JVC GR-FXM41 - User Manual

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Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

This document is a user manual for the JVC Compact VHS Camcorder models GR-FXM41 and GR-FX17. It provides instructions for operation, technical specifications, and safety precautions.

Function Description

The JVC Compact VHS Camcorder is designed for recording and playing back video using VHS-C PAL-type cassettes. It features both recording and playback capabilities, with various settings and digital effects to enhance video capture. The camcorder can be connected to a TV or VCR for viewing recorded footage.

Important Technical Specifications

General:

Format: VHS PAL standard
Power source: DC 11 V (using AC Adapter), DC 6 V (using battery pack)
Power consumption:
- Viewfinder on: 3.7 W (GR-FXM41 only), 3.5 W (GR-FX17 only)
- LCD monitor on: 4.3 W (GR-FXM41 only)
Signal system: PAL-type
Video recording system: FM recording, converted sub-carrier direct recording, conforms to VHS standard
Cassette: VHS-C cassette
Tape speed: SP (23.39 mm/sec.), LP (11.70 mm/sec.)
Recording time (max.): SP (60 minutes), LP (120 minutes with EC-60 cassette)
Operating temperature: 0°C to 40°C
Operating humidity: 35% to 80%
Storage temperature: -20°C to 50°C
Weight: Approx. 768 g (GR-FXM41 only), Approx. 690 g (GR-FX17 only)
Dimensions (W x H x D):
- GR-FXM41: 81 mm x 125 mm x 216 mm (with LCD monitor closed and viewfinder fully tilted downward)
- GR-FX17: 75 mm x 124 mm x 221 mm (with LCD monitor closed and viewfinder fully tilted downward)

Pickup:

Lens: F1.8, f = 2.2 mm to 55 mm, 25:1 power zoom lens with auto iris and macro control
Filter diameter: ø 30.5mm (GR-FXM41 only), ø 40.5mm (GR-FX17 only)
Viewfinder: Electronic viewfinder with 0.24" black/white LCD
White balance adjustment: Auto/Manual adjustment
LCD monitor (GR-FXM41 only): 2.50" diagonally measured, LCD panel/TFT active matrix system
Speaker (GR-FXM41 only): Monaural

Connectors:

Video: 1 V (p-p), 75 Ω unbalanced, analogue output (via Video output connector)
Audio: 300 mV (rms), 1 KΩ, analogue output (via Audio output connector)

AC Adapter:

Power requirement: AC 110 V – 240 V~, 50 Hz/60 Hz
Output: DC 11 V, 1 A

Usage Features

Automatic Demonstration:

The camcorder features an automatic demonstration mode, which is factory-preset to "ON".
It activates when the Power Switch is set to "A" or "M".
To cancel, users can set "DEMO MODE" to "OFF" in the menu settings (pg. 14).

Battery and Power:

Uses JVC BN-V10U/V12U/V20U/V400U battery packs.
The provided multi-voltage AC Adapter is used for recharging batteries and supplying power.
Battery charging times vary by model and battery type (e.g., BN-V10U: approx. 1 hr. 30 min., BN-V400U: approx. 5 hrs. 10 min.).
A "REFRESH" function is available to fully discharge and recharge the battery, which can help extend battery life.
The camcorder cannot be operated during charging or discharging.
The CHARGE lamp indicates charging status and blinks when charging is complete.

Date/Time Settings:

Users can set the year, month, day, hour, and minute through the "DATE/TIME SET" menu.
The date/time can be displayed on the camcorder's screen and a connected TV.
A built-in clock battery stores date/time settings; if it runs out, settings must be reset.

Ergonomics and Adjustments:

Grip Adjustment: Allows users to adjust the grip strap for comfortable handling.
Viewfinder Adjustment: The viewfinder can be adjusted for optimal viewing, including dioptre adjustment.
Shoulder Strap Attachment: Eyelets are provided for attaching a shoulder strap.
Tripod Mounting: A tripod mounting socket is available for stable recording.

Cassette Handling:

Loading/Unloading: Cassettes are inserted into a holder, and a close button secures them. An erase protection tab prevents accidental erasure.
Tape Dubbing: Allows dubbing from the camcorder to a VCR.
Using the Tape Adapter (Optional): For playing VHS-C tapes on a standard VHS VCR.

