Dew Formation

What is “dew formation”?

When cold water is poured into a glass, dew drops form on the glass. This clinging of water drops is called dew formation.

When dew forms in your camcorder.

Dew will gradually form on the head drum of your camcorder and make the video tape stick to the head. This causes damage both to the head and the tape. When dew forms, recording and playback may not function properly.

Dew is likely to form in the following circumstances:

When moving the camcorder from a cold place to a warm place.

When placing the camcorder in a cold room which is then heated rapidly.

When moving the camcorder outdoors from an air conditioned room or car.

When placing the camcorder in the

direct path of air blowing from an air conditioner.

— When placing the camcorder in a humid room.

How to prevent trouble.

When using the camcorder in a place where dew is likely to form, allow the camcorder and the video tape to acclimatise to the surroundings for about one hour.

For example, when bringing the camcorder indoors after skiing, place it in a plastic bag.

Plastic bag

1Be sure to tightly seal the plastic bag containing the camcorder.

2Remove the bag when the air tem- perature inside it reaches the tempera- ture of the room.

“Dew” warning feature

If dew forms, the word “DEW” flashes on the screen, and the power will automati- cally turn off in approximately 10 seconds.

1If “DEW” flashes, remove the cassette,

 

leave the cassette compartment open,

 

and wait for a few hours to allow the

 

camcorder to acclimatise to the

 

surrounding temperature.

 

2To use the camcorder again, turn on the

 

power after waiting for a few hours. Be

 

sure that “DEW” has disappeared.

 

3Do not insert a cassette while “DEW” is

 

flashing; this may result in damage to

 

the tape.

 

4Since dew forms gradually, it may take

 

10 to 15 minutes before the dew

 

warning feature engages.

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Sharp VL Z 1 H operation manual Dew Formation, What is dew formation?