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RCA Pro842 User Manual

Rca camcorder user's guide
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Pro842/Pro847/Pro848
USER'S
GUIDE
8
®
C A M C O
R D E R

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Summary of Contents for RCA Pro842

  • Page 1 Pro842/Pro847/Pro848 USER‘S GUIDE ® C A M C O R D E R...

  • Page 2: Important Safety Information

    CAUTION: Avoid operating your camcorder immediately after moving it from a cold location to a warm location. Give the camcorder 1-1/2 to 2 hours to reach a stable temperature before inserting a video cassette. When moved from a cold area to a warm location, moisture may condense on the head drum inside the machine.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Assistance We want to make sure you enjoy your new camcorder. If you have any questions, call: Camcorder Exchange Warranty... 800-283-6503 Customer Service... 800-336-1900 (Page 53) Accessories... 800-338-0376 (Pages 42-47) Table of Contents Safety Information...i Product Registration...i First-Time Operation • Assistance...2 •...

  • Page 4: First-Time Operation

    • Save the packing materials and box in case you ever need to ship or store your camcorder. • The items shown below are packed with your camcorder. If any are missing or appear damaged, contact your dealer immediately. Model Pro842/Pro847/Pro848* * Your camcorder’s appearance may vary...

  • Page 5: Attach Lens Cap Cord And

    D. Repeat steps A-C for the other end of the shoulder strap. Cautions: When carrying the camcorder with the shoulder strap, make sure the viewfinder is in its down position. This helps prevent possible damage to the viewfinder from bumping against your body as you move.

  • Page 6: Supply Power To The Camcorder

    First-Time Operation 4. Supply power to the camcorder. Attach the AC Adapter Since the battery must be charged before it can be used the first time, attach the adapter to the camcorder. PUSH button – press here to open and close the battery compartment.

  • Page 7: Turn On The Camcorder

    The red indicator lights when the camcorder is in the CAM (camera) mode and the green indicator lights when the camcorder is in the VCR (PLAY) mode. 6. Insert a cassette. A.Press the EJECT button to open the cassette compartment.

  • Page 8: Review The Camcorder's

    VIDEO In/Out Jacks, and Audio/Video AUDIO IN/OUT Switch Remote Sensor Models Pro847 and Pro848 Only: B (Bright) and C (Color) Controls Model Pro842 Only: B (Bright) and F (Focus) Controls See “Trouble Checks” for details. Model Pro848 Only: BLANK Button...

  • Page 9: Powering Your Camcorder

    Powering Your Camcorder Using the AC Adapter to Power Your Camcorder The adapter lets you power your camcorder directly from standard household power. It operates on 100-240 volts, 50/60 Hz. so it can be used virtually anywhere in the world to power the camcorder.

  • Page 10: Using The Rechargeable Battery

    Initial charging will take approximately 12 hours for the 234329 battery, and approximately 16 hours for the 234330 battery. When fully charged, the 234329 battery (model Pro842) should supply about 60 minutes of operating time and the 234330 battery (models Pro847 and Pro848) should supply about 65 minutes of operating time (depending on how much you use zoom and pause and load and unload cassettes).
  • Page 11 4. Slide the POWER switch down into the CHARGE position. The CHARGE indicator will light and the battery will begin charging. 5. The 234329 battery (model Pro842) takes approximately 12 hours to charge, and the 234330 battery (models Pro847 and Pro848) takes approximately 16 hours to charge.

  • Page 12: Battery Level Indicator

    Nickel Cadmium Battery Care and Storage Do not store a battery pack where it can reach high temperatures. Remove the battery from the camcorder when it is not in use to prolong the battery life. Recharge the battery just before it is used.

  • Page 13: Using Optional Alkaline "Aa" Batteries

    Batteries become warm during and after use. Use caution when removing them. Use “AA” alkaline batteries only during their recommended lifetime. Remove at least one battery if you will not be using the camcorder for a long period of time to extend the useful life of the batteries.

  • Page 14: Ac Adapter/Charger

    Powering Your Camcorder Using the Optional AC Adapter/Charger The optional CPS801C AC adapter/charger shown on page 43 will power the camcorder and charge your rechargeable nickel cadmium battery. To AC Wall Outlet 100-240 Volts, 50/60 Hz. Battery Pack POWER Indicator...

