JVC Gzmc500 Owners Manual

							SERVICE MANUAL
COPYRIGHT © 2005 Victor Company of Japan, LimitedNo.YF100
2005/8
DIGITAL MEDIA CAMERA
YF100 2005
8
GZ-MC500US
Lead free solder used in the board (material : Sn-Ag-Cu, melting point : 219 Centigrade)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 PRECAUTIONS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  1-3
2 SPECIFIC SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  1-5
3 DISASSEMBLY  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  1-27
4 ADJUSTMENT  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  1-40
5 TROUBLE SHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  1-42
GZ-MC500US [M5S727] 
						

							1-2 (No.YF100)
SPECIFICATION
„Camcorder
„AC Adapter
Design and specifications subject to change without notice. For General Power supply DC 11.0 V(Using AC Adapter)
DC 7.2 V (Using battery pack)
Power consumption Approx. 5.5 W 
Approx. 8.0 W (Maximum; when charging a battery)
Dimensions (W × H × D) 80 mm × 55 mm × 118 mm(3-3/8 × 2-3/16 × 4-11/16)(incl. lens hood)
Weight Approx. 330g (0.73 lbs)
(without battery, removable hard disk, lens hood,lens cap and strap)
Approx. 400g(0.89 lbs)
(incl. battery, removable hard disk, lens hood,lens cap and strap)
Operating temperature 0°C to 40°C(32°F to 104°F)
Operating humidity 35% to 80%
Storage temperature -20°C to 50°C(-4°F to 122°F)
Pickup 1/4.5(1,330,000 pixels) CCD × 3(3CCD)
Lens Video F 1.8 to 2.4, f = 3.2 mm to 32 mm, 10:1 power zoom lens
Still F 1.9 to 2.4, f = 4.0 mm to 32 mm, 8:1 power zoom lens
Filter diameter Ø37 mm
LCD monitor 1.8 diagonally measured, LCD panel/TFT active matrix system
Speaker Monaural
Flash Within 2 m (recommended shooting distance)
For  Video/ 
AudioFormat SD-VIDEO
Recording/Playback 
formatVideo MPEG-2
Audio Dolby Digital (2 ch)
Signal format NTSC standard
Recording mode Video ULTRA FINE: 720 × 480 pixels, 8.5 Mbps (CBR)
FINE: 720 × 480 pixels, 5.5 Mbps (CBR)
NORMAL: 720 × 480 pixels, 4.2 Mbps (VBR)
ECONOMY: 352 × 240 pixels, 1.5 Mbps (VBR)
Audio ULTRA FINE: 48 kHz, 384 kbps
FINE: 48 kHz, 384 kbps
NORMAL: 48 kHz, 256 kbps
ECONOMY: 48 kHz, 128 kbps
For Still image Format  JPEG
Image size 5 modes (2560 ×1920 pixels/2048×1536pixels/1600 × 1200 pixels/1280 × 
960 pixels/640 × 480 pixels)
Picture quality 2 modes (FINE/STANDARD)
For Voice Format Linear PCM
Recording mode FINE: 48 kHz, 1,536 kbps, 16 bit, stereo
STANDARD: 16 kHz, 512 kbps, 16 bit, stereo
ECONOMY: 8 kHz, 256 kbps, 16 bit, stereo
For Connectors AV S-Video output Y:1.0 V (p-p), 75Ω, analog, C:0.29V (p-p), 75Ω, analog
Video output 1.0 V (p-p), 75Ω, analog
Audio output 300 mV (rms), 1 kΩ, analog, stereo
Headphone  output Ø2.5 mm, stereo
USB Mini USB-B type, USB 1.1/2.0 compliant
Power requirement AC 110 V to 240 V, 50 Hz/60 Hz
Output DC 11 V, 1 A 
						

							(No.YF100)1-3
SECTION 1
PRECAUTIONS
1.1 SAFTY PRECAUTIONS
Prior to shipment from the factory, JVC products are strictly
inspected to conform with the recognized product safety and
electrical codes of the countries in which they are to be
sold.However,in order to maintain such compliance, it is equally
important to implement the following precautions when a set is
being serviced.
