JVC GY-DV550 Routine and Periodical Maintenance, Precautions for Proper Use, Head Cleaning

1-2 Precautions for Proper Use

● Supply voltage

Make sure that the power is between 11 V and 15 V DC. If

the power voltage is too low, abnormal color and increased

noise may occur. Do not exceed 15 V DC in any case, or the

unit could be damaged.

● Allowable ambient temperature and humidity

Be sure to use the unit within the allowable temperature range

of 0°C to 40°C and a relative humidity of 30% to 80%. Using

1. INTRODUCTION

● Noise may appear in the viewfinder when switching between the playback picture and the EE picture.

● Setup level The video signal of the unit's video output is provided with a setup level when shipped from the factory. To turn off setup, set SETUP in the Camera Setup screen to OFF.

● Use the unit in an upright position. If placed on its side, heat release efficiency will deteriorate,

1. INTRODUCTION

1-3 Routine and Periodical Maintenance

The GY-DV550 incorporates precision mechanical parts, which will collect dirt, wear out and deteriorate as the unit is used. On the other hand, when the unit has been used for a long period in a normal environment, the heads, drums and tape transport mechanisms also collect dirt deposited on them. Furthermore, dust which penetrates the inside of the VCR section especially during outdoor use will promote the wear and deterioration of mechanical parts by causing poor contact between tape and heads or failing to maintain the video and audio quality at high levels. To prevent wear and deterioration, clean the mechanical parts using a head cleaning tape as routine maintenance. However, cleaning with a head cleaning tape alone is not enough for cleaning the entire tape transport mechanism, it is also recommended to apply periodical maintenance (inspection) to prevent troubles that may be caused by the sudden occurrence of failure. As the replacement, adjustment and servicing of parts require advanced skill and equipment, please consult the person in charge of professional video equipment at your nearest JVC-authorized service agent.

the unit at a temperature or humidity outside the allowable

ranges could result not only in malfunction but the impact on

the CCD elements could be serious as small white spots

may be generated. When storing the GY-DV550 for a long

time, the storage temperatures should be -20°C to 60°C.

● Strong electromagnetic waves or magnetism

Noise may appear in the picture or audio and/or the colors

may be incorrect if the camera is used near a radio or

television transmitting antenna, in places where strong

magnetic fields are generated by transformers, motors, etc.,

or near devices emitting radio waves, such as transceivers

or cellular phones.

● Use of wireless microphone near the camera

When a wireless microphone or wireless microphone tuner

is used near the camera during recording, the tuner could

adversely affecting the tape transport. Depending on circumstances the tape may also be damaged.

● Vibrations Colors may fail to appear during VCR playback in locations subjected to vibrations.

● Precautions for transportation Do not drop or hit the unit against a hard object.

● Remove the videocassette before transporting the unit.

● Do not insert an object other than a videocassette in the cassette insertion slot. Be sure to close the cassette cover when the unit is not to be used for a long period

● Do not set the OPERATE switch to OFF or remove the power cable during recording or playback. Otherwise the tape may

Head Cleaning

●To maintain beautiful pictures and sound, be sure to use a head cleaning tape to clean the head periodically. (Read the “Precautions for Use of Head Cleaning Tape” on page 8.) If head cleaning is not performed periodically, a type of mosaic noise called block noise may appear in the picture or sound may be interrupted.

Block Noise

Periodical Maintenance
Contents : Check or replace the following mechanical parts
according to the running time.
Running Time	500H	1000 H	1500H	2000H
Drum ass’y (including heads)				
Head cleaner				
Tape guides & rollers				
Rotary encoder	–		–	
Belts & gears				
Drive parts				
: Clean, check and adjust.
: Clean and check. Replace as required.
: Replace.

	pick up noise.
●	Avoid using or placing the unit in places;

•subject to extreme heat or cold;

•with excessive dirt or dust;

•with high humidity or moisture;

•subject to smoke or vapour such as near a cooking stove;

•subject to strong vibrations or on an unstable surface.

•also do not leave the unit for long hours in a parked car under direct sunlight or near room heating equipment.

● Protect the unit from being splashed with water (especially when shooting in the rain).

● Protect the unit from being wet when shooting on a beach. In addition, salt and sand may adhere to the camera body. Be sure to clean the camera after use.

