Panasonic Aj Hdc20a Operating Instructions Manual

							101
Setting menu screens (VTR MAIN MENU)
The time code and user’s bit settings are performed on
this screen.
VITC UB MODE USER
DATE
TIME
EXT
TCG
USER
ENGFor setting what is to be
written as the user’s bit in
the VITC area.
USER:User setting (fixed).DATE:Real time value for
year/month/day/hou
rs.
TIME:Real time value for
hours/minutes/seco
nds.
EXT:The UBG value is
slave-locked when
a TC signal is
supplied from an
external source.
(The user setting is
used when no
external input is
supplied.)
TCG:Time code
generator value

Set the time on the
TIME/DATE menu screen
when using the UB MODE
item with real-time
operation.
The underlining in the variable range column indicates the setting in the preset mode. 
When USER is set for the UB MODE item, it is not possible to set
EXT for the VITC UB MODE item.
Similarly, it is not possible to set EXT for the UB MODE item when
USER has been set for the VITC UB MODE item.
TC/UB screen
ItemVariable
rangeRemarksVF
display 
						

							102
TIME DATE screen
The time/date settings are performed on this screen.
ItemVariable
rangeRemarks
YEAR 00—99
VF
display
ENG For setting the year.
MONTH 1  —12ENG For setting the month.
DAY 1  —31ENG For setting the day.
HOUR 0  —23ENG For setting the hours.
MINUTE 0  —59ENG For setting the minutes.
$TIME/DATE
SET==ENG For entering the time and
date.
The underlining in the variable range column indicates the setting in the preset mode.
Setting menu screens (VTR MAIN MENU)
SUB menuVF
displayRemarks
FUNCTIONENG Index for opening the FUNCTION
screen.
BATTERY/TAPEENG Index for opening the BATTERY/TAPE
screen.
VTR VF
INDICATORENG Index for opening the VTR VF
INDICATOR screen.
MIC/AUDIOENG Index for opening the MIC/AUDIO
screen.
TC/UBENG Index for opening the TC/UB screen.
VTR USER MENU SELECT screen
This is the index screen for opening the screens
containing the items to be registered on the VTR unit’s
USER MENU.
VTR CARD READ/WRITE screen
The settings for saving the menu data onto the setup
card and loading the data from it are performed on this
screen.
ItemVariable
rangeRemarks
READ==VF
displayENG For loading the VTR data
from the setup card.
WRITE==ENG For saving the VTR data
onto the setup card.
READ USER
DATA==ENG For loading the VTR user
area data contained in the
unit’s internal memory.
VTR INITIALIZE screen
The VTR MENU settings are initialized and the user
data is saved on this screen.
ItemVariable
rangeRemarks
READ FACTORY
DATA==VF
displayENG For returning the menu
data to the factory
settings.
WRITE VTR
USER DATA==ENG For saving the VTR MENU
data inherent to the user
into the unit’s memory.
DIAGNOSTIC screen
The use statuses and software versions are displayed
on this screen.
ItemVariable
rangeRemarks
OPERATION==VF
displayENG Operating time with power
ON.
DRUM RUNNING==ENG Number of hours the drum
has rotated.
THREADING==ENG Number of times tapes
have been loaded.
VTR SYSCON==ENG For displaying the version
of the system
microcomputer.
SERVO==ENG For displaying the version
of the servo
microcomputer.
MECHACON==ENG For displaying the version
of the mechanism control
microcomputer.
FRONT==ENG For displaying the version
of the LCD panel drive
microcomputer. 
						

