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Related Manuals for Sealife DC1200
Summary of Contents for Sealife DC1200
- Page 1 Go to www.sealife-cameras.com/service/manuals.html for ENGLISH, FRANÇAIS, DEUTSCH, ITALIANO, ESPAÑOL and NEDERLANDS versions...
- Page 3 ® Macintosh is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. SD™ and SDHC™ are trademarks. SeaLife is a registered trademark of Pioneer Research. ® Product Information Product design and specifications are subject to change without notice. ...
- Page 4 Read and understand all Warnings and Cautions before using this product. Warnings Continued use under the following conditions may cause fire or electric shock. Contact your local authorized SeaLife dealer for repair service if the product is damaged. If foreign objects or water have entered the camera, turn the power off and remove the battery.
- Page 5 Cautions Do not fire the flash close to anyone’s eyes. This might cause damage to the person’s eyesight. Do not subject the LCD monitor to impact. This might damage the glass on the screen or cause the internal fluid to leak.
- Page 6 Notes on Battery Usage When you use the battery, carefully read and strictly observe the Safety Instructions and the notes described below: Use only the specified battery (3.7V) provided with the camera. Extremely cold environments can shorten the battery life and reduce camera ...
- Page 7 Replace O-ring every year to ensure proper seal. Only use approved SeaLife O-ring designed for the DC1200 (Item # SL17017). Replacement O-rings are available at your local authorized SeaLife dealer, or online at www.sealifepartsdirect.com (USA Only). Carefully close lid and latch to seal housing and make sure there are no ...
- Page 8 Soak and rinse waterproof housing in fresh water for about 2 minutes after underwater use or if the housing becomes dirty. Press each button several times to clean out any saltwater, sand or dirt that may be trapped under the buttons. Use clean, soft cloth to dry housing.
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Page 9: Table Of Contents
CONTENTS INTRODUCTION Overview Package Contents 11 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAMERA Front View Rear View LCD Monitor Display 16 GETTING STARTED Preparation Charging the Battery Speed Scrolling and Menu Navigation Initial Settings 21 CAPTURE MODE Capturing Images (Taking Pictures) Setting the Focus About Easy Set-up Mode About External Flash Modes About Sea and Snorkel Modes... - Page 10 Playback Menu Setup Menu 54 TRANSFERRING FILES TO YOUR COMPUTER Downloading Your Files 55 EDITING SOFTWARE 56 SPECIFICATIONS (INNER CAMERA ONLY) 57 APPENDIX Possible number of shots (still image) Possible recording time / sec (video clip) 59 UNDERWATER HOUSING INSTRUCTIONS MUST DO for underwater housing: Maintaining a waterproof seal Quick waterproof test (before you depart on your dive trip)
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Page 11: Introduction
- you [and your camera] just need a light to see it. You will be amazed at the great underwater pictures you can take with the addition of the SeaLife Digital Pro Flash (item # SL961). Please visit your local dive shop or www.sealife-cameras.com for more information about the SeaLife flash. -
Page 12: Package Contents
SeaLife Digital Pro Flash (SL961) Moisture Muncher capsules 10-pack (SL911) SeaLife Wide Angle Lens (SL970) Accessories and components may vary by retailer. Visit your local SeaLife dealer or www.sealife-cameras.com for a complete listing of accessories. NOTE... -
Page 13: Getting To Know Your Camera
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAMERA Front View 2 3 4 Zoom lever (Menu scrolling lever) Mode button (To select picture or video mode) Status LED ON/OFF Power button Self-timer LED Microphone Lens Flash... -
Page 14: Rear View
Rear View a. LCD monitor b. USB and AV OUT terminal c. Strap holder d. Tripod mount e. Battery / Memory card cover Function Item Capture Mode Video Mode Playback Mode Still Image: Shutter button Record button Records voice memo (Set button when in (Set button when in (if “Voice Memo”... -
Page 15: Lcd Monitor Display
LCD Monitor Display Capture mode Image stab. icon [ Blank ] Battery condition Full battery power Medium battery power Low battery power No battery power Continuous Flash mode Spy mode [ Blank ] Auto [ a ] Flash On (Auto Exposure Bracketing) [ d ] Flash Off Album Shot... - Page 16 Video mode Zoom status Flash mode Battery condition Storage media Main focus area Video quality Video resolution Available recording time/Elapsed time Self-timer icon 10. Date and time 11. Focus setting 12. Mode icon 13. Sound off icon Playback mode - Still image playback Voice memo Battery condition Storage media...