1.1.1 Precautions during Servicing
(1) Locations requiring special caution are denoted by labels
and inscriptions on the cabinet, chassis and certain parts of
the product.When performing service, be sure to read and
comply with these and other cautionary notices appearing
in the operation and service manuals.
(2) Parts identified by the  symbol and shaded (   ) parts
are critical for safety.
Replace only with specified part numbers.
NOTE :
Parts in this category also include those specified to
comply with X-ray emission standards for products
using cathode ray tubes and those specified for
compliance with various regulations regarding
spurious radiation emission.
(3) Fuse replacement caution notice.
Caution for continued protection against fire hazard.
Replace only with same type and rated fuse(s) as
specified.
(4) Use specified internal wiring. Note especially:
• Wires covered with PVC tubing
• Double insulated wires
• High voltage leads
(5) Use specified insulating materials for hazardous live parts.
Note especially:
• Insulation Tape
• PVC tubing
•Spacers
• Insulation sheets for transistors
•Barrier
(6) When replacing AC primary side components (transformers,
power cords, noise blocking capacitors, etc.) wrap ends of
wires securely about the terminals before soldering.
Fig.1-1-1
(7) Observe that wires do not contact heat producing parts
(heatsinks, oxide metal film resistors, fusible resistors, etc.)
(8) Check that replaced wires do not contact sharp edged or
pointed parts.
(9) When a power cord has been replaced, check that 10-15
kg of force in any direction will not loosen it.
Fig.1-1-2
(10) Also check areas surrounding repaired locations.
(11) Products using cathode ray tubes (CRTs)In regard to such
products, the cathode ray tubes themselves, the high
voltage circuits, and related circuits are specified for
compliance with recognized codes pertaining to X-rayemission. Consequently, when servicing these products,
replace the cathode ray tubes and other parts with only the
specified parts. Under no circumstances attempt to modify
these circuits.Unauthorized modification can increase the
high voltage value and cause X-ray emission from the
cathode ray tube.
(12) Crimp type wire connectorIn such cases as when replacing
the power transformer in sets where the connections
between the power cord and power trans former primary
lead wires are performed using crimp type connectors, if
replacing the connectors is unavoidable, in order to prevent
safety hazards, perform carefully and precisely according
to the following steps.
•Connector part number :E03830-001
•Required tool : Connector crimping tool of the proper
type which will not damage insulated parts.
•Replacement procedure
a) Remove the old connector by cutting the wires at a
point close to the connector.Important : Do not
reuse a connector (discard it).
Fig.1-1-3
b) Strip about 15 mm of the insulation from the ends
of the wires. If the wires are stranded, twist the
strands to avoid frayed conductors.
Fig.1-1-4
c) Align the lengths of the wires to be connected.
Insert the wires fully into the connector.
Fig.1-1-5
d) As shown in Fig.1-1-6, use the crimping tool to crimp
the metal sleeve at the center position. Be sure to
crimp fully to the complete closure of the tool.
Fig.1-1-6
e) Check the four points noted in Fig.1-1-7.
Fig.1-1-7
Power cord
cut close to connector
15 mm
Connector Metal sleeve
1.2
5
2
.0
5.5Crimping tool
Not easily pulled freeCrimped at approx. centerof metal sleeve
Conductors extended
Wire insulation recessed
more than 4 mm 
						

							1-4 (No.YF100) 1.1.2 Safety Check after Servicing
Examine the area surrounding the repaired location for damage
or deterioration. Observe that screws, parts and wires have been
returned to original positions, Afterwards, perform the following
tests and confirm the specified values in order to verify
compliance with safety standards.
(1) Insulation resistance test
Confirm the specified insulation resistance or greater
between power cord plug prongs and externally exposed
parts of the set (RF terminals, antenna terminals, video and
audio input and output terminals, microphone jacks,
earphone jacks, etc.).See table 1 below.
(2) Dielectric strength test
Confirm specified dielectric strength or greater between
power cord plug prongs and exposed accessible parts of
the set (RF terminals, antenna terminals, video and audio
input and output terminals, microphone jacks, earphone
jacks, etc.). See Fig.1-1-11 below.
