JVC GR-AX680 User Manual

COMPACT VHS CAMCORDER

GR-AX680

ENGLISH

The Logical Choice

The only compact video

cassettes that can be

used with your VHS VCR*

Compact VHS

INSTRUCTIONS

LYT0076-001A

2 EN

Dear Customer,

Thank you for purchasing the JVC Compact VHS camcorder. Before use, please read the safety information and precautions contained in the following pages to ensure safe use of your new camcorder.

Using This Instruction Manual

•All major sections and subsections are listed in the Table Of Contents (Z pg. 3).

•Notes appear after most subsections. Be sure to read these as well.

•Basic and advanced features/operation are separated for easier reference.

It is recommended that you . . .

.... refer to the Index (Z pg. 50 – 52) and

familiarize yourself with button locations, etc. before use.

.... read thoroughly the Safety Precautions that

follow and cautions (Z pg. 53, 54). They contain extremely important information regarding the safe use of your new camcorder.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK

HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

CAUTIONS:

n To prevent shock, do not open the cabinet.

No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.

n When you are not using the AC Power

Adapter/Battery charger for a long period of time, it is recommended that you disconnect the power cord from AC outlet.

Warning on lithium battery

The battery used in this device may present a fire or chemical burn hazard if mistreated. Do not recharge, disassemble, heat above 100°C or incinerate. Replace the battery with Maxell, Panasonic (Matsushita Electric), Sanyo or Sony CR2025; use of another battery may present a risk of fire or explosion.

n Dispose of used battery promptly. n Keep away from children. n Do not disassemble and do not dispose of in

fire.

Crossed Out Dust Bin Mark

n The Crossed Out Dust Bin

Mark on the battery pack indicates that the product complies with Directives 91/157/EEC and 93/86/ EEC.

n Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd)

battery pack must be recycled or disposed of properly.

This camcorder is designed to be used with PAL-type colour television signals. It cannot be used for playback with a television of a different standard. However, live recording and viewfinder playback are possible anywhere. Use the BN-V12U/V22U/V25U battery packs and, to recharge them, the provided multivoltage AC Power Adapter/Charger. (An appropriate conversion adapter may be necessary to accommodate different designs of AC outlets in different countries.)

NOTES:

●

The rating plate (serial number plate) and safety caution are on the bottom and/or the back of the main unit.

●

The rating plate (serial number plate) of the AC Power Adapter/Charger is on its bottom.

PAL

n Camcorder is designed exclusively for the

VHS-C video cassette. Only cassettes marked VHS-C can be used with this unit.

n HQ VHS is compatible with existing VHS

equipment.

This unit is produced to comply with Standard IEC Publ. 65.

MAJOR FEATURES

Program Manager II (Z pg. 18 – 33)

n Programme AE with Special Effects

(Z pg. 18, 19)

•Auto Mode Lock •Auto Mode Release

•Electronic Fog Filter •ND Effect

•Sepia •Twilight •Sports •Nega/Posi

•1/2000 sec. High Speed Shutter

n Picture Stabiliser (Z pg. 16) n

Digital Hyper Zoom (Z pg. 14)

PROVIDED ACCESSORIES

CONTENTS

GETTING STARTED

Power ......................................... 4

Clock (Lithium) Battery

Insertion/Removal ......................... 6

Date/Time Setting ........................... 7

Tape Length Setting .......................... 8

Loading/Unloading A Cassette ............. 9

Grip Adjustment ............................ 10

Viewfinder Adjustment .................... 10

Shoulder Strap Attachment ............... 11

Tripod Mounting ............................ 11

RECORDING

Basic Recording ............................ 12

Basic Features ............................. 14

Advanced Features ........................ 18

EN 3

GETTING STARTED

RECORDING

•AC Power Adapter/Charger AA-V15EG

•Cable Adapter

•Lithium Battery CR2025 x 1 (clock operation)