							103
Setting menu screens (VTR USER MENU SELECT)
ON (¢ ¢
) or OFF (≥
) is set on this screen to determine which items are to be registered on the USER MENU
screen.
The maximum number of VTR unit items which can be registered is 14.
FUNCTION screen
ItemVariable
rangeRemarks
NEWS REC
MODE¢ ¢
≥
VF
display
ENG For setting the registration
of the NEWS REC MODE
item on the USER MENU
screen.
HUMID OPE¢ ¢
≥ENG For setting the registration
of the HUMID OPE item
on the USER MENU
screen.
REC START¢ ¢
≥ENG For setting the registration
of the REC START item
on the USER MENU
screen.
PAUSE TIMER¢ ¢
≥ENG For setting the registration
of the PAUSE TIMER item
on the USER MENU
screen.
RETAKE MODE¢ ¢
≥ENG For setting the registration
of the RETAKE MODE
item on the USER MENU
screen.
HD SDI OUT¢ ¢
≥ENG For setting the registration
of the HD SDI OUT item
on the USER MENU
screen.
INTERVAL REC
MODE¢ ¢
≥ENG For setting the registration
of the INTERVAL REC
MODE item on the USER
MENU screen.
INTERVAL REC
TIME¢ ¢
≥ENG For setting the registration
of the INTERVAL REC
TIME item on the USER
MENU screen.
INTERVAL
PAUSE TIME¢ ¢
≥ENG For setting the registration
of the INTERVAL PAUSE
TIME item on the USER
MENU screen.
BATTERY/TAPE screen
ItemVariable
rangeRemarks
BATTERY
SELECT¢ ¢
≥VF
displayENG For setting the registration
of the BATTERY SELECT
item on the USER MENU
screen.
EXT DC IN
SELECT¢ ¢
≥ENG For setting the registration
of the EXT DC IN
SELECT item on the
USER MENU screen.
BATT NEAR
END ALARM¢ ¢
≥ENG For setting the registration
of the BATT NEAR END
ALARM item on the USER
MENU screen.
BATT NEAR
END CANCEL¢ ¢
≥ENG For setting the registration
of the BATT NEAR END
CANCEL item on the
USER MENU screen.
BATT END
ALARM¢ ¢
≥ENG For setting the registration
of the BATT END ALARM
item on the USER MENU
screen.
BATT REMAIN
FULL¢ ¢
≥ENG For setting the registration
of the BATT REMAIN
FULL item on the USER
MENU screen.
TAPE NEAR
END ALARM¢ ¢
≥ENG For setting the registration
of the TAPE NEAR END
ALARM item on the USER
MENU screen.
TAPE NEAR
END TIME¢ ¢
≥ENG For setting the registration
of the TAPE NEAR END
TIME item on the USER
MENU screen.
TAPE END
ALARM¢ ¢
≥ENG For setting the registration
of the TAPE END ALARM
item on the USER MENU
screen.
TAPE REMAIN /
$¢ ¢
≥ENG For setting the registration
of the TAPE REMAIN/
$
item on the USER MENU
screen.
The underlining in the variable range column indicates the setting in the preset mode. 
						