- Page 17 Playback mode - Video playback Video status bar Total Total Play Play Elapsed time 00 : 00 : 01 00 : 00 : 01 00 : 00 : 08 00 : 00 : 08 File number Folder number Sound off icon (When the button is pressed during video playback) 100 - 0001 100 - 0001...
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Page 18: Getting Started
GETTING STARTED Preparation Attach the camera strap. [Important: Camera strap must be removed when using camera inside the waterproof housing] Open the battery/memory card cover. Insert the supplied battery with correct orientation as shown. Insert an SD/SDHC memory card (Optional). The camera has 32MB internal memory ... -
Page 19: Charging The Battery
To prevent valuable data from being accidentally erased from an SD/SDHC memory card, you can slide the write protect tab (on NOTE the side of the SD/SDHC memory Write-protect tab Write-protection state card) to “LOCK”. To save, edit, or erase data on an ... -
Page 20: Speed Scrolling And Menu Navigation
Speed Scrolling and Menu Navigation There are two ways to navigate the menus: Speed scrolling When the Menu is open, use the Zoom lever to quickly scroll through the menus and the shutter button to set the camera. This is how you adjust the camera settings when the camera is inside the underwater housing. -
Page 21: Initial Settings
Initial Settings Setting the Date and Time The date/time needs to be set if and when: The camera is turned on for the first time. The camera is turned on after leaving the camera without the battery for an extended period of time. -
Page 22: Choosing The Language
Choosing the Language Specify in which language menus and messages are to be displayed on the LCD monitor. Press the MENU button. Select [Setup] menu with the button. Select [Language] with the / buttons and press the SET button. Select the displayed language with the ... -
Page 23: Capture Mode
CAPTURE MODE Capturing Images (Taking Pictures) Your camera is equipped with a 3” full color LCD monitor to help you compose images, playback recorded images/video clips or adjust menu settings. Press the ON/OFF button to turn the power on. The status LED lights green and the camera is initiated. ... -
Page 24: Setting The Focus
Setting the Focus The camera uses an auto focus lens system. You can select among the three focus settings described below. Press the button to select the desired focus mode. The table below will help you choose the appropriate focus mode: Focus mode Description Select this setting and the camera will automatically... -
Page 25: About Easy Set-Up Mode
About Easy Set-up Mode The Easy Set-up mode is a fast and easy way to set the camera for underwater or land photography. Select Easy Set-up option located in the capture menu. Then, select the best choice from a series of options depending on the shooting condition and the accessories you are using. -
Page 26: About External Flash Modes
About External Flash Modes When using one (or two) SeaLife external flashes (optional accessory), set the camera Scene mode to ExtFlash Auto or ExtFlash MNL [manual] mode. In Ext Flash Auto mode, the camera automatically adjusts the exposure resulting in sharp, colorful underwater pictures. The camera is pre-programmed to account for the additional flash power and result in optimal image exposure... - Page 27 Exposure adjustment when the camera is in Ext Flash Mode: Icon Scene mode Description Automatic exposure control with external flash. In order to achieve proper image exposure, press the [ ] flash button to switch between one of the following three exposure settings: [Blank] - This is the default setting ideal for most underwater pictures.