  • Page 15: Ac Adapter/Charger

    It operates on 100-240 volts, 50/60 Hz, so it can be used virtually anywhere in the world to power the camcorder or recharge your battery pack. You may need a plug adapter in some countries. Consult your dealer.

  • Page 16: Remote Control

    3. Replace cell holder in remote until it clicks into place. Notes: Never place anything heavy on top of the remote control or lay it upside-down. Replace cell when camcorder fails to respond Cell Holder to remote. Remove cell from remote if it will not be used for a month or more.

  • Page 17: Remote Control

    Remote Control Remote Sensor The remote operates the camcorder by infrared light, so it is protected from electrical and sound interference. However, the remote must be aimed directly at the camcorder’s remote sensor. There cannot be any obstructions between them.
  • Page 18 Remote Control A brief description of the remote button’s functions is given here. Many of the buttons perform the same functions as the corresponding controls on the camcorder. The battery must be installed as shown on page 14. ZOOM (T and W) Buttons During record or record pause: •...

  • Page 19: Recording

    Remote Control REW (Rewind) Button Camcorder is in CAM (camera) mode: • When the camcorder is in record pause, press and hold REW to visually search the tape in reverse. Release REW to return to record- pause. Camcorder is in VCR(PLAY) mode: •...

  • Page 20: Video Cassettes

    Recording Video Cassettes We recommend that our cassettes be used with your camcorder. Use of poor quality or damaged tapes can contaminate the video heads. Head cleaning is not covered under warranty and is considered normal maintenance. Inserting or Removing Cassettes...

  • Page 21: Controls

    3. Slide the POWER switch upward to turn on the camcorder. The CAM indicator will light and the camcorder will enter the record pause mode. PAUSE appears in the viewfinder 4. Insert a video tape. • Press EJECT.

  • Page 22: Viewfinder Displays

    • excessive moisture (condensation) has entered the camcorder. The camcorder will not operate when this indicator appears. Place the camcorder in a warm, dry area until this indicator disappears.
  • Page 23 AE (Auto Exposure) Higher Shutter Speed Indicator A shutter speed (1/60, 1/100, 1/150, or 1/250) is automatically selected by the camcorder. • No indicator appears for1/60 second shutter speed. • AE:100, AE:150, or AE:250 will appear when the higher shutter speed has been selected by the camcorder.

  • Page 24: Viewfinder

    Recording Viewfinder The camcorder’s viewfinder is a miniature monitor that displays the picture seen by the camcorder when recording. Adjust Viewfinder for Convenient Viewing For convenient viewing, you can rotate the viewfinder up and down. Eyepiece Focus Control Eyepiece Focus Control...

  • Page 25: Tape Time Remaining Display

    (MIC) for attaching an optional microphone. DISPLAY Button Press the DISPLAY button when the camcorder is connected to a TV monitor to have the viewfinder displays appear on the TV screen. They will be recorded during tape copying if they appear.

  • Page 26: Quick Review

    Button FFWD Button EJECT Blank Search With the press of a button, the camcorder advances through the tape looking for a blank section. This feature saves time and tape by locating the end of the last recorded segment. 1. Place the camcorder in record pause.

  • Page 27: Zooming

    Zooming You can zoom in and out for close ups or wide-angle shots just by sliding the zoom control on the camcorder or pressing the button on the remote. The camcorder can automatically focus when you zoom at most distances.

  • Page 28: Focusing

    Recording Focusing Under normal conditions, the camcorder can adjust focus automatically on the object located in the center area of the viewfinder. Under certain conditions, you may want to use the focus lock feature. Using Focus Lock The focus lock feature is useful when...

  • Page 29: Install Clock Cell

    Install the Clock Lithium Cell The clock cell indicator 88:88 will flash for a few seconds in the viewfinder when you turn on the camcorder if the cell has not been installed or needs to be replaced. Install Cell 1. Make sure camcorder is turned off, and remove any power supply attached to the camcorder.

  • Page 30: Date And Time Display

    FOCUS LOCK Button DATE/TIME Button 1. Attach a power supply to the camcorder. Slide the POWER switch upward to turn on the camcorder. Make sure the CAM indicator is on, if not, press the VCR(PLAY)/CAM button to turn it on.
  • Page 31 Recording Date or Date and Time on Your Tape The date or date and time can be recorded on your tape. Whenever one of the displays appears in the viewfinder, it will be recorded. The camcorder also has an AUTO DATE feature.