							104
Setting menu screens (VTR USER MENU SELECT)
ON (¢ ¢
) or OFF (≥
) is set on this screen to determine which items are to be registered on the USER MENU
screen.
The maximum number of VTR unit items which can be registered is 14.
The underlining in the variable range column indicates the setting in
the preset mode.
VTR VF INDICATOR screen
ItemVariable
rangeRemarks
TAPE (IND)¢ ¢
≥VF
displayENG For setting the registration
of the TAPE (VF
INDICATOR) item on the
USER MENU screen.
BATTERY (IND)¢ ¢
≥ENG For setting the registration
of the BATTERY (VF
INDICATOR) item on the
USER MENU screen.
LVEL METER
(IND)¢ ¢
≥ENG For setting the registration
of the LVEL METER (VF
INDICATOR) item on the
USER MENU screen.
AUDIO IN (IND)¢ ¢
≥ENG For setting the registration
of the AUDIO IN (VF
INDICATOR) item on the
USER MENU screen.
TC (IND)¢ ¢
≥ENG For setting the registration
of the TC (VF
INDICATOR) item on the
USER MENU screen.
VTR WARNING
(IND)¢ ¢
≥ENG For setting the registration
of the VTR WARNING (VF
INDICATOR) item on the
USER MENU screen.
SAVE LED¢ ¢
≥ENG For setting the registration
of the SAVE LED item on
the USER MENU screen.
MIC/AUDIO screen
ItemVariable
rangeRemarks
FRONT MIC
POWER¢ ¢
≥
VF
display
ENG For setting the registration
of the FRONT MIC
POWER item on the
USER MENU screen.
MIC LOWCUT
CH1¢ ¢
≥ENGFor setting the registration of
the MIC LOWCUT CH1 item
on the USER MENU screen.
MIC LOWCUT
CH2¢ ¢
≥ENGFor setting the registration of
the MIC LOWCUT CH2 item
on the USER MENU screen.
LIMITER¢ ¢
≥ENG For setting the registration
of the LIMITER item on
the USER MENU screen.
TEST TONE¢ ¢
≥ENGFor setting the registration
of the TEST TONE item on
the USER MENU screen.
REC CH3/CH4¢ ¢
≥ENGFor setting the registration
of the REC CH3/CH4 item
on the USER MENU screen.
CUE SELECT¢ ¢
≥ENGFor setting the registration
of the CUE SELECT item on
the USER MENU screen.
CUE REC¢ ¢
≥ENG For setting the registration
of the CUE REC item on
the USER MENU screen.
TC/UB screen
ItemVariable
rangeRemarks
TC MODE¢ ¢
≥
VF
display
ENG For setting the registration
of the TC MODE item on
the USER MENU screen.
UB MODE¢ ¢
≥ENG For setting the registration
of the UB MODE item on
the USER MENU screen.
TCG SET HOLD¢ ¢
≥ENGFor setting the registration
of the TCG SET HOLD item
on the USER MENU screen.
FIRST REC TC¢ ¢
≥ENGFor setting the registration
of the FIRST REC TC item
on the USER MENU screen.
P.OFF LCD
DISPLAY¢ ¢
≥ENG For setting the registration
of the P.OFF LCD
DISPLAY item on the
USER MENU screen.
TC OUT¢ ¢
≥ENG For setting the registration
of the TC OUT item on the
USER MENU screen.
VITC UB MODE¢ ¢
≥ENGFor setting the registration
of the VITC UB MODE item
on the USER MENU screen. 
						

							105
Warning system
When a problem is detected immediately after the
power is turned on or during operation, the user is
alerted to the trouble by the display window (LCD),
WARNING lamp and the lamps inside the viewfinder
and also by warning tones heard from the speaker or
earphone.
$SLACK
LCD display
OThe SLACK display flashes.
OAn error code is displayed where the
time code is normally displayed.
WARNING lampThe lamp flashes four times a second.
Tally lampThe lamp flashes four times a second.
Warning alarmThe alarm sounds continuously.
ViewfinderThe SLACK display flashes.
What the warning
indicatesThe warning points to a problem in the
tape take-up.
VTR unit’s operationThe VTR unit stops.
When a solenoid problem has been
detected, the power is turned off.
(The LCD warning display continues.)
Remedial actionCheck the error code (see page 107) in
the display window, and consult your
nearest service center.
$REC WARNING
LCD display“00:00:00:11” appears where the time
code is normally displayed (for at least 5
seconds during recording).
WARNING lampThe lamp flashes four times a second (for
at least 3 seconds during recording).
Tally lampThe lamp flashes four times a second (for
at least 3 seconds during recording).
Warning alarmThe alarm sounds four times a second
(for at least 3 seconds during recording).
ViewfinderThe REC WARNING display flashes (for
at least 3 seconds during recording).
What the warning
indicatesThe warning points to a problem in the
recording control signal.
VTR unit’s operationRecording continues but the signals may
not be recorded properly while the
warning is displayed.
Remedial actionThe warning points to a problem with the
control signal inside the unit.
Consult your nearest service center.
$RF
LCD displayThe RF display flashes (during recording).
WARNING lampThe lamp flashes four times a second
(during recording).
Tally lampThe lamp flashes four times a second
(during recording).
Warning alarmThe alarm sounds four times a second
(during recording).
ViewfinderThe RF display comes on (during
recording).
What the warning
indicatesThe video heads are clogged.
The warning points to a problem in the
recording system.
VTR unit’s operationHead clogging is detected, and the alarm
tone is sounded.
The cleaning roller is activated and the
heads are cleaned (for at least 10
seconds).
Recording continues but the signals may
not be recorded properly.
The warning display is held until the rec-
pause mode is established.  It goes off as
soon as the unit is transferred from the
rec-pause mode.
Remedial actionClean the heads.
If the signals cannot be recorded properly
after cleaning, turn off the power, and
consult your nearest service center.
$SERVO
LCD displayThe SERVO display lights (during
recording and playback).
WARNING lampThe lamp flashes four times a second
(during recording and playback).
Tally lampThe lamp flashes four times a second
(during recording and playback).
Warning alarmThe alarm sounds four times a second
(during recording and playback).
ViewfinderThe SERVO display lights (during
recording and playback).
What the warning
indicatesThe servo operation is disturbed.
VTR unit’s operationOperation continues but the unit may not
operate properly.
Remedial actionTurn off the power, and consult your
nearest service center.  When tape travel
starts, the warning display may flash for a
moment and go off: this is normal and not
indicative of a malfunction. 
						