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Page 28: About Sea And Snorkel Modes
About Sea and Snorkel Modes The Sea and Snorkel Modes are used to capture underwater pictures when NOT using the optional external flash accessory. Sea mode is ideal for scuba diving below 25ft/8m depth. Snorkel mode is ideal for underwater pictures above 25ft/8m depth. - Page 29 50ft / 15m depending on the amount of available light. For best UW pictures, keep the camera’s flash OFF when in Sea or Snorkel mode. If light conditions are too dark, we recommend using the SeaLife Digital Pro Flash (item SL961 - optional accessory).
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Page 30: About Spy Mode
About Spy Mode This mode is used to capture continuous images at a preselected time interval. This mode is useful for taking a sequence of images, like a sunrise or sunset, and later selecting the best image. It is also useful for taking a series of pictures without being discovered by the subject. -
Page 31: Recording A Subject Onto An Existing Background Image
When using the SPY shooting mode underwater, it is helpful to have a waterproof tripod that can stabilized the camera. We recommend using the Gorillapod SLR. For more information, please visit: www.joby.com/products/gorillapod/slr/ NOTE Recording a Subject onto an Existing Background Image Pre-Shot helps you get the background you want, even if you need to ask someone else to record the image for you. -
Page 32: Combining Shots Of Two People Into A Single Image
Combining Shots of Two People into a Single Image This mode lets you record images of two people and combine them into a single image. This makes it possible for you to include yourself in group images, even when there is no one else around to record the image for you. Press the Mode button to select [Capture Mode] (not video mode). -
Page 33: Setting The Panorama Mode
Setting the Panorama Mode This mode is designed to make it easier to take a series of shots then stitch them together with software to make a single image. You can capture a photographic subject that won’t fit into a single frame, such as a landscape, and stitch it together later with a program such as Arcsoft Panorama Maker ®... -
Page 34: Video Mode
VIDEO MODE Recording Video Clips This mode allows you to record continuous video with sound. Press the Mode button to select Video mode Compose the image. Press the shutter button. The recording of the video clip will start. Pressing the shutter button one more time ... -
Page 35: Playing Back Video Clips
Playing Back Video Clips You can play back recorded video clips on the camera. You can also play back sound if recorded with the video. Press the [ ] button. The last image appears on the screen. Select the desired video clip with the / buttons (or Zoom lever). Press the SET (or Shutter) button to start playing video clip. -
Page 36: Playback Mode
PLAYBACK MODE Playing Back Still Images You can play back the still images on the LCD monitor. Press the [ ] button. The last image appears on the screen. The images can be displayed in forward or reverse sequence with the / buttons (or Zoom lever). -
Page 37: Removing Red-Eye
Removing Red-eye You can use this function to remove the red-eye effect after an image is taken. Press the [ ] button. Select the image that you want to edit with the / buttons (or Zoom lever). Press the MENU button. Select [Fix Red Eyes] with the ... -
Page 38: Attaching Voice Memos
Attaching Voice Memos A maximum of 30 seconds of audio can be recorded as a memo for captured still images. The voice memo can be recorded only once. Press the [ ] button. The last image appears on the screen. ... -
Page 39: Protecting Images
Protecting Images Set the data to read-only to prevent images from being erased by mistake. Press the [ ] button. Select the image that you want to protect with the / buttons (or Zoom lever). Press the MENU button. Select [Protect] with the ... -
Page 40: Canceling The Protection
Canceling the Protection To cancel protection for only one image, display the image on which you want to remove the image protection. Select [Protect] with the / buttons (or Zoom lever) from the playback menu, and press the SET (or Shutter) button. Select [Single] or [All] with the ... - Page 41 Erasing Images and Video Clips in Playback Mode Press the [ ] button. The last image or video clip will be displayed on the screen. Select the image / video you want to erase with the / buttons (or Zoom lever).
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Page 42: Menu Options
MENU OPTIONS Capture Menu This menu is for the basic settings to be used when capturing still images. Press the Mode button and select [ Press the MENU button, and select the [Capture] / [Function] / [Setup] menu with the / buttons. When the camera is in the underwater housing, turn the Zoom lever right or left to scroll through all menus. - Page 43 ] Auto: Suitable for almost all types of pictures on LAND. (Not for underwater). In AUTO mode, you can also change any other camera setting depending on your type of shooting condition. ] Sea: For underwater pictures WITHOUT external flash accessory at depths greater than 25ft/8m.
