RCA PRO852 Owner’s Manual

camcorder

user's guide

Pro852/Pro854

Important Safety Information

Be sure to read all the safety information before you begin to use this product.

camcorder or AC adapter to rain or moisture.

IWARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, do not expose

This symbol indicates "dangerous voltage"

RISK_ELECrRICSHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

RISQUE DE CHOC

ELECTRIQtJE NE PASOLM_IR

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.

inside the product that presents a risk of electric shock or personal injury.

This symbol indicates important instructions accompanying the product.

,-,'_ 2,,..- ....

to wide slot, fully insert.

CAUTION: To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug

ATTENTION: Pour 6viter les chocs 61ectriques, introduire la lame la plus large de la fiche dans la borne correspondante de la prise et

pousserjusqu au fond.

CAUTION: Avoid operating your camcorder immediately after moving it from a cold location to a warm location. Give the camcorder 1-1/2 to 12hours to reach a

stable temperature before inserting a video cassette. When moved from a cold area to a warm location, moisture may condense on the head drum inside the machine. This moisture could cause the tape to stick to the headwheel and

damage the headwheel or tape.

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 and model numbers located on the bottom of

the camcorder. Model Pro852/Pro854

Serial No: Purchase Date:

Purchased From:

We want to make sureyou enjoy your new camcorder.If you haveany questions,call:

Camcorder Exchange Warranty ...... 800-283-6503 (Pages 54-55)

Customer Service ..................................... 800-336-1900 (Page 53)

Accessories ......................................... 800-338-0376 (Pages 38-43)

Safety Information ................................ i

Product Registration ............................. i

First-Time Operation

• Assistance ............................................ 2

• Unpack Camcorder and

Accessories ...................................... 2

• Attach Lens Cap Cord and

Adjust Handstrap ............................. 3

• Attach Shoulder Strap ......................... 3

• Supply Power to the Camcorder ......... 4

• Turn on the Camcorder ....................... 5

• Insert a Cassette .................................. 5

• Adjust Viewfinder Focus .................... 5

• Start and Stop Recording .................... 5

• Play Back what You have Recorded...5

• Turn Off Camcorder ............................ 5

• Review the Camcorder's

Controls ............................................ 6

Powering Your Camcorder

• Using the AC Adapter ......................... 7

• Using the Rechargeable Battery .... 8-10

• Using Optional Alkaline "AA"

Batteries ......................................... 11

• Using the Optional

AC Adapter/Charger ................. 12-13

Remote Control ............................. 14-17

Recording

• Video Cassettes ................................. 18

• Making a Recording .......................... 19

• Viewfinder Displays .................... 20-21

• Recording Features

• Viewfinder ...................................... 22

• Beep Function ................................ 22

• Flying Erase Head .......................... 23

• Microphone .................................... 23

• DISPLAY Button ............................ 23

• White Balance and Iris ................... 23

• Tape Time Remaining Display ...... 23

• Quick Review ................................. 24

• Camera Edit .................................... 24

• Blank Search .................................. 24

• Zooming ......................................... 25

• AE Shutter Control ......................... 25

• Focusing ......................................... 26

• Install Clock Cell ............................ 27

• Date and Time Display ............. 28-29

• Time Counter .................................. 30

• Recording and Traveling Tips ........ 31

Playback

• Playback and Features

• Viewfinder Playback ...................... 32

• Visual Searching ............................. 33

• Tape Positioning .............................. 33

• Stop-Action Pause .......................... 33

• Playback on a TV With

Audio/Video Inputs .................. 34-35

• Playback on a TV Without

Audio/Video Inputs .................. 36-37

Optional Accessories ..................... 38-43

• Accessory Order Form ................. 41-43

References

• Care and Maintenance ................. 44-45

• Trouble Checks ............................ 46-48

• Assistance .......................................... 49

• Limited Warranty ......................... 50-5 t

• Specifications .................................... 52

• Information to User ........................... 53

• Index (Alphabetical) .................... 54-57

iii

This sectiondescribesonly the basicstepsnecessaryto setup your camcorderto

record. Referto theothersectionsfor detailedoperationandfeatureoptions.