•AUDIO/VIDEO (A/V) Cable

•Cassette Adapter C-P7U

•Shoulder Strap

•Battery Pack

BN-V12U

•DC Cord

PLAYBACK

Basic Playback ............................. 34

Features .................................... 35

Using The Cassette Adapter ............. 37

Basic Connections ......................... 38

TAPE DUBBING USING REMOTE

CONTROL UNIT

Random Assemble Editing ................ 42

Insert Editing............................... 46

Audio Dubbing ............................. 47

TROUBLESHOOTING INDEX

Controls .................................... 50

Connectors ................................. 50

Indicators ................................... 50

Other Parts ................................ 50

Viewfinder Indications ................... 52

CAUTIONS

PLAYBACK

SPECIFICATIONS

4 EN

Marks

CHG. (charge) indicator

REFRESH switch

REFRESH indicator

REFRESH

The AC power adapter features a REFRESH function that allows you to fully discharge the battery pack before recharging. Perform the REFRESH function after no less than 5 chargings.

To discharge the battery . . .

..... attach the battery pack to the adapter

as shown in the above illustration. Then push REFRESH. The REFRESH indicator lights when discharging starts, and goes out when discharging is complete.

To AC outlet

GETTING STARTED

Power

This camcorder’s 3-way power supply system lets you choose the most appropriate source of power.

NOTES:

●

No function is available without power supply.

●

Use only specified power supply.

●

Do not use provided power supply units with other equipment.

CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK

SUPPLY POWER

Connect the charger’s AC power cord to a wall

outlet.

ATTACH BATTERY PACK

Align the marks and slide the battery pack in the

direction of the arrow until it locks in place.

•The CHG. indicator begins blinking to indicate charging has started.

DETACH BATTERY PACK

When the CHG. indicator stops blinking but stays lit,

charging is finished. Slide the battery pack opposite the direction of the arrow.

BATT. PACK

BN-V12U approx. 1 hr. 10 min. approx. 3 hrs. 30 min. BN-V22U approx. 2 hrs. 10 min. approx. 7 hrs. BN-V25U approx. 2 hrs. 40 min. approx. 10 hrs.

CHARGE DISCHARGE

Hook on.

Push in.

BATT. RELEASE

ATTENTION:

Before detaching the power source, make sure that the camcorder’s power is turned off. Failure to do so can result in a camcorder malfunction.

USING THE BATTERY PACK

ATTACH BATTERY PACK

Hook its top end to the camcorder and push the

battery pack in until it locks in place.

DETACH BATTERY PACK

Slide BATT. RELEASE and pull out the battery pack.

BATT. PACK Approximate recording time (unit: min.)

BN-V12U 75 BN-V22U 150 BN-V25U 200

EN 5

CHARGE MARKER

Charge marker

A charge marker is provided on the battery pack to help you remember whether it has been charged or not. Two colours are provided (red and black)—you choose which one means charged and which means discharged.

NOTES:

●

The recording time per charge is affected by such factors as the time spent in Record-Standby mode and the frequency of zooming. It is safer to have spare battery packs.

●

Charging times noted on page 4 are for fully discharged battery pack, and discharging times are for fully charged battery pack.

●

Charging and discharging times vary according to the ambient temperature and the status of the battery pack.

●

Remember to set the charge marker after charging a battery pack or after detaching a discharged one from your camcorder.

●

While the AC Power Adapter/Charger’s power cord is disconnected from the AC outlet, it is possible to discharge the battery by pressing the REFRESH switch. During that time, the AC Power Adapter/Charger does not charge the battery. When disharging is complete, detach the battery from the AC Power Adapter/ Charger to store it.

●

Perform the REFRESH function after no less than 5 chargings.

●

High temperatures can damage the battery pack, so use only where good ventilation is available. Don’t allow it to discharge in container, such as a bag.

●

If you stop recharging or discharging part way through, make sure to remove the battery pack before unplugging the adapter’s AC cord.

●

Remove the battery pack from the adapter immediately after discharging.

●

To avoid interference with reception, do not use the AC Power Adapter/Charger near a radio.

●

Make sure you unplug the DC cord before charging or discharging the battery pack.

●

The CHG. indicator may not light properly with a brand new battery pack, or with one that’s been stored for an extended period. In this case, remove and reattach the battery pack and recharge it. The CHG. indicator should blink during recharging. If not, contact your nearest JVC dealer.

