAP
• Use only the supplied shoulder strap with
this camcorder.
The shoulder strap provides a convenient way
to carry the camcorder when it is not in use. You
can also use it as a safety strap when you use
the camcorder.
• Do not swing the camcorder from the
shoulder strap.
• Replace the lens cap while carrying the
camcorder with the shoulder strap.
POWER
To attach the shoulder strap, slide
OFF
to
, then attach each end of the strap as
shown.
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SPECIAL VIDEO RECORDING FEATURES
AUTO FOCUSING
VARIABLE SPEED
POWER ZOOM
The automatic focusing feature lets you concen-
trate on recording great videos without having to
worry about whether or not they are properly fo-
cused.
W
T
The camcorder detects the distance from the
camcorder to the object you see in the center of
the viewfinder, then sets the focus for that dis-
tance. When you move the camcorder, the cam-
corder continuously adjusts the focus to
maintain the sharpest picture. Try to keep your
desired subject in the middle of the viewfinder.
The power-zoom feature lets you go from wide-
angle to telephoto shots at the touch of a button.
During recording, press W or T with the fingers
of your right hand. Press W (wide-angle) to
zoom out and T (telephoto) to zoom in.
Notes:
• If the lens gets dirty, clean it with a soft tis-
sue and lens-cleaning fluid.
As you zoom out or in, a bar with an indicator ap-
pears on the left side of the viewfinder. The indi-
cator moves up and down the bar, showing the
relative zoom position. The pressure you place
on W and T controls the speed of the zoom. The
harder you press W and T, the faster the cam-
corder zooms.
• If the lens gets damp, dry it with a soft cloth
or wait until the moisture evaporates.
• Always replace the lens cap when you fin-
ish recording.
• The auto-focus sensor might not be able to
focus on a subject when:
— You are taping in extremely low light.
— You are taping in snow or fog.
MACRO FOCUSING
— Close and distant objects are both near
the center of the viewfinder.
The camcorder’s macro focusing feature lets
you shoot close up pictures (as little as 11/4 inch-
es away) of objects such as flowers, printed ma-
terial, or photos in your family album.
— You are taping a long object (such as a
fence rail) from its end.
— The scene includes several objects
equal distances apart.
To use macro focus, press and hold down W
(see “Variable Speed Power Zoom” above) until
you see the widest possible angle in the view-
finder, then aim the camcorder at the object you
are shooting. In most cases, the camcorder au-
tomatically focuses on the subject.
— Light reflects off the subject.
— The focus point moves rapidly.
— You are taping through a window.
Notes:
• Since macro focus exaggerates even the
slightest movement of the camcorder or
subject, we recommend that you set the
camcorder on a tripod while using macro
focus.
18
16-830.fm Page 19 Wednesday, July 21, 1999 9:32 AM
• For the best possible resolution while using
macro focus, be sure to shoot in a well-
lighted area.
The camcorder has the following fade options:
White fade: The picture fades in/out from/to a
white screen. When you select this option,
appears in the upper left corner of the
viewfinder.
DIGITAL ZOOM
Fade In
The camcorder’s digital zoom feature automati-
cally doubles the magnification of telephoto
shots while you use variable speed power
zoom.
Fade Out
Wipe fade: The picture opens/closes gradually
from/to the center of a black screen. When you
To use digital zoom, simply continue to press
select this option,
appears in the upper
T
and hold down while you are zooming. As you
left corner of the viewfinder.
T
press and hold down , the magnification dou-
Fade In
bles and ZOOMappears above the indicator on
the left side of the viewfinder.
Fade Out
Notes:
• The subject you are magnifying while using
digital zoom might appear coarse. This is
normal.
Zoom fade: The picture fades in/out while
zooming from/to a white screen. When you se-
lect this option,
appears in the upper left
corner of the viewfinder.
• Since digital zoom exaggerates even the
slightest movement of the camcorder or
subject, we recommend that you set the
camcorder on a tripod while using digital
zoom.
Fade In
Fade Out
FADE IN AND FADE OUT
To give your recordings a professional look, the
camcorder has three fade options.
To select a fade option and fade in or out, re-
FADE
peatedly press
the camcorder is paused until the icon for the
REC/
during recording or while
option you want appears. Then press
PAUSE
.
Note: During fade, the recorded audio also
fades in/out along with the video.
19
16-830.fm Page 20 Wednesday, July 21, 1999 9:32 AM
REVIEW
AUTO EXPOSURE
This feature lets you quickly review the last few
seconds of a recording.
Depending on the brightness of the subject, the
camcorder automatically sets its shutter speed
to one of the following speeds:
REC/PAUSE
1. During recording, press
to stop
1
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
/60
the tape.
appears in the viewfinder.
1
/100
/120
/180
/250
/350
/500
/750
/1000
/1500
/2000
/4000
REVIEW
2. Press
. The tape rewinds and plays
1
1
the last few seconds of the tape, then stops
the tape where the recording ends.
1
1
1
1
REC/PAUSE
3. Press
to resume recording
from that point.
1
1
1
1
CAMERA SEARCH
The camera search feature lets you review re-
corded portions of a tape and resume recording
at the desired point on the tape. This lets you
smoothly connect recorded scenes.
The iris in the camcorder’s lens also adjusts au-
tomatically in response to the shutter speed.
The camcorder displays AE and the current
shutter speed in the upper left corner of the
viewfinder.
REC/PAUSE
1. During recording, press
to stop
the tape.
appears in the viewfinder.
FAST-F
2. Press and hold down
to search for-
REWIND
ward, or
to search backward.
