Panasonic AG-RT850 User Manual

Operating

Instructions

PAL

Time Lapse Recorder

Model AG-

Before attempting to connect, operate or adjust this product, please read these instructions completely.

Caution for AC Mains Lead

FOR YOUR SAFETY PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING TEXT CAREFULLY.

FOR U.K. ONLY

This appliance is supplied with a moulded three pin mains plug for your safety and convenience. A 5 amp fuse is fitted in this plug. Should the fuse need to be replaced please ensure that the replacement fuse has a rating of 5 amps and that it is approved by ASTA or BSI to BS1362. Check for the ASTA mark or the BSI mark on the body of the fuse.

If the plug contains a removable fuse cover you must ensure that it is refitted when the fuse is replaced. If you lose the fuse cover the plug must not be used until a replacement cover is obtained. A replacement fuse cover can be purchased from your local Panasonic Dealer.

IF THE FITTED MOULDED PLUG IS UNSUITABLE FOR THE SOCKET OUTLET IN YOUR HOME THEN THE FUSE SHOULD BE REMOVED AND THE PLUG CUT OFF AND DISPOSED OF SAFELY. THERE IS A DANGER OF SEVERE ELECTRICAL SHOCK IF THE CUT OFF PLUG IS INSERTED INTO ANY 13 AMP SOCKET.

A A

As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this appliance may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:

The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected

•

to the terminal in the plug which is marked with the letter N or coloured BLACK. The wire which is coloured BROWN must be con-

•

nected to the terminal in the plug which is marked with the letter L or coloured RED. Under no circumstances should either of these wires

•

be connected to the terminal in the plug which is marked with the letter E or by the Earth symbol .

How to replace the fuse

1. Open the fuse compartment with a screwdriver.

If a new plug is to be fitted please observe the wiring code as shown below. If in any doubt please consult a qualified electrician.

IMPORTANT: The wires in this mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code:

Blue: Brown:

■

DO NOT REMOVE PANEL COVER BY UNSCREWING.

To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover. No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.

■

If the unit is not going to be used for a length of time, turn the unit to STANDBY mode and disconnect the power plug from the AC outlet.

Neutral Live

WARNING:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, KEEP THIS EQUIPMENT AWAY FROM ALL LIQUIDS-USE AND STORE ONLY IN LOCATIONS WHICH ARE NOT EXPOSED TO THE RISK OF DRIPPING OR SPLASHING LIQUIDS, AND DO NOT PLACE ANY LIQUID CONTAINERS ON TOP OF THE EQUIPMENT.

2. Replace the fuse.

Fuse

CAUTION:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD AND ANNOYING INTERFERENCE, USE THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES ONLY.

CAUTION:

Do not install or place this unit in a bookcase, built in cabinet or in another confined space in order to keep well ventilated condition. Ensure that curtains and any other materials do not obstruct the ventilation condition to prevent risk of electric shock or fire hazard due to overheating.

is the safety information.

Lithium Battery

Warning

The lithium battery in this equipment must only be replaced by qualified personnel. When necessary, contact your local Panasonic supplier.

“The lithium battery is a critical component (type number VL2330/1HF manufactured by Panasonic.)

It must never be subjected to excessive heat or discharge. It must therefore only be fitted in equipment designed specifically for its use.

Replacement batteries must be of the same type and manufacturer. They must be fitted in the same manner and location as the original battery, with the correct polarity connections observed.

Do not attempt to re-charge the old battery or re-use it for any other purpose. It should be disposed of in waste products destined for burial rather than incineration.”

CAUTION

Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the equipment manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to manufacturer’s instructions.

VARNING

Explosionsfara vid felaktigt batteribyte. Använd samma batterityp eller en ekvivalent typ som rekommenderas av apparattillverkaren. Kassera använt batteri enligt fabrikantens instruktion.

ADVARSEL

Eksplosionsfare ved fejlagtig håndtering. Udskiftning må kun ske med batteri af samme fabrikat og type. Levér det brugte batteri tilbage til leverandøren.

