RCA CC4252 Owner’s Manual
Important Safety Information
Be sure to read all the safety information before you begin to use this product.
WARNING" To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, do not expose
camcorder or AC adapter/charger to rain or moisture.
This symbol indicates "dangerous voltage"
RISK OFELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
inside the product that presents a risk of electric
shock or personal injury.
I
RISQUEDECHOC ELECTRIQUE
NEPASOUVRIR
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER
(OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS ARE INSIDE. REFER SERVICING
TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
This symbol indicates important instructions
accompanying the product.
Cautions
CAUTION: To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug to
wide slot, fully insert.
ATTENTION: Pour _viter les chocs _lectriques, introduire la lame
la plus large de la fiche dans la borne correspondante de la prise et
pousser jusqu au fond.
To reduce risk of injury, charge only rechargeable batteries recom-
mended by the manufacturer for this camcorder. Other types of
batteries may burst causing damage and personal injury.
FCC Regulations state that unauthorized changes or modifications to
this equipment may void the user's authority to operate it.
Product Registration
Please fill out the product registration card and return it immediately.
Returning this card allows us to contact you if needed.
Keep your sales receipt for proof of purchase to obtain warranty parts
and service and attach it here. Record the serial number and model
numbers located on the bottom of the camcorder.
Model No:
Serial No:
Purchase Date:
Purchased From:
ii
CC4252
We want to make sure you enjoy your new camcorder, if you have any
questions, call:
Camcorder Exchange Warranty ........... 800-283-6503 (pages 55-56)
Customer Service ................................... 800-336-1900 (page 54)
Accessories ............................................. 800-338-0376 (pages 41-47)
First Time Operation ................... 3
Assistance ................................... 3
Attaching the Adaptor/Charger .. 4
Using the Handstrap and
Lens Cap .................................. 4
Turning on the Camcorder ......... 5
Inserting a Tape .......................... 5
Adjusting the Viewfinder ............ 6
Starting and Stopping Recording 6
Playing Back Recordings ........... 7
Turning the Camcorder OFF ...... 7
Replacing the Lens Cap .............. 7
Operating Controls ..................... 8
Reviewing Camcorder Controls. 9
Adaptor Charger ....................... 10
Using ................................... 10
Removing ............................ 10
Powering Your Camcorder ....... 10
Battery Power ........................... 11
Charging the Battery ................ 11
Batteries .................................... 12
Charging .............................. 12
Removing ............................ 12
Battery Level Indicator ........ 13
Battery Care ........................ 14
Battery Storage .................... 14
Battery Safety Precautions .. 14
Optional Car Cord Adaptor ...... 15
Videocassettes ............................. 16
Erase Protection ........................ 16
Recording and Playback
Speeds .................................... 16
Inserting and Removing ........... 17
Care and Storage ...................... 17
Date and Time Display .............. 18
Setting ....................................... 18
Correcting ................................. 18
Recording Time and Date ......... 19
Viewfinder Displays ................. 19
Selecting ................................... 19
Charging the Clock Battery ...... 19
Recording ................................... 20
Using the Viewfinder ................ 20
Eyepiece Focus Control ........... 20
1
TiltAdjustment.........................21
BrightControl..........................21
ViewfinderDisplays.................22
DisplayButton....................24
QuickReviewFeature.........24
CameraEditFeature............25
AutoShotFeature...............25
Microphone.........................25
AutoFocus..........................25
MacroFocus........................25
TapeRemainingDisplay.....26
ElectronicIndexing.............26
Zooming...................................27
UsingtheZoomButtons.....27
TapeCounter.......................28
MemoryStopFeature...............28
RecordingTips.........................29
TravelTips................................29
Titler.........................................30
Creating...............................31
CorrectingErrors.................31
ChartofCharacters.............31
RecordingintheCamcorder....32
RecordingWhileCopying........32
Stop-ActionPause...............34
Tracking..............................35
PlaybackonaTVUsing
A/VInputs.......................36
Installation...........................36
HowtoCopyTapes
ontheVCR............................37
ViewingWhattheCamcorder
isSeeing.................................37
PlayingBackonaTVWithout
A!V Inputs..............................38
PlaybackOperation..................39
ViewingWhattheCamcorder
isRecording...........................39
NormalTVViewing.................39
Accessories .................................. 40
Attaching the Shoulder Strap ... 40
Optional Accessories ................ 41
Lens Hood Removing .......... 44
Accessory Order Form ............. 45
Trouble Shooting ........................ 48
Camcorder Care
and Maintenance ....................... 51
Playback.....................................33
ViewfinderPlayback................33
PlayingBackaTape.................33
Features....................................34
TapePositioning..................34
VisualSearching..................34
Specifications .............................. 53
Waranty ...................................... 55
Index ........................................... 57
This section describes the steps necessary to set up your camcorder to record. Refer to
the other sections for detailed operation and feature options.