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

1. 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 or appear damaged, contact your dealer immediately.

WARNING: NICKEL

CADMIUM BATTERY MUST BE RECYCLED OR DISPOSED OF

PROPERLY.

Rechargeable 6-Volt Battery

Part No. 234329

Your camcorder's appearance may vary from the one shown in this manual.

not use this adapter for

Caution: Do any other

purpose than

AC Adapter supplying

Part No. 221424/234632 power to this

Shoulder Strap

Part No. 213004

O Q

Clock and Remote Cells 3-Volt Micro Lithium Cells - such as CR2025 - available

from most local drug stores and camera shops. Use of other cells present a risk of fire or explosion.

camcorder.

Cautions: Lithium cells: Must be disposed of properly, Never handle punctured or leaking cells. May cause bums or personal injury.

Keep out of the hands of children. Can cause death or injury if swallowed. If swallowed, consult a physician immediately for emergency treatment.

The lithium cells used in these devices may explode resulting in a fire or chemical burn if mistreated. Do not recharge, disassemble, heat above

212°F (100°C), or incinerate. Never use metallic tweezers to hold the cell, and never short circuit the +

and - sides of the cell.

Remote control

Part No. 233195

Lens Cap Cord

Part No. 234328

Audio/Video Output Cable

Part No. 217496

Attach lens cap cord and

adjust handstrap.

A. Press in on the tabs on both sides of

the lens cap to remove it.

B. Attach the lens cap cord to the lens

cap.

Attach shoulder strap.

A. Unfasten one end of the shoulder

strap from the buckle. Make sure you leave the buckle on the strap.

B° Thread one end of the shoulder

strap through one of the shoulder strap rings

Shoulder Strap Rings

C. Pull up the flap of the handstrap

and open the strap.

Run the cord from the lens cap

through the A/V terminal cover and over the end of strap.

E°

Adjust the strap for comfort and

close the flap.

Note Make sure the end of the strap is positioned securely before closing the flap.

Thread the strap back into the buckle as shown below. Pull on

the strap and make sure it is fastened securely before using it to

support your camcorder.

Cautions: When carrying the camcorder with the shoulder strap, make sure the

viewfinder is in its down position. This helps prevent possible damage to the

viewfinder from bumping against your body as you move.

F. Slide the lens cap onto the strap.

Make sure the shoulder strap is firmly attached before using it to carry your

camcorder.

4. Supply power to the camcorder.

Attach the AC Adapter Since the battery must be charged before it can be used the first time, attach the

adapter to the camcorder.

To AC 100- 240V, 50/60 Hz

PUSH button - press here to open and

close the battery Adapter compartment.

A. Press on the PUSH button to

C. Close the battery compartment. Press

release the battery compartment

door. Open the compartment

the PUSH button to lock the battery compartment shut.

DC IN Jack

fully.

D. Plug the AC adapter's power cord into

Insert the small plug on the AC

an AC operating outlet.

adapter in the DC IN jack on the camcorder.

Install Six Optional "AA" Alkaline Batteries If you do not want to use the adapter, you may use six "AA" alkaline batteries.

PUSH here to open battery

compartment.

A°

Press on the PUSH button to release the battery compartment

door. Open the compartment

the polarities (+ and -) on the batteries to the battery compartment as shown.

C. Close the battery compartment. Press

fully.

the PUSH button to lock the battery

Insert the six alkaline batteries

compartment shut.

into the compartment matching

PLA Y(VCR)/CAM Indicators and Button

REW Button,

PLAY Button,

STOP Butt{

EJECT Butt_

Eyepiece Focus

Control

POWER Switch

Thumb Trigger

5. Turn on the camcorder.

Slide the POWER switch upward to turn the camcorder on.