VAROITUS

Paristo voi räjähtää, jos se on virheellisesti asennettu. Vaihda paristo ainoastaan laitevalmistajan suosittelemaan tyypiin. Hävitä käytetty paristo valmistajan ohjeiden mukaisesti.

Attention/Attentie

A battery is used for memory-backup in the unit. When the battery is exhausted, you should not throw it away, but dispose of it as small chemical waste. Voor het reservegeheugen van het apparaat wordt gebruikgemaakt van een batterij. Wanneer de batterij is uitgeput, mag u deze niet gewoon weggooien, maar dient u deze als klein chemisch afval weg te doen.

Removing the battery/Verwijderen van de batterij

Battery for memory-backup (lithium battery)/ Batterij voor reservegeheugen (lithiumbatterij)

Remove the battery from the unit. Verwijder de batterijhouder uti het apparaat.

Battery holder/ Batterijhouder

To replace the battery, please consult your local dealer. Voor het vernieuwen van de batterij dient u uw plaatselijke handelaar te raadplegen.

Lithium battery/Lithiumbatterij

Contents

Features

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Regular Maintenance Service Recommendation

Parts And Their Functions

Menu Screens

Date and Time Settings

Time/Date Display Position

Time Mode Selection

Recording Procedure

Tips For Better Recording

Recording Mode Lock

•

Recording Check

•

Restoration-of-Power-After-Failure

•

Recording

Timer Recording

Internal Timer Recording

•

Daily Recording (Daily Timer)/

•

Weekly Recording (Weekly Timer)

External Timer Recording

•

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . .

Auto Repeat Recording/Auto Rewinding

Alarm Recording (Emergency Recording)

• Principle of Alarm Recording

• Alarm and Display Methods during Alarm Recording

• Connecting the Alarm Input Connector

• Alarm Recording Operation

• Alarm Recall

Playback Procedure

• Tracking

• Vertical Hold Adjustment

Routine & Regular Inspection Request

RS-232C Interface

Troubleshooting

Specifications

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . .

. . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . .

. . . . .

. . . . . . .

Tapes Recommended For Use

In order to ensure that a high level of reliability is maintained when recording, it is recommended that high-quality tapes be used rather than standard tapes.

■

Do not insert fingers or any objects into the video casette holder.

■

Avoid operating or leaving the unit near strong magnetic fields. Be especially careful of large audio speakers.

■

Avoid operating or storing the unit in an excessively hot, cold, or damp environment as this may result in damage both to the recorder and to the tape.

■

Do not spray any cleaner or wax directly on the unit.

■

If the unit is not going to be used for a length of time, protect it from dirt and dust.

■

Do not leave a cassette in the recorder when not in use.

■

Do not block the ventilation slots of the unit.

The tapes which have been recorded using this time lapse recorder cannot be played back on other models.

■

Use this unit horizontally and do not place anything on the top panel.

■

Cassette tape can be used only for one-side, one direction recording. Two-way or two-track recordings cannot be made.

■

Cassette tape can be used for either Colour or Black & White recording.

■

Do not attempt to disassemble the recorder. There are no user serviceable parts inside.

■

If any liquid spills inside the recorder, have the recorder examined for possible damage.

■

Refer any needed servicing to authorized service personnel.

Features

Recording and playback up to 336-hour time modes

In addition to the 9-hour time modes, recording and playback can be performed in the time lapse modes (L24-, 54-, 72-, 96-, 120-, 168-, 192-, 240- and 336-hour modes).

Full line-up of recording functions

Included in the wide range of recording functions are restoration-of-power-after-failure recording, recording every day and by the days of the week using the internal timer, external timer recording, alarm recording, emergency recording and repeat recording.

Playback functions

Among the convenient playback functions are the recording review function for immediate viewing of recorded material, the handy search function for locating images promptly, and the forward/reverse field advance and still-picture functions for careful viewing of particular scenes.

Jog/shuttle

A jog or shuttle function for quickly locating playback sections using the search dial is incorporated.

