JVC Camcorder GR AX97 User Manual

COMPACT VHS CAMCORDER  
GR-AX97  
Compact VHS  
Enter below the Model No. and Serial  
No. which is located on the bottom of  
cabinet. Retain this information for  
future reference.  
INSTRUCTIONS  
LYT0057-001A  
 
EN  
3
5. Ventilation  
IMPORTANT PRODUCT  
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS  
Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for  
ventilation. To ensure reliable operation of the product  
and to protect it from overheating, these openings must  
not be blocked or covered.  
Do not block the openings by placing the product on  
a bed, sofa, rug or other similar surface.  
Do not place the product in a built-in installation  
such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation  
is provided or the manufacturer’s instructions have  
been adhered to.  
Electrical energy can perform many useful func-  
tions. But improper use can result in potential  
electrical shock or fire hazards. This product has  
been engineered and manufactured to assure your  
personal safety. In order not to defeat the built-in  
safeguards, observe the following basic rules for its  
installation, use and servicing.  
6. Wall or Ceiling Mounting  
The product should be mounted to a wall or ceiling  
only as recommended by the manufacturer.  
ATTENTION:  
Follow and obey all warnings and instructions  
marked on your product and its operating instruc-  
tions. For your safety, please read all the safety and  
operating instructions before you operate this  
product and keep this manual for future reference.  
ANTENNA INSTALLATION  
INSTRUCTIONS  
1. Outdoor Antenna Grounding  
If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to  
the product, be sure the antenna or cable system is  
grounded so as to provide some protection against  
voltage surges and built-up static charges. Article 810  
of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70,  
provides information with regard to proper grounding  
of the mast and supporting structure, grounding of the  
lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of  
grounding conductors, location of antenna discharge  
unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and  
requirements for the grounding electrode.  
INSTALLATION  
1. Grounding or Polarization  
(A) Your product may be equipped with a polarized  
alternating-current line plug (a plug having one  
blade wider than the other). This plug will fit into  
the power outlet only one way. This is a safety  
feature.  
If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the  
outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug should still  
fail to fit, contact your electrician to replace your  
obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of  
the polarized plug.  
2. Lightning  
For added protection for this product during a lightning  
storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long  
periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and  
disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will  
prevent damage to the product due to lightning and  
power-line surges.  
(B) Your product may be equipped with a 3-wire  
grounding-type plug, a plug having a third  
(grounding) pin. This plug will only fit into a  
grounding-type power outlet. This is a safety  
feature.  
3. Power Lines  
If you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet,  
contact your electrician to replace your obsolete  
outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the  
grounding-type plug.  
An outside antenna system should not be located in the  
vicinity of overhead power lines or other electric light  
or power circuits, or where it can fall into such power  
lines or circuits. When installing an outside antenna  
system, extreme care should be taken to keep from  
touching such power lines or circuits as contact with  
them might be fatal.  
2. Power Sources  
Operate your product only from the type of power  
source indicated on the marking label. If you are not  
sure of the type of power supply to your home, consult  
your product dealer or local power company. If your  
product is intended to operate from battery power, or  
other sources, refer to the operating instructions.  
EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING AS PER  
NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE, ANSI/NFPA 70  
ANTENNA  
LEAD IN WIRE  
3. Overloading  
Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or  
integral convenience receptacles as this can result in a  
risk of fire or electric shock.  
GROUND CLAMP  
ANTENNA  
DISCHARGE UNIT  
(NEC SECTION  
4. Power Cord Protection  
810-20)  
ELECTRIC SERVICE  
EQUIPMENT  
Power supply cords should be routed so that they are  
not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed  
upon or against them, paying particular attention to  
cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point  
where they exit from the product.  
GROUNDING CONDUCTORS  
(NEC SECTION 810-21)  
GROUND CLAMPS  
POWER SERVICE GROUNDING ELECTRODE SYSTEM  
(NEC ART 250. PART H)  
NEC – NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE  
 