Notes: The camcorder turns on in the CAM (camera) mode. If it does not, press

the PLA Y(VCR)/CAM button until the red

CAM indicator beside the

PLA Y(VCR )/CAM button lights.

The green and red indicators lets you know the mode of the camcorder. The

red indicator lights in the camcorder mode CAM (camera) mode and the green

indicator lights in the PLAY(VCR) mode.

6. Insert a cassette.

A.Press the EJECT button to open the

cassette compartment.

Insert the cassette so the safety tab

is at the top and the tape window faces out.

Start and stop recording.

• Press and release the REC START/ STOP button (thumb trigger) to

start recording. REC appears in the

viewfinder.

Press and release the thumb trigger again to stop recording. The

camcorder is now in the record- pause mode. PA USE appears in the

viewfinder.

9. Play back what you have

recorded.

• Press the PLA Y(VCR)/CAM button to light the PLA Y(VCR) indicator.

• Press REW to rewind the tape.

• Press PLAY to play back the tape.

• Press STOP when you are finished playing back the tape.

C. Gently close the cassette

compartment by pressing on the area labeled PUSH until it clicks

into place. The top closes automatically. Do not press down on the top as it may damage the

camcorder.

7. Adjust viewfinder focus.

Turn the eyepiece focus control right or left to obtain the clearest possible picture.

10.Turn off the camcorder.

Slide the POWER switch upward to turn off the camcorder. The

PLA Y(VCR) or CAM indicator will turn off.

Note: Beeps sound for specific operations.

Details are oll page 22.

Review the camcorder's controls.

11.

A (Audio), V (Video),

and RF Out Jacks

Remote

Lens

Zoom Control

"W" - Wide Angle "T" - Telephoto

Eyepiece Focus Control

Viewfinder

DC IN 9/6.5V Jack or DC IN 9V Jack

(Located Inside Battery Compartment)

• • . . •

Microphone

Shoulder Strap Holde

Model Pro854 Only: B (Bright) and C (Color) Controls

Model Pr0852 Only: B (Bright)

and F (Focus) Controls

See "Trouble Checks"for details.

BLANK

Button

DISPLAY BLANK

Button

STOP

Button

PLAY

STOP PAUSE

EJECT Button

PUSH Button

'y Compartment

Remote Holder (Located in Battery Compartment)

Cassette Compartment

PLA Y(VCR)/CAM Button

and PLA Y(VCR), CAM, and CHARGE Indicators

JVER

Switch

Handstrap

REC S TAR T/STOP

Button (Thumb

Trigger)

Shoulder Strap Holder

FOCUS LOCK Button

DA TE/TIME Button

Using the AC Adapter to Power Your Camcorder

The adapter lets you power your camcorder directly from standard household power. It operates on 100-240 volts, 50/60 Hz. so it can be used virtually anywhere in the world to power the camcorder.

Caution: Do not use this

adapter for any purpose

other than supplying power to the camcorder.

To AC 100- 240V, 50/60 Hz

DC IN Jack

Adapter

Attach the AC Adapter

1. Press the PUSH button to open the battery compartment. Carefully open

the compartment fully.

Insert the small plug on the AC adapter in the DC IN jack on the

camcorder.

Close the battery compartment. Press the PUSH button to lock the battery compartment shut.

Plug the AC adapter's power cord into

an operating outlet.

Remove the AC Adapter

Unplug the adapter from the wall

outlet.

Open the battery compartment and

remove the plug from the DC IN jack.

Using Optional AC Plug Adapter An optional plug adapter may be

required in some countries.

Optional Plug Adapter--

1. Plug the adapter's plug into the AC

plug adapter.

