Panasonic Digital Video Cassette Recorder Ajd850a Operating Instructions

							Ð 91 Ð
Table of AUTO OFF Error messages
Counter display DescriptionVTR operation(Restart condition)
CAP ROTATE TOO 
SLOW 
CAP TENSION ERROR 
DEW
DRUM ROTATE TOO 
FAST
E-FF 
DRUM ROTATE TOO 
SLOW
If the capstan motor speed is abnormally low, the  
AUTO OFF lamp lights, and the message display 
flashes.STOP 
(POWER OFF
®ON)
If an abnormal tension at the supply side is detected  
in the capstan mode, the AUTO OFF lamp lights, and 
the message display flashes.STOP 
(POWER OFF ®ON)
If condensation is detected, the AUTO OFF lamp  
lights, the message display flashes, and the VTR is 
transferred to the eject mode. After the tape is 
ejected, the drum rotates in order to eliminate the 
condensation.
When the condensation has been eliminated, the 
AUTO OFF lamp and message display go off, and 
the VTR can be used.

 1) 
 2)
EJECT 
(Normal operation
resumed after
condensation is
eliminated)
If the cylinder motor speed is abnormally high, the  
AUTO OFF lamp lights, and the message display 
flashes.STOP 
(POWER OFF ®ON)
If the tape start and tape end are detected simulta- 
neously either during or after loading, the AUTO OFF 
lamp lights, and the message display flashes.STOP 
(POWER OFF ®ON)
If condensation is detected in the eject mode, the  
drum starts rotating as soon as it is detected.
If condensation is detected when the cassette 
has been inserted, the drum rotation is stopped, 
and after the tape is ejected, the drum starts 
rotating.
If the cylinder motor speed is abnormally low, the 
AUTO OFF lamp lights, and the message display 
flashes.
STOP 
(POWER OFF ®ON)
FRONT LOAD MOTORIf the cassette does not move up even when 6  
seconds have elapsed since the VTR was transferred 
to the eject mode, the AUTO OFF lamp lights, and 
the message display flashes.

If the cassette does not move down inside the 
machine even when 6 seconds have elapsed since 
the cassette was inserted, the VTR is transferred to 
the eject mode.
STOP 
(POWER OFF ®ON)
LOADING MOTORWhen the unloading operation is not completed within  
6 seconds, the AUTO OFF lamp lights, and the 
message display flashes.

When the loading operation is not completed within 6 
seconds, the VTR is transferred to the eject (unload-
ing) mode.
STOP 
(POWER OFF ®ON)
FRONT LOAD ERRORThe AUTO OFF lamp lights and the message display  
flashes when the take-up reel has been rotating idly 
for a fixed period of time while the start/end 
processing operation during loading (half position) is 
being performed or when it was impossible to eject 
the tape.
STOP 
(POWER OFF ®ON)
Monitor display
CAP ROTA TOO 
SLOW 
CAP TENSION ERROR 
DEW 
DRUM ROTA TOO 
FAST 
E-FF 
DRUM ROTA TOO 
SLOW 
FRONT LOAD MOTOR 
LOADING MOTORFRONT LOAD ERROR 
						