To DC IN jack

DC cord

USING A CAR BATTERY

Use the optional Car Battery Charger/Adapter (connect as shown in the illustration above).

NOTES:

●

When using the car battery, leave the engine idling.

●

The optional Car Battery Charger (BH-V3E) can also be used to charge the battery pack.

●

When using the optional Car Battery Charger, refer to the respective instruction booklet.

DC OUT terminal

Car Battery Charger/Adapter BH-V3E (optional)

To AC outlet

AC Power Adapter/Charger AA-V15EG

To car’s cigarette lighter socket

USING AC POWER

Use the AC Power Adapter (connect as shown in the illustration above).

NOTE:

The supplied AC Power Adapter/Charger features automatic voltage selection in the AC range from 110 V to 240 V.

6 EN

GETTING STARTED

Clock (Lithium) Battery Insertion/Removal

This battery is necessary for clock operation and to perform date/time settings.

SWITCH OFF POWER

Switch off the unit’s power and remove the power

supply unit.

OPEN COVER

Open the clock battery compartment cover while

pressing the release tab.

REMOVE BATTERY (when replacing)

Insert a pointed, non-metallic object between the

battery and the compartment (A) and pull the battery out.

INSERT BATTERY

Ensure that the plus (+) side is up and insert a

CR2025 lithium battery and push it in.

CLOSE COVER

Close the compartment cover until it clicks in place.

(cont.)

NOTE:

See “SAFETY PRECAUTIONS” (Z pg. 2) for information on safe handling of lithium batteries.

Select Dial

MENU Jog Dial

Date/Time Setting

ACCESS MENU SCREEN

First set the Power Switch to “CAMERA”. Turn the

Select Dial to any position except AUTO LOCK, then press the MENU Jog Dial.

SELECT FUNCTION

Rotate the MENU Jog Dial to move the highlight bar

to “DATE/TIME”, then press it. The DATE/TIME Setting Menu appears.

•If you decide you want to return the date and time to the previous settings, rotate the MENU Jog Dial to move highlight bar to “EXIT” and press it, then go to step 6.

•If you want to set only the time without changing the date, go to step 4.

EN 7

Viewfinder

MENU END FOCUS EXPOSURE

DATE TIME

TELE MACRO TAPE LENGTH M. W. B. ZOOM SPEED

DATE TIME

YEAR

MONTH DAY TIME

EXIT

MENU END

FOCUS EXPOSURE DATE TIME TELE MACRO TAPE LENGTH M. W. B. ZOOM SPEED

AUTO AUTO

1. 1. 98 OFF T30 AUTO FAST

1998

1 1

22:50

AUTO AUTO

25. 12. 98 OFF T30 AUTO FAST

Menu Screen

DATE/TIME Setting Menu

24-hour indication

SET DATE

Rotate the MENU Jog Dial to move the highlight bar

to the item you want to set and then press it. When the setting begins blinking, rotate the MENU Jog Dial until the correct setting appears and then press it. The setting stops blinking.

•Repeat this procedure until you’re satisfied with the Date settings (“YEAR”, “MONTH” and “DAY”).

SET TIME

Rotate the MENU Jog Dial to move the highlight bar

to “TIME” and then press it. When the hour setting begins blinking, rotate the MENU Jog Dial until the correct setting appears and then press it. When the hour setting stops blinking and the minute setting begins blinking, rotate the MENU Jog Dial until the correct setting appears and then press it. The minute setting stops blinking.

START CLOCK OPERATION

When none of these settings (YEAR, MONTH, DAY,

TIME) blinks, rotate the MENU Jog Dial to move the highlight bar to “EXIT”, and press it. The Menu Screen appears and “MENU END” is highlighted.

CLOSE MENU

Press the MENU Jog Dial.

NOTE:

To display the date and time in the viewfinder and on a connected TV, see “Date/Time/Character Insert” (Z pg. 17).

8 EN

MENU END FOCUS EXPOSURE DATE TIME TELE MACRO

TAPE LENGTH

M. W. B. ZOOM SPEED

Select Dial

Viewfinder

T60

AUTO AUTO

25. 12. 98 OFF

T60

AUTO FAST

MENU Jog Dial

Tape length indicator

Menu Screen

GETTING STARTED

(cont.)

