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General safety practices for servicing and handling the equipment.
Precautions for handling components sensitive to static electricity.
Key commands for fundamental VTR operations like play, stop, record.
General safety practices for servicing and handling the equipment.
Precautions for handling components sensitive to static electricity.
Key commands for fundamental VTR operations like play, stop, record.
The Panasonic AG-5700 is a professional-grade S-VHS Video Cassette Recorder designed for high-quality video recording and playback, offering a range of features for both operational flexibility and ease of maintenance.
The AG-5700 operates as a video cassette recorder, capable of recording and playing back video on 1/2-inch VHS or S-VHS cassette tapes in a 3-hour mode. It supports both recording and playback in the S-VHS mode, which provides superior picture quality compared to standard VHS. The unit is equipped with a digital automatic tracking function, which generally eliminates the need for manual tracking adjustments during playback.
For audio, the AG-5700 features Hi-Fi audio recording and playback, delivering a wide frequency response and high dynamic range. It also supports audio dubbing, allowing users to record new audio onto the normal audio track of a prerecorded tape without affecting the video. Video insert functionality, including FM audio insert, is available and can be controlled via RS-232C signals.
The device incorporates a "SENSOR REC" function, which enables automatic power-on and recording mode activation when a video signal from a satellite is detected. Recording stops automatically at the tape end or when the input video signal ceases, at which point the unit powers off.
The AG-5700 offers a user-friendly interface with illuminated REC, PLAY, and STOP buttons that light up when pressed, providing clear visual feedback.
For tape handling, the unit allows for cassette tape insertion and ejection even when the power is off. It also features an auto power-on function when a cassette tape is inserted.
The speedy mechanism ensures instant start-up for playback, fast forward (FF), and rewind (REW) operations, as well as quick switching between search forward and search reverse playback.
Search playback allows users to quickly locate desired scenes or positions on the tape by watching the tape being played back at approximately seven times normal speed in either forward or reverse.
The High-speed VISS (VHS Index Search System) Automatic Search feature enables automatic searching and playback of scenes where a VISS signal has been recorded at the beginning of an event. This is particularly useful for quickly navigating through recorded content. The VISS signal is automatically recorded at the start of each recording and can also be manually recorded by pressing REC and PLAY buttons simultaneously. During VISS search, the index number increases with each VISS signal found, and playback starts automatically when the number reaches zero.
The unit provides clear picture quality in still and slow-motion modes, enhancing detailed analysis of video content. Slow motion playback can be adjusted to various speeds, though sound is not heard in this mode, and continuous slow motion for over five minutes will automatically put the unit into stop mode to protect the tape.
Repeat playback can be configured to play back from the tape's beginning to its end, or from the beginning to an interruption in the video signal.
Remote control capabilities are extensive. The unit can be controlled by a computer via an RS-232C cable, allowing for advanced integration into larger systems. An optional remote controller (AG-A11) provides wireless operation from up to five meters away. The Mode Lock Switch, when engaged, disables all front panel switches, making operation exclusively possible through the wired remote controller or RS-232C signals, which can be useful in professional setups to prevent unintended manual adjustments.
The counter system includes a Memory/Search button that allows for quick navigation to specific points on the tape. When "M" is displayed, the tape can be stopped near counter digit "0000" during FF or REW. When "S" is displayed, search forward or reverse playback can be held for about 10 minutes, after which the unit automatically returns to the previous mode. The counter can be reset to "00000" using the reset button.
The service manual provides comprehensive technical information for service personnel, including safety precautions and detailed specifications.
For safety, the manual outlines procedures for leakage current checks (cold and hot) to prevent shock hazards, emphasizing the importance of proper installation of protective devices and ensuring resistance values are within specified ranges.
It also includes guidelines for handling electrostatically sensitive (ES) devices, such as integrated circuits and field-effect transistors, to prevent damage from static electricity. This involves draining electrostatic charge from the body, placing ES devices on conductive surfaces, using grounded soldering irons, and avoiding freon-propelled chemicals.
The manual details a command list for RS-232C control, including basic operation commands (STOP, EJECT, PLAY, REWIND, FAST FORWARD, PAUSE, REC), insert commands (INSERT, AUDIO DUB, AUDIO & VIDEO INSERT), and search commands (SEARCH MODE COARSE, SEARCH MODE FINE, SHUTTLE FORWARD, SHUTTLE REVERSE). These commands are crucial for remote diagnostics and automated testing.
Status inquiry commands (QOP for operation mode, QOS for operation status, QCD for counter value) allow service personnel to remotely monitor the VTR's internal processing state and diagnose issues. The manual provides detailed bit maps and ASCII codes for interpreting the returned status data.
Other commands include counter reset (CRT), counter calibration (CCL), communication check (RCK), ROM version sense (QRV), and deck ID sense (QID), which are valuable for troubleshooting and verifying the unit's software and hardware status.
The manual also specifies counter accuracy and editing accuracy, providing typical values for search operations and editing points, which helps in assessing the unit's performance and identifying potential issues with precision. It also highlights precautions regarding command timing and potential interruptions during processing, guiding service personnel on how to avoid errors during maintenance operations.
General| Recording Speed | SP, LP |
|---|---|
| Heads | 4 |
| Audio | Hi-Fi stereo |
| Remote Control | Yes |
| Display | LED |
| Jog/Shuttle | Yes |
| Tuner | No |
| Timer Recording | Yes |
| Type | VCR |
| Video Format | VHS |
| Audio Tracks | 2 |
| Input/Output Connectors | Composite video, RCA audio |
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