  • Page 32: Time Counter

    Recording Time Counter The time-counter display shows the actual time elapsed when recording or playing back a segment of tape. During playback, the memory-stop feature helps locate a certain point on the tape. When memory stop is on, the tape will stop automatically during rewind or fast forward when the time counter reaches M 0:00:00.

  • Page 33: Recording And Traveling Tips

    • Use the viewfinder to make sure the camcorder is level while recording or your scenes will appear “tilted”. • Do not bump or tap the camcorder’s microphone while recording because this sound will be recorded. • Include close-ups of individuals when taping family outings or group functions.

  • Page 34: From A Tv Or Vcr

    Recording Model Pro848 Only: Recording from a TV or VCR To record on your camcorder from a TV or VCR having AUDIO/VIDEO OUT jacks, use the audio/video cable that came packed with your camcorder. VIDEO AUDIO Audio and Video Jacks...
  • Page 35 AUDIO R jack under the A/V cover. Note: If your TV or VCR is not stereo, you may need an optional Y-adapter. Operation 1. A. Camcorder connected directly to TV monitor: Turn on the TV and tune it to the channel you want to record.

  • Page 36: Viewfinder Playback

    Playback Viewfinder Playback and Features Viewfinder playback is the simplest way to watch tapes using the camcorder. DISPLAY BLANK PLAY F FWD Button STOP PAUSE PLAY Button EJECT STOP Button EJECT Button Viewfinder Playback 1. Slide the POWER switch upward to turn on the camcorder.

  • Page 37: Visual Searching

    Caution: Pause is designed for momentary interruptions and should not be used for an extended period of time. If the camcorder remains in pause for more than three minutes, it will automatically enter the stop mode and then turn off to...
  • Page 38 To connect your camcorder to a TV monitor (or VCR) with AUDIO/VIDEO IN jacks, you will need the supplied audio/video cable. If your TV is already connected to a VCR, you can attach the camcorder to the VCR and watch what the camcorder is recording or playing on the TV.
  • Page 39 VCR. Notes: The remote control will operate the camcorder. Press the DISPLAY button to have the camcorder’s displays appear on the TV screen. During tape copying, these displays will be recorded when they appear on the TV screen.

  • Page 40: Models Pro842 And Pro847 Only

    Playback Models Pro842 and Pro847 Only: Playback on TV (or VCR) with AUDIO/VIDEO IN Jacks To connect your camcorder to a TV monitor (or VCR) with AUDIO/VIDEO IN jacks, you will need the supplied audio/video cable. If your TV is already connected to a VCR, you can attach the camcorder to the VCR and watch what the camcorder is recording or playing on the TV.
  • Page 41 VCR. Notes: The remote control will operate the camcorder. Press the DISPLAY button to have the camcorder’s displays appear on the TV screen. During tape copying, these displays will be recorded when they appear on the TV screen.

  • Page 42: Audio/Video Inputs

    Playback Playback on a TV Without Audio/Video Inputs To connect your camcorder to a TV without audio/video inputs, you will need an optional CRF800 output adapter and an optional coaxial RF cable, such as VH82 or VH90 shown on pages 42-43. If your TV has AUDIO and VIDEO IN jacks (or is connected to a VCR), refer to pages 36-39.
  • Page 43 RF output adapter to the same channel you selected on the TV. Notes: The remote will also operate the camcorder. Press the DISPLAY button to have the camcorder’s displays appear on the TV screen. Normal TV Viewing For normal TV viewing, you may leave the RF output adapter hooked up to the TV.

  • Page 44: Recording Optional Accessories

    Optional Accessories We invite you to take a look at some great ideas for sparking creativity and adding to the fun of using your compact VHS camcorder. The following pages have a selection of accessories to help make your memorable moments look and sound even better.
  • Page 45 DCC05 DC car cord adapter/charger directly to the camcorder. CRF800 RF Output Adapter This adapter is used with a coaxial RF cable to connect your camcorder to a standard TV (one without audio/video VH54 Cable Transformer This 75-to-300 ohm transformer is used to...
  • Page 46 26" when not in use. Rubber feet allow for sure footing. Cautions: Before using a tripod, make sure it is stable enough to hold the camcorder without falling over. Do not transport the camcorder attached to the tripod.