Tape Length Setting

Set the tape length according to the length of the tape used.

ACCESS MENU SCREEN

First set the Power Switch to “CAMERA”. Turn the

Select Dial to any position except AUTO LOCK, then press the MENU Jog Dial.

SELECT FUNCTION

Rotate the MENU Jog Dial to move the highlight bar

to “TAPE LENGTH”, then press it. The TAPE LENGTH Setting Menu appears.

SET TAPE LENGTH

Rotate the MENU Jog Dial to move the highlight bar

to the correct setting. T30=30 minutes of recording time, T45=45 minutes, and T60=60 minutes.

•If you decide you want to return the tape length to the previous setting, rotate the MENU Jog Dial to move the highlight bar to “EXIT”.

CLOSE MENU

Press the MENU Jog Dial. The Menu Screen

reappears and the highlight bar is on “MENU END”. Then press the MENU Jog Dial again to close the Menu Screen.

NOTES:

●

The tape remaining time (Z pg. 13) displayed in the viewfinder is correct only if the correct tape length has been selected.

●

Once you have set the tape length, it remains unchanged even if the Select Dial is returned to AUTO LOCK.

TAPE LENGTH

T30

T45 T60

EXIT

MENU END

FOCUS EXPOSURE DATE TIME TELE MACRO TAPE LENGTH M. W. B. ZOOM SPEED

AUTO AUTO

25. 12. 98 OFF T30 AUTO FAST

TAPE LENGTH Setting Menu

Erase Protection

Gear

Turn to take up slack.

Loading/Unloading A Cassette

OPEN CASSETTE HOLDER

Slide EJECT until the holder opens. Do not use force

to open.

INSERT/REMOVE CASSETTE

Make sure the label is facing outward.

CLOSE CASSETTE HOLDER

Press PUSH and make sure the holder is closed and

locked.

NOTES:

●

A cassette holder can’t be opened unless a power supply is attached.

●

Make sure that the tape is not slack when loading the cassette. If there is any slack, turn the gear on the cassette in the direction of the arrow to take up the slack.

●

Make sure the Erase Protection tab is in the position that allows recording. If not, slide the tab. Some cassettes have removable tabs. If the tab has been removed, cover the hole with adhesive tape.

●

The cassette holder can’t be opened while the camcorder is in the record mode.

EN 9

10 EN

Recording Start/Stop Button

Power Zoom Button

GETTING STARTED

Grip Adjustment

EXPAND LOOP

Separate the Velcro strip.

INSERT HAND

Pass your right hand through the loop and grasp the

grip.

ADJUST STRAP LENGTH

Adjust so your thumb and fingers can easily operate

the Recording Start/Stop Button and Power Zoom Button. Refasten the Velcro strip.

Viewfinder Adjustment

(cont.)

Set POWER to “CAMERA”.

POSITION VIEWFINDER

Adjust the viewfinder manually for best viewability

(see illustration to the left).

SELECT MODE

Set the Power Switch to CAMERA.

ADJUST DIOPTRE

Turn the dioptre Adjustment Control until the

indications in the viewfinder are clearly focused.

Shoulder Strap Attachment

EN 11

ATTACH STRAP

Following the illustration at left, thread the strap

through the top of the eyelet 1, then fold it back and thread it through the keeper 2, and then through the buckle 3. Repeat the procedure to attach the other end of the strap to the other eyelet

4, making sure the strap isn’t twisted.

ADJUST LENGTH

Adjust as shown in the illustration at left 1, then

slide both keepers snug against the eyelets to prevent slipping 2.

Tripod Mounting

ALIGN AND TIGHTEN

Align the screw and camera direction stud on the

tripod with the camera’s mounting socket and stud hole. Then tighten the screw.

CAUTION:

When using a tripod, be sure to open and extend its legs fully to stabilize the camcorder. To prevent damage to the unit caused by falling over, do not use a small-sized tripod.

12 EN

LENS COVER Switch

RECORDING

Basic Recording

NOTE:

You should already have performed the procedures listed below. If not, do so before continuing.

