Service Note - Sony HDR-GW55VE Service Manual

1-1. WATER-PROOF, DUST-PROOF, AND SHOCK-PROOF
1-1-1. Water-proof, Dust-proof, and Shock-proof Performance
About water-proof,
dust-proof, and shock-
proof performance of
Notes before using the camcorder
the camcorder
under/near water

This camcorder is equipped to be water-
proof, dust-proof and shock-proof.
Damage caused from misuse, abuse
or failure to properly maintain the
camcorder is not covered by the limited

warranty.
 This camcorder is water-proof/dust-proof
equivalent to IEC60529 IP58. The camcorder is
operable up to a water depth of 5 m (16 feet) for
60 minutes.
 Do not subject the camcorder to pressurized
water, such as from a tap.
 Do not use in hot springs.
 Use the camcorder in the recommended
operating water temperature range of 0 °C to
40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F).
 Meeting MIL-STD 810F Method 516.5-Shock
standards, this product has passed the required
tests when dropped from a height of 1.5 m (4
feet) above a 5 cm (2 in.) -thick plywood board

(with the LCD screen closed, facing toward the
camcorder body) * .
* Depending on use conditions and
circumstances, no guarantee is made
regarding damage to, malfunction of, or the
water-proof performance of this camcorder.

 As for dust-proof/shock-proof performance,
there is no guarantee that the camcorder will
not become scratched or dented.
 Sometimes water-proof performance is lost if
the camcorder is subjected to a strong shock
such as from being dropped. We recommend

the camcorder be inspected at an authorized
repair shop for a fee.

 Accessories supplied do not meet water-proof,
dust-proof, and shock-proof specifications.
HDR-GW55VE/GW77/GW77E/GW77V/GW77VE_L2
Make sure that no foreign matter such as sand,
hair, or dirt gets inside the battery/memory
card/jack cover. Even a small amount of
foreign matter may lead to water entering the
camcorder.
Confirm that the sealing gasket and its mating
surfaces have not become scratched. Even a
small scratch may lead to water entering the
camcorder. If the sealing gasket or its mating
surfaces become scratched, take the camcorder
to an authorized repair shop to have the sealing
gasket replaced for a fee.
 Sealing gasket
 The sealing surfaces of the sealing gasket
If dirt or sand gets on the sealing gasket or its
mating surfaces, wipe the area clean with a
soft cloth that will not leave behind any fibers.
Prevent the sealing gasket from becoming
scratched by touching it while charging a
battery or using a cable.
Do not open/close the battery/memory
card/jack cover with wet or sandy hands or near
water. There is a risk this will lead to sand or
water getting inside. Before opening the cover,
perform the procedure described in "Cleaning
after using the camcorder under/near water".
Open the battery/memory card/jack cover with
the camcorder completely dry.
Always confirm that the battery/memory card/
jack cover has been securely locked.

1. SERVICE NOTE

Notes on using the camcorder under/
near water
 The touch panel may be activated by water
splashes on the screen icons.
 The touch panel cannot be operated
underwater. Use the buttons of the camcorder
to perform shooting operations.
 Do not subject the camcorder to shock such as
from jumping into water.
 Do not open and close the battery/memory
card/jack cover while under/near water.
 This camcorder sinks in water. Place your
hand through the hand strap to prevent the
camcorder from sinking.
 Faint, white, circular spots may appear in
under-water flash photos due to reflections off
of floating objects. This is not a malfunction.
 Select (Underwater) in Scene Selection to
shoot underwater with less distortion.
 If water drops or other foreign matter is present
on the lens, you will not be able to record clear
images.
Cleaning after using the camcorder
under/near water
 Always clean the camcorder with water after use
within 60 minutes, and do not open the battery/
memory card/jack cover before cleaning is
finished. Sand or water may get inside places
where it cannot be seen. If not rinsed, water-
proof performance will be degraded.

Allow the camcorder to sit in pure water poured
into a cleaning bowl for about 5 minutes. Then,
gently shake the camcorder, press each button
inside the water to clean away any salt, sand or
other matter lodged around the buttons.
1-1
 After rinsing, wipe away water drops with a soft
cloth. Allow the camcorder to dry completely
in a shady location with good ventilation. Do
not blow dry with a hair dryer as there is a risk
of deformation and/or degraded water-proof
performance.
 Wipe away water drops or dust on the battery/
memory card/jack cover with a soft dry cloth.
 This camcorder is constructed to drain water.
Water will drain from openings around the
zoom buttons, etc. After removing from water,
place the camcorder on a dry cloth for a while
to allow water to drain.
 Bubbles may appear when the camcorder is
placed under water. This is not a malfunction.
 The camcorder body may become discolored
if it comes in contact with sunscreen or suntan
oil. If the camcorder does come in contact with
sunscreen or suntan oil, quickly wipe it clean.
 Do not allow the camcorder to sit with salt
water inside or on the surface. This may lead to
corrosion or discoloration, and degradation of
water-proof performance.

Iron sands may adhere to the frame around
the LCD screen. If iron sands adhere to the
camcorder, gently wipe them off with a soft
cloth so that you will not scrape the camcorder
case or the LCD screen.
 To maintain the water-proof performance,
we recommend that once a year you take the
camcorder to your dealer, or to an authorized
repair shop, to have the sealing gasket of the
battery/memory card/jack cover replaced for
a fee.
About the message displayed on the
screen
The following message will appear on the
LCD screen of the camcorder after you
replace or charge the battery, or you set
[Scene Selection] to [Beach], [Underwater],
or [Snow].
This does not indicate a malfunction of the
camcorder.
It displays a message that you should
confirm before use to maintain the
waterproof performances.
Touch the area the message is displayed in
order to erase the message.
– ENGLISH –