4
EN  
USE  
SERVICING  
1. Servicing  
1. Accessories  
To avoid personal injury:  
If your product is not operating correctly or exhibits  
a marked change in performance and you are  
unable to restore normal operation by following the  
detailed procedure in its operating instructions, do  
not attempt to service it yourself as opening or  
removing covers may expose you to dangerous  
voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to  
qualified service personnel.  
Do not place this product on an unstable cart,  
stand, tripod, bracket or table. It may fall, causing  
serious injury to a child or adult, and serious  
damage to the product.  
Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or  
table recommended by the manufacturer or sold  
with the product.  
Use a mounting accessory recommended by the  
manufacturer and follow the manufacturer’s  
instructions for any mounting of the product.  
Do not try to roll a cart with small casters across  
thresholds or deep-pile carpets.  
2. Damage Requiring Service  
Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer  
servicing to qualified service personnel under the  
following conditions:  
a. When the power supply cord or plug is damaged.  
b. If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen  
into the product.  
2. Product and Cart Combination  
A product and cart combination should be moved  
with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven  
surfaces may cause the product and cart combina-  
tion to overturn.  
c. If the product has been exposed to rain or water.  
d. If the product does not operate normally by  
following the operating instructions. Adjust only  
those controls that are covered by the operating  
instructions as an improper adjustment of other  
controls may result in damage and will often  
require extensive work by a qualified technician  
to restore the product to its normal operation.  
e. If the product has been dropped or damaged in  
any way.  
3. Water and Moisture  
Do not use this product  
near water—for example,  
near a bath tub, wash  
bowl, kitchen sink or  
laundry tub, in a wet  
basement, or near a  
swimming pool and the  
like.  
PORTABLE CART WARNING  
(Symbol provided by RETAC)  
f. When the product exhibits a distinct change in  
performance—this indicates a need for service.  
3. Replacement Parts  
4. Object and Liquid Entry  
When replacement parts are required, be sure the  
service technician has used replacement parts  
specified by the manufacturer or have the same  
characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized  
substitutions may result in fire, electric shock or  
other hazards.  
Never push objects of any kind into this product  
through openings as they may touch dangerous  
voltage points or short-out parts that could result in  
a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any  
kind on the product.  
5. Attachments  
4. Safety Check  
Do not use attachments not recommended by the  
manufacturer of this product as they may cause  
hazards.  
Upon completion of any service or repairs to this  
product, ask the service technician to perform safety  
checks to determine that the product is in safe  
operating condition.  
6. Cleaning  
Unplug this product from the wall outlet before  
cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol  
cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.  
7. Heat  
The product should be situated away from heat  
sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or  
other products (including amplifiers) that produce  
heat.  
 
QUICK OPERATION GUIDE  
EN  
5
INSERTING A VIDEO  
CASSETTE  
SUPPLY POWER  
Hook on.  
1
EJECT  
Push in.  
2
1
BATT. RELEASE  
3
PUSH  
2
Using the battery pack  
1 Hook-on the battery pack’s top end to the  
camcorder. (Charging procedure, pg. 8)  
2 Push in the battery pack until it locks into  
place.  
1 Slide EJECT to open the cassette holder.  
2 Insert a video cassette.  
3 Press PUSH to close the cassette holder.  
(For more details, pg. 13)  
To remove the battery pack  
Slide BATT. RELEASE and pull out the battery  
pack.  
SHOOTING  
PLAYBACK  
PLAY/PAUSE  
3
1
LENS COVER  
Open/Close  
Switch  
2
Set to “CAMERA”  
3
1
2
Recording Start/Stop Button  
STOP  
Set to “PLAY” REW  
1 Set the Power Switch to “PLAY”.  
2 Press REW.  
1 Slide the LENS COVER Open/Close Switch  
to open the lens cover.  
— The tape will automatically stop at the  
beginning of the tape.  
2 Set the Power Switch to “CAMERA”.  
— The power indicator will light and an  
image will appear.  
3 Press the Recording Start/Stop Button.  
— Recording starts.  
3 Press PLAY/PAUSE.  
— Playback starts and the playback picture  
appears.  
To stop playback, press STOP.  
(For more details, pg. 38.)  
To stop recording temporarily, momentarily  
press the Recording Start/Stop Button once  
again.  
Or simply play back the tape on a VHS  
VCR using the Cassette Adapter (VHS  
Playpak). pg. 36  
(For more details, pgs. 16, 17)  
 
MAJOR FEATURES  
6
EN  
REMEMBER  
Picture Stabilizer (pg. 19)  
The Logical Choice  
The only compact video  
cassettes that can be  
Digital Hyper Zoom  
(pg. 18)  
used with your VHS VCR*  
Zoom-in  
Program AE with Special  
Effects (pg. 22)  
Zoom-out  
Auto Mode Lock  
Auto Mode Release  
Electronic Fog Filter  
ND Effect  
PROVIDED ACCESSORIES  
Sepia  
Twilight  
Sports  
Nega/Posi  
1/2000 sec. High Speed Shutter  
•Battery Pack  
•AC Power Adapter/  
BN-V18U  
Charger AA-V15U  
Program Manager II  
(pg. 22 – 35)  
Program AE with Special Effects,  
Fade/Wipe, Wide, Super LoLux,  
Instant Title, Menu Adjustment  
(Focus, Exposure Control and so on.)  
Remote Control  
Unit RM-V705U  
•Cassette Adapter  
(VHS Playpak)  
C-P7U  
•Shoulder Strap  
•Lithium Battery  
CR2025 x 2  
Integrated Auto Light  
(pg. 21)  
(for clock operation  
and remote control  
unit)  
•DC Cord  
Cassettes marked  
can be used with this camcorder.  
 