(3) Clearance distance
When replacing primary circuit components, confirm
specified clearance distance (d), (d) between soldered
terminals, and between terminals and surrounding metallic
parts. See Fig.1-1-11 below.
Fig.1-1-8(4) Leakage current test
Confirm specified or lower leakage current between earth
ground/power cord plug prongs and externally exposed
accessible parts (RF terminals, antenna terminals, video
and audio input and output terminals, microphone jacks,
earphone jacks, etc.).
Measuring Method : (Power ON)Insert load Z between
earth ground/power cord plug prongs and externally
exposed accessible parts. Use an AC voltmeter to
measure across both terminals of load Z. See Fig.1-1-9
and following Fig.1-1-12.
Fig.1-1-9
(5) Grounding (Class 1 model only)
Confirm specified or lower grounding impedance between
earth pin in AC inlet and externally exposed accessible
parts (Video in, Video out, Audio in, Audio out or Fixing
screw etc.).Measuring Method:
Connect milli ohm meter between earth pin in AC inlet and
exposed accessible parts. See Fig.1-1-10 and grounding
specifications.
Fig.1-1-10
Fig.1-1-11
Fig.1-1-12
NOTE :
These tables are unofficial and for reference only. Be sure to confirm the precise values for your particular country and locality.
Chassis
Power cord 
primary wire dd
ab
c
V
AExternally
exposed
accessible partZ
Exposed accessible part
Grounding SpecificationsAC inlet
Region
USA & Canada
Europe & AustraliaGrounding Impedance (
Z)
Z 0.1 ohm
Z 0.5 ohm Earth pin
MIlli ohm meter
AC Line VoltageRegion
Japan
Europe & AustraliaR    1 M   /500 V DC
USA & Canada1 M       R    12 M   /500 V DC
R    10 M   /500 V DC Insulation Resistance (
R)
Dielectric Strength
Clearance Distance (
d)
, (
d)
100 V
100 to 240 V
110 to 130 V
110 to 130 V
200 to 240 VAC 1 kV 1 minute
AC 1.5 kV 1 minute
AC 1 kV 1 minute
(
Class    )
(
Class    ) AC 3 kV 1 minute
AC 1.5 kV 1 minuted, d        3 mm
d, d        4 mm
d, d        3.2 mm
d       8 m m (
Power cord)
d       6 m m (
Primary wire) d      4 m m
AC Line VoltageRegion
Japan
Europe & Australia USA & CanadaLoad ZLeakage Current (i)
a, b, c
100 V
110 to 130 V
110 to 130 V
220 to 240 Vi      1 mA rms
i      0.5 mA rms
i      0.7 mA peak
i      2 mA dc
i      0.7 mA peak
i      2 mA dcExposed accessible parts
Exposed accessible parts
Antenna earth terminals
Other terminals
1
1.5
2
50 0.15 
						

							(No.YF100)1-5
SECTION 2
SPECIFIC SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS
2.1 Provided applications
GZ-MC100, GZ-MC200 and GZ-MC500 come with the following four types of software.
(1) Digital Photo Navigator
(2) PowerDirector
(3) PowerProducer
(4) PowerDVD
(1) is JVCs original and it is the same product as the one used in DVC.
(2),(3), and 4. are commercial software from CyberLink Inc. They were functionally modified for GZ-MC100/200/500.
As not only functional deletion but also functional addition for EVERIO were carried out in the provided software, it is required to use
the provided EVERIO exclusive software.
(1) Digital Photo Navigator 1.0
It is software that creates albums by collecting still pictures. There are no commercial products or enhanced versions.
(2) PowerDirector Express NE (PowerDirector )
It is software that edits and processes the video taken with EVERIO.
 Ordinary editing features can be applied frame by frame: cutting unwanted parts, editing transition flow, and title lettering.
In addition, saving the editing as a file of .mod enables playback with EVERIO.  
Although there are authoring function and write-in function in commercial PowerDirector3 from CyberLink Inc., provided software does
not include these functions.
Some functions are removed from commercial products when producing EVERIO exclusive PowerDirector. 