							106
$HUMID
LCD displayThe HUMID display lights.
The display will flash for 80 minutes after
the condensation detection is released.
WARNING lamp
OThe lamp lights when condensation has
been detected.
OThe lamp will flash once a second after
condensation detection is released.
Tally lampThe lamp flashes four times a second.
Warning alarm
ODuring recording, the alarm sounds four
times a second.
OAt all other times, the alarm sounds
continuously.
ViewfinderThe HUMID display lights.
What the warning
indicatesCondensation has formed.
VTR unit’s operationThe VTR unit’s operation differs depending
on the setting selected for HUMID OPE on
the setting menu.
OWhen the ON setting has been selected,
the VTR unit continues to operate.
OWhen the OFF setting has been
selected, the VTR unit continues with
the recording, but this operation will stop
if the tape sticks.
For 80 minutes after condensation
detection is released, the drum will
rotate however no other operation is
possible.
Remedial actionStop the tape travel, and turn off the
power.
If the HUMID display fails to go off even
when the power is turned off and back on,
wait until it goes off.
$BATTERY NEAR END
LCD display
WARNING lampThe lamp flashes once a second.
Tally lampThe lamp flashes once a second.
Warning alarmThe alarm sounds four times a second.
ViewfinderThe BATT display flashes once a second.
What the warning
indicatesThe battery is near the end of its charge.
VTR unit’s operationThe VTR unit continues to operate.
Remedial actionReplace the battery if necessary.
E
BATTF
This segment flashes.
$BATTERY END
LCD display
WARNING lampThe lamp lights.
Tally lampThe lamp flashes once a second.
Warning alarmThe alarm sounds continuously.
ViewfinderThe BATT display lights.
What the warning
indicatesThe battery is at the end of its charge.
VTR unit’s operationAll operation is stopped and the tape is
unloaded.
Only cassette eject operation is possible.
Remedial actionReplace the battery.
E
BATTF
All the segments flash.
$TAPE NEAR END
LCD display
WARNING lampThe lamp flashes once a second (during
recording).
Tally lampThe lamp flashes once a second (during
recording).
Warning alarmThe alarm sounds once a second (during
recording).
This can be switched on the setting menu.
Viewfinder
OThe remaining tape display flashes
once a second (in the E-E mode).
OThe SAVE lamp flashes in tandem with
the warning alarm (when SAVE&TAPE
has been selected as the setting for the
SAVE LED item on the VTR VF
INDICATOR screen of VTR MENU).
O“=
” flashes once a second (three
seconds during recording).
What the warning
indicatesThe tape is approaching its end.
VTR unit’s operationThe VTR unit continues to operate.
Remedial actionReplace the cassette tape if necessary.
E TAPE
F
This segment flashes.
E TAPE
F
$TAPE END
LCD display
WARNING lampThe lamp lights (during stop and in the
standby OFF mode).
Tally lampThe lamp flashes 4 times a second
(during stop and in the standby OFF
mode).
Warning alarmThe alarm sounds continuously (during
stop and in the standby OFF mode).
Viewfinder
OThe SAVE display flashes four times a
second (during stop and in the standby
OFF mode).
O“=
” lights (during stop and in the
standby OFF mode).
What the warning
indicatesThe tape has come to its end.
VTR unit’s operationIf recording, playback or fast forwarding is
in progress, the operation is stopped.
Remedial actionRewind the tape.
Alternatively, replace the cassette tape.All the segments flash.
Warning system 
						