Recording Features:

5-Second Recording (5 SEC. REC): Allows quick, short recordings.
Power Zoom Lever (T/W): Controls optical and digital zoom.
Recording Start/Stop Button: Initiates and stops recording.
Manual Focus (M FOCUS): Allows manual adjustment of focus.
Time Base Corrector (TBC): Stabilizes playback picture, especially from older tapes.
Backlight Compensation: Adjusts exposure for backlit subjects.
Digital Effects (DIGIFECT): Includes Sepia, B/W Mono, B. Filter, R. Filter, and Solari for creative video effects.
Fade/Wipe: Allows fade-in/out or wipe-in/out effects (e.g., BK FADER, WH FADER, MOSAIC, SHUTTER, SLIDE, DOOR, CORNER, WINDOW, SCROLL).
Recording Mode (REC MODE): Users can select between "SP" (Standard Play) and "LP" (Long Play) for recording time.
Stabilizer: Compensates for camera shake, especially at high magnification.
S.LX (Super LoLux): Enhances brightness in dimly lit environments (MAX, NORMAL, OFF).
D. ZOOM (Digital Zoom): Extends zoom magnification beyond optical limits (up to 50X or 800X). Can be turned off.
WIDE: Records with black bars at the top and bottom for a cinema-like wide-screen effect.
TELE MACRO: Allows shooting subjects as close as 40 cm.
M.W.B. (Manual White Balance): Allows manual white balance adjustment using a plain white sheet of paper. Also includes AUTO, FINE, CLOUD, and HALOGEN presets.
P.AE (Programme AE): Offers special effects modes like SPORTS, ND EFFECT, FOG, TWILIGHT, 1/2000 (High Speed Shutter), SUNSET, and SURF&SNOW.
REC TIME (Animation): Enables shooting a series of slightly different pictures for a brief animation.
INT. TIME (Time-Lapse): Records sequentially at preset time spans for time-lapse effects.

Playback Features:

Play/Pause Button: Controls playback and pause.
Stop Button: Stops playback.
Fast-Forward/Rewind Buttons: For navigating through the tape.
Quick Review: Rewinds tape for approx. 1 second and plays back the last recorded segment.
Retake: Allows re-recording over existing segments.
Tracking: Eliminates noise bars during playback. Manual tracking adjustment is available.
Counter Memory: Helps locate specific tape segments by stopping at a preset counter value.

Display and Indicators:

LCD Monitor/Viewfinder Indications: Displays various information during recording and playback, including tape length, zoom level, recording indicator, digital effect indicator, program AE indicator, picture stabilizer, date/time, bright level, focus, exposure control, white balance, record-standby, cassette indicator, TBC indicator, tape counter, recording mode, tape running indicator, tracking indicator, and speaker volume.
OSD (On-Screen Display): On-screen indications for various settings and warnings.
Warning Indications: Alerts users to issues like low battery, no cassette, tape end, lens cap, condensation, head cleaning required, and safeguard mode errors.

Maintenance Features

Cleaning the Camcorder:

Exterior: Wipe with a soft, dry cloth. For stubborn dirt, use a cloth dampened with mild soap and water, then wipe with a dry cloth.
Lens: Use a blower brush to remove dust. For stubborn dirt, use a lens cleaning paper.
Viewfinder/LCD Monitor: Use a blower brush.
Heads: If dirt is detected on the heads, a "HEAD CLEANING REQUIRED" warning appears. Use an optional cleaning cassette. If the warning persists, consult a JVC dealer.

Battery Care:

The "REFRESH" function helps maintain battery performance by fully discharging before recharging.
Store batteries in a cool, dry place.
If a fully-charged battery's operation time remains short, it may be worn out and require replacement.
Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd) battery packs must be recycled or disposed of properly.

General Care:

Avoid exposing the camcorder to rain or moisture.
Do not block ventilation holes.
When installing in a cabinet, ensure at least 10cm space on all sides for ventilation.
Avoid placing naked flame sources near the apparatus.
If condensation occurs, a "CONDENSATION OPERATION PAUSED PLEASE WAIT" warning appears. Remove the tape, turn off the unit, and wait a few minutes before turning it on again.
If error indications (E01-E06) appear, turn off the unit, remove the power supply, wait a few minutes, and then resume use. If the indication remains, consult a JVC dealer.
To avoid interference, do not place the AC Adapter near a radio.
Do not place unshielded speakers adjacent to the TV during playback to prevent interference.