AUTOMATIC INDEX
3. When you see the approximate place on
the tape where you want to start recording,
Indexing makes it easy to find each recording on
a tape using a VCR with the VHS Index Search
System (VISS) feature.
FAST-F
continue to press and hold down
REWIND
or
for a few seconds more, then
FAST-F REWIND
release
or
.
PLAY
4. Press and hold down
to position the
Note: For more information about VISS, refer to
your VCR’s owner’s manual.
tape at the exact place where you want to
start recording. When you locate the exact
PLAY
place, release
to stop the tape.
to start recording at the
desired position on the tape.
The camcorder automatically records VISS in-
dex signals when:
REC/PAUSE
5. Press
• You turn on the camcorder’s power within
about 4 hours after you last turned it off,
then start recording.
• You turn on the camcorder’s power after
the date changed to the next day while the
power was off, then start recording.
When the camcorder records a VISS index sig-
nal, INDEXappears in the viewfinder until you
start recording.
20
16-830.fm Page 21 Wednesday, July 21, 1999 9:32 AM
3. Begin recording or playback of the tape.
RECORDING THE DATE
AND TIME ON A TAPE
4. While recording or playing back, if you see
a place on the tape you might want to
return to, note the counter reading at that
point.
You can select a date/time recording option by
DATE/TIME
repeatedly pressing
. Each time you
DATE/TIME
press
, you see one of the following
options:
COUNTER MEMORY
•
and the date — the camcorder
automatically records the date on the first
10 seconds of the first recording of the day.
This feature lets you rewind or fast-forward the
tape to a specific point where you reset the tape
counter to 0000.
• Date only — the camcorder continuously
records the date.
1. Load a cassette into the camcorder, then
• No date/time display — the camcorder
does not record the date or time.
POWER
CAMERA
VCR
or . The
slide
to
counter appears in the viewfinder.
• Time and date — the camcorder continu-
ously records the date and time.
DISPLAY
2. Press
. M appears next to the
counter in the viewfinder.
3. Begin recording or playback of the tape.
When you see a scene you might want to
Notes:
• The camcorder records the same date
when:
RESET
. The counter resets
return to, press
to 0000.
– You replace the cassette
4. When you are ready to return to the loca-
RESET
tion on the tape where you pressed
,
– You select another date/time option, then
select the auto date option
follow these steps if you are recording:
REC/PAUSE
a. Press
b. Slide
c. Press
– The previous recording was less than 10
seconds long
POWER
VCR
to
• If the date changes while recording con-
tinues for more than 10 seconds, the
new date is recorded at the beginning of
the next recording.
REWIND
FAST-F.
or
STOP/
If you are playing back a tape, press
EJECT REWIND FAST-F
, then press
or
.
The tape rewinds or fast-forwards, then
stops when the counter reaches 0000.
DIGITAL COUNTER
To rewind or fast-forward past the location on
RESET
RE-
, press
the tape where you pressed
WIND FAST-F
The camcorder displays a digital tape counter in
the upper right corner of the viewfinder during
recording or playback. You can use this counter
to mark and return to specific locations on a
tape. The camcorder does not record the digital
counter onto the tape.
or
again.
1. Load a cassette into the camcorder, then
POWER
CAMERA
VCR
or . The
slide
to
counter appears in the viewfinder.
2. Rewind the tape in the camcorder, then
RESET.
press
The counter resets to 0000.
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16-830.fm Page 22 Wednesday, July 21, 1999 9:32 AM
The titler contains 47 different characters you
can use to create titles.
TAPE REMAINING
Creating Titles
8990
Follow these steps to create titles and save
them in the camcorder’s memory (one title per
page).
Note: You cannot load or eject a cassette while
creating a title.
POWER
CAMERA
VCR
or .
1. Slide
to
TITLE
2. Press
.
During recording and playback, the camcorder
displays a bar below the tape counter in the
viewfinder showing the amount of tape left on
the loaded cassette. The camcorder displays re-
maining tape information in ranges from
REVIEW DISPLAY RESET
DATE
TIME
TITLE
CAM
OFF
POWER
VIDEO
DUBBING
AUDIO/ VIDEO
REW
-
PLAY
PAGE
F.FWD
+
STOP
/
S
H
(the tape is at or near the beginning),
(the tape is in or near the middle), to
(the tape is at or near the end).
A flashing cursor appears in the viewfinder.
Notes:
• When there is less than 5 minutes of tape
left, TAPE END also flashes in the view-
finder.
• When you first record or play back a cas-
sette, the camcorder displays
for
about 10 seconds. Then the bar changes to
show the remaining amount of tape.
• The remaining tape bar disappears when
you eject the cassette.
SHIFT
3. Repeatedly press
to move the flash-
ing cursor to the place where you want to
begin your title.
TITLER
4. Select the first character of your title by
+
–
repeatedly pressing or to move back-
ward or forward through the characters until
the viewfinder shows the correct character.
To quickly move backward or forward
through the characters, press and hold
You can easily create and record personalized
titles on your recordings using the camcorder’s
titler.
The camcorder stores up to two title “pages” in
its memory. Once you store a title, you can dis-
play and record it onto a tape any time. Each title
page can contain up to two lines of 16 charac-
ters each.
+
–
down or .
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16-830.fm Page 23 Wednesday, July 21, 1999 9:32 AM
The characters appear in this order as you
press + (or in reverse order as you press –).
Editing Titles
Follow these steps to change a title.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T
U V W X Y Z 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9? ’. /, -;: < >!