Assistance
The toll-free numbers are available to help you with any problem you may encounter.
Camcorder Exchange Warranty ............... 800-283-6503
Customer Service ................................... 800-336-1900
Accessories ............................................. 800-338-0376
.
Unpack the camcorder and accessories.
• Save the packing materials and box in case you ever need to ship
or store your camcorder.
• The items shown below are packed with your camcorder, if any
are missing orappear damaged, contact your dealer immediately.
LEAD-ACID
BATTERY.
MUST BE
WARNING:
DISPOSED OF
PROPERLY,
Model CC4252
Rechargeable 10-Volt Battery
Stock No. EP096FS
AC Adapter/Charger: Stock No. 241044
DC Cable: Stock No. 23328
Caution: _0 not use this adapter/cha_ger fo_ any
purpose other than charging the EP096FS or EP096FL
battery pack or supplying powerto the camcorder.
Shoulder Strap
Stock No. 241305 or
Stock No. 227327
(Continued on next page)
2. Attach the adapter/charger.
To AC 120V,
50/60 Hz
Adapter/
Charger
Since the battery must be charged
before it can be used the first time,
attach the adapter/charger to the
camcorder.
1.Attach one end of the adapter/
charger's DC cable to the DC
OUTPUT jack on the side of the
adapter/charger.
7 IN 9.6V
Jack
2. Attach the other end of the cable
to the DC IN 9.6V jack on the
camcorder.
3. Plug the adapter/charger's plug
into an operating outlet.
4. Details are on page 10.
3. Adjust the handstrap, remove lens cap, and attach
it to the handstrap.
1. Open the handstrap, insert your
hand, and adjust the handstrap to
fit your hand.
2. Remove the lens cap and attach it
to the handstrap where shown.
on
Handstrap
|p
.
Insert a tape.
Cassette
Safety Tab
STOP/EJECT
Button
Tape Windows
_Cassette Door
Press Here to Close
Press STOP/EJECTto open the
cassette compartment.
insert the cassette with the safety
tab facing up and the tape windows
facing out.
5. Turn on the camcorder.
• Press and hold the small button on
the CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch
while sliding it to CAMERA.
The camcorder enters record-
pause.
• The position of this switch tells
the camcorder whether you want
to record (CAMERA), turn the
• Press the cassette down gently
until it locks into place, and close
the cassette compartment door.
• Details are on page 17.
Switch
power off (OFF), or play back
tapes (VCR).
• The camcorder will automatically
turn off if it remains in record-
pause for five minutes. Place the
switch to OFF and then back to
CAMERA to turn the camcorder
back on.
(Continued on next page)
Electronic
Viewfinder (Grasp
here to move.) x
\
BRIGHT
Control
(Underneath)
REC/PA USE
Button
Eyepiece Focus
Control
,iece
6. Adjust the viewfinder and
eyepiece focus control.
• Grasp the viewfinder and rotate it
horizontally.