Although a commercial product seems to be used with EVERIO as a replacement for a provided product, the video that is taken with
EVERIO cannot be seen as the commercial products cannot deal the file extension .MOD.There is no performance assurance even
if playback is available by changing the extension. 
In many cases, import errors, hang-ups, freeze in mid-flow, dropping frames or bad quality in video playback will occur.
PowerDirector,Express NE
Commercial Product EVERIO Bundled Product
MPEG-1,MPEG-2,DAT,AVI,DivX,
MPEG-1,MPEG-2,DAT,AVI,Vob,VRO,W MV
Vob,VRO,W MV,MOV
Input file Bè
Still picturesBé
GIF,BMP,JPG,TIF BMP,JPG
Input file Bè
AudioBé
W AV,MP3,W MA W AV,MP3,W MA
Audio recording function
Microphone,Music CD Microphone
MPEG-1,MPEG-2,DV-AVI,DivX,
MPEG-1,MPEG-2,DV-AVI,W MV,RealVideo
W MV,RealVideo,Quicktime
Output in EVERIO video format
Bí@¾
DV Capture support
@¾@¾
DV real time capture
@¾@¾
Rewrite to DV tape
@¾@¾
DV Quick Scan
@¾Bí
DivX Support  (DivX codec)@¾
Separate installation is required
Color Board
@¾@¾
Scene Detection
@¾@¾
Trim Mode, Separation Mode
@¾@¾
Precise-Cut
@¾Bí
Screen Capture
@¾Bí
Title Designer@¾@¾(Partially limited)
Motion Titles@¾(53)@¾(Partially limited)
PiP (Picture in Picture)
@¾Bí
Transitional Effects @¾(111)@¾(60)
Supported by PowerProducer 2 Gold NE Product NamePowerDirector 3
Input file (Video)
Output file (Video)
DVD Authoring Program 
@¾ 
						

							1-6 (No.YF100) (3) PowerProducer
 It is software which authors or writes-in the files that were edited and processed with PowerDirector to media such as DVD and
DVD-R.
The functional difference between the commercial products and provided EVERIO exclusive products both from CyberLink inc. are
only additional audio editing and BGM function in the menu.It cannot import the .MOD file extension.
(4) PowerDVD
It is software which plays back media such as DVD-R that was wrote-in by PowerDirector.
As this software supports .mod files, the video that was taken with EVERIO can be played back with a PC without processing.How-
ever, commercial products and PC bundled PowerDVD cannot playback the EVERIO video as shown in the below table.
If a PC which has already been installed with PowerDVD is used, we recommend to un-install the original PowerDVD first, then
install provided PowerDVD. 
In addition, it is reported that PowerDVD6 (the next version to come) will have additional .mod playback function.
2.2 Recording media
CompactFlash cards, 1-inch hard disk drives such as Microdrives, or SD Memory Cards can be used as recording media for EVERIO.
(MMC cards cannot be used.)
There are two types of CompactFlash cards in different thickness. Ordinary CompactFlash cards are Type I (36.4×42.8×3.3mm), and
Microdrives etc. are Type II (36.4×42.8×5.0mm).
Although the thickness is different, the standards, which include the terminal alignments, are exactly the same.                      
There are CF standard and CF+ standard in the CompactFlash card standards.
The CF standard is compact and Flash ATA Card compatible recording media (memory card) developed by SanDisk Corporation.  As
technical innovation requires new standard that supports the products with faster transfer speed, the new CF+ standard arrived in June
2003. The CF+ standard has an increase in transfer speed from existing 8MB/sec to 16MB/sec while maintaining the compatibility with
the existing systems. 
The CF standard is developed envisioning only media that use semiconductor (memory) to support, thus the same hard disk forms
such as Microdrives are not taken into account.
The major difference between memories and hard disks is that hard disks consume more electricity as they need to drive the motors.
As a result, new standard with changed electricity consumption standard was required.