CONTENTS  
EN  
7
GETTING STARTED  
8
Power ..................................................................................... 8  
Clock (Lithium) Battery Insertion/Removal........................................ 10  
Date/Time Setting .................................................................... 11  
Recording Mode Setting .............................................................. 12  
Tape Length Setting ................................................................... 12  
Loading/Unloading A Cassette ...................................................... 13  
Grip Adjustment ....................................................................... 14  
Viewfinder Adjustment ............................................................... 14  
Shoulder Strap Attachment........................................................... 15  
Tripod Mounting ....................................................................... 15  
RECORDING  
16  
Basic Recording ........................................................................ 16  
Basic Features ......................................................................... 18  
Advanced Features .................................................................... 22  
PLAYBACK  
36  
Using The Cassette Adapter.......................................................... 36  
Basic Connections...................................................................... 37  
Basic Playback ......................................................................... 38  
Features ................................................................................ 39  
TAPE DUBBING  
USING REMOTE CONTROL UNIT  
41  
42  
Random Assemble Editing ............................................................ 44  
Insert Editing ........................................................................... 48  
Audio Dubbing ......................................................................... 49  
USER MAINTENANCE  
TROUBLESHOOTING  
INDEX  
50  
51  
53  
Viewfinder Indications ................................................................ 53  
Controls................................................................................. 54  
Connectors.............................................................................. 54  
Indicators ............................................................................... 54  
Other Parts............................................................................. 54  
Terms .................................................................................... 56  
CAUTIONS  
SPECIFICATIONS  
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES  
ESPAÑOL  
FOR SERVICING (Only in U.S.A.)  
57  
59  
59  
60  
62  
63  
WARRANTY (Only in U.S.A.)  
 
GETTING STARTED  
8
EN  
Marks  
Power  
To AC outlet  
This camcorder’s 3-way power supply system lets you  
choose the most appropriate source of power.  
CHG. (charge)  
indicator  
NOTES:  
No function is available without power supply.  
Use only specified power supply.  
Do not use provided power supply units with other  
equipment.  
CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK  
REFRESH switch  
SUPPLY POWER  
REFRESH indicator  
REFRESH  
The AC power adapter features a REFRESH  
function that allows you to fully discharge  
the battery pack before recharging. Perform  
the REFRESH function after no less than 5  
chargings.  
Connect the chargers AC power cord to a wall  
1
2
outlet.  
ATTACH BATTERY PACK  
Align the marks and slide the battery pack in the  
direction of the arrow until it locks in place.  
•The CHG. indicator begins blinking to indicate  
charging has started.  
To discharge the battery . . .  
..... attach the battery pack to the adapter  
as shown in the above illustration.  
Then push REFRESH. The REFRESH  
indicator lights when discharging  
starts, and goes out when discharging  
is complete.  
DETACH BATTERY PACK  
When the CHG. indicator stops blinking but stays  
lit, charging is finished. Slide the battery pack  
opposite the direction of the arrow.  
3
BATT. PACK  
CHARGE  
DISCHARGE  
approx.  
BN-V12U  
BN-V18U  
approx. 1 hr. 10 min.  
3 hrs. 30 min.  
approx.  
approx. 1 hr. 40 min.  
5 hrs. 30 min.  
BN-V22U  
BN-V25U  
approx. 2 hrs. 10 min. approx. 7 hrs.  
approx. 2 hrs. 40 min. approx. 10 hrs.  
Hook on.  
USING THE BATTERY PACK  
1
ATTACH BATTERY PACK  
Hook its top end to the camcorder and push the  
1
2
battery pack in until it locks in place.  
DETACH BATTERY PACK  
Slide BATT. RELEASE and pull out the battery pack.  
Push in.  
2
BATT. RELEASE  
BATT. PACK Approximate recording time (unit: min.)  
BN-V12U  
BN-V18U  
BN-V22U  
BN-V25U  
75  
110  
150  
200  
( 40 )  
( 65 )  
ATTENTION:  
Before detaching the power source,  
make sure that the camcorders power  
is turned off. Failure to do so can result  
in a camcorder malfunction.  
( 90 )  
( 120 )  
(
) : when the video light is on.  
 