							107
2,5
EMERGENCY
screw

ODo not turn the EMERGENCY screw except in an
emergency.
ODo not turn the screw clockwise.  Stop turning the
screw as soon as the tape is ejected.  Otherwise,
the mechanism may be damaged.
OAfter the tape is ejected, the cassette holder will not
lock into place even when an attempt is made to
close it.  Be sure to turn the power off and turn it
back on to reset the mechanism’s operation, and
then close the cassette holder.
OA clicking sound will be heard when the
EMERGENCY screw is turned: this sound is made
by the reel drive operation and is therefore not
indicative of a malfunction.
OThis screw needs to be rotated through about 20 turns
after the first turn until the unloading can be started.
OThis screw needs to be rotated through about 90 turns
after the first turn until the tape is ejected.
Emergency eject
If the cassette cannot be ejected by pressing the
EJECT button, use a screwdriver or similar tool to
press and turn the EMERGENCY screw.  This
enables the cassette to be removed.
Error codes
One of the following error codes appears in the
display window when an error has occurred in the unit
for some reason.
1Set the power to OFF.
1Set the power to OFF.
2Remove the rubber cap where shown in the figure.
Insert a Phillips head screwdriver into the cross-
shaped part of the EMERGENCY screw (red).
3While pushing in with the screwdriver, turn the
EMERGENCY screw counterclockwise until the
tape is ejected.
OThis screw needs to be rotated through about 20
turns after the first turn until the unloading can
be started.
OThis screw needs to be rotated through about 90
turns after the first turn until the tape is ejected.
4Remove the cassette.
5Return the rubber cap to its original position.
4Cassette
holder
3Push in and turn at the same time.
Code No.Description of error
07Pinch solenoid problem
08Cleaning solenoid problem
0BSupply reel problem
0CTake-up reel problem
0DCapstan problem
0ECylinder problem
0FLoading problem
3FServo problem 
						

							108
Maintenance
The water vapor in the air may form as tiny droplets
on the head drum when the unit is moved from a cold
location to a warm location or used in a very humid
place.  This phenomenon is known as condensation,
and running the tape under these conditions is liable
to cause the tape to stick to the drum.
Note the following points:
ORemove the tape when the unit’s operation is to be
started in conditions where condensation may form.
OBefore loading the tape, set the power switch to
ON, and check that the HUMID display is not
lighted in the display window.

For safety reasons, the HUMID display will flash and
the drum will rotate for 80 minutes after condensation
detection is released.
During this time, the operation buttons cannot be
operated.
Check that the HUMID display
is not lighted.
Condensation
Use the AJ-CL12LP cleaning cassette if the heads
need to be cleaned.  Take care to read the
instructions accompanying the cleaning tape since the
video heads may be damaged if the tape is not used
in the correct way.
Head cleaning
ODo not use thinners or any other solvent to remove
dirt.
OUse a lens cleaner available on the market to wipe
the lens.
ONEVER wipe the mirror.
If dirt or dust has found its way onto the mirror,
remove it using an air blower available on the
market.
Cleaning inside the viewfinder
Smear
This phenomenon may occur when very bright
subjects are shot.
The faster the electronic shutter speed, the more likely
that it will occur.
Phenomena inherent to CCD
cameras
Replacing the backup battery
The backup battery is already installed when the unit
is shipped.
When it has discharged, the “BACK UP BATT
EMPTY” display appears for 3 seconds on the
viewfinder screen when the POWER switch is set to
ON.
Moreover, the time code value of the TCG will be set
to “00:00:00:00” and the backup of the time code
value will no longer be possible: this means that the
backup battery should be replaced.
Consult with your nearest service center, and replace
the spent battery with a new battery (CR2032 or
BR2032).
Backup battery 
						