For details of the CF standard, please refer to the following web site. 
http://www.compactflash.org
PowerProducer 2,Gold PowerProducer 2,Gold NE
Commercial Product EVERIO Bundled Product
Creatable discsDVD-Video,VCD,SVCD,DVD±VR DVD-Video,VCD,SVCD,DVD±VR
DVD-RAM write- in@¾@¾
Right-to-Disc@¾@¾
Playlist Authoring@¾@¾
Conversion from -VR to Video format@¾@¾
+VR disc de-fragmentation@¾@¾
BGM in the Menu@¾Bí
Motion Menus@¾@¾
AB Cut (Easy cut editing)@¾@¾
Disc copying@¾@¾
EVERIO Specialized ProfileBí
4 Types of Profiles for EVERIO Recording Mode Product Name
PowerDVD 5,Deluxe PowerDVD 5 PowerDVD 5 NE
Commercial Product Commercial Product EVERIO Bundled Product
Audio decoder channels 8 6 2
Audio output channels 8 6 2
Dolby head phones@¾BíBí
Dolby virtual speakers@¾BíBí
dts® decode@¾BíBí
SRS TruSurround XT™@¾BíBí
CLMEI@¾@¾Bí
CLHP@¾@¾Bí
DivX file playback@¾@¾Bí
Mod video file playbackBíBí@¾ Product Name 
						

							(No.YF100)1-7 Basically, recording media that comply with this CF+(Type II) standard may be used with EVERIO.
However, performance assurance is given to the CF+(Type II) standard with specified Microdrive name by Hitachi, IBM, and other
makes that are OEM supplied by those two companies.
To compare with currently distributed IBMs CF+ standard 2GB and 4GB models, CF standard 340Mb and 1GB models are slow in
transfer speed. As a result, when recording movies, there may be possibilities of failures in recording or replaying as the Microdrives
cannot follow the speed of EVERIO itself. It is remarkably affected when shooting movies in high-quality mode.
In this case, This card is not for recording video. is displayed. Even with a Microdrive name, without the CF+ standard, performance
assurance cannot be given.
Currently, there are two companies that supply Microdrive CF+ (Type II) small hard disks besides Hitachi and IBM. Their web sites
are shown below for your reference. (There is no performance assurance for their products.)
GS magicstor Inc.http://www.gs-magicstor.com/       It is a Chinese company.
Seagate Technologyhttp://www.seagate.com/It is an American company.
2.3 3CCD System
There are two types in color CCD system: 1CCD system in which
color images are created with one CCD chip, and 3CCD system
which uses three CCD chips to create color images.
In 3CCD system, an image (optical signal) which has been cap-
tured by the lens is separated into three primary colors: Red,
Green, and Blue by color separation prisms before being con-
verted to picture signals by each CCD. As a result, the color pre-
sentation is considerably improved and high resolution is
achieved. However, 3CCD has only been used in professional
video cameras as the color separation prisms are expensive and
a unit of three CCDs leads to large camera size.
JVCs 3CCD system in professional cameras uses dichroic
prisms as color separation prisms. The incident light is separated
by dichroic prisms into each wavelength of RGB, then the light is
received by separate CCDs. The phase in which the Blue wave-
length enters the CCD through the prism is air-gapped to reflect
in the same even phase as the Red and Green wavelengths.
The merits of 3CCD system include: full utilization of high reso-
lution by using corresponding CCD to each wavelength of RGB,
and high color reproducibility and good image quality owing to
optimum image output from each chip.
On the other hand, the demerits of 3CCD system are (as previ-
ously mentioned): difficulties in controlling air-gap due to the
dichroic prism structure, the large camera size due to the compli-
cated light paths, and the high price due to control and produc-
tion costs. 
Fig.2-6-1 
Light paths of professional 3CCD dichroic prisms
A new type of prism has been developed to introduce small-sized
and lowered cost optical prisms for consumer products while uti-
lizing the high resolution, high color reproducibility, and good pic-
ture quality of 3CCD.Fig.2-6-2 
3CCD for consumer products
As shown in the Fig. 2-6-2 the Blue wavelength is captured in the
CCD as an odd phase. The production management cost can be
reduced by electrically antiphasing the captured signal without
the need for either optical prisms or air-gap. 
In an ordinary 3CCD camera, the CCDs are fixed to the color
separation prisms. This requires enough mechanical strength of
the adhesion layer to keep the CCDs stable against vibrations or
shocks. Preventing registration differences caused by the tem-
perature change is also required. The positioning with high accu-
racy is needed as the CCD registration depends on the affixing
accuracy.