●

Power (Z pg. 4)

●

Tape Length Setting (Z pg. 8)

●

Grip Adjustment (Z pg. 10)

Power Switch

Start/Stop Button

Tally lamp (lights while recording is in progress)

Power indicator

LOAD A CASSETTE

Slide EJECT to open the cassette holder, then insert

the cassette with the label facing out. Press PUSH to ensure the holder is closed and locked.

ENTER RECORD-STANDBY MODE

Slide the LENS COVER Open/Close Switch to open

the lens cover, then set the Power Switch to CAMERA.

•The power indicator lights and the camcorder enters the Record-Standby mode.

•The scene you’re aimed at appears on the viewfinder screen, with the word “PAUSE” superimposed upon it.

START SHOOTING

Press the Recording Start/Stop Button.

REC

•“

” appears in the viewfinder while recording is

in progress.

Tape remaining time indicator

25MIN

(Now calculating)

Start/Stop Button

MIN

60MIN

59MIN

3MIN

2MIN

(Blinking)

1MIN

(Blinking)

0MIN

(Blinking)

EN 13

STOP RECORDING

Press the Recording Start/Stop Button again to stop

recording.

•The camcorder re-enters the Record-Standby mode.

NOTES:

●

A cassette holder can’t be opened unless a power supply is attached.

●

There may be a delay after you slide EJECT until the holder opens. Do not use force.

●

The displayed remaining time is approximate.

●

The time required to calculate the remaining tape length, and the accuracy of the calculation, may vary according to the type of tape used.

●

The tape remaining time indicator is correct only if the correct tape length has been selected (Z pg. 8).

●

“TAPE END” appears when the tape reaches its end, and the power goes off automatically if left in this condition for 5 minutes. “TAPE END” also appears when a cassette whose tape is already at its end is loaded.

●

If the Record-Standby mode continues for 5 minutes without performing Zoom or any other operations, the camcorder’s power shuts off automatically. Set the Power Switch to “POWER OFF”, and then back to “CAMERA” to turn the camcorder on again.

●

If the Recording Start/Stop Button is pressed after the Record-Standby mode has continued for over 5 minutes, recording may not start immediately.

●

If you’re recording on a cassette from the middle (such as when a tape is removed and re-inserted during recording), use the Retake function (Z pg. 15) to find the end of the last recording so you don’t erase any of it.

●

The LENS COVER warning blinks for about 5 seconds when the camcorder is turned on when the cover is closed.

14 EN

RECORDING

Basic Features

Zoom-in

Power Zoom button

Select Dial

Viewfinder

MENU END FOCUS EXPOSURE DATE TIME TELE MACRO TAPE LENGTH M. W. B.

ZOOM SPEED

FAST

SLOW

EXIT

Zoom indicator bar

Zoom Level indicator

Menu Screen

AUTO AUTO

25. 12. 98 OFF T30 AUTO

FAST

ZOOM SPEED Setting Menu

Zoom-out

MENU Jog Dial

FEATURE: Zooming PURPOSE: To produce the zoom in/out effect, or

OPERATION:

NOTES: ●

an instantaneous change in image magnification.

Digital circuitly doubles the maximum 22x magnification offered by optical zoom. This system is called Digital Zoom.

Zoom In

Press the “T” of the Power Zoom Button.

Zoom Out

Press “W” of the Power Zoom Button. n Zooming speed is available. A total of

4 zoom speeds are available. 2 speeds can be selected depending on how hard the Power Zoom Button is pressed (press the button fully for regular-speed, press it lightly for slowspeed), while 2 speed levels (FAST/ SLOW) can be selected in the ZOOM SPEED Menu depending on the overall speed you prefer.

The combinations of zoom speeds are shown in the chart below.

Changing the ZOOM SPEED in the Menu

1) Set the Select Dial to any position

except AUTO LOCK and press the MENU Jog Dial. The Menu Screen appears.

2) Rotate the MENU Jog Dial to move

the highlight bar to “ZOOM SPEED”, then press it. The ZOOM SPEED Setting Menu appears.