							109
Inspections prior to shooting
Perform the following inspections prior to shooting to
check that the systems are operating properly.
It is recommended that the images be checked using
a color monitor.
Preparation for inspection
1Insert a fully charged battery.Set the camera unit’s switches as shown in the figure
below.
Inspecting the camera unit
Aperture:Automatic 
Zoom:AutomaticWHITE BAL:
A or B OUTPUT/AUTO
KNEE:BARS VTR SAVE/STBY:STBY
2Set the POWER switch to ON, and check that the
HUMID display has not come on and that at least 5
segments of the BATTERY display are lighted.
OIf the HUMID display has come on, wait until it
goes off.
OIf fewer than 5 segments of the BATTERY
display have lighted, replace the battery with
one having an adequate charge.
3After checking that there are no cables near the
cassette holder or top panel, press the EJECT
button to open the cassette holder.
4After checking the following points, load the
cassette tape and close the cassette holder.
OThe cassette tape must not be set to the
accidental erasure prevention mode.
OThere must be no tape slack.
1 24
2 3
GAIN:Normally set to 0 dB; change
to a more suitable value if
the picture is too dark. 
						

							110
Inspections prior to shooting
Inspecting the viewfinder
1Adjust the position of the viewfinder.
2Check that the color bar signals are displayed on
the viewfinder screen, and adjust the BRIGHT,
CONTRAST and PEAKING controls in such a way
that the color bar signals appear clearly on the
viewfinder.
3Check that the MENU screen is shown on the
viewfinder screen and that the item settings can be
changed by operating the MENU button or JOG
dial button.
(Refer to pages 70 to 72 for the menu operations.)
4Set the OUTPUT/AUTO KNEE switch to CAM, and
select the settings for the CC and ND FILTER
controls.
Check that the figures for the FILTER displays on
the viewfinder screen change to reflect the
changes in the control positions.
6Repeatedly press the SHUTTER switch from ON to
SEL, and check that the shutter setting changes on
the viewfinder screen.
7Point the lens at any object, and turn the focus ring
to bring the object into focus.
Check that an image of the object appears on the
viewfinder.
8Set both the AUDIO IN CH1 and CH2 switches to
FRONT, and set LEVEL METER on the VTR VF
INDICATOR screen of VTR MENU to CH1.
Check when sound is input from the microphone
connected to the MIC IN jack on the lens that the
audio level is displayed on the viewfinder screen.
Check when LEVEL METER on the VTR VF
INDICATOR screen of VTR MENU is set to OFF
that the audio level display is cleared from the
viewfinder screen.
9Check when the ZEBRA switch is set to ON that
the zebra pattern appears on the viewfinder
screen, and check when it is set to OFF that it is
cleared from the screen.

Depending on the setting statuses, the items and
functions in steps 
3to 6may not be displayed or they
may not operate.
In a case like this, switch the unit to the engineer
mode, set DISPLAY MODE on the menu’s VF
DISPLAY screen to “3,” and set the necessary items
on the SHUTTER SPEED, !LED and CAM USER
MENU SELECT 1, 2 and 3 screens.
5Take the following steps, and check that the 
lamp lights when the items set to ON on the !LED
screen of CAM MENU have been operated.
1. Use the GAIN switch to set the gain to any value
except 0 dB.
2. Set the SHUTTER switch to ON.
3. Set the WHITE BAL switch to PRST.
4. Engage the lens extender.
5. Set the FILTER controls to any setting except B.