							Ð 92 Ð
SERVO CONTROL 
ERROR
Counter display DescriptionVTR operation(Restart condition)
REEL DIR UNMATCHIf the reel motor at the take-up side is running in the  
reverse direction, the AUTO OFF lamp lights, and the 
message display flashes.STOP 
(POWER OFF
®ON)
REEL TENSION ERROR
SERVO COMM ERROR
SERVO ERROR
S-FF/REW TIMEOVER
S REEL ROTA TOO 
FAST
T REEL ROTA TOO 
FAST
T REEL TORQUE 
ERROR
UNLOAD ERROR 
S REEL TORQUE 
ERROR 
WINDUP ERROR
If an abnormal tension at the supply side is detected  
in the reel mode, the AUTO OFF lamp lights, and the 
message display flashes.STOP 
(POWER OFF ®ON)
When the servo microcomputer does not follow the  
instructions of the system control microcomputer 
even when 10 seconds have elapsed, the AUTO OFF 
lamp lights, and the message display flashes.STOP 
(POWER OFF ®ON)
When there is no response from the servo micro- 
computer for 1 or more seconds, the AUTO OFF 
lamp lights, and the message display flashes.STOP 
(POWER OFF ®ON)
When only the servo microcomputer was reset in an  
instantaneous power failure, the AUTO OFF lamp 
lights, and the message display flashes.STOP 
(POWER OFF ®ON)
If the start/end processing operation is not completed,  
the AUTO OFF lamp lights, and the message display 
flashes.STOP 
(POWER OFF ®ON)
If the supply reel motor should rotate at an ab- 
normally fast rate, the AUTO OFF lamp lights, and 
the message display flashes.STOP 
(POWER OFF ®ON)
If an abnormal torque applied to the supply reel motor  
is detected, the AUTO OFF lamp lights, and the 
message display flashes.STOP 
(POWER OFF ®ON)
If the take-up reel motor should rotate at an ab- 
normally fast rate, the AUTO OFF lamp lights, and 
the message display flashes.STOP 
(POWER OFF ®ON)
If an abnormal torque applied to the take-up reel  
motor is detected, the AUTO OFF lamp lights, and 
the message display flashes.STOP 
(POWER OFF ®ON)
If the tape has not been wound up during unloading,  
the AUTO OFF lamp lights, and the message display 
flashes.STOP 
(POWER OFF ®ON)
If the tape was not wound up at less than the  
standard speed (1 ´) when the total tape amount was 
not detected or if abnormal tape slack or tension was 
detected at speeds above 1 ´ after the total tape 
amount was detected, the AUTO OFF lamp lights, 
and the message display flashes.
STOP 
(POWER OFF ®ON)
WINDUP REEL NOT 
ROTAIf, after the cassette has been inserted, the tape take- 
up reel has not wound up the tape at the standard 
speed (1 ´) or faster while the total tape amount is not 
detected and while the tape is traveling in the forward 
or reverse direction, the AUTO OFF lamp lights, and 
the message display flashes.
STOP 
(POWER OFF ®ON)
Monitor display
SERVO CONTROL 
ERR 
REEL DIR UNMATCH 
REEL TENSION ERROR 
SERVO COMM ERROR 
SERVO ERROR 
S-FF/REW TIMEOVER 
S REEL TOO FAST 
T REEL TOO FAST 
T REEL TORQUE 
ERR 
UNLOAD ERROR 
S REEL TORQUE 
ERR 
WINDUP ERROR 
W-UP REEL NOT ROTA
Table of AUTO OFF Error messages 
						

							Ð 93 Ð
1. Introduction
(1) The VTR can be operated by commands when the RS-232C interface is used.
(See command table on pages 96 Ð 98.)
(2) Conditions for acknowledging commands from RS-232C interface
The front panel REMOTE/LOCAL switch must be at REMOTE.
The setup menu item No. 204 ÒRS232C SELÓ must be ON.
If the above conditions are not met, [ACK] + [STX]ER001[EXT] is returned to the external unit.
Whether the [ACK] code is returned depends on the setting which has been selected for setup menu item No. 209
ÒRETURN ACKÓ.
2. Hardware specifications
External interface specifications
1) Connector specifications
Connector: D-SUB 25-pin (crossover cable supported)
Pin No. Signal Circuit name Description
1 FG Protective ground Frame ground
2 RXD Received data Data is sent to PC.
3 TXD Transmitted data Data is received from PC.
4 CTS Clear to send Shorted with pin 5.
5 RTS Request to send Shorted with pin 4.
6 DTR Data terminal ready No processing
7 SG Signal ground Signal ground
20 DSR Data set ready + voltage output after communication enable status
2) Example of connection with controller (PC)
nUsing crossover cable with D-SUB 25-pinnUsing crossover cable with D-SUB 9-pin and
connectors 25-pin connectors
PC side
(D-SUB 25-pin
connector)
FG
TXD
RXD
RTS
CTS
DSR
SG
DTR1
2
3
4
5
6
7
20
VTR side
FG
RXD
TXD
CTS
RTS
DTR
SG
DSR 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
20
PC side
(D-SUB 9-pin
connector)
RXD
TXD
DTR
SG
DSR
RTS
CTS2
3
4
5
6
7
8FG
RXD
TXD
CTS
RTS
DTR
SG
DSR 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
20
VTR side
RS-232C interface 
						