  • Page 47: Accessory Order Form

    Accessory Order Form Order Form for Camcorder Models Pro842/Pro847/Pro848 Description Super Lightweight Tripod Soft Camcorder Case Y-Adapter AC Adapter/Charger DC Cable RF Output Adapter 75-300 Cable Transformer Coaxial RF Cable (6 Feet) Coaxial RF Cable (12 Feet) Shoulder Strap Audio/Video Cable (Pro842/Pro847)
  • Page 48 Accessory Order Form Charge your order on your VISA, MasterCard, or Discover Card by USE YOUR CREDIT CARD IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number Copy Number above your name on MasterCard IMPORTANT: Copy complete account number AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE Prices are subject to change without notice.
  • Page 49 Accessory Order Form To order accessories, contact your local Dealer. If a dealer is not nearby, you can also follow the directions below to order by telephone or direct-by-mail. United States and Canada Orders To place your order by phone, have your Visa, MasterCard, or Discover card ready and call the toll-free number listed below between 8AM and 8PM (EST) Monday through Friday or between 9AM and 5PM (EST) Saturday.

  • Page 50: Care And Maintenance

    Cleaning the Camcorder’s Lens To clean the camcorder’s lens, blow it with a blower brush, and then gently wipe the lens with cleaning tissue and commercially prepared cleaning solution designed for use on camera lens. Improper cleaning may scratch the lens.

  • Page 51: Care And Maintenance

    • Do not expose the camcorder or adapter to rain or moisture. If either component becomes wet, turn off the power and take the unit to an Authorized RCA Camcorder Servicenter. • Do not use an adapter, adapter/charger, or batteries other than the ones specified for the camcorder.

  • Page 52: Trouble Checks

    Before you call or take your camcorder to an Authorized RCA Camcorder Servicenter, look below for the type of trouble you are experiencing. Then perform the simple checks and adjustments listed for that trouble.
  • Page 53 • The small controls (B and C or F) on the bottom of the viewfinder control the brightness and color (models Pro848/Pro847) or focus (model Pro842) of the viewfinder. These controls have been set at the factory and should require no adjustment. If the brightness or...

  • Page 54: Trouble Checks

    You can check your battery by first fully charging it and then aiming the camcorder at a clock and recording the picture of the clock. When the recording stops, play the last recorded section, and note the clock time.

  • Page 55: Assistance

    RA number over the phone. They will also provide you with instructions on where and how to return your camcorder. Write the number in large, clear characters on the outside of the box. To avoid confusion and...

  • Page 56: Limited Warranty

    What we will do: During the initial 90 days • Exchange your camcorder with a new or refurbished unit, or repair your camcorder. The option will be ours. There will be no cost to you.

  • Page 57: Limited Warranty

    • Check with your dealer or call 1-800- 336-1900 for the Authorized RCA Camcorder Servicenter nearest you. • Take your unit to the Authorized RCA Camcorder Servicenter of your choice. • Show the Authorized RCA Camcorder Servicenter representative evidence of purchase date, such as a bill of sale.

  • Page 58: Specifications

    Iris: Fuzzy logic auto iris 6V Ni-Cd battery pack 6.5V - Optional AC adapter/charger (CPS801C) 9V - Alkaline batteries (6 - “AA”), AC adapter (221424) Pro842: 4.8W, Pro847: 5.4W, Pro848: 5.6W (during recording) ° ° ° F to 104 F (0 C to 40 °...

  • Page 59: Information To User

    Information to User This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device and RF lighting device, pursuant to Part 15 and Part 18 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.

  • Page 60: Index (Alphabetical)

    Only) .....6,51 B (Bright) and F (Focus) Controls (Model Pro842 Only) ..6,51 Batteries, Using “AA” ..4,11 Battery (AA) Safety Precautions .
  • Page 61 Index — D — Date and Time Display ..20-21,29 Date and Time, Recording ..29 Date and Time, Setting ...28 DATE/TIME Button .
  • Page 62 Pro848 Only) ... . .36-37 Playback on a TV With AUDIO/ VIDEO IN Jacks (Models Pro842 and Pro847 Only) ..38-39 Playback on a TV Without Audio/Video Jacks ..40-41 Playback, Viewfinder .
  • Page 63 Tripod, Using ....44 Trouble Checks ....50-52 Turn Off the Camcorder ...5 — U —...
  • Page 64 Need Assistance? We want to help! U.S. Consumers: Camcorder Exchange Warranty ..800-283-6503 Customer Service ....800-336-1900 Accessories .....800-338-0376 Canadian Consumers: English .

This manual is also suitable for:

Pro847Pro848

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