Model 161 Moviecorder (160-0862) Safety Information Faxback Doc. # 31678 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Careful attention is devoted to quality standards in the manufacture of your camcorder, and safety is a major factor in its design. However, safety is also your responsibility. This section lists important information that will help you to properly use and enjoy your camcorder accessories. Please read all the included safety and operating instructions before using your camcorder, follow them closely, and retain them for future reference. 1. Read instructions - Read all the safety and operating instructions before operating the camcorder. 2. Retain instructions - Retain the safety and operating instructions for future reference. 3. Heed Warnings - Heed all the warnings on the camcorder and in the operating instructions. 4. Follow instructions - Follow all operation and usage guidelines. 5. Cleaning - Unplug this camcorder from the wall outlet before cleaning. Use only a damp cloth for cleaning. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. 6. Attachments - Do not use attachments/accessories not recommended by the camcorder manufacturer, as they might create a hazard. 7. Water and Moisture - Do not use this camcorder near water; for example, near a bath tub, wash bowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub; in a wet basement; or near a swimming pool (and so on). 8. Accessories - Do not place this camcorder on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The camcorder may fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult, and serious damage to the camcorder. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer's instructions for mounting, and use a recommended mounting accessory. 9. Carts - Move the camcorder on a cart carefully. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the camcorder/cart to overturn. 10. Ventilation - Slots and opening in the cabinet provide ventilation, ensure reliable operation, and protect from overheating. Do not block or cover these openings, and do not place the camcorder on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface. Do not place the camcorder in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or rack unless it provides proper ventilation as specified by the manufacturer. 11. Power Sources - Operate this camcorder using only the power source type indicated on its rating label. If you are not sure of your home's power supply type, consult your camcorder dealer or local power company. See the operating instructions for information about battery power or other power sources. 12. Grounding/Polarization/Overload Protection - This camcorder is equipped with a polarized alternating-current line plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other). This plug will fit into the power outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug still does not fit, contact an electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug. If you need an extension, use a polarized cord. 13. Power-Cord Protection - Route power-supply cords so they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed on or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the camcorder. 14. Outdoor Antenna Grounding - If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to the camcorder, ground the antenna or cable system so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and built-up static charges. Article 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, provides information about proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna-discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the grounding electrode. 15. Lightning - For added protection for this camcorder during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage to the camcorder due to lightning and power-lines surges. 16. Power Lines - An outside antenna system should not be located in the vicinity of overhead power lines or other electric light or power circuits. When installing an outside antenna system, take extreme care to keep from touching power lines or circuits, as contact with them might be fatal. 17. Overloading - Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or integral convenience receptacles, as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock. 18. Objects and Liquids - Never push objects of any kind into this camcorder through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquids of any kind on the camcorder. 19. Servicing - Do not attempt to service this camcorder yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. 20. Damage Requiring Service - Unplug this camcorder from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions: a) When the power-supply cord or plug is damaged. b) If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into the camcorder. c) If the camcorder has been exposed to rain or water. d) If the camcorder does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions as an improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the camcorder to its normal operation. e) If the camcorder has been dropped or damaged in any way. f) When the camcorder exhibits a distinct change in performance. 21. Replacement Parts - When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician uses replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or that have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other hazards. 22. Safety Check - Upon completion of service or repairs to this camcorder, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determine that the camcorder is in proper operating condition. USE AND HANDLING PRECAUTIONS Before you begin using the camcorder, read these important precautions for use and handling. Do not drop or otherwise subject the camcorder to hard shocks or strong vibrations. Bumping and striking the camcorder during recording generates noise in the recorded image. Do not point the camcorder lens at the sun, whether recording is in progress or not. Direct sunlight can make recording impossible, burn the CCD imager, and damage the camcorder beyond repair. Do not allow direct sunlight to strike the monitor. Be particularly careful when recording outside. Do not use the camcorder in excessive temperatures and humidity. You can use the camcorder at between 32 degrees F and 104 degrees F and between 35% and 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 camcorder's case and electronic circuits. Avoid magnetic sources. Using the camcorder near strong fluorescent lights, motors, televisions, or other magnetic, sources can adversely affect recorded images. Avoid situations where water, sand, dust or other foreign matter could get on or inside the camcorder. Such substances could cause malfunctions. Do not use or leave the camcorder in areas with excessive smoke, steam, dust, or moisture. Such environments can cause dew to form on the camcorder's lenses (see "Dew Protection System"). Be sure to provide ample ventilation. Remove the cassette tape and turn off the power when the camcorder is not in use. Some small, portable tripods might be difficult to connect and might not be sturdy enough to support your camcorder. Be sure to use only a strong, stable tripod. DEW PROTECTION SYSTEM Moisture can collect inside the camcorder under certain conditions. This can damage the camcorder when the tape moves. To prevent this damage, DEW flashes on the monitor, and the camcorder does not operate until the moisture is gone. If this happens, press EJECT, remove the cassette, and leave the cassette compartment open. Then wait until DEW disappears from the monitor. The time required depends on the surrounding temperature. Do not insert a cassette while DEW is flashing. This might damage the tape. CAUTION: Moisture can form very quickly when you move the camcorder from a cold area to a warmer one - for example, when bringing the camcorder indoors after skiing - and it might take the dew sensor a few minutes to activate. Before operating the camcorder, always let it adjust to area's temperature when you: Place the camcorder in a cold room and heat the room rapidly. Move the camcorder outdoors from an air conditioned room. Move the camcorder from a very cold to a very warm environment (such as moving from outdoors to indoors on a cold day). Avoid using the camcorder in excessively humid areas. (EB 4/4/96)