1. Press TITLE. Then, if the title page you
want to correct does not appear, press
PAGE to select the other title page.
)
(space
5. After you have selected the first character,
press SHIFT to move the flashing cursor to
the place where you want the next charac-
ter.
2. Repeatedly press SHIFT to move forward
through the characters until the incorrect
character flashes.
6. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 until you complete
the title.
3. Repeatedly press – or + to move backward
or forward through the characters until the
viewfinder shows the correct character. To
quickly move backward or forward through
the characters, press and hold down – or +.
The last character you select might
Note:
flash in the viewfinder, but it will not flash
when you save it.
4. If necessary, repeat Steps 2 and 3 to select
and correct other characters.
7. If you like, you can press PAGE then repeat
Steps 3-6 to create another title.
Adding Titles While Recording
You can use the camcorder to superimpose
(add) titles to your recordings while you record.
REVIEW DISPLAY RESET
DATE
TIME
TITLE
CAM
OFF
POWER
VIDEO
DUBBING
AUDIO/ VIDEO
REW
-
PLAY
PAGE
F.FWD
+
STOP
/
S
H
You cannot use these steps to superim-
Note:
pose titles over material previously recorded.
You can do this while you dub a tape. See “Add-
ing Titles onto an Existing Recording” on Page
31.
8. To save and review the titles you created,
press TITLE. The last title page you created
appears, and the first character of the title
flashes. To view the other title page (if you
created one), press PAGE.
1. Slide POWER to VCR.
2. Locate the position on the tape where you
want to record a title.
Notes:
• Your camcorder’s built-in rechargeable bat-
tery protects the titles you created (see
“Selecting a Power Source” on Page 12).
3. Slide POWER to CAMERA.
4. Press TITLE. Then, if the title page you
want to record does not appear, press
PAGE to select the other title page.
• The camcorder saves the titles you created
when it automatically stops and turns itself
off after 5 minutes.
5. Press REC/PAUSE to start the title record-
ing.
The camcorder superimposes the title you
selected over the scene you are recording.
6. When you want to stop recording the title
onto the tape, press TITLE. The title disap-
pears.
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16-830.fm Page 24 Wednesday, July 21, 1999 9:32 AM
HINTS FOR MAKING BETTER VIDEO TAPES
If you are not familiar with camera techniques,
there are many books about the subject avail-
able at your local library. However, because the
camcorder is so simple to use and tape can be
Typical Brightness
of Common Situations
Brightness
(LUX)
used again and again, it is inexpensive to exper-
iment and learn as you go.
Situation
100,000
65,000
35,000
32,000
25,000
2,000
Clear day at noon
The following information will get you started.
Clear day at 10:00 AM
Clear day at 3:00 PM
Cloudy day at noon
Cloudy day at 10:00 AM
LIGHTING
Lighting should be uniform. The camcorder can
record in low-light conditions, but more light is
usually better. The optimum brightness for top-
quality pictures is between 500 and 100,000 lux.
Cloudy day, one hour
after sunrise
Caution: Do not place a light source near the
camcorder. The heat can damage the camcord-
er.
1,000
1,000
Clear day, one hour
before sunset
Fluorescent light near
window
The chart at right shows you the approximate
brightness in different situations or from differ-
ent light sources.
700-800
500-700
Factory floor
Sales counter in depart-
ment store
500
Bowling alley
Library
400-500
400-500
Office with fluorescent
lighting
400
250
Fluorescent desk lamp
Flashlight at 3 feet
Factory stairway
100
15-35
During intermission at
movie theater
15-20
10-15
Cigarette lighter at 1 foot
Candles on birthday
cake at 8 inches
24
16-830.fm Page 25 Wednesday, July 21, 1999 9:32 AM
CAMCORDER MOVEMENT
ZOOM IN AND ZOOM OUT
When you move the camcorder while recording,
do so slowly and steadily. Too much movement
or fast movement make your recordings look
awkward. A video camera tripod (such as Radio
Shack Cat. No. 16-2017, not supplied) is a
worthwhile investment for top-quality movie
making.
As with movement, too much use of the cam-
corder’s zoom features can detract from your re-
cordings. When you use variable speed power
zoom and/or digital zoom, it is best to zoom in or
zoom out in one smooth motion, not in several
jerky motions.
If you use them sparingly, movements from side
to side combined with zooms can be very effec-
tive in your video tapes.
25
16-830.fm Page 26 Wednesday, July 21, 1999 9:32 AM
SPECIAL VCR FEATURES
This section describes some of your camcord-
er’s special VCR features and functions.
Note: You cannot view the tape or hear the
tape’s sound while you fast-forward and rewind
it.
Note: Unless otherwise noted, you can use
these features only when POWER is set to VCR.
FREEZE FRAME
Freeze-frame lets you stop the tape to view a
single frame.
VISUAL SEARCH
Visual search lets you view a recording either
forward or backward at a faster speed so you
can find a specific section of the tape.
To freeze a frame during playback, press REC/
PAUSE. To return to the normal playback speed,
press REC/PAUSE again.
To search forward during playback, press FAST-
F. To search backward during playback, press
REWIND.
Notes:
• During freeze-frame, the picture quality is
lower than during normal playback.
To stop visual search and play the tape, press
PLAY.
• If you leave the VCR in the freeze-frame
mode for 5 minutes, the camcorder auto-
matically stops playback to protect the
tape.
Note: You cannot hear the tape’s sound during
visual search.
FAST FORWARD AND REWIND
AUTO TRACKING
To advance the tape quickly when it is stopped,
press FAST-F. To rewind the tape quickly when
it is stopped, press REWIND.