Auto tracking function

The tracking can be automatically adjusted by pressing the “–” and “+” tracking buttons together.

Built-in time/date generator

This unit comes with a built-in microprocessor with a calendar function for displaying the time on the display or TV monitor and for controlling the time of the internal timer.

Recording lock function

A double recording mode lock function is provided for safeguarding against operational errors during recording.

Connection to frame switcher

Easy connection to a frame switcher is possible once the unit has been connected to the video input and camera SW connectors.

Do not supply signals from colour cameras and black-

•

and-white cameras simultaneously to the camera input conectors since this may disturb the synchronization on the monitor screen or generate noise.

Hour metre

The unit contains an hour metre which provides useful information for maintenance and inspections.

Remote control

The unit can be operated from a distance of about 5 metres if the AG-A11 remote controller, available as an optional accessory, is connected.

RS-232C connector

With this connector, basic operations of the unit can be controlled using a personal computer (etc.)

IMPORTANT

“Unauthorized recording of copyrighted television programmes, films, video tapes and other materials may infringe the right of copyright owners and be contrary to copyright laws.”

Regular Maintenance Service Recommendation

Although this unit is designed to withstand long-term use, the items listed below should be inspected regularly so that the unit is kept in perfect working order. Use the hour metre to know when to conduct the inspections. The VTR is a piece of precision-made equipment and, as such, it is recommended that the user enter into a maintenance and inspection agreement to keep the unit operating free of trouble or failures. For further details, please consult with your dealer.

Cumulative operation time (hours)

Inspection item

Transport system cleaning

Audio heads

Video heads

Cylinder unit

Service life inspection Cleaning

The above table merely serves to lay down general guidelines for the inspection of typical parts involved in regular inspections. The timing of the inspections needs to be adjusted according to the VTR’s operating environment.

500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500

4000 8000 12000

(9-/L24-hour mode use)

Parts And Their Functions

1234 5 678

STOP PLAY

REC LOCK

INT TIMER

EXT TIMER

OFF

PAUSE/STILL

PAGE

REV ADV

SHIFT

REW FF

SET

FWD ADV

TRACKING /

V-LOCK

RESET

TIME MODE

COUNTER /

REC

ALARM

EJECT

REC REVIEW

REC

REV

FWD

r s

(STANDBY/ON) switch

The unit is turned on when this switch is pressed. When the switch is pressed again, the unit is in standby mode.

STOP button

When this is pressed, the tape stops travelling.

PAUSE/STILL (PAGE) button

When this is pressed during recording, the tape tempo-rarily stops travelling. When pressed during playback, the tape temporarily stops travelling, and a still picture appears on the TV monitor. When pressed again, the tape travel resumes. The pages on the menu screen are advanced when the button is pressed while a menu screen is displayed.

PLAY button

Playback starts when this button is pressed.

Cassette holder

This is the loading slot for the video cassette.

EJECT button

This is used to eject the video cassette.

REC REVIEW button/Picture quality selection button

When the button is pressed during recording, the tape runs temporarily in the reverse direction, and after the recorded section has been played back a few seconds, the unit is returned to the recording mode. The playback picture quality can be selected (from 3 modes) by pressing the button while a mode other than REC or REC/PAUSE has been established for the unit. The selection made using this button is also reflected in the PICTURE item on menu screen 4. For further details, refer to pages 11 and 23.

REC button

Recording starts when this button is pressed.

TIMER MODE switch

This is the operation switch for internal timer recording or external timer recording.

INT TIMER:

OFF: EXT TIMER:

At the times set by the internal timer, the power is automatically turned on or off and recording starts or stops. When timer recording is not performed. When the external power is turned on, recording starts automatically.

apoiuyt90qw e

MENU/REC LOCK switch

When this switch is set to REC LOCK, the time mode and operation buttons except for REC and REC REVIEW as well as the power switch cannot be operated while recording is in progress. When it is set to MENU, the menu screen appears.

