RCA ProV712 / PRO 8 Camcorder
(160-0867)                 Precautions                Faxback Doc. # 34792

Dew Formation

What is "dew formation"?

When cold water is poured into a glass, dew drops form on the glass.  This
clinging of water drops is called dew formation.

When dew forms in your Camcorder.

Dew will gradually form on the head drum of your Camcorder and make the
video tape stick to the head.  This causes damage both to the head and the
tape.  When dew formation occurs, recording and playback may not function
properly.

Dew is likely to form in the following circumstances:

  when moving the Camcorder from a cold place to a warm place.

  when placing the Camcorder in a cold room which is then heated rapidly.

  when moving the Camcorder outdoors from an air conditioned room.

  when placing the Camcorder in the direct path of air blowing from an air
  conditioner.

  when placing the Camcorder in a humid room.

How to prevent trouble due to dew formation.

When using the Camcorder in a place where dew formation is likely to occur,
allow the Camcorder and the video tape to acclimate to the surroundings for
about one hour.

For example when bringing the Camcorder indoors after skiing, place it in a
plastic bag and allow it to adapt to room conditions for some period of
time.

1.  Be sure to tightly seal the plastic bag containing the Camcorder.

2.  Remove the bag when the air temperature inside it reaches the tempera-
    ture of the surroundings.

"Dew" warning feature.

If dew forms, the "DEW" indicator lights, and the power will automatically
turn off in approximately 10 seconds.  (See Faxback Doc. # 34794)

1.  If the "DEW" indicator lights, remove the cassette, leave the cassette
    compartment open, and wait several hours to allow the Camcorder to
    acclimate to the surrounding temperature.

2.  To use the Camcorder again, after waiting for several hours.  Be sure
    that the "DEW" indicator has turned off.

3.  Do not insert a cassette while the "DEW" indicator is lighting;  this
    may result in damage to the tape.

4.  Since dew forms gradually, it may take 10 to 15 minutes before the dew
    warning feature engages.

NOTE:  Do not disconnect the power source (battery pack, AC adapter, etc.)
       while the "DEW" indicator is lit.  Wait until it goes out.

How to continually maintain good recording

If used in a variety of places, eventually your Camcorder may not function
properly due to accumulation of dirt on the head drum.  Please pay special
attention to the following points when using your Camcorder.

1.  Dew formation on the head drum.

2.  Worn video tapes:

    Using a damaged or soiled video tape may also soil the head drum,
    causing the picture to be blurred or nothing to be recorded on the video
    tape.  Do not use such a video tape.

3.  Camcorder use in a humid or dusty place.  Use in extremely humid or
    dusty places may cause damage to your Camcorder.

When the video heads become clogged.

Using the Camcorder when the video tape is dirty may cause the head to clog,
producing noise on the recorded image or preventing the image from being
recorded at all.

Under such circumstance, contact the nearest RCA Customer Service or your
dealer for further advice.

(Video head cleaning can be done by using a commercially available cleaning
tape.  However, excessive use of the cleaning tape may also cause damage to
the video heads.  Please read the instructions accompanying the cleaning
tape carefully, before using it.)

Precautions

After operation, remove the battery pack from the unit.

Do not aim the lens at the sun.

Do not allow direct sunlight to strike the Camcorder lens or LCD panel,
whether recording is in progress or not, as it may damage the CCD sensor or
LCD panel surface.  Be particularly careful when recording outside.

When shooting in dark places avoid sudden brightly lit objects or light
sources, such as the sun.  Otherwise, the image may white out.  Should this
happen, point the camera in a different direction until the picture returns
to normal.

Avoid magnetic sources.

Using the Camcorder near strong fluorescent lights, motors televisions, or
other magnetic sources may adversely affect recorded images.

Remember to remove the cassette tape, turn off the power, and remove
the battery pack when the Camcorder is not in use.

Using the Camcorder near a broadcasting station or other powerful
transmission source may cause buzzing or picture deterioration.

Avoid shocks and dropping.

Do not drop or otherwise subject the Camcorder to hard shocks or
strong vibrations.  Bumping or striking the unit during recording will
generate noise in the recorded image.

Watch the temperature and humidity.

You can use your Camcorder at 0 degrees C to + 40 degrees C (32 degrees F
to 104 degrees F), and at 30% to 80% relative humidity.  Do not store the
unit in an unventilated car in the summer, in direct sunlight, or near
strong heat sources; this can result in severe damage to the unit's casing
and circuitry.  Be careful when handling the unit after it has been left in
a hot place, such as the ones described above.

Avoid situations where water, and sand, dust or other foreign matter could
get on or inside the Camcorder.  Such substances could cause malfunctions.

Do not use your Camcorder in areas with excessive smoke or steam.

Do not leave your Camcorder in areas with excessive dust or moisture.

Such environments can cause mildew to form on this unit's lenses.  Be sure
to provide ample ventilation.

Some small, portable tripods may be difficult to attach and may not be
sturdy enough to support your Camcorder.  Be sure to use only a strong,
stable tripod.

When you use the Camcorder at a ski resort or in some other cold environ-
ment, the LCD monitor screen may get cold giving you an image which is less
bright than normal for a while after it is turned on.  This is not a mal-
function.  If this occurs, put the Camcorder in a warmer location for some
time before use.  To prevent excessive cooling, wrap the Camcorder in a
thick cloth (a blanket, etc.).


(BR/EB 9/25/96)

Privacy Policy