• Pull the viewfinder out from the
camcorder and rotate the eyepiece
into a comfortable viewing
position.
Caution:Pulling on the eye,
piece might damage the
eyepiece or camcorder.
• Turn the eyepiece focus control to
adjust the focus of the viewfinder
for your vision.
• Adjust the brightness of the image
in the viewfinder by turning the
BRIGHT control.
7. Start and stop recording.
• Press and release the REC/PAUSE
button to start recording. REC
appears in the viewfinder when
the camcorder is recording.
• Press and release the REC/PAUSE
button again to stop recording.
The camcorder is now in the
record-pause mode ( II appears in
the viewfinder when the
camcorder is in record-pause).
R E C/PA USE
CAMERA/
OFF/VCR
RE W/ PLAY
REVIEW Button
Button
EJECT
Button
.
Play back what you have
recorded.
• Press the REC/PAUSE button to
pause recording.
• Press and hold the small button
while you set the CAMERA/OFF/
VCR switch to VCR.
• Press RE W/RE VIE W to rewind
the tape.
• Press PLAYto play back the tape.
• Press STOP/EJECTwhen you are
finished playing back the tape.
• Details on view)qnderplayback
are on page 33.
9. Set the CAMERA/OFF/VCR
switch to OFF to turn off the
camcorder.
10. Replace the lens cap.
(Continued on next page)
11. Review camcorder's operating controls.
DISPLAY Button
RE W (Rewind)/RE VIE W Button
RESET Button
DATE/TIME Button
TITLER Button
(Also - Button)
PLAY Button
EFWD (Fast Forward)
Button
(Also + Button)
Microphone
BRIGHT Control
(underneath)
Lens
CAMERA/
OFF/VCR
Switch
Lens Hood
STOP/EJECT
Button
(Also EDIT-ADV
Button)
1
Checks for
details.)
VIDEO, AUDIO and RF DC
OUT Jacks (Located Behind
Small Cover)
11. Review camcorder's operating controls. (continued)
BATTERY
EJECT
Button
Attach
Rechargeable
Battery Here
DC IN 9.6V Jack
Attach Adapter/
Charger's DC
Cord Here
Eyepiece
Viewfinder
Focus
Control
Shoulder Strap
Attachment Ring
\
Button
Handstrap
with Lens
Cap Holder
W and T Power
Cassette Door
(Press here to
close.)
Shoulder Strap
Attachment Ring
Zoom Buttons
(Also TRACKING
Buttons)
Use the Adapter/Charger to Power Your Camcorder
The adapter/charger attaches to the camcorder and lets you power your camcorder
directly from standard household power. The adapter/charger operates on 120 volts,
50/60 Hz, and can be used to power the camcorder or recharge the battery.
Caution: Do not attempt to use a "'power converter" to use your AC adapter,
charger on a power source other than 120 volts, 50/60 Hz. or the adapter/charger
and camcorder may be damaged. If you wish to operate the AC adapter/charger
on a power source other than 120 volts. 50/60 Hz, use only a transformer-type
power converter. Do not use "solid-state" or "switching-type" power
converters. They will damage your AC adapter/charger. An optional
CPS014. shown onpage 42. is designed for use on 100-240 volts. 50/60 Hz.
To AC
50/60 Hz Jack
POWER
Indicator
Adapter/
Charger
DC Cable
Caution: DO not use this adapter/charger for any 0thOr purpose other than charging the
EP096FS or EP096FL battery pack or supplying power to the camcorder.
DC IN 9.6V
Attaching the Adapter/Charger
1. Attach one end of the adapter/
charger's DC cable to the DC
OUTPUT jack on the adapter/charger.
2. Attach the other end of the cable to
the DC IN 9.6V jack on the camcorder.
3. Plug the adapter/charger's plug into an
operating outlet. The POWER
indicator on the adapter/charger lights
when it is properly connected.