The camcorder automatically adjusts tracking
when you play a tape. However, you can manu-
ally adjust the tracking if the camcorder’s picture
is poor. Repeatedly press W or T during play-
back to manually adjust the tracking.
Note: The camcorder resets to auto tracking
when you load another tape.
FAST-F
REWIND
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16-830.fm Page 27 Wednesday, July 21, 1999 9:32 AM
DUBBING (COPYING) A TAPE
IN FROM
ANT
AUDIO
L/ MONO VIDEO
R
IN
IN
OUT TO
TV
CH4
CH3
OUT
OUT
The process of recording from one audio/video device to another is called dubbing.
You can connect the camcorder and the VCR together, then either:
• Use your camcorder to record the signal from the VCR
• Use your VCR to record the signal from the camcorder
Notes:
• Always use video quality shielded cables with phono-type connectors (such as Cat. No. 15-
AUDIO/VIDEO OUT/IN
1540, not supplied) to connect the camcorder’s
jacks to your VCR.
• Do not use standard audio cables for this connection.
• You can monitor the dubbing on the TV connected to your VCR. See your VCR’s owner’s
manual for more information.
If you want to use your camcorder to record from the VCR, see “Dubbing to the Camcorder” on Page
27. If you want to use your VCR to record from the camcorder, see “Dubbing from the Camcorder”
on Page 28.
Dubbing to the Camcorder
Follow these steps to connect the camcorder to the VCR and copy a tape from the VCR to the cam-
corder.
Note: You can also use this procedure to record broadcasts from your cable box, satellite receiver,
AUDIO
VIDEO
jacks to the output
or other audio/video source. Simply connect the camcorder’s
jacks on the audio/video source (instead of the VCR) in Step 3.
and
27
16-830.fm Page 28 Wednesday, July 21, 1999 9:32 AM
1. Use a fingernail to pull down the cover on
the camcorder’s AUDIO/VIDEO OUT/IN jack
compartment to open it.
6. Insert a cassette into the camcorder.
7. Begin playback on the VCR or audio/video
source.
8. Press REC/PAUSE on the camcorder to
start dubbing.
9. Press REC/PAUSE on the camcorder to stop
dubbing.
Dubbing from the Camcorder
The cover on the AUDIO/VIDEO
OUT/IN jack compartment is attached to the
camcorder. Do not try to remove it.
Caution:
Follow these steps to connect the camcorder to
the VCR and copy a tape from the camcorder to
the VCR.
2. Connect the white plug on one end of the
cable to the camcorder’s AUDIO jack, then
connect the yellow plug on the same end of
the cable to the camcorder’s VIDEO jack.
1. Use a fingernail to pull down the cover on
the camcorder’s AUDIO/VIDEO OUT/IN jack
compartment to open it.
3. Connect the white plug on the other end of
the cable to the VCR’s AUDIO OUT jack.
Then connect the yellow plug on the same
end of the cable to the VCR’s VIDEO OUT
jack.
The cover on the AUDIO/VIDEO
Caution:
OUT/IN jack compartment is attached to the
camcorder. Do not try to remove it.
2. Connect the white plug on one end of the
cable to the camcorder’s AUDIO jack, then
connect the yellow plug on the same end of
the cable to the camcorder’s VIDEO jack.
4. Set AV OUT/IN inside the AUDIO/VIDEO
3. Connect the white plug on the other end of
the cable to the VCR’s AUDIO IN jack. If
your VCR is a stereo VCR, use a Y-adapter
(such as Cat. No. 42-2435) to connect the
white plug to both audio outputs. Then con-
nect the yellow plug on the same end of the
cable to the VCR’s VIDEO IN jack.
OUT/IN jack compartment to IN.
IN
OUT
5. Slide POWER to CAMERA.
28
16-830.fm Page 29 Wednesday, July 21, 1999 9:32 AM
4. Set AV OUT/IN inside the AUDIO/VIDEO
6. When you see the scene where you want to
record the title, press TITLE. The cam-
corder plays the title and superimposes it
over the recording.
OUT/IN jack compartment to OUT.
5. Slide POWER to VCR.
6. Insert a cassette into the camcorder.
7. Set your VCR to its audio/video mode.
7. When you want to stop recording the title
onto the tape, press TITLE. The title disap-
pears.
Some VCRs have a manual input-
Note:
select switch, while others automatically
“sense” when you connect another audio/
video source to the VCR’s audio/video
input jacks. Check your VCR’s owner’s
manual for more information about your
VCR.
AUDIO EDITING
The camcorder’s audio editing feature lets you
record a new soundtrack onto a previously re-
corded tape without erasing the original picture.
8. Press PLAY on the camcorder to find the
portion of the tape you want to dub. Then
press REC/PAUSE to pause it.
When you use audio editing, you replace the au-
dio on the tape with new sound. You can use
sounds picked up by the camcorder’s built-in mi-
crophone or signals from an audio source con-
nected to the camcorder’s AUDIO jack.
9. Set the VCR to record, then press the
VCR’s record button to begin recording.
10. Press REC/PAUSE on the camcorder to play
the portion of the tape you want to dub.
Notes:
11. Press REC/PAUSE on the camcorder to stop
• If you connect an audio source, always use
video quality shielded cables with phono-
type connectors (such as Cat. No. 15-1540,
not supplied) to connect the camcorder’s
AUDIO jack to the audio source’s AUDIO
OUT jack.
dubbing.
Adding Titles onto an Existing
Recording
• Do not use a standard audio cable for this
connection.
