Panasonic AG-TL350 User Manual

Operating

Instructions

PAL

Time Lapse Recorder

B

Model AG-

E

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.

AA

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.

2

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

3

Contents

Features

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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

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18

5

5
6
9

Auto Repeat Recording/Auto Rewinding
Alarm Recording (Emergency Recording)

Principle of alarm recording

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Alarm and display methods during

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alarm recording
Connecting the alarm input connector

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Alarm recording operation

•

Alarm Recall

•

Playback Procedure

Tracking

•

Vertical hold adjustment

•

Routine & Regular Inspection Request
Troubleshooting
Specifications

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19
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25

■

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.

■

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.

4

Features

Recording and playback up to 24-hour time modes

In addition to the 3-hour/6-hour time modes, recording
and playback can be performed in the time lapse modes
(12-hour, 24-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.

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

Hour meter

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

Remote control

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

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 meter 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

(12-/24-hour mode use)

5

Parts And Their Functions

1234 5 678

STOP PLAY

MENU

OFF

REC LOCK

INT TIMER

OFF

EXT TIMER

1

(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.

2

STOP button

When this is pressed, the tape stops travelling.

3

PAUSE/STILL (PAGE) button

When this is pressed during recording, the tape
temporarily 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.

4

PLAY button

Playback starts when this button is pressed.

5

Cassette holder

This is the loading slot for the video cassette.

6

EJECT button

This is used to eject the video cassette.

7

REC REVIEW 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,
the unit is returned to the recording mode.

8

REC button

Recording starts when this button is pressed.

9

TIMER MODE switch

This is the operation switch for internal timer
recording or external timer recording. The displays
shown below light on the display panel.

INT TIMER:

At the times set by the internal timer,
the power is automatically turned on
or off and recording starts or stops.

OFF:

When timer recording is not performed.

PAUSE/STILL

PAGE

REV ADV

SHIFT

REW FF

SET

FWD ADV

TRACKING /

V-LOCK RESET

EXT TIMER:

0

MENU/REC LOCK switch

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

q

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).

w

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 dis­played, the setting items move downward.

e

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).

r

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.

EJECT

REC REVIEW

REC

REC

COUNTER /

TIME MODE

SEARCH

ALARM

apoiuyt90qw e r

When the external power is turned
on, recording starts automatically.

6

t

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- or 6-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 13).

y

RESET button

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

u

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

Memory stop mode display

Alarm search mode display

Auto repeat recording display

Recording lock display

Summer time display

Date setting
display

Time/counter

DisplayOperation mode

Playback
Recording

or

Rec lamp lights.
Still picture
Recording pause
Recording check

Rec lamp lights.

Rec lamp lights.
Fast forwarding
Rewinding
Cue

Review
Forward field advance
Reverse field advance

or (Flashing)
or (Flashing)

Time
display

Error messages

•

An error code appears when trouble has
occurred during operation.

E-2:

Trouble in video cassette insertion area

E-3:

Trouble in video cassette tape loading area

E-4:

Trouble in cylinder area

E-5:

Trouble in tape transport area

d:

Formation of condensation (dew)

i

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:

3H 6H 12H 24H

o

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)

p

REC display lamp

This lamp lights while recording is in progress. It
goes off when recording has finished.

a

ALARM display lamp

This remains lighted while alarm recording is in
progress. It flashes when alarm recording ends.

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.

7

Parts And Their Functions

12

CAMERA
SW OUT

AC IN

4

1

Camera switching output connector

ALARM RESET IN

ALARM IN

67 9

5r

IN

AUDIO

OUT

TAPE END OUT

COMMON

REC IN

80wq

WARNING/
REC OUT

3

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

2

Audio input/output connectors

Audio input/output connectors (phono jacks)

3

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.

4

AC IN connector

Connect the supplied power cord to an AC outlet.

5

Alarm input connector

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

6

COMMON terminal

7

Alarm reset input connector

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

8

REC IN connector

Input connector for recording

VIDEO

BATTERY

IN

OUT

GND

MIC

REMOTE

PUSH OPEN

e

9

Tape end output connector

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

0

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.

q

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.

w

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.

e

REMOTE control connector

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

r

Battery installation area

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

8