Video cameras from other manufacturers use the system in
which the CCDs are directly affixed to the prisms. JVC adopts the
professional cameras proven system in which a wedge glass is
sandwiched between a CCD and a prism.
The Blue channel and the Red channel of a 3CCD camera are
fixed half a pixel horizontally displaced against the Green chan-
nel CCD. When the pixels are displaced, the resolution seems to
be improved. Casting a color separation prism and a CCD as one
unit enables miniaturization of the prisms and the CCDs. 
If there are symptoms such as edge coloring as a result of the
above displacement of Green pixels, defects in optical prism it-
self may occur.
In this case, the optical prism unit must be replaced.
Air gap
RGB
3rd prism 2nd prism
CCD(Red)
CCD(Green)
CCD(Blue)
 
RGB
3rd prism 2nd prism
CCD(Red)
CCD(Green)
CCD(Blue)
1st prism 
						

							1-8 (No.YF100) 2.3.1 Megapixel Still Picture Recording
In the new technology, 5 Megapixel still picture recording is
achieved with pixel interpolation. It is a technology which makes
the resolution 1.4 times higher, and the CCD pixel numbers 4
times more with pixel shift method: aligning the Green pixel CCD
half a pixel displaced. 
Fig.2-6-3
Fig. 2-6-4 shows a basic pixel pattern of 3CCD system. There
are 1.23 effective Megapixel (1.33 total Megapixel) for each CCD
for separate RGB. If a still picture image is captured, the total
pixel numbers are 3.99 Megapixel which is three times 1.33
Megapixel.
Fig.2-6-4 
Basic pixel pattern of 3CCD system
When initially mentioned pixel interpolation: a distinctive
technology of 3CCD pixel shift (half a pixel displacement) is
adopted, 5 Megapixel still picture recording of 2560x1920 dot is
achieved although the effective pixel for each CCD is 1.23
Megapixel.
Pixel shift is also called pixel displacement, a technology mainly
used with 3CCD. In this technology, only the Green CCD which
is responsible for the luminance signal is physically displaced
slightly in half a pixel.
When the Green (G) is diagonally displaced to the lower right
direction, the RGB can exist in the proportion of 1:1/4:1 instead
of 1:1:1 at the position of 1/4 in the upper left of the Green (e.g.
G1). Fig.2-6-5 
Pixel shift in 3CCD system
When the RGB exists while the size of the Green pixel is 1/4 of
other pixels, the total recording pixels seen from the Green pixel
is 4 times more (2 × horizontally, 2 × vertically). Resolution is in-
creased to enable 4.92 Megapixel (1.23 Megapixel × 2 × 2) still
picture recording.
That is why still pictures can be taken in 5Megapixel quality al-
though the CCDs have VGA class pixels. 
­
2!¹&›123

­
2!¹&›123

1.23 effective
Megapixel1.33 total 
MegapixelPixel interpolation 
4.92 Megapixel
Pixel Shift
1234
5678
9101112
13141516
1234
5678
9101112
13141516
1234
5678
9101112
13141516
Green
Red
Blue
(1 pixel per 1 cell)
1234
5678
9101112
13141516
GreenRed
Blue
1234
5678
9101112
13141516
1234
5678
9101112
13141516
))))))))
))))))))
))))))))
))))))))
))))))))
))))))))
))))))))
)))))))) 
						

							(No.YF100)1-9 2.4 Handling Microdrives
Microdrives are used in GZ-MC100, GZ-MC200 and GZ-MC500. Although the appearance is different, a Microdrive is exactly the
same as a hard disc that is used in a PC. Therefore, unlike handling conventional tapes, caution must be paid in handling Microdrives.
The handling of Microdrives is explained in this section.
2.4.1 Removable Hard Disk
2.4.2 The structure of Microdrives
The detailed inside structure of Microdrives is not disclosed as it is treated as trade secrets. However, it is essential to have knowledge
of the structure of Microdrives in order to carry out service properly. Some information about Microdrives is given here.
A Microdrive is mainly consisted of the following parts.