REW (SET –) button

When this button is pressed, the tape is rewound. When it is kept depressed during playback, the review mode is established. When it is pressed once during playback in the alarm search mode, the unit is placed in the review mode. When a menu screen is displayed, it is used to change an item (decrement a value).

Field REV ADV (SHIFT ) button

When this is kept depressed during still-picture playback, the picture is advanced field by field in the reverse direction. When it is released, the still picture reappears. When it is pressed while a menu screen is dis played, the setting items move downward.

FF (SET +) button

When this is pressed, the tape is fast forwarded. When it is kept depressed during playback, the unit is placed in the cue mode. When it is pressed once during playback in the alarm search mode, the unit is placed in the cue mode. When a menu screen is displayed, it is used to change an item (increment a value).

Field FWD ADV (SHIFT ) button

When this is kept depressed during still-picture playback, the picture is advanced field by field in the forward direction. When it is released, the still picture reappears. When it is pressed while a menu screen is displayed, the setting items move toward the right.

TRACKING (–, +) buttons/V-LOCK buttons

These buttons are used to adjust the tracking or to compensate the vertical dancing during still picture. If noise appears on the playback picture, press the buttons to adjust the tracking is such a way that the picture is made as clear as possible. When both buttons are pressed together during 3-, 6- or 9-hour mode playback, the tracking is adjusted automatically. If the image shakes slightly in the vertical direction during still picture, press the V-LOCK buttons to reduce the dancing. Further, the time/date display position can be adjusted during STOP and EJECT (see page 14).

RESET button

When this button is pressed, the counter display is reset to 0:00:00.

Display panel

External timer recording mode display

Cassete insertion display

Recording display

VTR operation mode display

Operation mode displays

•

Time mode display

Internal timer recording mode display

Tape remaining display

Time/counter/picture quality mode

Memory stop mode display

Alarm search mode display

Auto repeat recording display

Recording lock display

Summer time display

Date setting display

DisplayOperation mode

Playback

(L24H-336H) or (3H/6H/9H)

Recording

Rec lamp lights.

Still picture

Recording pause

Recording check

Rec lamp lights.

Fast forwarding

Rewinding

Cue

Review

Forward field advance

Reverse field advance

Error messages

•

An error code appears when trouble has occurred during operation.

Trouble in video cassette insertion area

E-2:

Trouble in video cassette tape loading area

E-3:

Trouble in cylinder area

E-4:

Trouble in tape transport area

E-5:

Formation of condensation (dew)

TIME MODE ( , ) buttons

These buttons are used to select the recording and playback time mode. Each time this is pressed, the time mode changes in the following sequence:

or (Flashing)

9 L24 54 72 96

336 240 192 168 120

Time display

COUNTER/SEARCH selector button

When this button is pressed, the display on the display panel changes to time, counter, counter memory, alarm search and number of repeat recording times. The M mark appears on the display panel in the counter memory mode. When the tape is fast forwarded or rewound in this mode, the counter will automatically stop when 0:00:00 is approached. The AS mark appears on the display panel in the alarm search mode. When the tape is fast forwarded or rewound in this mode, the unit is automatically set to still-picture playback at the alarm recording section. If the FF button or REW button is pressed during playback with alarm search, the search will lock. (If this button is pressed while the tape is being fast forwarded or rewound, counter memory and alarm search will not function.) “** PAS” is displayed during repeat recording. “__PAS” appears at all other times. (where “ ** ” denotes the number of repeat times)

REC display lamp

This lamp lights while recording, recording/pause or rec review is in progress. It goes off when recording has finished.

ALARM display lamp

This remains lit while alarm recording is in progress. It flashes when alarm recording ends. When the power is turned OFF and ON again, it will go off.

Search dial/jog dial

Search (outside ring) dial

When the outside ring of the search dial is turned, the search mode is established. The tape can now be reviewed or cued at up to 27 times the normal playback speed. When the search dial is set to the centre click-stop position, the still-picture playback mode is established. Search is locked at 27 time the tape speed when the dial is turned to the maximum position in the AS (Alarm Search) mode.