You need a separate VHS VCR to super-
impose titles over an existing recording.
Note:
1. Connect the camcorder and VCR (see
“Dubbing from the Camcorder” on Page
28.).
1. If you are not using the camcorder’s built-in
microphone as an audio source, connect
the audio source’s AUDIO OUT jack to the
camcorder’s AUDIO jack.
2. Press TITLE to select the title you want to
record. Then, if the title you want to record
does not appear, press PAGE to select the
other title page.
3. Press TITLE to remove the title from the
viewfinder. The title disappears.
4. Load a blank cassette, or one you want to
record onto, into the VCR. Then set the
VCR to its recording mode.
5. Load the cassette you want to record from
into the camcorder, then press PLAY to play
it back.
29
16-830.fm Page 30 Wednesday, July 21, 1999 9:32 AM
2. Set AV OUT/IN inside the AUDIO/VIDEO
OUT/IN jack compartment for the audio
source you chose:
point where you want to end audio, then
start the dubbing process.
• To prevent feedback squeals, turn down the
volume control on any TV or TV/monitor
connected to the camcorder.
IN
OUT
AUDIO/VIDEO EDITING
When you use audio/video editing, you can re-
place the audio and video on a tape with new
sound and pictures.
• If you are using the built-in microphone,
You can use sounds picked up by the camcord-
er’s built-in microphone or signals from an audio
source connected to the camcorder’s AUDIO
jack. You can use pictures taken by the camera
or signals from a video source connected to the
camcorder’s VIDEO jack.
set AV OUT/IN to OUT.
• If you are using an audio source con-
nected to the camcorder’s AUDIO jack,
set AV OUT/IN to IN.
3. Slide POWER to VCR.
Notes:
4. Insert a cassette into the camcorder.
• If you connect an audio/video source,
always use video quality shielded cables
with phono-type connectors (such as Cat.
No. 15-1540, not supplied) to connect the
camcorder’s AUDIO and VIDEO jacks to the
source’s AUDIO OUT and VIDEO OUT
jacks.
5. Press PLAY on the camcorder to find the
portion of the tape where you want to start
audio dubbing. Then press REC/PAUSE to
pause it.
6. Press PLAY and DUBBING AUDIO/VIDEO
together once.
viewfinder.
appears in the
• Do not use standard audio cables for this
connection.
If
does not appear in the
Note:
viewfinder, press STOP/EJECT, then press
PLAY and DUBBING AUDIO/VIDEO together
once to continue.
1. If you are not using the camcorder’s built-in
microphone as an audio source, connect
the audio source’s AUDIO jack to the cam-
corder’s AUDIO jack.
7. If you are not using the camcorder’s built-in
microphone as an audio source, start the
audio source.
2. Set AV OUT/IN inside the AUDIO/VIDEO
OUT/IN jack compartment for the video
source you chose.
8. To start audio dubbing, press REC/PAUSE
on the camcorder.
• If you are using the camcorder’s lens, set
9. Press STOP/EJECT on the camcorder to
AV OUT/IN to OUT.
stop dubbing.
• If you are using a video source con-
nected to the camcorder’s VIDEO jack,
set AV OUT/IN to IN.
Notes:
• To set the position where you want to end
audio dubbing, start playback of the tape,
press DISPLAY on the camcorder at the
3. Slide POWER to VCR.
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16-830.fm Page 31 Wednesday, July 21, 1999 9:32 AM
4. Insert a cassette into the camcorder.
9. Press REC/PAUSE on the camcorder.
Audio/video dubbing begins.
5. Press PLAY on the camcorder to play the
tape to the point where you want audio/
video dubbing to end. Then press REC/
PAUSE to pause it.
When the tape counter shows 0000, the
camcorder automatically stops the tape,
and video and audio dubbing stop.
6. Press DISPLAY. M appears in the view-
finder next to the tape counter. Then press
RESET to reset the tape counter to 0000.
Notes:
• To protect the tape and conserve battery
power, the camcorder automatically
stops and turns itself off if left in the
record/pause mode for more than 5 min-
utes.
7. Press REWIND to rewind the tape past the
point where you want to start audio/video
dubbing, then press PLAY. When you see
the point of the tape where you want to
start audio/video dubbing, press REC/
PAUSE.
• To prevent feedback squeals, turn down
the volume control on any TV or TV/
monitor connected to the camcorder.
8. Press PLAY and DUBBING AUDIO/VIDEO
10. Press STOP/EJECT on the camcorder to
together twice.
and the picture you
stop audio/video dubbing at any time.
are dubbing appear in the viewfinder.
If you accidentally press PLAY and
Note:
DUBBING AUDIO/VIDEO together only
once, appears in the viewfinder
instead. If this happens, simply press PLAY
and DUBBING AUDIO/VIDEO together again.
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16-830.fm Page 32 Wednesday, July 21, 1999 9:32 AM
CONNECTING THE CAMCORDER TO A TV
AUDIO/VIDEO
OUT/IN jack compartment is attached to the
camcorder. Do not try to remove it.
Caution: The cover on the
USING A TV FOR PLAYBACK
There are many different types of TVs and ways
to connect them to your camcorder. This section
describes the most common set ups.
2. Connect the white plug on one end of the
cable to the camcorder’s AUDIO jack, then
connect the yellow plug on the same end of
the cable to the camcorder’s VIDEO jack.
Notes:
• If your TV doesn’t match any of the exam-
ples provided, contact your local Radio
Shack store for assistance.