- Page 44 ] Splash Water: For land pictures of splashing water. The camera will use a faster shutter speed so you can stop the motion of the splashing water. ] Flow Water: For land pictures of flowing water. The camera will use a slower shutter speed so you can see the motion of flowing water in the picture.
- Page 45 ] BluWtr>25ft (Blue Water greater than 25ft depth). This mode is ideal for deeper diving in “blue” water. ] GrnWtr<25ft (Green Water less than 25ft depth). This mode is ideal for snorkeling or shallow diving in “greener” water with higher algae content. ] GrnWtr>25ft (Green Water greater than 25ft depth).
- Page 46 Image Stab. This sets whether or not to use image stabilization at the time of photography. This function minimizes the motion blur caused by hand “shake” or movement when you capture an image. It is recommended to keep the image stabilization OFF to save battery power unless taking pictures in low light without flash.
- Page 47 Quick Shot When the Quick Shutter is set to ON and you quickly press the shutter button down fully, the camera takes image without using auto focus (Focus is set to infinity). * On / Off Digital Zoom This sets whether or not to use digital zoom at the time of photography. * On / Off Date Print The date of recording can be printed directly on the still images.
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Page 48: Setting Manual White Balance (Wb)
Setting Manual White Balance (WB) The surrounding light may affect the color balance of your pictures or videos. For example, if a halogen light illuminates a white wall, the wall will have a yellow cast, while in fact it should be white. Underwater pictures tend to be more blue, because the water filters out red colors. -
Page 49: Video Menu
Video Menu This menu is for the basic settings to be used when recording video clips. Press the mode button and set the camera [ Press the MENU button, and select the [Capture] / [Function] / [Setup] menu with the / buttons. When the camera is in the underwater housing, turn the Zoom lever right or left to scroll through all menus. - Page 50 White Balance Refer to pages 42 of this manual titled “White Balance” in Capture Menu for further details. Audio This sets whether or not to record audio at the time of video recording. * On / Off Digital Zoom Refer to section in this manual titled “Digital Zoom” in Capture Menu for further details.
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Page 51: Playback Menu
Playback Menu In the [ ] mode, choose which settings are to be used for playback. Press the [ ] button. Press the MENU button. Select the desired option item with the / buttons (or Zoom lever), and press the SET (or Shutter) button to enter its respective menu. When the camera is in the underwater housing, turn the Zoom lever right or left to scroll through all menus. - Page 52 Protect Refer to page 36 of this manual titled “Protecting Images” for further details. Voice Memo Refer to page 36 of this manual titled “Attaching Voice Memos” for further details. Resize Resizes a previously saved image. Resizing replaces the original image with the changed image.
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Page 53: Setup Menu
Setup Menu Set your camera’s operating environment. Press the Mode button to [ ] or [ ], or press the [ ] button. Press the MENU button, and select the [Setup] menu with the button. When the camera is in the underwater housing, turn the Zoom lever right or left to scroll through all menus. - Page 54 Beep This sets whether or not to mute the camera sound each time you press the camera’s buttons. * On / Off Display This sets the image information display state. * Default / All / Off Video Out This sets your camera to match the system of the equipment that you are going to connect to the camera.
- Page 55 Media Info. This displays the free capacity of the internal memory or the memory card. System Info. This displays the firmware version of the camera. Sys. Reset This returns all basic settings to the camera’s default settings. The time setting will not be reset.