EN  
9
CHARGE MARKER  
Charge marker  
A charge marker is provided on the battery pack to  
help you remember whether it has been charged or  
not. Two colors are provided (red and black)—you  
choose which one means charged and which  
means discharged.  
•The battery pack BN-V18U does not have a  
charge marker.  
NOTES:  
The recording time per charge is affected by such factors as the time spent in Record-Standby mode and  
the frequency of zooming. It is safer to have spare battery packs.  
Charging times noted on page 8 are for fully discharged battery pack, and discharging times are for fully  
charged battery pack.  
Charging and discharging times vary according to the ambient temperature and the status of the battery pack.  
Remember to set the charge marker after charging a battery pack or after detaching a discharged one from  
your camcorder.  
Perform the REFRESH function after no less than 5 chargings.  
While the AC Power Adapter/Charger’s power cord is disconnected from the AC outlet, it is possible to  
discharge the battery by pressing the REFRESH switch. During that time, the AC Power Adapter/Charger  
does not charge the battery. When disharging is complete, detach the battery from the AC Power Adapter/  
Charger to store it.  
High temperatures can damage the battery pack, so use only where good ventilation is available. Don’t  
allow it to discharge in container, such as a bag.  
If you stop recharging or discharging part way through, make sure to remove the battery pack before  
unplugging the adapter’s AC cord.  
Remove the battery pack from the adapter immediately after discharging.  
To avoid interference with reception, do not use the AC Power Adapter/Charger near a radio.  
Make sure you unplug the DC cord before charging or discharging the battery pack.  
The CHG. indicator may not light properly with a brand new battery pack, or with one thats been stored  
for an extended period. In this case, remove and reattach the battery pack and recharge it. The CHG.  
indicator should blink during recharging. If not, contact your nearest JVC dealer.  
USING A CAR BATTERY  
Use the optional Car Battery Cord or Car Battery  
Charger/Adapter (connect as shown in the  
illustration to the left).  
To AC outlet  
DC OUT  
terminal  
To DC  
IN jack  
NOTES:  
AC Power Adapter/  
Charger AA-V15U  
When using the car battery, leave the engine  
idling.  
The optional Car Battery Charger (BH-V3U) can  
also be used to charge the battery pack.  
When using the optional Car Battery Charger or  
Car Battery Cord (AP-V7U), refer to the respective  
instruction booklet.  
DC cord  
To car’s  
cigarette  
lighter socket  
Car Battery Cord  
AP-V7U (optional)  
USING AC POWER  
Use the AC Power Adapter (connect as shown in  
the illustration to the left).  
NOTE:  
The supplied AC Power Adapter/Charger features  
automatic voltage selection in the AC range from  
110 V to 240 V.  
Car Battery  
Charger/Adapter  
BH-V3U (optional)  
 
GETTING STARTED (cont.)  
10  
EN  
Clock (Lithium) Battery Insertion/Removal  
A
This battery is necessary for clock operation and to  
perform date/time settings.  
SWITCH OFF POWER  
Switch off the unit’s power and remove the power  
1
2
3
supply unit.  
OPEN COVER  
Open the clock battery compartment cover while  
pressing the release tab.  
REMOVE BATTERY (when replacing)  
Insert a pointed, non-metallic object between the  
A
battery and the compartment ( ) and pull the  
battery out.  
INSERT BATTERY  
Ensure that the plus (+) side is up and insert a  
CR2025 lithium battery and push it in.  
4
5
CLOSE COVER  
Close the compartment cover until it clicks in place.  
NOTE:  
See “SAFETY PRECAUTIONS” (pg. 2) for information  
on safe handling of lithium batteries.  
 