Jog (inside ring) dial

When the search dial is set to the centre click-stop position, the jog mode is established. When the inside ring is turned, the tape speed can be varied within a range of –1 to +1 times the normal playback speed. When the turning is stopped, the still-picture playback mode is established. The unit will go into the still-picture playback mode when the JOG dial is turned during search lock in AS mode.

During search or jog playback, the picture may appear in black

•

and white or it may be distorted: this is normal and not indicative of malfunctioning.

No sound is heard during search or jog playback.

•

For Swedish and Danish Customers

•

Aven om denna omkopplare är i “ ”-läge, gar fortfarande en del av apparaten nätspänning.

•

Selv om denne omskifter er i “ ” stilling, tiløres en del af apparatet stadig strøm.

Parts And Their Functions

AC IN

Camera switching output connector

CAMERA SW OUT

ALARM RESET IN

ALARM IN

COMMON

67 9

AUDIO

OUT

TAPE END OUT

REC IN

80wq

WARNING/ REC OUT

Camera switching output connector; connect it to the frame switcher.

With 9H and L24H modes, the switch timing is below 4

•

fields. When using the frame switcher with these modes, change the setting of the frame switcher so that the switch timing is below 4 fields.

For details, refer to the operating instructions of the frame

switcher.

VIDEO

BATTERY

OUT

GND

RS-232C

MIC

REMOTE

Tape end output connector

PUSH OPEN

When the cassette tape comes to its end during recording, the alarm device installed externally is activated.

WARNING/REC output connector

When trouble has occurred in the unit, the alarm device installed externally is activated. Error warning or recording low signal selected on the menu screen 3 is output.

Audio input/output connectors

Audio input/output connectors (phono jacks)

Video input/output connectors

Video input/output connectors (BNC); connect the input connector to the video camera, etc. and the output connector to the TV monitor, etc.

AC IN connector

Connect the supplied power cord to an AC outlet.

Alarm input connector

Alarm recording input connector; connect it to the external sensor.

COMMON terminal

Alarm reset input connector

Input connector for releasing alarm recording; a +4 to +14 V DC voltage is required.

REC IN connector

Input connector for recording

GND Terminal

This terminal is connected to the signal ground terminal of the connected unit in order to reduce noise. It is not connected to ground for safety purposes.

MIC input jack

Input jack (3 mm) for an external microphone. This jack has precedence when signals are supplied simultaneously to this jack and the audio input connectors.

REMOTE control connector

For connecting the AG-A11 remote controller which is available as an optional accessory.

RS-232C connector

With this connector, basic operations of the unit can be controlled using a personal computer (etc.)

Battery installation area

Install the battery in this area. See “Lithium Battery” on page 3.

Menu Screens

One of the menu screens appears on the TV monitor when the MENU/REC LOCK switch is set to MENU. The display returns to the regular screen when this switch is set to OFF.

When a menu screen has appeared, the items are set using the page, shift and set buttons.

•

Advance through the pages (page up) of the menu screen using the page button.

•

Move the items (downward or toward the right) using the shift button.

•

Change the items (increment or decrement the values) using the set button.