							RS-232C interface
Ð 94 Ð
3. Software specifications
Protocol
1) Communication parameters
Communication system Asynchronous, full duplex
Communication speed 300/600/1200/2400/4800/9600
Bit length 7 bit/8 bit
Stop bit1 bit/2 bit
Parity bitNONE/ODD/EVEN
ACK codeACK code returned/ACK code not returned

The ACK code is what is returned from the VTR to the controller when data has
been successfully sent from the controller.
The underlining indicates the factory settings.
Any changes to the settings can be made using the setup menu items listed below.
Communication parameter Setup menu item
Communication speed No. 205 BAUD RATE
Bit length No. 206 DATA LENGTH
Stop bit No. 207 STOP BIT
Parity bit No. 208 PARITY
ACK code No. 209 RETURN ACK
2) Send format [controller (PC) ® VTR]
n Data format
[STX] [command] [:] [data] [ETX]
02h XX XX XX 3Ah XX-XX 03h¬(ASCII code: symbols, numbers upper-case letters)
20h
						

							Ð 95 Ð
3) Return format [VTR ® controller (PC)]
The following responses are made to the command. If necessary, more than one response is made.
n When the communication has terminated normally
1. The receive completion message is returned.
[ACK]
06h
2. The execution completion message is returned.
[STX] [command] [data] [ETX]
02h XX XX XX XX-XX 03h
¥ [command]: This is the message (data) which is returned or the execution completion message identifier.
¥ [data]: This is the data to be returned. It can be omitted.
Example: Send command Return message (data)
[STX] OPL [ETX]®[ACK] [STX] OPL [ETX]
n When the communication has terminated abnormally
[NACK]
15h
n When processing is not possible due to incorrect data or trouble in the VTR
1. The receive completion message is returned.
[ACK]
06h
2. An error code is returned.
[STX] E R N
1 N2 N3[ETX]
02h Error code 03h
4. Error code table
ER001: Invalid command
¥ Unsupported command received.
¥ Error in command execution
ER002: Parameter error
ER102: VTR mode error (front loading motor)
ER103: VTR mode error (loading motor)
ER104: VTR mode error (drum, capstan system)
ER105: VTR mode error (reel system)
ER106: VTR mode error (tension system)
ER108: VTR dew error
ER1FF: VTR system error 
						

							RS-232C interface
Ð 96 Ð
VTR
operationSend commandReturn (completion)
messageSupplementary notes
[STX] OSP [ETX] STOP
[STX] OSP [ETX]This command is for stopping the tape travel.
The resulting output picture and sound statuses 
differ according to the settings selected for the setup 
menu No. 105 (AUTO EE SEL).
[STX] OEJ [ETX] EJECT [STX] OEJ [ETX]This command is for ejecting the cassette tape.
The resulting output picture and sound statuses 
differ according to the settings selected for the setup 
menu No. 105 (AUTO EE SEL).
[STX] OPL [ETX] PLAY [STX] OPL [ETX]This command is for starting playback.
[STX] ORW [ETX] REWIND [STX] ORW [ETX]This command is for rewinding the tape.
The resulting output picture and sound statuses 
differ according to the settings selected for the setup 
menu No. 105 (AUTO EE SEL).
The maximum tape speed differs according to the 
setting selected for setup menu No. 102 (FF. REW 
MAX).
[STX] OFF [ETX] FAST
FORWARD[STX] OFF [ETX]This command is for fast forwarding the tape.
The resulting output picture and sound statuses 
differ according to the settings selected for the setup 
menu No. 105 (AUTO EE SEL).
The maximum tape speed differs according to the 
setting selected for setup menu No. 102 (FF. REW 
MAX).
[STX] ORC [ETX] REC [STX] ORC [ETX]This command is for starting the recording.
[STX] OSF:data [ETX] SHTL
FORWARD[STX] OSF [ETX]This is the forward direction shuttle command.
data = n:
0:
1:
2:
3:
4:
5:
6:
7:
8:
9:
A:speed data
STILL
´0.03
´0.1
´0.2
´0.5
´1
´1.85
´4.1
´9.5
´16
´32(DVCPRO),
(DVCPRO),
(DVCPRO),
(DVCPRO),
(DVCPRO),
(DVCPRO),
(DVCPRO),
(DVCPRO),
(DVCPRO),
(DVCPRO),´0.03
´0.1
´0.3
´0.5
´1
´1.85
´3.1
´9.5
´16
´32(DV, DVCAM)
(DV, DVCAM)
(DV, DVCAM)
(DV, DVCAM)
(DV, DVCAM)
(DV, DVCAM)
(DV, DVCAM)
(DV, DVCAM)
(DV, DVCAM) :
(DV, DVCAM) :This speed differs according to the setting 
selected for setup menu No. 101 (SHTL MAX).
This speed differs according to the setting 
selected for setup menu No. 101 (SHTL MAX).
5. Command table
(1) Commands relating to operation control