2. Plug the AC plug adapter into the AC outlet.

._' AC 100-240V

Using the Rechargeable Battery to Power Your Camcorder

The battery must be charged as described on the next page before it can be used the first time. Initial charging will take approximately 12 hours for the battery. When fully

charged, the battery should supply about 60 minutes of operating time (depending on how much you use zoom and pause and load and unload cassettes).

Battery Safety Precautions

Do not short the battery's terminals.

Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the

battery. There are no user- serviceable parts inside.

Use the battery only with specified adapter/chargers

and camcorders. Throwing the battery into

a fire or exposing it to excessive heat - over

PUSH Button

149°F (65°C) could be

hazardous.

Install the Battery

1. Press the PUSH button to open the

battery compartment. Carefully open the compartment fully.

2. Insert the battery sideways as shown and snap into place.

3. Close the battery compartment. Press the PUSH button to lock the battery

compartment shut.

ATTENTION: The RBRC seal on the battery used in your Thomson Consumer Electronics product indicates that we are participating in a program to collect and recycle Nickel

Cadmium batteries throughout the United States. Please call

1-800-8-BATTERY for information or contact your local

recycling center.

Remove the Battery

1. Press the PUSH button to open the battery compartment. Carefully open the compartment fully.

2. Slide the battery towards the back of the camcorder and lift out.

3. Close the battery compartment. Press

the PUSH button to lock the battery compartment shut.

Ni-Cd

Using the Rechargeable Battery to Power Your Camcorder

The battery must be installed as described on the previous page before it can

be charged.

[C._RGEP'A¥ CAM

To AC 100- 240V, 50/60 Hz

Battery Installed

Adapter

Charge the Battery

1. Install the battery as described on the

previous page.

2. Insert the small plug on the AC adapter in the DC IN jack on the

camcorder.

3. Plug the AC adapter into an operating AC outlet.

4. Slide the POWER switch down into the CHARGE position. The CHARGE

indicator will light and the battery will begin charging.

5. The battery takes approximately 12

hours to charge.

DC IN Jack

, When the CHARGE indicator starts

flashing, make sure to unplug the adapter from the wall outlet and the

camcorder.

Notes: After approximately 16 hours, the CHARGE indicator will begin flashing to remind you that the battery is charged. Your

battery may be charged before the CHARGE indicator starts flashing.

The CHARGE indicator will start flashing approximately 16 hours after the POWER

switch is placed in CHARGE even if no battery is being charged.

Do not charge other models of batteries with the camcorder.

Battery Level Indicator

The battery level indicator appears in the viewfinder when approximately half the

battery power is left. This indicator shows you the amount of power in the battery.

Battery Level Indicator

in Viewfinder

• As the power is used _, €-----A, and

€----q appear.

• When there is approximately five

The battery level indicator will not be

recorded on the tape when it appears in the viewfinder.

Nickel Cadmium Battery Care and Storage

minutes of battery power left in the

battery, _ appears in the

viewfinder. The camcorder will turn off automatically after a few minutes.

Slide the POWER switch upward to turn off the camcorder before replacing

the battery.

Do not store a battery pack where it can reach high temperatures.

Remove the battery from the camcorder when it is not in use to prolong the battery life.

Recharge the battery just before it is used. If the battery is recharged and not used, it will slowly lose its charge.

Make sure to exhaust the charge of the battery pack completely when recording. If the battery pack is recharged when the previous charge is not completely

exhausted, the charge time gradually decreases.

Charge the battery within a temperature range of 50°F to 86°F (10°C to 30°C) to

prevent damage. After repeated chargings and use, the

operation time decreases gradually. When the operation time becomes too

short to be useful, it is time to replace the battery.

The operating time of the battery may be

shorter than normal even after a full charge:

• If it is used for the first time. The operating time is restored to its

original level after the battery has been used two or three times

(completely discharged and recharged).

• If it is used in low temperatures.

• If it is discharged completely and stored for a long period (more than

three months).

• If it is stored at temperatures above

104°F (40°C).