3. Connect the white plug on the other end of
the cable to the TV’s AUDIO IN jack. If your
TV is a stereo TV, use a Y-adapter (such as
Cat. No. 42-2435) to connect the white plug
to both audio inputs. Then connect the yel-
low plug on the same end of the cable to
the TV’s VIDEO IN jack.
• Turn off power to the camcorder and TV
when making connections. Do not power
the camcorder until you complete all other
connections.
4. Set AV OUT/IN inside the AUDIO/VIDEOOUT/
IN jack compartment to OUT.
TV with Audio/Video (A/V) Jacks
If your TV has audio/video (A/V) input jacks, you
can connect your camcorder directly to the TV
so you can play and watch video tapes.
If your TV does not have audio/video jacks, see
“Standard TV” on Page 33.
Use video quality shielded cables with phono-
type connectors (such as Cat. No. 15-1540, not
supplied) to connect the camcorder’s AUDIO/
VIDEO IN/OUT jacks to your TV’s input jacks.
Note: Do not use standard audio cables for this
connection.
Follow these steps to connect the camcorder to
the TV.
1. Use a fingernail to pull down the cover on
the camcorder’s AUDIO/VIDEO OUT/IN jack
compartment to open it.
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16-830.fm Page 33 Wednesday, July 21, 1999 9:32 AM
1. Use a fingernail to pull down the cover on
the camcorder’s AUDIO/VIDEO OUT/IN jack
compartment to open it.
Standard TV
AUDIO/VIDEO
OUT/IN jack compartment is attached to the
Caution: The cover on the
UHF IN
VHF IN
75-ohm 300-ohm
camcorder. Do not try to remove it.
2. Connect the RF converter’s plug to the
camcorder’s VIDEO, RF DC OUT, and AUDIO
jacks.
To connect the camcorder to a standard TV
(with only VHF and UHF terminals), you need an
RF adapter kit (CMC No. T16-RF71A, not sup-
plied). The RF adapter kit includes:
• RF converter
• 300-to 75-ohm matching transformer
• 75-ohm antenna cable
Cautions:
• Use only the recommended RF adapter kit
with this camcorder. You can order the kit
from your local Radio Shack store.
• The RF converter is a sealed unit. Do not
attempt to open or modify it.
• Do not damage or drop the RF converter or
subject it to mechanical vibration.
3. Set AV OUT/IN inside the AUDIO/VIDEO
• Unplug the RF converter during lightning
storms.
OUT/IN jack compartment to OUT.
4. Disconnect the VHF antenna/cable wire
from your TV and connect it to the RF con-
verter’s IN FROM ANT jack:
Notes:
• You do not have to disconnect the RF con-
verter when you watch TV broadcasts. Sim-
ply set the TV’s tuner as usual.
• If the antenna/cable wire is the round,
75-ohm type, connect it directly to the
jack.
• Unless your antenna is VHF-only (you
receive Channels 2-13 only), you also need
a band-splitter (such as Cat. No. 15-1252,
not supplied) to connect your camcorder to
separate TV VHF/UHF terminals.
• If the antenna/cable wire is the flat, 300-
ohm type, use another 300- to 75-ohm
matching transformer (such as Cat. No.
15-1253, not supplied) to connect the
wire to the jack.
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PLAYBACK
After you connect the camcorder to your TV, fol-
low these steps to play a tape.
1. Turn on the TV, then:
• If you are using a TV with audio/video
(A/V) jacks, set it to the video mode.
• If you are using a standard TV, set the
TV’s tuner to the same channel where
you set CHANNEL on the RF converter (3
or 4).
5. Using the supplied 75-ohm antenna cable,
connect the RF converter’s OUT TO TV jack
to the TV’s VHF antenna terminal.
2. Slide POWER on the camcorder to VCR.
• If the TV’s VHF antenna terminal is the
round, 75-ohm type, connect the cable
directly to the terminal.
3. Insert a cassette into the camcorder.
4. Press PLAY on the camcorder. The tape
plays on your TV.
• If the TV’s VHF antenna terminal is the
flat, 300-ohm type, use another matching
transformer (such as Cat. No. 15-1253,
not supplied) to connect the cable to the
terminal.
5. Press STOP/EJECT to stop playback. Press
STOP/EJECT again to remove the cassette.
6. Set CHANNEL on the RF converter to 3 or 4.
CHANNEL
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16-830.fm Page 35 Wednesday, July 21, 1999 9:32 AM
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
TROUBLESHOOTING
If you follow the instructions in this manual and still have trouble operating your camcorder, refer to
the following troubleshooting chart. If you still cannot solve the problem, take your camcorder to your
local Radio Shack store for assistance.
FUNCTION
PROBLEM
No power.
POSSIBLE REASON
SUGGESTION
POWER
• Safety devices are
functioning.
• Disconnect the AC
adapter/charger’s
power cord, then
plug it into the AC
outlet again.
• The battery pack is not
charged.
• Charge the battery
pack.
• The AC adapter/
charger is not correctly
connected.
• Reconnect the AC
adapter/charger.
The camcorder turns
off soon after you turn
it on.
The battery pack might be
weak.
Recharge the battery
pack and try again.
RECORDING
Power on, but no
image in viewfinder.
• Lens cap on.
• Remove the lens
cap.
• POWER set to VCR.
• Slide POWER to
CAMERA.
• A/V OUT/IN set to IN.
• Set A/V OUT/IN to
OUT.
Cannot record.
POWER set to VCR.
Slide POWER to CAM-
ERA.
Poor color when tape
is played on a TV/
monitor.
TV not properly adjusted.