¥ As for the return (completion) message, [ACK] is first returned when data is received, and the execution message is
subsequently returned. It is only the execution message which is listed in this table.
¥ In the case of commands not listed in the table, ER001 (invalid command) is returned after [ACK] has been returned. 
						

							Ð 97 Ð
VTR
operationSend commandReturn (completion)
messageSupplementary notes
[STX] OBF [ETX] STANDBY
OFF[STX] OBF [ETX]This command is setting the VTR to standby OFF.
[STX] OSR:data [ETX] SHTL
REVERSE[STX] OSR [ETX]This is the reverse direction shuttle command.
data = n:
0:
1:
2:
3:
4:
5:
6:
7:
8:
9:
A:speed data
STILL
´0.03
´0.1
´0.2
´0.43
´1
´1.85
´4.1
´9.5
´16
´32(DVCPRO),
(DVCPRO),
(DVCPRO),
(DVCPRO),
(DVCPRO),
(DVCPRO),
(DVCPRO),
(DVCPRO),
(DVCPRO),
(DVCPRO),´0.03
´0.1
´0.3
´0.5
´1
´1.85
´3.1
´9.5
´16
´32(DV, DVCAM)
(DV, DVCAM)
(DV, DVCAM)
(DV, DVCAM)
(DV, DVCAM)
(DV, DVCAM)
(DV, DVCAM)
(DV, DVCAM)
(DV, DVCAM) :
(DV, DVCAM) :This speed differs according to the setting 
selected for setup menu No. 101 (SHTL MAX).
This speed differs according to the setting 
selected for setup menu No. 101 (SHTL MAX).
[STX] OBN [ETX] STANDBY
ON[STX] OBN [ETX]This command is setting the VTR to standby ON. 
						

							RS-232C interface
Ð 98 Ð
VTR
operationSend commandReturn (completion)
messageSupplementary notes
[STX] QCD [ETX] CTL/TC
DATA
REQUEST
[STX] CD data [ETX]This command is for inquiring about the counter 
value.
[STX] QOP [ETX] STATUS
REQUEST[STX] xxx [ETX] data =  f w gh mm ss ff
f
w
gh
mm
ss
ff= F
= S
=
CTL:
TC:
=
=
=g =
h =
gh =SP (20h):
– (2Dh):
0 – 9: hours
00 – 23: hours
00 – 59: minutes
00 – 59: seconds
00 – 29: framesfor a plus display
for a minus display
CTL or TC is returned,
whichever corresponds
to the front display
mode.
This command is for inquiring about the VTR’s oper-
ation mode.
xxx = 
data = AJ-D850OEJ:
OFF:
OPL:
ORC:
ORW:
OSP:
SRS:
OBF:
OSF:
OSR:
OJG:
OSW:
EAE:
EON:
EPV:
ERV:EJECT
FAST FORWARD
PLAY
REC
REWIND
STOP (including the STANDBY ON)
(IN/OUT) PREROLL
STANDBY OFF
SHTL FORWARD
SHTL REVERSE
JOG FORWARD/REVERSE
VAR FORWARD/REVERSE
AUTO EDIT
EDIT ON (MANUAL EDIT)
PREVIEW
REVIEW
[STX] QID [ETX] ID (VTR No.)
REQUEST[STX] data [ETX]This command is for inquiring about the VTR used.
(2) Commands relating to inquiries

¥ As for the return (completion) message, [ACK] is first returned when data is received, and the execution message is
subsequently returned. It is only the execution message which is listed in this table.
¥ In the case of commands not listed in the table, ER001 (invalid command) is returned after [ACK] has been returned. 
						