3) Rotate the MENU Jog Dial to move

the highlight bar to the desired speed and press it twice. The Menu Screen disappears and setting is completed.

Focusing may become unstable during Zooming. In this case, set the zoom while in Record-Standby, lock the focus by using the manual focus

pg. 29), then zoom in or out in

( Record mode.

●

The zoom level indicator (5) moves during zoom. Once the zoom level indicator reaches the top of the zoom indicator bar, all magnification from that point is through digital processing.

●

During Digital Zoom, the quality of image may suffer. To deactivate Digital Zoom, set “D.ZOOM” to “OFF” in the Menu Screen (

pg. 26).

Zooming Speed (1 – 4 in order of speed)

“ZOOM SPEED” in the Menu Screen

FAST 1 (fastest) 3 SLOW 2 4 (slowest)

Pressing the Power Zoom Button

fully lightly

: when the Select Dial is set to AUTO LOCK.

RETAKE (R/F)

EN 15

FEATURE: Quick Review PURPOSE: To check the end of the last

OPERATION: 1) Press “ ” and release quickly

NOTE:

FEATURE: Retake PURPOSE: To re-record certain segments. OPERATION: 1) Make sure the camcorder is in the

NOTE:

recording.

during the Record-Standby mode.

n Tape is rewound for about 2

seconds and played back automatically, then pauses in Record-Standby mode for the next shot.

Distortion may occur at start of playback. This is normal.

Record-Standby mode.

2) Press either RETAKE button to

reach the start point for new recording. Pressing “F” forwards the tape and pressing “R” reverses it.

3) Press Recording Start/Stop Button

to start recording.

Noise may appear during Retake. This is normal.

16 EN

P. STABILIZER

RECORDING

FEATURE: Picture Stabiliser PURPOSE: To compensate for unstable images

caused by camera-shake, particularly at high magnification.

OPERATION: 1) Press P. STABILIZER. “ ”appears.

NOTES: ●

●

Basic Features (cont.)

n To switch off the Picture

Stabiliser, press P. STABILIZER. The indicator disappears.

Accurate stabilisation may not be possible if hand shake is excessive, or under the following conditions:

•

When shooting subjects with vertical or horizontal stripes.

•

When shooting dark or dim subjects.

•

When shooting subjects with excessive backlighting.

•

When shooting scenes with movement in various directions.

•

When shooting scenes with low-

contrast backgrounds. Switch off the Picture Stabiliser when recording with the camcorder on a tripod.

DATE/TIME

Select Dial

Date display

Time display

Date/Time display

Auto Date Record mode

The characters you have set using Character Generator (

Date display

25.12.98

Time display

22:50:00

Date/Time display

Display

Date-off mode (No display)

Z pg. 23)

Auto Date Record mode

AUTO DATE

Auto date record mode

Auto date record executed

25.12.98

EN 17

FEATURE: Date/Time/Character Insert PURPOSE: To display the date and time in the

OPERATION: 1) Turn the Select Dial to any

NOTES:

viewfinder or on a connected colour monitor, as well as to record them manually or automatically.

position except AUTO LOCK.

2) Choose a display mode by pressing DATE/TIME repeatedly while in Record-Standby to cycle through the modes as shown in the illustration to the left.

n You should have already

performed the Date/Time Setting procedure (Z pg. 7). If you haven’t, do so first.

DISPLAY

●

The selected display can be recorded.

●

If you don’t want to record the display, select the Date-off mode before shooting.

●

If you want to delete the display during shooting, press DATE/TIME.

●

To recall the display, engage the Record-Standby mode and press DATE/TIME repeatedly until the desired display appears.

AUTO DATE RECORD

●

Your camcorder automatically records the date for about 5 seconds after recording is initiated in the following situations:

•

After changing the date.

•

After loading a cassette.

•

After Auto Date Record mode is selected by pressing DATE/TIME.

In this mode, the date is replaced after 5 seconds with “AUTO DATE” but this is not recorded.

●

Setting the Select Dial to AUTO LOCK always engages the Auto Date Record mode, and disables all other modes.

25.12.98

22:50:00

+ 39 hidden pages

JVC GR-AX680 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual