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)