Notes: The adapter/charger cannot charge the
battery and operate the camcorder at the same
time. If you connect both, the adapter/charger
will power the camcorder. Remove the
adapter/charger's cable from the DC OUTPUT
jack to charge the battery.
When using the adapter/charger to power the
camcorder, the battery level indicator may
display _. This indicator is used for
battery operation and has no meaning when
using the adapter/charger to power the
camcorder.
Removing the Adapter/Charger
1. Unplug the adapter/charger from the
wall outlet.
2. Remove the DC cable from the
adapter/charger and camcorder.
10
Use the Battery and Charger to Power the Camera
Charging the Battery
The battery must be charged before it can be used the first time. initial charging will
take approximately two hours. The camcorder's operating time depends on how often
you turn the power on and off and how much you use zoom and pause. Conserve
battery power by turning the camcorder off during recording breaks.
ToAC 120V,
50/60 Hz Rechargeable Battery
(Hold battery flush and
slide down.)
LEAD ACID
DISPOSED OF
PROPERLY,
CHARGE
Indicator
Caution: when a battery is attached to the adapter/charger, do
not turn them upside down The battelT may fall offand be
damaged or cause injury,
Charging the Battery
if the DC cable is attached to the
DC OUTPUT jack on the adapter/charger,
remove it.
1. Align reference mark on battery with
mark on adapter/charger.
2. Hold the battery flush against the
adapter/charger and slide it in the
direction of the arrow.
3. Plug adapter/charger into nearest AC
outlet (120V, 50/60Hz).
Align
Arrows
_ter/
Charger
4. if the battery is properly connected,
the adapter/charger's CHARGE
indicator lights.
Note: Your battery will provide better
service if you charge it before and after use
and store it at room temperature.
5. Remove the charged battery by sliding
it up and off the adapter/charger.
6. Attach the charged battery to the
camcorder as shown on the next page.
11
Using the Battery to Power Your Camcorder (continued)
CAMERA/
OFF/VCR
Switch
BATTERY
EJECT
Rechargeable
Hold Battcry
Flush and
SlidcDown
Charging the Battery
if the DC cable is attached to the
camcorder, remove it before attaching
the battery.
1. Align the reference arrow on the
3. Press and hold the small button on the
CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch while you
slide it to CAMERA.
Removing the Battery
battery to the arrow on the back of
the camcorder.
2. Hold the battery flush against the
camcorder while sliding it down in
the direction of the arrow.
1. Set the CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch to
OFF.
2. Press and hold the BATTERY EJECT
button and remove the battery.
ATTENTION: THE RECHARGABLE BATTERY
CONTAINED IN THIS PRODUCT IS RECYCLABLE. AT THE
END OF ITS USEFUL LIFE, UNDER VARIOUS STATE LAWS,
IT MAY BE ILLEGAL TO DISPOSE OF THIS BATTERY IN
THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM. CHECK WITH YOUR
LOCAL SOLID WASTE OFFICIALS FOR DETAILS IN YOUR
AREA FOR RECYCLING OPTIONS OR PROPER DISPOSAL.
12
RECYCLE
Pb
Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder (continued)
Battery Level Indicator
The battery level indicator appears in the viewfinder and shows you the amount of
power in the rechargeable battery.
Battery Level Indicator Display
in Viewfinder
Note: If the battery level display does not
appear, press DISPLAY
• When _ appears, the battery is
fully charged.
• As the power is used _ and
appear.
• When the battery power is almost
gone, _ flashes in the viewfinder.
Recharge the battery or use the adapter/
charger before continuing to use the
Notes: When recording using the recharge-
able battery, the battery level indicator
flashes to warn you of low battery power
even if you do not have the battery level
indicator displayed.
The battery level indicator will not be
recorded on the tape when it appears in the
viewfinder.
The battery level indicator has no meaning
when you use the adapter/charger or optional
car cord to power the camcorder.
camcorder. Set the CAMERA/OFF/
VCR switch to OFF to turn off the
camcorder before replacing the battery.