• If the record-pause mode is used frequently.

• If excessively loading and unloading cassettes.

Using Optional Alkaline "AA" Batteries

You can power the camcorder with six alkaline dry-cell "AA" batteries.

Install the Alkaline Batteries

1. Press the PUSH button to open the

battery compartment. Carefully open the compartment fully.

2. Insert six alkaline batteries into the compartment matching the polarities

(+ and -) on the batteries to the battery compartment as shown.

3. Close the battery compartment. Press the PUSH button to lock the battery

compartment shut.

Safety Precautions When Using Alkaline Batteries

Do not short, disassemble, heat, or throw the batteries into a fire. Do not recharge the batteries or short the battery terminals.

Do not short the battery terminals for the nickel cadmium batter),. Batteries become warm during and after use. Use caution when removing them.

Use "AA" alkaline batteries only during their recommended lifetime. Remove at least one battery if you will not be using the camcorder for a long

period of time to extend the useful life of the batteries. Do not use manganese batteries to power the camcorder. To reduce the risk of battery leakage or an explosion:

• Make sure battery is inserted with correct polarity.

• Remove the batteries from the camcorder before storing it.

• Do not use old and new batteries at the same time.

• If the batteries leak, remove the batteries and carefully wipe up the fluid.

• Keep the terminals clean. Use a dry cloth to wipe any dirt off the terminals.

Notes: The camcorder may not operate properly in cold temperatures below 50°F

(10oc).

The camcorder and battery level indicator may not operate properly when the batteries need to be replaced.

Remove the batteries if you will not be using the camcorder for a long period of time to

extend the useful life of the batteries.

Using the Optional AC Adapter/Charger

The optional CPS801C AC adapter/charger shown ol7page 39 will power the camcorder and charge your rechargeable nickel cadmium battery.

To AC Wall Outlet

100-240 Volts, 50/60 Hz.

Caution: When a battery

is attached to

Battery Pack --

REFRESH Button

the adapter/ charger, do not

turn them upside down.

The battery may fall off and

be damaged or cause injury.

POWER Indicator

CHARGE Indicator

Charging and Refreshing Rechargeable Battery

The battery pack provides longer operation time if it is refreshed (completely discharged) before every charging. Refreshing takes approximately 3-1/2 hours.

Charge the Battery

1. Plug adapter/charger into an AC outlet

( 100-240V, 50/60Hz). The POWER indicator lights.

Align the reference marks on the battery with marks on the adapter/

charger and slide the battery in the direction of the arrow until it locks.

The CHARGE indicator lights while battery is charging.

Remove the battery when the CHARGE indicator turns off.

Refresh the Battery

1. Plug in the adapter/charger and attach

the battery.

. Press REFRESH.

The CHARGE indicator flashes slowly

and any remaining charge in the

battery is discharged. The CHARGE

indicator then stops flashing and the

battery pack is recharged.

3. Remove the battery when the CHARGE indicator turns off.

Notes: Make sure AC power cord is

removed from the outlet when finished. If the CHARGE indicator flashes rapidly, this

may indicate the battery is improperly installed. Remove it and try again. If the

CHARGE indicator still flashes rapidly, it

may indicate the battery pack cannot be used.

Power the Camcorder

The optional CPS801C AC adapter/charger and optional DCC 100 DC cable let you power your camcorder directly from standard household power. It

operates on 100-240 volts, 50/60 Hz, so it can be used virtually anywhere in the world to power the camcorder or recharge your battery pack. You may need a

plug adapter in some countries. Consult your dealer.

To AC 100- 240V, 50/60 Hz

DC IN Jack

Caution: Do not use this adapter/charger for any purpose other than charging recommended

Adapter/Charger

battery or supplying power to the camcorder.

Attach Adapter/Charger

1 Press the PUSH button to open the

battery compartment. Carefully open the compartment fully.