● Protect the unit against penetration of dust when using it in a place subject to sandy dust.

be damaged.

● The sensitivity level of the provided microphone is set lower than the reference input (- 60 dBs) setting.

● When the unit is not in use, be sure to set the POWER switch to OFF in order to reduce power consumption.

● Cleaning the body: Wipe body with a dry, soft cloth. When it is extremely dirty, soak the cloth in a solution of neutral detergent, wring it out and then wipe. To prevent deformation of the body, etc. and to avoid operation hazards, do not allow volatile liquids such as benzine and thinner to touch the body, and do not wipe it with a cloth soaked in such a liquid.

● The camera may be unstable in the period immediately after the power is turned on, but this is not a malfunction.

● If a tape containing recorded PAL signals is played back, the GY-DV550 automatically enters the STOP mode. If this happens, remove the videocassette so that the unit returns to its normal state.

● Use the provided head cleaning tape. Do not use head cleaning
tapes other than specified. For instructions on how to use the
head cleaning tape and precautions for its use, read the
“Precautions for Use of Head Cleaning Tape” on page 8.
● When dirt adheres to the heads of the GY-DV550, the
following indications appear during playback and recording
check using the RET button on the lens section.
• “RF” appears on the display panel.
• “HEAD CLOG” appears on the counter display.
• “VTR WARNING (HEAD)” appears in the viewfinder.
● If this kind of indication appears, please stop the recording.
Head cleaning is required. This indicator disappears when
the OPERATE is turned OFF, or when the cleaning tape is
played back.				"RF" indicator
CH 1
		OVER
	40 30 20 10 0 dB
CH 2		OVER	RF
32k	48k
AUD LOCK	SP

MENU

•The maintenance contents vary depending on the operating environment and method. Therefore, the above data should be considered as a reference.

Time management

The accumulated running time of the unit can be confirmed with the hour meter display (which shows the accumulated drum running time). For details, see "HOUR METER DISPLAY" on page 102.

For consultations related to the maintenance programming or cost, please contact the person in charge of professional video equipment at your nearest JVC-authorized service agent.

● Optical performance of lens Due to the optical performance of the lens, color divergence phenomena (magnification chromatic aberration) may occur at the periphery of the image. This is not a camera malfunction.

● When turning on the power with the tape inserted or after loading a tape, the built-in head cleaner will emit a sound while operating. However, this is not a malfunction of the unit.

"HEAD CLOG" indicator 1-4 Precautions for Use of Head Cleaning Tape Adhere to the following precautions when using the head cleaning tape.

CAUTION :

● Do not point the lens or viewfinder directly at the sun or other strong light source. • Eye damage could result. • If the lens or viewfinder is left pointed at the sun, rays may collect inside the unit and cause damage or a fire. ● When carrying the camera, be sure to hold the carrying handle. Holding the lens or viewfinder may result in damage.

7

1.The tape runs for 10 seconds at a time in the PLAY mode. (The tape stops automatically and then the unit enters the SAVE MODE. However, the display back light is not turned off.) Press the PLAY button after the cleaning tape is fully loaded.

2.Do not use the tape more than four times at the most for each cleaning.

3.The cleaning tape can be used approximately 100 times.

■Use the following chart as a guide for periodical head cleaning.

	Operating	Low temperature	Room temperature	High temperature
	environment	0˚C to 10˚C	10˚C to 35˚C	35˚C to 40˚C
	Yardstick for use	1 to 2 times	1 to 2 times	1 to 2 times
	of cleaning tape	every 5 hours	every 20 to 30 hours	every 5 hours
Note 1)	When used in a low humidity environment (10% RH to 30% RH), head cleaning should be conducted at intervals half of those
Note 2)	given in the above chart.
	If an ME80 tape is used immediately after head cleaning, the VTR warning (head) indicator may remain on. In this case, let the
Note 3)	tape run as the indicator will turn off after the tape has run for a while.
	Use the cleaning tape in the room temperature (10˚C to 35˚C).
Note 4)	The cleaning tape case contains instructions for use of the cleaning tape. However, some of these instructions differ from the
	contents of this sheet. When using the cleaning tape, please follow the instructions of this sheet.

	For servicing
8	See the service manual of the GY-DV500 (No. 60125) page 2-5,	←
	“2.4 MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION OF MAJOR PARTS”.