EN  
11  
Date/Time Setting  
ACCESS MENU SCREEN  
First set the Power Switch to “CAMERA”. Turn the  
Select Dial to any position except AUTO LOCK,  
then press the MENU Jog Dial.  
1
2
SELECT FUNCTION  
Rotate the MENU Jog Dial to move the highlight bar  
to “DATE/TIME”, then press it. The DATE/TIME  
Setting Menu appears.  
Select Dial  
•If you decide you want to return the date and time  
to the previous settings, rotate the MENU Jog Dial  
to move highlight bar to “EXIT” and press it, then  
go to step 6.  
MENU  
Jog Dial  
•If you want to set only the time without changing  
the date, go to step 4.  
Viewfinder  
MENU  
SET DATE  
Rotate the MENU Jog Dial to move the highlight bar  
to the item you want to set and then press it. When  
the setting begins blinking, rotate the MENU Jog  
Dial until the correct setting appears and then press  
it. The setting stops blinking.  
4
MENU END  
3
4
FOCUS  
AUTO  
EXPOSURE  
DATE TIME  
AUTO  
JAN 1.98  
TELE MACRO OFF  
TAPE LENGTH T30  
M. W. B.  
AUTO  
ZOOM SPEED FAST  
•Repeat this procedure until you’re satisfied with  
the Date settings (“YEAR”, “MONTH” and “DAY”).  
4NEXT  
Menu Screen  
SET TIME  
Rotate the MENU Jog Dial to move the highlight bar  
to “TIME” and then press it. When the hour setting  
begins blinking, rotate the MENU Jog Dial until the  
correct setting appears and then press it. When the  
hour setting stops blinking and the minute setting  
begins blinking, rotate the MENU Jog Dial until the  
correct setting appears and then press it. The minute  
setting stops blinking.  
DATE TIME  
YEAR  
1998  
JAN  
MONTH  
DAY  
1
TIME  
PM 12:00  
12-hour  
indication with  
AM or PM  
EXIT  
DATE/TIME Setting Menu  
START CLOCK OPERATION  
When none of these settings (YEAR, MONTH, DAY,  
TIME) blinks, rotate the MENU Jog Dial to move the  
highlight bar to “EXIT”, and press it. The Menu  
Screen appears and “MENU END” is highlighted.  
5
6
MENU  
4
MENU END  
FOCUS  
AUTO  
EXPOSURE  
DATE TIME  
AUTO  
CLOSE MENU  
DEC 25.98  
TELE MACRO OFF  
TAPE LENGTH T30  
Press the MENU Jog Dial.  
M. W. B.  
AUTO  
ZOOM SPEED FAST  
4NEXT  
NOTE:  
To display the date and time in the viewfinder and on a  
connected TV, see “Date/Time Insert” (pg. 20).  
 
GETTING STARTED (cont.)  
12  
EN  
Recording Mode Setting  
SP/EP Recording  
Mode Button  
Set depending on your preference.  
SET RECORDING MODE  
First set the Power Switch to “CAMERA”. Press SP/EP  
1
Button for more than 1 second. “SP” (Standard Play)  
provides higher picture and sound quality and is  
better for dubbing, while “EP” (Extended Play) is  
more economical, providing three times as the  
recording time.  
NOTE:  
If the recording mode is switched during recording, the  
playback picture will be blurred at the switching point.  
Select Dial  
MENU Jog Dial  
Viewfinder  
Tape Length Setting  
T40  
Tape length  
indicator  
SP  
Set the tape length according to the length of the tape  
used.  
Recording  
mode  
indicator  
ACCESS MENU SCREEN  
First set the Power Switch to “CAMERA”. Turn the  
1
2
3
Select Dial to any position except AUTO LOCK,  
then press the MENU Jog Dial.  
SELECT FUNCTION  
MENU  
Rotate the MENU Jog Dial to move the highlight bar  
to “TAPE LENGTH”, then press it. The TAPE  
LENGTH Setting Menu appears.  
4
MENU END  
FOCUS  
AUTO  
EXPOSURE  
DATE TIME  
AUTO  
DEC 25.98  
TELE MACRO OFF  
TAPE LENGTH T40  
SET TAPE LENGTH  
M. W. B.  
AUTO  
Rotate the MENU Jog Dial to move the highlight bar  
to the correct setting. T20=20 minutes of recording  
time, T30=30 minutes, and T40=40 minutes (in SP).  
ZOOM SPEED FAST  
4NEXT  
Menu Screen  
•If you decide you want to return the tape length to  
the previous setting, rotate the MENU Jog Dial to  
move the highlight bar to “EXIT”.  
TAPE LENGTH  
T20  
T30  
T40  
CLOSE MENU  
Press the MENU Jog Dial. The Menu Screen  
reappears and the highlight bar is on “MENU END”.  
Then press the MENU Jog Dial again to close the  
Menu Screen.  
4
EXIT  
TAPE LENGTH Setting Menu  
NOTES:  
The displayed tape remaining time (pg. 17) is  
correct only if the correct tape length has been  
selected.  
Once you have set the tape length, it remains un-  
changed even if the Select Dial is returned to AUTO  
LOCK.  
MENU  
4
MENU END  
FOCUS  
AUTO  
EXPOSURE  
DATE TIME  
TELE MACRO OFF  
TAPE LENGTH T20  
AUTO  
DEC 25.98  
M. W. B.  
AUTO  
ZOOM SPEED FAST  
4NEXT