Adjust the TV.
Recording is fuzzy.
• Poor lighting.
• Use additional light-
ing.
• Dust or other foreign
matter on lens.
• Clean the lens.
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16-830.fm Page 36 Wednesday, July 21, 1999 9:32 AM
FUNCTION
PROBLEM
POSSIBLE REASON
SUGGESTION
PLAYBACK
Image in viewfinder is
fuzzy.
• Focus control on the
viewfinder must be
adjusted.
• Adjust the focus
control.
• Viewfinder must be
reset.
• Turn off the cam-
corder and discon-
nect the power
source. Then, after
about 1 minute,
reconnect the power
source. When the
characters dis-
played in the view-
finder are clear, set
the date and time.
No image appears on
TV.
• Camcorder improperly
connected to TV.
• Reconnect properly.
• AV OUT/IN set to IN.
• Set AV OUT/IN to
OUT.
• TV’s tuner or TV/video
switch not properly set.
• Set TV’s tuner to
channel 3 or chan-
nel 4 (if RF con-
verter connected).
• Set TV’s TV/video
switch to VIDEO (if
A/V input used).
Poor color.
TV not properly adjusted.
Adjust the TV.
Camcorder does not
play back in color on
your TV.
• Tracking not properly
adjusted.
• Adjust the tracking.
• Old or worn tape.
• Use a new tape.
Broken image.
• The battery pack might
be weak.
• Recharge the bat-
tery pack.
• Old or worn tape.
• Use a new tape.
• Cassette is not right
side up or is back-
wards.
• Check cassette
positioning and rein-
sert.
Cassette cannot be in-
serted.
• Another cassette al-
ready loaded in cam-
corder.
• Eject the cassette
and insert the new
cassette.
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16-830.fm Page 37 Wednesday, July 21, 1999 9:32 AM
FUNCTION
PROBLEM
POSSIBLE REASON
SUGGESTION
PLAYBACK
(continued)
Cassette will not eject
and power will not turn
off.
Camcorder is recording.
Press REC/PAUSE to
stop the tape and try
again.
No tape movement in
fast-forward mode.
Tape is already completely
wound.
Rewind the tape to the
desired point.
No tape movement in
rewind mode.
Tape is already completely
wound.
Fast-forward the tape to
the desired point.
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CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Your Optimus Model 130 MovieCorder cam-
corder is an example of superior design and
craftsmanship. The following suggestions will
help you care for the camcorder so you can en-
joy it for years.
HANDLING
• Remove the cassette tape and turn off the
power when the camcorder is not in use.
• Avoid shocks and drops. Do not drop or
otherwise subject the camcorder to hard
shocks or strong vibrations. Bumping or
striking the unit during recording generates
noise in the recorded image.
Keep the camcorder dry. If it gets
wet, wipe it dry immediately. Liq-
uids can contain minerals that
corrode electronic circuits.
• To protect the lens, always replace the lens
cap when the camcorder is not in use. Do
not touch the lens surface with your hand.
Use and store the camcorder
only in normal temperature envi-
• Do not point the camcorder lens or the
viewfinder eyepiece at the sun, whether
recording is in progress or not. Direct sun-
light can make recording impossible, burn
the CCD imager, and damage the cam-
corder beyond repair. Be particularly care-
ful when recording outside.
ronments.
Temperature ex-
tremes can shorten the life of
electronic devices, damage bat-
teries, and distort or melt plastic
parts.
• Do not use the camcorder in excessive
temperatures and humidity. You can use
the camcorder between 32° F and 104° F
and between 35% and 80% relative humid-
ity.
Handle the camcorder gently and
carefully. Dropping it can dam-
age circuit boards and cases,
and cause it to work improperly.
• Do not store the unit in an unventilated car
in the summer, in direct sunlight, or near
strong heat sources. This can result in
severe damage to the camcorder’s case
and electronic circuits.
Keep the camcorder away from
dust and dirt, which can cause
premature wear of parts.
• Avoid magnetic sources. Using the cam-
corder near strong fluorescent lights,
motors, televisions, or other magnetic
sources can adversely affect recorded
images.
Wipe the camcorder with a damp
cloth occasionally to keep it look-
ing new. Do not use harsh chem-
icals, cleaning solvents, or strong
detergents to clean it.
CLEANER
• Avoid situations where water, sand, dust or
other foreign matter could get on or inside
the camcorder. Such substances could
cause malfunctions.
• Do not use or leave the camcorder in areas
with excessive smoke, steam, dust, or
moisture. Such environments can cause
dew to form on the camcorder’s lenses. Be
sure to provide ample ventilation.
Modifying or tampering with the camcorder’s in-
ternal components can cause a malfunction and
might invalidate its warranty and void your FCC
authorization to operate it. If your camcorder is
not performing as it should, take it to your local
Radio Shack store for assistance.
38
16-830.fm Page 39 Wednesday, July 21, 1999 9:32 AM
• Do not use the camcorder on its side. The
tape might not wind properly and might
jam.
though the audio signal is clear. Head cleaning
must be done by an experienced camcorder
technician. If the camcorder’s heads become
dirty, contact your local Radio Shack store for
assistance.
• Some small, portable tripods might be diffi-
cult to connect and might not be sturdy
enough to support your camcorder. Be sure
to use only a strong, stable tripod.
ERASE PROTECTION
Video cassettes have an erase-protection tab to
prevent accidental erasure of a tape. If the
erase-protection tab is missing, the camcorder
cannot record on the tape.
