Panasonic AG-TL950 appendix Introduction, Periodical Maintenance, Precautions

Head drum

Video tape

1 INTRODUCTION

1-2 Periodical Maintenance

This VCR incorporates precision mechanical parts which will collect dirt over time and ultimately deteriorate and wear out. Over long periods of use, dirt and dust accumulates on the heads, drums and tape transport mechanisms. Dust which penetrates the VCR (especially during outdoor use) also promotes the wear and deterioration of mechanical parts by causing poor contact between tape and heads. This also prevents the VCR from maintaining video and audio quality at high levels. To prevent wear and deterioration, clean the heads regularly using a head cleaning tape. However, because a head cleaning tape alone cannot clean the entire tape transport mechanism, this should also be inspected periodically to prevent any problems that could result from a sudden failure.

As replacement and adjustment of parts require advanced skills and specialized equipment, please contact the person in charge of professional video equipment at your nearest Panasonic-authorized service agent for servicing.

Monitoring Usage Time

The total operation time reached by an ordinary home VCR in 5 or 6 years may be reached by a professional VCR in as few as 5 or 6 months. Therefore, it is important that the total hours of operation be carefully monitored. An hour meter in the on-screen display (see page 20) shows the accumulated time. In the chart below, the hours accumulated in each month are shown in relation to the number of hours used per day. Times shown in the shaded area indicate that maintenance should be performed.

Usage
time per	1 month	2 months	3 months	6 months	12 months
day
2 hours	60	120	180	360	720
8 hours	240	480	720	1440	2880
12 hours	360	720	1080	2160	4320
24 hours	720	1440	2160	4320	8640

Periodic Maintenance

Check or replace the following mechanical parts according to the running time.

Running time	1000H	2000H	3000H	4000H
Drum ass’y (including heads)	^			
Pinch rollers	^			
Drive parts	^	^	^	

^: Cleaning

: Check or replace as required.

 : Replace

•Maintenance requirements may vary depending on the operating environment and usage. The information above should be used as a reference guide.

Replace the built-in lithium battery approximately every two years.

1-3 Precautions

Handling and storage place

5Avoid using the unit in places subject to the following conditions:

•extreme heat or cold

•strong magnetic fields (do not use a transceiver within 2 meters of this unit)

•high humidity

•dust and soil

•vibrations

•variations in temperature

5Use this unit in horizontal (flat position) only.

5To avoid overheating the unit, do not block ventilation slots or stack the units. If the internal temperature rises too high, the tape may be damaged.

5When playing back a tape recorded on another VTR, there may be some noise output even when tracking adjustments are carried out. This is not a malfunction.

5Do not leave the unit in the Still or Record Pause mode for a long time as this may damage the tape.

After about 3 minutes, this unit automatically enters the Stop mode.

5Handle the unit carefully

•Do not place anything heavy on the unit (a monitor, etc.). A malfunction may occur.

•Do not put any foreign substance into the cassette loading slot.

•Avoid violent shocks to the recording chassis during transportation. Remove the cassette tape from the unit for transportation.

5Turn off the power to save electricity when not using the unit.

5To clean the unit, just wipe it with a soft cloth.

Use of thinner or benzene may dissolve or tarnish the surface. To remove stains, wipe it using a cloth dipped in water mixed with a little amount of neutral detergent, and wipe it again with a dry cloth later on.

5Never put your hand into the front-loading tape door.

Condensation

If you do so, you may get hurt.

5 Condensation

When cold beer is poured into a glass, water drops appear on the glass’s surface. This phenomenon is called “condensation”. When condensation occurs on the VCR’s head drum and tape guides it may damage the tape.

5 Condensation occurs in the following cases:

• When the VCR is moved from a cold place to a warm place.

• In a room that has just been heated or in an area directly exposed to a cooler.

• When there is excessive humidity.

5When condensation is expected to occur Turn the power of the VCR on before use.

5If condensation has occurred

The VCR automatically ejects the cassette and the error indication “E-08” blinks on the display. Operation is disabled until the “E-08” indication on the display goes out.

							REC
POWER	STOP				EJECT
				POWER			REC REVIEW REC
				HDR	RESET/
					CANCEL	ON SCREEN
PAUSE/						SHIFT
/REW REV PLAY STILL	PLAY FF/	TRACKING	V. LOCK	TIMER SEARCH COUNTER LOCK CNT RESET	MENU	TIME MODE
						SET	AG-
REV ADV	FWD ADV

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