2. Plug one end of the optional DC cable into the DC OUT jack on the adapter/

charger and the other end into the DC IN jack on the camcorder.

3. Close the battery compartment. Press the PUSH button to lock the battery

compartment shut.

4. Plug the AC adapter/charger power

cord into an AC operating outlet. The

adapter/charger's POWER indicator lights.

Remove the Adapter/Charger

1. Unplug the adapter/charger from the

wall outlet.

2. Disconnect the DC cable from the

camcorder and adapter/charger.

Using Optional AC Plug Adapter

An optional plug adapter may be

required in some countries.

Optional

Plug Adapter

1. Plug the adapter/charger's plug into

the AC plug adapter.

2. Plug the AC plug adapter into the AC outlet.

/q AC 100-240V

Powering

Lithium Cell Installation

The remote's lithium cell is packed separately.

Insert

I. Turn remote over, insert a pencil or

paper clip in the small hole, and slide

cell holder in the direction of the arrow to remove it.

/Cell

Lithium ___

2. Insert the cell in the cell holder so the

Pencil Here

Holder

Install it as follows:

Lithium Cell

_ _/ Cell Holder

3. Replace cell holder in remote until it clicks into place.

Notes: Never place anything heavy on top of

the remote control or lay it upside-down. Replace cell when camcorder fails to respond

to remote.

Remove cell from remote if it will not be used

for a month or more. This will prevent possible damage from cell leakage. If leakage occurs, wipe up liquid inside compartment

and replace cell.

positive (+) terminal faces up.

Cautions: Lithium cell. Replace only with 3-volt lithium cell - such as CR2025. Use of other cell presents a risk of fire or explosion. Must be disposed of properly. Never handle punctured or leaking

cell. May cause burns or personal injury.

Keep out of the hands of children. Can cause death or injury if swallowed. If swallowed, consult a

physician immediately for emergency treatment. The lithium cell used in this device may explode resulting in a fire or chemical burn if mistreated. Do

not recharge, disassemble, heat above 2120F (100°C), or incinerate. Never use metallic tweezers to hold the cell, and never short circuit the + and - sides of the cell.

Remote Sensor

The remote operates the camcorder by infrared light, so it is protected from electrical

and sound interference. However, the remote must be aimed directly at the camcorder's remote sensor. There cannot be any obstructions between them.

Remote Control Sensor

Note: The camcorder may not respond to the remote if its sensor is exposed to direct sunlight or strong artificial light.

._o-i::-:: -A'!_I-i '

Storing the Remote Control

When you are not using the remote control you may want to store it in the remote control holder located in the camcorder's battery compartment.

Remot

Control \ Holder

Store the Remote Control

1. Press the PUSH button to open the battery compartment. Carefully open

the compartment fully.

2. Insert the remote control in the

remote control holder and click it

into place as shown.

Remot _'_

Control _"-_i_ Holder _._ j

Remove the Remote Control

I. Press the PUSH button to open the

battery compartment. Carefully open the compartment fully.

2. Carefully pull back the remote control holder, and lift the remote

control as .shon'tT.

A brief description of the remote button's functions is given here. Many of the buttons perform the same functions as the corresponding controls on the camcorder. The battery must be installed as shown on page 14.

DISPLAY REC

O-

STOP PLAY

-Q®-

REW F FWD

-® ®-

_ j

ZOOM (T and I40 Buttons @

During record or record pause:

• Press T to move the lens in the telephoto (close-up) direction.

• Press W to move the lens in the wide-angle direction.

DISPLAY Button

Press this button to have the viewfinder displays appear on a TV monitor.

Details are on pages 23 and 35.

COUNTER MEMORY and RESET

Buttons

Used with the time counter and memory stop feature. Details are on

page 30.

STOP Button When the camcorder is in VCR

(PLA Y) mode, press STOP to stop

playback, rewind, or fast-forward operation.

+ 42 hidden pages

RCA PRO852 Owner’s Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual