Sony CCD-TR83 Handycam
(160-8408)              Care and Maintenance          Faxback Doc. # 31277

MOISTURE CONDENSATION

If the camcorder is brought directly from a cold place to a warm place,
moisture may condense inside the camcorder, on the surface of the tape, or
on the lens.  In this condition, the tape may stick to the head drum and be
damaged or the unit may not operate correctly.  To prevent possible damage
under these circumstances, the camcorder is furnished with moisture
sensors.  However, take the following precautions.

INSIDE THE CAMCORDER

When the MOISTURE indicator flashes in the viewfinder, moisture has
condensed inside the camcorder.  If this happens, no other functions
except for tape ejection will work.

EJECT THE TAPE, TURN OFF THE CAMCORDER AND LEAVE IT WITH THE CASSETTE
HOLDER OPEN FOR AT LEAST ONE HOUR.   The camcorder can be used again if the
MOISTURE indicator does not appear when the power is turned on again.

ON THE SURFACE OF THE TAPE

If there is moisture on the surface of the tape, when you insert the
cassette and press a tape transport button (PLAY, etc.) the indicator
in the viewfinder flashes.

In this case, no other functions except for tape ejection will work.

EJECT THE TAPE, TURN OFF THE CAMCORDER AND LEAVE IT WITH THE CASSETTE
HOLDER OPEN FOR AT LEAST ONE HOUR.  The camcorder can be used again
if the indicator does not appear when you insert the cassette and
press one of the tape transport buttons.

ON THE LENS

If moisture condenses on the lens, no indicator appears, but the picture
becomes dim.  Turn off the power and do not use the camcorder for about one
hour.

HOW TO PREVENT MOISTURE CONDENSATION

When bringing the camcorder from a cold place to a warm place, put the
camcorder in a plastic bag and allow it to adapt to room conditions over a
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 has reached the
    temperature surrounding it (after about 1 hour).

VIDEO HEAD CLEANING

To ensure normal recording and clear pictures, clean the video heads.
When the indicator and the "CLEANING CASSETTE" message appear one after
another in the viewfinder or playback pictures are "noisy" or hardly
visible, the video heads may be dirty.

If this happens, clean the video heads with the Sony V8-25CLH cleaning
cassette (not supplied).  After checking the picture, if it is still
"noisy," repeat the cleaning.  (Do not repeat cleaning more than 5 times.)

CAUTION:  Do not use a commercially available wet-type cleaning cassette. 
          It may damage the video heads.

NOTE:  If the V8-25CLH cleaning cassette is not available in your area,
       consult your nearest Sony dealer.

REMOVING DUST FROM INSIDE THE VIEWFINDER

FOR MODELS WITH A MONOCHROME VIEWFINDER (CCD-TR36/TR83 ONLY)

1.  While holding down the switch on the viewfinder barrel, slide the
    eyecup to the left.

2.  Clean the surface with a commercially available blower.


(YO/SP 3/13/96)