• A magnetic recording disk that is coated with magnetic ma-
terial. (Disk)
• A reading/ writing head. (Head)
• A motor that turns the disk.
• A circuit board that is loaded with electrical circuit which con-
trols the motor, the head positioning, and input/ output of the
signal. 
1 head type Microdrives use one side of the disk, and 2 head type
Microdrives use both sides of the disk with heads on each side
of the disk.The disk and the head do not contact and there is cer-
tain space kept between them. The head reads the pre recorded
servo information to control the head itself. When the head is not
in access to the disk, it is kept in a shelter to avoid damaging the
disk with shocks from outside.The difference between a 2GB Microdrive and a 4GB Microdrive
is only whether it has one head or two heads and there is no
difference in performance, as shown in the specification list. A
2.5 inch hard disk that is used in a note PC is shown as a
reference. As a 2.5 inch hard disk is bigger than a Microdrive, it
has more disks and heads resulting in more capacity. 6GB type
Microdrive has been lately released. To compare the existing
4GB Microdrive with the newly released 4GB and 6GB
Microdrives, most of the specifications are the same. However,
obviously the data transfer speed and the areal density have
been improved. On the contrary, it seems impossible to increase
the disks for a Microdrive because of size restriction. High
capacity will be achieved by improving the areal density, transfer
speed and rotation speed of the future products. 
Do the slide and take out a small hard disk to the case. Do not take it out setting up 
a small hard disk from the case.
< good example > < bad example > 
						

							1-10 (No.YF100) 2.4.3 Precautions on handling Microdrives
Main causes of failures in hard disks including Microdrives are
listed as follows.
(1) Failures caused by shocks
(2) Failures caused by static electricity
(3) Failures caused by power cut during the operation
2.4.3.1 Failures caused by shock
One of the causes of the Microdrive failures is a crash between
the disk and the head caused by falls or shocks. The results of
the crash are listed as follows.
• The scratch on the surface of the disk (crash scar) disables
reading/ writing of the damaged part.
• The magnetic material that came off by the crash (disk frag-
ment) causes head reading failure.
• The head distortion deteriorates the read/ write attribute.
• The change in the space between the head and the disk dis-
ables the normal read/ write.
Stronger shocks result in the motor axis distortion, causing axial
runout and deterioration in performance such as disabling the
trace of normally recorded signal.
Pay extra caution not to drop or give shocks to the Microdrive
while servicing, and make sure to store the Microdrive in a pro-
vided plastic case.NOTE:
The shock of  200G(G:Gravity), a maximum impact value in
operation, is equivalent of the impact of dropping from 20-
30cm above the hard floor. The shock of 2000G, a maximum
impact value in non-operation, is equivalent of the impact of
dropping from 75 - 100cm above the hard floor.
2.4.3.2 Failures caused by static electricity
Microdrives are designed to tolerate static electricity up to 15kV
approx. However, head destruction or boot failure will occur as a
result of high static electricity given to the magnetic head of a Mi-
crodrive that is very vulnerable to static electricity.  
As same as handling other electronic parts, make sure not to
take charge of static electricity before touching a Microdrive for
checking or repairing. In addition, make sure to store the Micro-
drive in a provided plastic case when it is not in use.
The voltage of 15kV has enough power to break Microdrives de-
stroying heads etc. Errors in Microdrives may occur with lower
voltage. Asking the customers about the recording condition:
whether it was inside the car in winter, right after getting off the
car or in the carpeted area of a hotel etc., is recommended to in-
vestigate failures with poor reproducibility.
2.4.3.3 Failures caused by power cut during the operation
When the power is cut off while writing the data on the Micro-
drive, writing failure occurs in the writing sector (512 byte). As a
result, an error will occur while reading the data.
The effects on the system, given by the bad writing sector, de-
pend on the types of the written files on the sector. 
If it is user data, the recorded movie may not be replayed.
To prevent failure in writing, do not insert/ remove the Microdrive
or cut off the power unless otherwise indicated or needed.
2.4.4 Microdrive backup
Unlike the information on tapes, customers information on Micro-
drives can become unreadable in an instant.    