SERVICING YOUR
CAMCORDER
Except as noted in this owner’s manual, there
are no user-serviceable parts inside your cam-
corder. If you encounter a problem that you can-
not correct using this owner’s manual and its
troubleshooting guide or the sections below,
take the camcorder to your local Radio Shack
store for assistance.
• To clean the camcorder’s lens and optical
elements, use air blowers and lens papers
designed for photographic lenses.
If you try to record on a tape with the erase-pro-
tection tab missing, TAPEappears in the view-
finder.
• To clean the picture tube face and lens
inside the eyepiece, press and hold down
the cover’s tab on the back of the eyepiece,
then open the cover.
If you want to record on a video cassette that
has had its tab removed, put a piece of heavy
plastic tape over the erase-protection tab hole.
STORING YOUR VIDEO
CASSETTES
Eject and store the cassette when you finish us-
ing it. This helps protect the cassette and the
camcorder’s internal mechanisms from dust.
Caution: The eyepiece’s cover is not remov-
able. Do not try to remove it from the eyepiece.
Place your video cassettes in their protective
boxes and store them in a cool, dry, dust-free
environment. Store the cassettes on end, not on
their sides. This prevents improper settling of
the cassette’s spools.
Clean the picture tube face and lens using a soft
non-abrasive cloth, swab, or lens cleaning pa-
per. When you finish cleaning, close the cover.
Note: Tape can become wound too tightly
around the cassette’s spools after numerous re-
cordings and playbacks. This can cause the
cassette to improperly load when you insert it.
CLEANING THE VIDEO HEADS
The camcorder’s video heads require cleaning
from time to time. Dirty video heads can cause
the playback picture to become blurred even
39
16-830.fm Page 40 Wednesday, July 21, 1999 9:32 AM
On most cassettes there is a brake-release
plunger on the bottom center of the cassette.
Use the tip of a pen or pencil to press the plung-
er. This loosens the tape.
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
• Increase the distance between the equip-
ment and the radio or TV
• Use outlets on different electrical circuits for
the equipment and the radio or TV
Consult your local Radio Shack store if the prob-
lem still exists.
You must use shielded interface cables with this
equipment.
Modifying or tampering with the camcorder’s in-
ternal components can cause a malfunction and
might invalidate the camcorder’s warranty and
void your FCC authorization to operate it. If your
camcorder is not performing as it should, take it
to your local Radio Shack Store for assistance.
Brake-Release Plunger
THE FCC WANTS YOU TO
KNOW
This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two condi-
tions: (1) This device may not cause harmful in-
terference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
This equipment complies with the limits for a
Class B digital device as specified in Part 15 of
FCC Rules. These limits provide reasonable
protection against radio and TV interference in a
residential area. However, your equipment
might cause TV or radio interference even when
it is operating properly. To eliminate interfer-
ence, you can try one or more of the following
corrective measures:
40
16-830.fm Page 41 Wednesday, July 21, 1999 9:32 AM
SPECIFICATIONS
Signal System ............................................................ NTSC-Type Standard Color and Monochrome
Recording System ........................................................................................................ VHS Standard
Tape Width ............................................................................................................1/2 Inch (12.7 mm)
Tape Speed ....................................................................................SP (1.31 Inch/sec... (33.35 mm/s)
Maximum Recording/Playback Time...................................................160 Minutes (with T-160 Tape)
Pickup Device........................... CCD Image Sensor (approx. 270,000 pixels including optical black)
Lens.................................................................. F1.6-F3.2 12x Power Zoom, Full-Range Auto-Focus
Lens Filter Diameter................................................................................................................. 46 mm
Viewfinder........................................................................................... 0.6 Inch B/W CRT with Diopter
Microphone................................................................................. Omnidirectional Electret Condenser
Color Temperature Compensation .............................. Auto White Balance with White Balance Lock
Minimum Illumination.................................................................................................................. 1 Lux
Video Output Level..............................................................................1.0 Vp-p Composite, 75 Ohms
Audio Output Level.................................................................................316 mV, less than 1 K Ohms
Power Requirement............................................................................................................... 9.6 Volts
Battery Power Supplied.......................................................................................................... 10 Volts
DC Power Consumption.......................................................................................................... 7 Watts
Dimensions (approx.) ............................................. 8 1/2 x 4 3/8 x 12 1/4 Inches HWD (without battery)
(205 x 111 x 311 mm)
Camcorder Weight (approx.) ........................................................4 lbs 3 oz (2.0 kg) (without battery)
Battery Weight (approx.)................................................................................................. 1 lb (0.56 kg)
Specifications are typical; individual units might vary. Specifications are subject to change and im-
provement without notice.
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NOTES
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43
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RADIO SHACK LIMITED WARRANTY
This product is warranted against defects for 90 days from date of pur-
chase from Radio Shack company-owned stores and authorized Radio
Shack franchisees and dealers. Within this period, we will repair it with-
bring your Radio Shack sales
out charge for parts and labor. Simply
slip
as proof of purchase date to any Radio Shack store. Warranty does
not cover transportation costs. Nor does it cover a product subjected to
misuse or accidental damage.
EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, RADIO SHACK MAKES NO
EXPRESS WARRANTIES AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE LIM-
ITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THE WRITTEN LIMITED
WARRANTIES CONTAINED HEREIN. Some states do not permit limita-
tion or exclusion of implied warranties; therefore, the aforesaid limita-
tion(s) or exclusion(s) may not apply to the purchaser.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary
from state to state.
We Service What We Sell
9/94
RADIO SHACK
A Division of Tandy Corporation
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
6A5
Printed in Malaysia
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