PRO 847  Camcorder  
(160-0865)                 Troubleshooting            Faxback Doc. # 34702

Trouble Checks

Troubles sometimes are caused by simple "faults" that you can easily
correct without the help of a service technician by first checking a few
basic remedies.

Before you call or take your camcorder to an Authorized RCA Camcorder
Servicenter, look below for the type of trouble you are experiencing.  Then
perform the simple checks and adjustments listed for that trouble.

If service should be necessary, the warranty information lists what your
warranty covers and explains how to get service.

Trouble              Checks and Adjustments

No power.            Slide the POWER switch upward to turn on the camcorder.

                     If using rechargeable battery, it may need to be 
                     recharged.

                     If using AC adapter or AC adapter/charger, make sure it 
                     is plugged into a working outlet.

                     If using "AA" batteries, they may need to be replaced.

Won't record or      If the dew indicator (symbol) flashes in the viewfinder
playback.            there is moisture in the camcorder.  Wait until the dew 
                     indicator no longer appears before operating the 
                     camcorder.

                     Make sure VCR (PLAY)/CAM button is in the CAM (camera) 
                     or VCR (PLAY) mode.

                     There may not be a cassette in the camcorder.

                     Try ejecting and reinserting the cassette.

                     The cassette tape may be broken, try another cassette.

                     You may have reached the end of the cassette, try 
                     rewinding it.

Won't playback       VCR(PLAY)/CAM button must be in VCR(PLAY) mode.

Won't record         Safety tab has been closed. 
                     
                     VCR(PLAY)/CAM button must be in CAM (camera) mode.

No picture           Remove lens cap.

Camcorder turns      Slide POWER switch upward to turn the camcorder back on
itself off           If camcorder is left in record pause for three minutes, 
                     it will turn itself off to prevent tape wear.

Camcorder does not   Aim remote at camcorder's remote control sensor.
respond to remote
control              Remote's lithium cell battery may be installed 
                     incorrectly.

                     Remove control lithium cell battery may need replacing.

                     Remote control sensor on camcorder exposed to direct 
                     sunlight or strong artificial light.

Tape stops during    Time-counter memory may be on.  Whenever an "M" appears
rewind or fast       with the time-counter display, the camcorder will stop
forward.             rewinding (or fast forwarding) when counter reads 
                     M0:00:00. Press REW or FFWD again to continue rewinding
                     or fast forwarding, or press COUNTER MEMORY or the 
                     remote to turn off the memory-stop feature.

Camcorder remains    Press PLAY or PAUSE to return to normal playback.
in pause mode.

Sound is too low     Subject was too far from camcorder.
or distorted.

                     Model Pro848 Only:  Attach an external microphone. See 
                     "Specifications" on Faxback Doc.# 34449 for proper type.

Poor auto-focus      Subject is not in center of viewfinder or two subjects
operation            are at different distances. Use the focus lock feature.

Viewfinder           Lens is smudged, and image appears unfocused.
displays are
out of focus         Eyepiece focus control is misadjusted.

                     The small controls (B and C or F) on the bottom of the 
                     viewfinder control the brightness and color (models 
                     Pro848/Pro847) or focus (model Pro842) of the view-
                     finder.  These controls have been set at the factory 
                     and should require no adjustment.  If the brightness or 
                     color (models Pro848/Pro847)/focus (model Pro842) of 
                     the viewfinder ever does require adjustment, carefully 
                     use a plastic screwdriver.  Make the adjustments with 
                     caution to prevent damaging the miniature controls.

Date and/or time     Displays will be recorded on tape whenever they appear
were recorded on     in the viewfinder.  Remove them from viewfinder when
tape                 recording.

Date and/or time     When AUTO DATE/is selected, display will automatically
are incorrect        be recorded when you begin recording or change the 
                     cassette.

                     Clock lithium cell battery may need replacing.
                     
                     Date and time may need to be set.

Vertical white       This may occur when background extremely contrasts with
lines appear         the subject.
when shooting
bright object

Rechargeable         If battery has not been used for some time, completely
battery runs         drain the battery's power and then recharge it.
down sooner than
expected             Battery run times are measured when the camcorder is 
                     recording continuously.  You can check your battery by 
                     first fully charging it and then aiming the camcorder
                     at a clock and recording the picture of the clock. When 
                     the recording stops, play the last recorded section, 
                     and note the clock time. A one-hour battery should give 
                     you about 60 minutes of recording time.  In practical 
                     use, you may not be able to  record for the full time 
                     because the camera uses battery current when it is 
                     waiting between recordings (record pause) and while you 
                     focus and zoom.


(LB/EB 09/19/96)

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