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Page 56: Transferring Files To Your Computer
TRANSFERRING FILES TO YOUR COMPUTER System Requirement (Minimum requirements) Windows Macintosh Pentium III 1GHz or higher PowerPC G3/G4/G5 Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7 OS 9.0 or later 512MB RAM 256MB RAM 150MB hard disk space 128MB hard disk space ... -
Page 57: Editing Software
EDITING SOFTWARE Almost every computer already includes photo editing software, like Windows Photo Gallery or Mac iPhoto, which allows you to open, organize and edit your pictures. If your computer does not include any photo editing software, you may want to purchase one. Here are some links to popular photo editing software that you can purchase. -
Page 58: Specifications (Inner Camera Only)
SPECIFICATIONS (INNER CAMERA ONLY) Item Description Image sensor 1/2.33” CCD sensor (12 megapixels) Image <Still image> resolution 12M (3968X2976), 8M (3264 x 2448), 4M (2304x1728), 2M (1600 x 1200), VGA (640 x 480) <Video clip> 640 x 480 (up to 30 fps), 320 x 240 (up to 30 fps) LCD monitor 3.0”... -
Page 59: Appendix
APPENDIX Possible number of shots (still image) The table shows the approximate shots that you can capture at each setting based on the capacity of the internal memory and the SD/SDHC memory card. SD/SDHC memory card Internal capacity Size Quality Memory ] Fine 1418... -
Page 60: Possible Recording Time / Sec (Video Clip)
Possible recording time / sec (video clip) SD/SDHC memory card Internal capacity Size Quality Memory ] Fine 00:00:21 00:25:37 00:52:42 01:45:45 640 x 480 ] Standard 00:00:22 00:26:46 00:55:05 01:50:32 ] Fine 00:00:49 00:59:36 02:02:37 04:06:03 320 x 240 ] Standard 00:01:02 01:15:42 02:35:44 05:12:31 * We recommend a memory card of at least 10MB/Sec write speed to prevent... -
Page 61: Underwater Housing Instructions
UNDERWATER HOUSING INSTRUCTIONS Important: Please carefully read and understand these instructions before using camera and housing underwater. DC1200 SeaLife DC1200 Underwater Housing: Depth rated and tested to 200 ft. (60m). Fully rubber armored for added shock protection. Soft rubber grips. -
Page 62: Must Do For Underwater Housing
O-ring or O-ring contact surfaces become damaged. Do not use underwater housing if O-ring or O-ring contact surfaces are damaged. Replacement O-rings are available at your local authorized SeaLife dealer. Make sure O-ring is completely seated into O-ring groove before sealing housing. - Page 63 (ideal distance is 2ft to 6ft/ 0.6m to 2m). Use SeaLife Digital Pro Flash (SL961 - optional accessory) to enhance colors and reduce backscatter. Store housing at room temperature in a clean and dry place.
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Page 64: Maintaining A Waterproof Seal
Maintaining a waterproof seal Every SeaLife housing is tested for quality and a waterproof seal. It is your responsibility to properly care for the O-ring and O-ring contact surfaces to maintain a waterproof seal. Carefully follow these important O-ring care instructions. -
Page 65: Quick Waterproof Test (Before You Depart On Your Dive Trip)
Carefully dry housing before opening it to inspect for a leaks. If the housing leaks, carefully inspect O-ring or replace O-ring as described above. Repeat the above test. If housing still leaks contact your local authorized SeaLife Dealer for repair service. -
Page 66: How To Install And Remove O-Ring
HOW TO INSTALL AND REMOVE O-RING To Install O-ring: Step 1: O-ring and O-ring groove must be completely clean before installing O-ring. Step 2: Push O-ring into groove as shown being careful not to twist or roll O-ring. Step 3: Use two fingers to push last part of O-ring into groove. Step 4: Carefully close housing to firmly seat O-ring and open housing again to inspect that O-ring is completely seated into groove. - Page 67 To Remove O-ring: Step 1: Push O-ring along groove until it lifts. Step 2: Gently lift and remove O-ring from its groove.
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Page 68: How To Open And Close Waterproof Housing
HOW TO OPEN AND CLOSE WATERPROOF HOUSING Step 1: Push in locking tab to open latch. Step 2: Open latch all the way to lift and release latch from housing. - Page 69 Step 3: Open Housing as shown so inner camera does not fall out. Step 4: Close housing and push down on latch as shown to firmly seat latch into housing. Step 5: Push down latch until locking tab clicks into place.