							Ð 99 Ð
(3) Microsoft QuickBASIC sample program
CLS
STX$ = CHR$(&H2): ETX$ = CHR$ (&H3): NAK$ = CHR$(15): ACK$ = CHR$(&H6)
PRINT *** RS-232C COMMUNICATION SAMPLE PROGRAM ***
PRINT Type Command QUIT to quit.
PRINT
REM *** Communication Port Initial & Open ***
REM Port 1,9600Bps,No parity,8 bit data,1 stop bit
OPEN COM1:9600,N,8,1 FOR RANDOM AS #1 LEN = 256
REM *** Input Command & Send Command ***
SendCmd:
INPUT Input Command =; SEND$
IF SEND$ = QUIT THEN GOTO ProgEnd
PRINT #1, STX$ + SEND$ + ETX$
REM *** Wait for Receive Command ***
WHILE LOC(1) = 0
        WAITKEY$ = INKEY$
        IF WAITKEY$ = Q THEN PRINT *** Quit ***: GOTO ProgEnd
WEND
REM *** Receive Command ***
RecvCmd:
RECV$ = INPUT$(1, #1)
IF RECV$ = STX$ THEN RECV$ = [Stx]
IF RECV$ = ACK$ THEN RECV$ = [Ack]
IF RECV$ = NAK$ THEN RECV$ = [Nak]
IF RECV$ = ETX$ THEN BUFFER$ = BUFFER$ + [Etx]: GOTO DispOut
BUFFER$ = BUFFER$ + RECV$
GOTO RecvCmd
REM *** Output Receive Command ***
DispOut:
PRINT Receive Command =; BUFFER$
PRINT
BUFFER$ = 
GOTO SendCmd
REM *** End Program ***
ProgEnd:
CLOSE
END
MICROSOFT QUICKBASIC is a registered trade mark of Microsoft Corporation. 
						

							Ð 100 Ð
Connector signals
VIDEO IN
SERIAL IN (DIGITAL) BNC ´ 2 Active through (Option)
Y,  PB, PR (ANALOG) BNC ´ 3
VIDEO IN BNC ´ 2Loop-through, 75W termination
switch provided
REF VIDEO IN BNC ´ 2Loop-through, 75W termination
switch provided
VIDEO OUT
SERIAL OUT (DIGITAL) BNC ´ 3 (Option)
Y,  PB, PR (ANALOG) BNC ´ 3
VIDEO OUT BNC ´ 3
AUDIO IN
SERIAL IN (DIGITAL) BNC ´ 2 (Option)
AUDIO IN (DIGITAL) XLR ´ 2 CH1/CH2, AES/EBU format
AUDIO IN (ANALOG) XLR ´ 2 CH1, CH2
CUE IN XLR ´ 1
TIME CODE IN XLR ´ 1
AUDIO OUT
SERIAL OUT (DIGITAL) BNC ´ 3 (Option)
AUDIO OUT (DIGITAL) XLR ´ 2 CH1/CH2, AES/EBU format
AUDIO OUT (ANALOG) XLR ´ 2 CH1, CH2
CUE OUT XLR ´ 1
TIME CODE OUT XLR ´ 1
MONITOR OUT XLR ´ 2 L (CH1)/R (CH2)
HEADPHONES (front) Mini-jack
RS-422A REMOTE (9P)
REMOTE IN/OUT
Pin No.SignalPin No.SignalPin No.Signal
1 FRAME GROUND 4RECEIVE COMMON7 TRANSMIT B
2 TRANSMIT A 5ÑÑÑÑÑ 8RECEIVE A
3 RECEIVE B 6TRANSMIT COMMON9 FRAME GROUND
REMOTE OUT
Pin No.SignalPin No.SignalPin No.Signal
1 FRAME GROUND 4TRANSMIT COMMON7 RECEIVE B
2 RECEIVE A 5ÑÑÑÑÑ 8TRANSMIT A
3 TRANSMIT B 6RECEIVE COMMON9 FRAME GROUND
Pin No. Signal
1
2
3GND
HOT
COLD