Taking into account the personal information management, do not
perform Microdrive backup basically. If backup is needed during
the procedure, refer to the followings to carry out the backup. 
hard disk
2GB 4GB 80GB
Model name Microdrive 3K4-2 Microdrive 3K4-4 Travelstar 4K80-80
Model number HMS360402D5CF00 HMS360404D5CF00 HTS428080F9AT00
Capacity 2 GB 4 GB 80 GB
Interface
CompactFlash Type¤CompactFlash Type¤ATA ATA - 6
Form factor 1inch 1inch 2.5inch
System type Consumer electronics Consumer electronics Laptop
Cache buffer 128 KB 128 KB 8 MB
Disks / Heads 1/1 1/2 2/4
Rotational speed (RPM) 3,600 (RPM) 3,600 (RPM) 4,200 (RPM)
Media transfer rate 97.9 Mb/sec max 97.9 Mb/sec max 351 Mb/sec max
Interface transfer rate33 MB/sec max 33 MB/sec max 100 MB/sec max
Average seek (ms) 12 (ms) 12 (ms) 13 (ms)
Average latency (ms) 8.33 (ms) 8.33 (ms) 7.1 (ms)
Areal density 56.5 Gb/sq. inch 56.5 Gb/sq. inch 68.5 Gb/sq. inch
Typical idle acoustic (Bels)9Ù9Ù2.4B
Operating shock (G) 200 G (2ms) 200 G (2ms) 250 (2ms)
Non-operating shock (G) 2000 G (1ms) 2000 G (1ms) 800 (1ms)
Operating ambient temperature (`)0 :* 70  (`)0 :* 70  (`)5 :* 55  (`)
Non-operating ambient temperature (`)-40 :* 70  (`) -40 :* 70  (`) -40 :* 70  (`) Microdrive
4GB(Old goods) 4GB(New case goods) 6GB
Model name Microdrive 3K4-4 Microdrive 3K6-4 Microdrive 3K6-4
Model number HMS360404D5CF00 HMS360604D5CF00 HMS360606D5CF00
Capacity 4 GB 4 GB 6 GB
Interface
CompactFlash Type¤CompactFlash Type¤CompactFlash TypeForm factor 1inch 1inch 1inch
System type Consumer electronics Consumer electronicsConsumer electronicsCache buffer 128 KB 128 KB 128 KB
Disks / Heads 1/1 1/2 1/2
Rotational speed (RPM) 3,600 (RPM) 3,600 (RPM) 3,600 (RPM)
Media transfer rate 97.9 Mb/sec max 125 Mb/sec max 125 Mb/sec max
Interface transfer rate33 MB/sec max 33 MB/sec max 33 MB/sec max
Average seek (ms) 12 (ms) 12 (ms) 12 (ms)
Average latency (ms) 8.33 (ms) 8.33 (ms) 8.33 (ms)
Areal density 56.5 Gb/sq. inch 78 Gb/sq. inch 78 Gb/sq. inch
Typical idle acoustic (Bels)9Ù9Ù9Ù
Operating shock (G) 200 G (2ms) 200 G (2ms) 200 G (2ms)
Non-operating shock (G) 2000 G (1ms) 2000 G (1ms) 2000 G (1ms)
Operating ambient temperature (`)0 :* 70  (`)0 :* 70  (`)0 :* 70  (`)
Non-operating ambient temperature (`)-40 :* 70  (`) -40 :* 70  (`) -40 :* 70  (`) Microdrive
Head
9Ô0.03um9Õ
Head floating height Disk
DiskDisk fragment Head
Crash scar
Microdrive
2.5 inch HDD
3.5 inch HDD200 2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
200
552000 Operation Non-operation
1000
300
Impact value (G)
(G):Gravity
50 100 150 200 250 300 350
Diskn
shift
Read
error
Operation
Operation/ Non-operation
Shocks(G)
Read error
Normal
1400 1600 1800 2000 2200 2400 2600
Shocks(G)
Performance
deteriorationNormal
Model:HMS360404D5CF00SERIES
ShockShock
Crash 
between 
the head 
and the 
diskCrash scar 
on the diskDisk 
fragment
Excessive 
power is 
generated 
in the 
mechanism
Performance 
deterioration
(G):Gravity