Cautions: When a battery reaches empty during use, the camcorder turns off.
The battery should still have enough reserve power to eject the cassette when
you press STOP/EJECT.
If the camcorder does not eject the cassette when you press STOP/EJECT. do
not force the cassette door open. This will damage your camcorder.
Before attempting to eject the cassette, power the camcorder with the adapter/
charger or recharge the batter5-.
13
Use the Battery to Power Your Camcorder (continued)
Battery Care
• Your battery will provide better service
and longer performance if you charge
if before and after use, and store it at
normal room temperature.
• The battery should be charged at a
temperature of 32°F-95°F (0°C-35°C)
to prevent damage.
• Do not operate the battery at tempera-
tures below 14°F (-10°C) or above
damaged if operated at temperatures
above 122°F (50°C). Operation
time will decrease at extremely
low temperatures.
After repeated chargings and use the
operation time will decrease. When
the operation time becomes too short to
be useful, it is time to replace the
battery.
95°F (35°C). The battery might be
Battery Storage
Store the battery at normal room
temperature.
Lead acid batteries discharge if not
used. Recharge the battery at least
once ever six months or you may not
A battery stored for a long period
might not supply power for the
specified time. Additional rechargings
might help restore the battery's
operation time.
be able to recharge it.
Battery Safety Precautions
Batteries being recharged that have not
been used for an extended period may
continue to charge after the normal
time. Do not charge a battery for more
than 24 hours.
• if the CHARGE indicator on the
adapter/charger starts flashing, remove
the battery, and reattach it. if after
several attempts, the indicator contin-
ues to flash, your battery cannot take a
charge and must be replaced.
• Throwing the battery into a fire or
exposing the battery to excessive heat -
over 149°F (65°C) could be hazardous.
14
• Do not short the battery's terminals.
• Allow the battery to cool down before
attaching it to the adapter/charger. The
CHARGE indicator will not light and
the battery will not charge if you attach
a hot battery.
• Do not attempt to disassemble or
modify the battery. There are no user-
serviceable parts inside.
• Use the battery only with specified AC
adapter/chargers and camcorders.
• if leakage from a damaged battery
contacts your skin or clothing, wash it
off immediately with running water.
Using the RCA Optional Car Cord Adapter
The optional DCC096 car cord shown on
page 41 allows you to power your
camcorder from the cigarette lighter
socket of a car, truck, or RV. it converts
12-volts to a 9.6-volt output.
Note: Consult the installation and operating
instructions enclosed with the DCC096 for
complete operating instructions.
Using the DCC096 Car Cord Adapte
jciarette
(_ Lighter ][_ _1-_ / [
/Optional (-_ I[_ J _5_(0JY//
\ /Car Cord _" _ _ 11_ r _,_
Caution: The DCC096 car cord i
designed to be used only with
vehicles having 12-volt negative
ground electrical systems.
Warning: To avoid possible damage
to the camcorder, use only the
DCC096 car cord. it has positive tip
polarity and is capable of converting
12 volts to 9.6 volts.
J
1.
Set the CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch to
OFF to turn off the camcorder.
2.
if the battery or DC cable is attached
to the camcorder, remove it.
3.
insert the small plug on the car cord to
the DC IN 9.6V jack located on the
back of the camcorder.
4.
Take the vehicle's cigarette lighter out
of the socket.
5.
insert the car cord's cigarette lighter
plug into the vehicle's cigarette lighter
socket.
_aCc IN 9"6V
. Press and hold the small button on the
CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch while you
set it to CAMERA to turn on the
camcorder.
Notes: The vehicle does not have to be turned
on for the camcorder to operate from the DC
car cord.
When using the car cord to power the
camcorder, the battery level indicator has no
meaning.