•

MENU SCREEN 1

[TIME ADJUST] P1 01- 1-2000 SAT 0:00:00

[REC LOCK] MODE : OFF

[HOUR METER] 00000H

MENU SCREEN 4

[REC MODE] P4 REC T-MODE : OFF TAPE IN : STOP TAPE END : STOP

[VIDEO MODE] MODE : AUTO PICTURE : NORMAL NOISE_B MASK : OFF

MENU SCREEN 7

[RS-232C PARAMETERS] P7 BIT LENGTH : 7BIT STOP BIT : STOP-1 PARITY : ODD BAUD RATE : 9600BPS

[MENU LANGUAGE] MODE : ENGLISH

MENU SCREEN 2

[DISPLAY] P2 POSITION : L-UPPER

1 2

[REC INDICATE] NOT REC : CAMERA

[BUZZER] ALARM : OFF TAPE END : OFF

TAPE REMAIN : OFF ERR WARN : OFF

MENU SCREEN 5

[INTERNAL TIMER REC] P5

[TIMER]START END T-M

SUN OFF

MON OFF TUE OFF WED OFF

THU OFF

FRI OFF

SAT OFF DLY OFF

d f g h

MENU SCREEN 3

[ALARM] P3 MODE : OFF

DURATION : 30SEC

[RECALL] -

[OUTPUT SELECT] TERMINAL OUT : ERR WARN

MENU SCREEN 6

[SUMMER TIME] P6 MODE : OFF

[START] [ END ] WEEK :LST-SUN LST-SUN MONTH: 3 10 TIME : 2:00 2:00

[DIRECT SEARCH] MODE : OFF

8 9

o p a

MENU SCREEN 1

In addition to the date and time display and the recording mode lock setting which appear on the TV monitor, the hour metre is displayed on Menu Screen 1.

Date setting (see page 13)

Time setting (see page 13)

Recording mode lock

ON: LOCK on the front display tube flashes, and all operations except for REC and REC REVIEW are prohibited while recording is in progress.

Hour metre

This indicates the unit’s total operation time (the cumulative total for the cylinder rotation time).

Menu Screens

MENU SCREEN 2

The time/date display position, monitor screen blue display and buzzer settings are performed on Menu Screen 2.

Display position selection

This selects the position where the date and time are to be displayed on the TV monitor. (L-UPPER ↔ R-UPPER ↔ L-BOTTOM ↔ R- BOTTOM ↔ CENTRE ↔ OFF ↔ L-UPPER...)

Blue display

This sets a blue display on the monitor screen at all times except while recording or playback is in progress. BLUE: The display on the monitor screen is blue at all times except while recording or playback is in progress. CAMERA: The pictures from the video input connector are shown on the monitor screen at all times except while playback is in progress.

Setting of the buzzer sound

ALARM: The buzzer sounds once alarm recording is performed. TAPE END: When the tape end is reached in the recording mode, the buzzer sounds while the tape is at the end. TAPE REMAIN: The buzzer sounds when there is only about 3% (with an E-180 tape) of the tape remaining before the end is reached in the recording mode. ERR WARN: The buzzer sounds when the unit is set to the warning status.

To release the buzzer: ALARM: Release alarm recording. TAPE END: Transfer the mode from the tape end or

press the STOP button. TAPE REMAIN: Transfer the mode (but not to PAUSE or REC REVIEW) from the recording mode or press the REC button. ERR WARN: Release the warning status.

When TAPE END or TAPE REMAIN has been set

•

to OFF, the buzzer will not sound; however, the REMAIN display will remain lit or flashing.

When TAPE END or TAPE REMAIN has been set

•

to ON, REMAIN lights or flashes on the display tube at the same time as the buzzer sounds.

They cease flashing when the buzzer is released.

Note:

The remaining tape is displayed only with E-180 tape. It is not displayed when any other tapes are used.

MENU SCREEN 3

The alarm recording mode and terminal output are set on Menu Screen 3.

Setting of alarm recording and recording time

mode during alarm recording (see page 20)

When there is an alarm input during recording in the time lapse mode, the recording time mode is switched to the designated mode (9H), and the details of the alarm status are faithfully recorded.

Alarm recording duration setting

This sets the time allowed to elapse from the start of alarm recording until its end. This time can be set individually from 30 sec. to 10 min. (30 SEC ↔ 1 MIN ↔ 2 MIN ↔ 3 MIN ↔ 5 MIN ↔ 10 MIN ↔ CONTINUE ↔ MANUAL ↔ 30 SEC...) CONTINUE: Alarm recording continues until the tape end. MANUAL: Alarm recording is performed while the alarm input continues.

Alarm recall (see page 21)

This checks the date/time when an alarm signal was input (up to 4 times).

Terminal connector output signal setting

ERR WARN: When trouble has occurred in the unit (AUTO OFF), the LOW signal is output. REC: The LOW signal is output during recording.

+ 22 hidden pages