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Page 70: Installing The Flash Link Optical Cable Adapter
CABLE ADAPTER The Flash Link adapter (SL17052) included with your camera connects the Flash Link optical cable to the DC1200 camera housing. This adapter is only needed when using the SeaLife external flash accessory. Optical cables (item SL962)and external flash accessories (SL961, SL960D) are optional accessories sold separately. - Page 71 Step 3: Once the cable and adapter is firmly attached, run the cables along the bottom of the flash base and up the flash arm. The cables should be secured to the flash arm using the Velcro ties provided with your flash accessory. If using two Flash Links, attach other cable in second groove and follow ...
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Page 72: How To Set-Up The Waterproof Housing
Carefully inspect O-ring for damage and make sure O-ring is firmly seated in its groove. If O-ring is damaged and requires replacement, contact your local authorized SeaLife dealer. Clean the housing glass lens port using clean, dry cotton cloth. It is recommended to apply anti-fog solution to the inside surface of the housing lens port. - Page 73 Carefully clean O-ring and O-ring contact surfaces with cleaning brush provided. O-ring must not be wet when sealing housing, allow these areas to dry. O-ring must be absolutely clean of all hair, sand or other small particles. Do not allow any water droplets to get inside housing. This may cause the inside of the housing to fog.
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Page 74: Using And Cleaning The Underwater Housing And Camera
Do not jump into the water with the housing in your hand. Have someone hand it to you after you have entered the water. For tips on taking pictures, see “Great Underwater Pictures Made Easy” on page 74 or visit the SeaLife website www.sealife-cameras.com for an online guide to underwater photography. - Page 75 After using housing underwater Before entering dive boat, hand the housing to someone on the boat. Make sure the sealed housing is placed in a fresh water tub available on most dive boats. Press each button a few times to rinse out the salt water trapped under the buttons.
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Page 76: Great Underwater Pictures Made Easy
60 feet (18 m), you should keep your shooting distance to within 6 feet (1.8m). Using the SeaLife Digital Pro Flash will reduce the “backscatter” effect. If you are not using the external flash accessory, Keep the camera’s onboard flash turned OFF. - Page 77 50ft/15m, depending available sunlight and water visibility, The most effective way to compensate for lost colors is by using artificial light, like the SeaLife Digital Pro Flash. The Flash easily mounts to the bottom of the housing. The flexible arm allows you to direct the flash at the subject.
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Page 78: Troubleshooting Guide
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE Refer to the symptoms and solutions listed below before sending the camera for repairs. If the problem persists, contact your local SeaLife dealer for service. Solutions / Corrective Symptom Cause Actions The power does not The battery is not Insert the battery come on. - Page 79 Solutions / Corrective Symptom Cause Actions Although it is set to The lens is dirty. Wipe clean with a soft, dry auto focus, it does not cloth or lens paper. focus. The distance to the Get your subject within subject is smaller than the effective focus range.
- Page 80 6ft/2m while underwater dirty lens Inspect and clean lens Picture grainy Low light conditions Use SeaLife Digital Pro (pixilated) Flash Accessory in low light conditions or deeper depths Blue or green pictures Water absorbs red and Set camera to Sea Mode...
- Page 81 flash Select “Far Flash” accessory. [Press the flash button] to brighten the picture exposure level. Increase external flash accessory brightness by rotating brightness control knob counter-clockwise. Other troubles? Please refer to online troubleshooting guide for updates at www.sealife-cameras.com.
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Page 82: Housing Specifications
HOUSING SPECIFICATIONS Underwater Housing: Depth: Individual depth tested to 200’ (60m) Controls: Control buttons to access all camera functions - Power, Mode, Shutter, Zoom, Playback, Menu, Flash, Focus, Delete. The Zoom lever can be used to scroll through menus and the Shutter button functions like the Set button when the menu is open. - Page 83 Photo by: Dan Johnson SL70025 March 2010...
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