15
Make sure you select good quality tapes for your camcorder. Use of poor quality tapes
or tapes that have been damaged or mishandled can contaminate the video heads,
resulting in a snowy picture or no picture at all during playback. Because there is no
control over the type of tape purchased or rented by consumers, head cleaning is not
covered under warranty, it is considered normal maintenance.
if a snowy picture or no-picture condition persists, consider the use of a dry chemical
nonabrasive head-cleaning tape. Be sure to follow the directions with the head-
cleaning kit carefully, improper use of a head cleaner might damage your camcorder.
Erase Protection - Safety Tab
You can use your videocassettes over and over again. To erase a previous recording,
record over it.
._" _ Safety Tab
@
To prevent accidental
erasure, break off the tab.
Recording and Playback Speed and Times
The camcorder records and plays back in VHS standard speed (SP). Listed below are
the maximum recording times for popular VHS cassettes.
T-60 60 Min.
T- 120 2 Hrs.
T-160 2 Hrs., 40 Min.
T- 180 3 Hrs.
16
To record on the tape again,
cover the hole with vinyl tape.
Inserting and Removing Cassettes
STOP/
EJECT
Button
Tab
_e
Windows
Press here
to close.
Caution: Insert
the cassette only
one way with the
tape wheel facing
up and the tape
windows facing
out. The cassette
should slide easily
into the holder.
Gently push the
cassette down until
it locks into place.
1. Attach a power source to the
camcorder.
2..Press the STOP/EJECT button.
The cassette holder opens
automatically.
insert the cassette with the tape wheel
facing up and tape windows facing
Cassette Care and Storage
• When you are finished with a cassette,
rewind it, remove it from the cam-
corder, and label it.
• Store cassettes vertically in their
protective cases at normal room
temperatures. Do not leave your
camcorder or cassettes in a car or
outdoors for an extended period.
Excessive heat or cold might damage
your cassettes.
• Keep the cassette away from strong
magnetic fields such as electric motors
and other devices.
out. Gently push the cassette down
until it locks into place.
4.
Gently close the cassette holder with
your hand.
• Keep dust from entering the cassette
compartment. All dust is abrasive
and causes excessive wear on the
tape and the camcorder's recording
or playback heads.
• Do not use cassettes with damaged or
spliced tape.
• Do not use a cassette if it has been
damaged or exposed to moisture. The
tape may jam and/or damage your
camcorder.
Break off the safety tab to prevent
accidental erasure of your recording.
17
Setting the Time and Date
You must set the correct date and time before it can be displayed and recorded on your
tapes. The built-in clock cell must be charged as described on the nextpage.
DATE/TIME OFF/VCR
Button _ SwitcL
OO © ..
[
1.
Attach a power supply to the
camcorder.
2.
Press and hold the small button on the
CAMERA/OFF/VCR switch while you
set it to CAMERA.
.
Press the DATE/TIME button to
display the date and time in the
viewfinder.
A flashing cursor lets you know which
part of the display you are setting.
if the flashing cursor does not appear,
press and hold DATE/TIME and then
press STOP/EJECT.
12:00AM
-.11
1/ 1/1999
/I\
4.
Repeatedly press the EFWD or REW/
RE VIEW until the correct month
appears. Press and hold the button to
advance the digits faster.
18
CAMERA/
RE W!
REVIEW EFWD Button
Button
I I STOP/EJECT
I I Button
5. When the correct month is displayed,
press STOP/EJECT. The cursor
moves to the next part of the display.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 to set the correct
month, day, year, hour, minute(s), and
AM/PM.
.
After setting AM or PM, press the
DATE/TIME button to remove the
flashing cursor and start the internal
clock.
To Correct the Date or Time
To correct the date or time, press and hold
the DATE/TIME button and then press
STOP/EJECT. The display appears along
with the flashing cursor. Use STOP/
EJECT, EFWD, and RE W/RE VIEWto
correct the time or date. Press DATE/
TIME to remove the flashing cursor and
start the clock.
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